WhyHunger Benefit Concert at Club Cafe; Bruce Bruce Plays Pittsburgh Improv (CPs Fri., 3/20/15)

1) According to WhyHunger, nearly 15 percent of U.S. households were food insecure in 2009, unsure of where they would find their next meal. Indeed, WhyHunger is dedicated to finding a solution to this social pandemic. Tonight some of Pittsburgh’s top musicians come together to pay tribute and raise funds for this important organization and its mission. Headlining the benefit is “Pittsburgh’s uncrowned king of rock ‘n roll“—Norm Nardini, who often quips that’s he’s a “rock ‘n roll lifer.” His passion and energy drive him in his continuing mission to rock for the people. Nardini has played with top rockers Jon Bon Jovi, Ted Nugent, Big Mama Thornton, Aerosmith, Kansas, and others. He’s also fronted his own band, Norm Nardini and the Tigers. Nardini once told someone in New York City that he was from Pittsburgh, and the man replied, “Pittsburgh? Where’s that, Pennysltucky?” Norm’s from a rockin’ family, too; brother Art is the bassist for Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers.

On the bill is Slim Forsythe & his New Pay Day Loners. Forsythe has been working hard and gaining heat on the Pittsburgh music scene. Out of the friendly confines of his Nied’s Hotel headquarters, Forsythe will play authentic American music at Club Cafe and gain even more fans south of the ol’ Mon river. He has successfully funded a country music variety show concept for TV and the internet. Providing a steady beat for the band is drummer Brad Smith. Smith previously played rock ‘n roll with Streetplayer and worked with Dynasty Arts Jazz Band and others. Opening the show is Damaged Pies who also performed at the event last year. Doors open 6 p.m.; showtime is 6:30 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

2) Bruce Bruce is in town. No, that’s not a typo the editor missed; it’s comedian Bruce Church’s stage name. Church overcame growing up in one of Atlanta’s roughest  neighborhoods to become a successful comic. He’s hosted BET’s “Comic View” for two seasons and has had his own “Comedy Central Presents” special. He’s also made numerous appearances on TV and in films. A big man who pokes fun at his size and good-naturedly ribs the audience, Church puts on a show that makes for a good time. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Performances through Saturday. Pittsburgh Improv, 166 E. Bridge St., The Waterfront, Homestead.

3) Good Fridays at the Warhol is a weekly party at the museum, featuring art exhibits, music, and cocktails in the high temple to Andy Warhol’s numerous talents. Half-price museum admission. 5 – 10 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., North Shore.

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