Toby Keith Brings Country Rock Party to First Niagara; Thrival Festival Continues; Dormont Business’s Host Fun Events (Sat. 9/26/15)

1) Toby Keith, one of the biggest current superstars in country music—if not the biggest—visits First Niagara Pavilion on his Shut Up & Hold On tour. Musically, Keith is known for his traditional twangy country style, featuring lyrics about cowboys, horses, beer, patriotism, and other all-American topics, and for his prolific discography spanning more than 20 years: over a dozen studio albums, numerous compilations, two Christmas albums, and nearly two dozen number one singles. He’s also known for the raucous party scenes associated with his visits to Pittsburgh. He’s sure to play his big hit “Red Solo Cup” (re: the color and brand of cup used at many parties, tailgates, and keggers). As is often the case with musicians who have cult-like followings, there’s probably a sizable crowd already planning to attend this concert. So if you’re going, grab your cowboy hat and boots, plaid shirt, and daisy dukes (for those so inclined), and saddle up. Opening is the Eli Young Band. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown.

2) Capping off a week of talks on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and technology, the musical leg of the Thrival Festival continues today at the Almono site in Hazelwood. The focus of the music schedule is an interesting combination of established national bands, local groups, and DJs. Today’s highlights include local brass funkateers Beauty Slap (2:45 p.m.) and national headliners San Fermin, an innovative indy pop group who also use a lot of brass (7:15p.m.); Lights, a Canadian singer/songwriter (8 p.m.); plus Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon & Ghostface Killah (8:50 p.m.). There are other bands and several DJ sets on the bill. The name of the game at the Thrival Festival is capitalist enterprise and the festival is powered by local startup/innovation incubator Thrill Mill. Thrival is a rich brew of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and culture. Music starts at 12:45 p.m. For a full schedule of events, visit Thrival’s website. 124 Greenfield Ave., Hazelwood.

3) Still need something to do today? Get out to Dormont where the fine townsfolk are holding a support your local business rally. Kick-off is noon at​ the​ back room of Fredo’s Deli. There will be​ a​ wine and cheese reception next at Beyond Bedtime Books, with an acoustic guitar session​ by local blues guitarist Brendan Neary.​ Additionally there will be a drawing for prizes as well as valuable coupons for local businesses including: Fredo’s Deli, Parker’s Sandwich Shop, Moonstones, Knossos Gyros, Mekong, DeWalt’s World of Health, Beyond Bedtime Books​, ​and more. Events run until 4 p.m., the special coupons are good all day and night. Dormont is a picturesque suburban sidewalk community conveniently located between Pittsburgh and Mount Lebanon.

Allegheny County RADical Days from their site:

Bulgarian Cultural Center

Free admission 9am-1pm
Stop by for an open house. Our historic facility, built in 1935, houses the largest collection of Bulgarian art, audio recordings, film video, costumes, jewelry, textiles, books and artifacts in the United States.
449 W. Eighth Ave. (West Homestead) bmnecc.org

WQED and Bethel Park Library: Bethel Bakery/60th Birthday Bash

Free admission 11am-noon
Join us to make healthy birthday treats with children. WQED’s education team will engage families and parents with supportive resources and conversation about healthy eating on a budget. Space is limited so registration is required: call 412-835-2207, ext. 267.
5100 West Library Ave. 
(Bethel Park) bethelparklibrary.org wqed.org

Allegheny County Parks: Hartwood Acres Hay Day

Free admission 11AM-4pm
It’s a Fall celebration with hay rides, barnyard petting zoo, pny rides, arts and crafts, Halloween Puppet show, magician, food trucks and more!
Hartwood Acres Amphitheater (Hampton) alleghenycounty.us/parks

Pittsburgh Musical Theater: Community Day

Free admission noon-2p
Join in the fun and celebration with entertainment and activities for the entire family. Free and open to the public.
327 South main St. (West End) pittsburghmusicals.org

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business:
Meet the Author: Lillie Leonardi, In the Shadow of a Badge

Free admission 2:30-4:30pm
Local author and retired policewoman Lillie Leonardi will read from her book In the Shadow of a Badge and will discuss her experience as a first responder to the Flight 93 crash on September 11, 2001.
612 Smithfield St. 
(Downtown) carnegielibrary.org

New Hazlett Theater and Texture Contemporary Ballet:Timescape

Free admission 2:30pm
Texture Contemporary Ballet will present an excerpt from their piece Timescape, followed by an interactive portion in which children are invited onstage to participate. This performance is geared for children, though all ages are welcome. Total program time is 40-50 minutes. The beautifully renovated New Hazlett Theater is a hub for creativity. The affordable, accessible and inspiring venue welcomes a broad range of performing artists, diverse audiences and community performances. Advance ticketing advised. This is a free event, but seating is limited. You must reserve your seats in advance at http://tiny.cc/RADtexture or by calling 412-322-8332.
6 Allegheny Square East (North Side) textureballet.org newhazletttheater.org

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