Toby Keith Brings ‘Red Solo Cup’ to First Niagara; Bill Deasy Live by Request at Club Cafe (Sat., 8/13/16)

1) Toby Keith, one of the biggest current superstars in country music—if not the biggest—visits First Niagara Pavilion on his Interstates and Tailgates 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 18 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 Eric Paslay. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

2) Pittsburgh native, singer-songwriter Bill Deasy performs his annual Live by Request show at Club Cafe. Best known for his work as the former (and current, for reunion shows) lead singer of The Gathering Field, Deasy deals in easygoing, mellow, acoustic folk rock. In this annual performance, the audience picks the set list; it’s a great opportunity to force Deasy to flex his musical muscles because he has little idea beforehand what songs he’ll be asked to play. When you enter Club Cafe just fill out a request form and drop it in the open guitar case on stage. Deasy has an impressive background, having released and toured nationally in promotion of 13 studio albums, including four with The Gathering Field and seven as a solo artist. He’s also dabbled in the authorial arts—in 2006, he released Ransom Seaborn, his first of three books so far, which are now collectively known as the Finbar Trilogy. Deasy’s most recent musical release is 2013’s Start Again. 7 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (EC/RH)

3) Lawrenceville’s fifth annual Rock All Night Tour, aka RANT, is this month, and it now stretches over three days. Butler Street and the boulevards running off it are home to some of the ‘burgh’s hottest spots: bars, restaurants, and, of course, Arsenal Lanes, a popular bowling alley. Many of these venues, including the bowling alley, will serve as performance spaces for the festival, which begins 5 p.m. Friday in Arsenal Park. There will be a DJ, live music, and a showing of 2015’s Cinderella. The party continues at Hambone’s with more live music. Saturday is the big event, though, with most of the 200 bands scheduled for the festival performing that day.

There’s too many acts and venues to list, but here’s a quick sampling: Want country-swing and a succulent fried fish sandwich? Frequent Nied’s Hotel. Slim Forsythe and his Payday Loaners, including noted drummer Brad Smith, will host the other nine acts scheduled at this historic establishment. Another notable act includes punk rockers Murder for Girls, hot off the release of their debut LP, All the Wishes, and their appearance at Ladyfest Pittsburgh. They will play Cattivo. The newly reopened Belvederes has seven acts on the bill, including Chet Vincent & The Big Bend. Rising rockers Native Alloys will be performing at Javos Studios on Saturday. Singer-songwriter, folk, metal, rap, and other genres will all be represented throughout the day. Sunday at 11 a.m., the festival ends with a full roster of bands at Arsenal Park. For a complete list of performers, performance times, and venues, be sure to visit the festival’s website. Free. Lawrenceville. (CM)

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