Tyler the Creator in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; PearlArts Has World Premiere ‘sum of y’all’ at New Performance Space (Fri., 3/28/25)

1) It’s not fair to call Tyler, the Creator “polarizing.” It makes him sound like a pair of high-end sunglasses. Whereas in fact, Tyler Gregory Okonma is a high-end hip hop artist, with a pair of Best-Album Grammy Awards and many other accolades, including—believe it—a Music Innovator Award from The Wall Street Journal. But Tyler does generate a bit of controversy. During his earlier, shocking horrorcore period, he was banned from performing in the United Kingdom, and the video for his song “Yonkers” is still prefaced with a trigger warning on YouTube. He also has said he’s gay but gets criticized for using homophobic slurs in his lyrics. Then again—taking the high-end high road—Tyler, the Creator has composed the score for a Louis Vuitton fashion show, and is prone to speak or sing French in some songs. (Though not in a certain endearing couplet from “That Guy,” which goes “‘Cause brodie said ‘Don’t even press the issue’ / Yellow boogers in my earlobe, I need a tissue.”) Now the gentilhomme visits Pittsburgh on a tour for his eighth studio album, last year’s Chromakopia. Tyler, the Creator performs at PPG Paints Arena with guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.)

2) PearlArts, has described itself as, “A dynamic arts organization dedicated to honoring Black creativity through dance and sound,” will christen its new performance space in Braddock with a multimedia dance world premiere, sum of y’all, beginning today. It is the project of married couple Staycee and Herman Pearl. “Our move to Braddock represents an incredible opportunity to deepen our impact, expand our collaborations, and build meaningful connections with new audiences,” says Staycee Pearl, Co-Executive Director of PearlArts. “We are excited to invite the public into this space to experience and participate in the work that we do.” “This space represents years of dedication and growth, and we can’t wait to share it with the community,” says Herman Pearl, Co-Executive Director of PearlArts. The new space is 5,000 sq. ft. with two dance studios and two recording studios. Performances of sum of y’all will take place tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. both nights. Friday night is sold out. 818 Braddock Ave., Braddock.

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