August ’19 Concert Guide: Chris Stapleton, Common, Lucinda Williams, Raconteurs, Heart, and Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes performs “In My Blood” at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. (photo: MTV and Wikipedia)

It’s August, the last full month to catch outdoor music, some of it free even. Heart; Florida Georgia Line; Nelly, TLC, and Flo Rida; Chris Stapleton; and Korn and Alice in Chains will all perform concerts at KeyBank Pavilion. The two-day Rock, Reggae, & Relief Festival returns to Market Square. This year’s headliners are Gavin DeGraw and Michael Franti & Spearhead. In Johnstown is the annual Flood City Music Festival, this year featuring the ’90s group Gin Blossoms. 

Now about those free shows: the Allegheny County Summer Concert series continues this month before wrapping up in early September. Just one of those concerts is local trio Meeting of Important People opening for Boston alt-rockers Guster, who love Pittsburgh so much that they once performed with our mayor. Catch them at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater.

If you can’t beat the heat, there are plenty of stellar acts playing indoors too. The rock supergroup Raconteurs return to Pittsburgh after 11 years. Jeff Lynne’s ELO, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, and metal veterans Iron Maiden will play separate concerts at PPG Paints Arena. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons come to the Rivers Casino. Lucinda Williams will perform her seminal Car Wheels on a Gravel Road in its entirety at the Byham Theatre. Finally, an Oscar-winner visits the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks: rapper Common.

Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor shows, it’s a full month of music, and we have even more detailed below. The Entertainment Central Concert Guide is made up of three sections: EC Spotlighted Concerts, Other Suggested Concerts, and On the Radar. Each section lists concerts in chronological order. Rick Handler (RH) also made substantial contributions to the Guide. Mike Vargo (MV) contributed as well.

Thursday, August 1

Heart is coming “Straight On” for you if you’re at KeyBank Pavilion this month for their concert.  Ann and Nancy Wilson, are the two Seattle sisters who form the core of the band Heart. Ann has a dynamic voice and is known as one of the best heavy metal vocalists of all-time. Nancy is a highly accomplished and very versatile guitarist who ranks high on many best guitarist lists. The sisters sing together often on songs, creating amazing harmonies.They achieved mega-success in the 1970s and ’80s with songs “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You.” Appropriately, joining Heart is another estrogen fueled rock band with a “heart,” Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. And as one of their top songs espouses, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Jett has a mezzo-soprano vocal range and also climbed the charts with “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Both Heart and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The talented Elle King opens. 7 p.m.  665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

Nancy and Ann Wilson playing at a charity concert for the Canary Foundation in 2007. (photo: Fatcat125 and Wikipedia)

Most music fans know Electric Light Orchestra for their catchy progessive pop/rock songs with strong keyboards and strings built upon smooth vocals by Jeff Lynne and a foundation of guitars and drums. The band could also do some very serious hard rock as evinced by “Fire on High.” The song was an instrumental jam which opened their 1975 album, Face the Music. ELO formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England, by songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and drummer Bev Bevan.Several of ELO’s best known hits are “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Strange Magic,” and “Turned to Stone.” The group’s most recent release is 2015’s, Alone in the Universe. Jeff Lynne’s ELO is performing at PPG Paints Arena. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (RH)

Friday, August 2

Country duo Florida Georgia Line consists of Tyler Hubbard (he’s the Georgian half of the pair) along with Brian Kelley from Florida. They’ve been headlining their own tours in recent years after opening for Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift, and Jason Aldean. The duo formed in Nashville in 2010 and have since put out three albums: 2012’s Here’s to the Good Times; 2014’s Anything Goes, which went to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Country Albums chart; and 2016’s Dig Your Roots. They were the first group to be labeled as “bro-country,” a rock and hip-hop influenced style best demonstrated by their smash single “Cruise” (which was later remixed by hip-hop artist Nelly in a more leery video). Florida Georgia Line’s latest LP is Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, which was released in February. Opening are Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers is a Wexford native and attended CMU), Morgan Wallen, and Hardy. 7 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (EC, RH)

Tuesday, August 6

Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes opened for Taylor Swift at Heinz Field in 2015. Now he headlines PPG Paints Arena just two days shy of his 21st birthday. His career began in 2013 by posting Vines of himself covering popular songs. The videos are only six seconds, still enough time to showcase a remarkable voice. His more recent videos include “Señorita” with Camila Cabello. Mendes’s debut album was 2015’s Handwritten. His self-titled third album was released in 2018. He is the third youngest artist ever to have three albums land at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. Other ventures include modeling, and he walked the Emporio Armani Spring 2018 runway in Milan. He’s appeared on “Saturday Night Live” twice, most recently this year with host Adam Sandler. Fellow Canadian Alessia Cara, who collaborated with Logic and Khalid on “1-800-273-8255,” opens. Her sophomore album is 2018’s The Pains of Growing. Mendes has also been commended for being so open about his struggles with anxiety disorder. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

They aren’t exactly contemporaries. The Violent Femmes formed in 1980. Ben Folds has been active since the early ’90s. But the fans are sure to enjoy the double billing at Stage AE.  The Violent Femmes have split and regrouped two times, and drummer DeLorenzo quit in 2013. John Sparrow, who played in the group’s backing band, the Horns of Dilemma, has since picked up the sticks. New songs, like “Memory,” stand alongside college radio classics like “Blister in the Sun.” Their latest album is this year’s Hotel Last Resort. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds has long bridged pop and orchestral, dating back to the Ben Folds Five and hits such as “Brick.” Folds released his debut solo album, Rockin’ the Suburbs, in 2001. Folds collaborated with yMusic, a New-York-City-based sextet ensemble, on So There, an album of original chamber pop songs, in 2015. Savannah Conley opens. Doors open 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Wednesday, August 7

Lucinda Williams brings her well-seasoned voice to the comfortable confines of the Byham Theater. She and her band, Buick 6, will perform 1998’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road in its entirety plus an encore of additional material. How much of a masterpiece is that album? “Joy,” which might have been the leadoff song on a lesser artist’s lesser album, is instead the penultimate track. When every song is great, it hardly matters the order. Other standouts include “Drunken Angel,” a cover of Randy Weeks’s “Can’t Let Go,” and the title track. All of her songs hit the sweet spot between blues, country, folk, and rock. Mary Chapin Carpenter covered her song “Passionate Kisses.” That version won the 1994 Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Williams’s voice has a slightly rough yet very melodic tone. She re-recorded and re-released 1992’s Sweet Old World in 2017. 8 p.m. 101 6th St., Cultural District. (EC, CM)

Lucinda Williams performing outdoors at Lincoln Center in New York City in 2016. (photo: Didier Moïse and Wikipedia)

Thursday, August 8

Nelly, TLC, and Flo Rida will each perform at KeyBank Pavilion. Nelly’s career began in 1993 with the St. Lunatics, so named for their origins in St. Louis, Missouri. He released a solo album, Country Grammar, in 2000. The title track and “Ride wit Me” (featuring the St. Lunatics) were huge hits. 2013’s M.O. is his latest album. TLC are a seminal R&B group, and 1994’s Crazysexycool is a classic. It spawned the hits “Creep” and “Waterfalls.” 1999’s “No Scrubs” was another hit. Member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes died tragically in a car crash while performing charity work in Honduras in 2002. The remaining members reformed in 2015 and released a self-titled album in 2017. Finally, Flo Rida’s “Low” was the most downloaded single of the 2000s, and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 consecutive weeks in 2008, a record for that year. It appears on his debut album, 2008’s Mail on Sunday. His latest album is 2012’s Wild Ones. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Saturday, August 10

Chris Stapleton has achieved much at this point in his career. His work as a performer,composer, and producer has produced five Grammy Awards, seven Academy of Country Music Awards, ten Country Music Association Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards. He has co-written with top artists such as Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, and even Peter Frampton.Stapleton went solo with his debut studio album titled Traveller in 2015. The release reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and went triple platinum. His second studio album, From A Room: Volume 1, was also highly successful, garnering Stapleton the CMA Award for Album of the Year and a Grammy Award for Best Country Album. He met his wife Morgane, also a highly successful songwriter, when they worked at adjacent publishing houses in Nashville, Tennessee. She performs with Chris, singing background, harmony, and duet vocals in his band. Stapleton will be bringing his All American Road Show to Keybank Pavilion. Also on the bill are Margo Price and the Marcus King Band. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

Chris Stapleton performing on “Austin City Limits” in 2016. (photo: missmojorising and Wikipedia)

Not many of the great ’00s New York City rock bands continue to tour and release music. One of them is Interpol, which thus makes them a great band of this decade too. Interpol emerged fully formed with its acclaimed debut, 2002’s Turn On the Bright Lights. It was all there: Paul Banks’s vampiric voice, Daniel Kessler’s shimmering guitar, Sam Fogarino’s expansive drumming, and Carlos D’s subtle-yet-slinky bass. Alas, the charismatic Carlos D split in 2010 to pursue theater, but the rest of the members have remained committed to Interpol and fashion. (They are known equally for their suits as well as their sound.) Their return to Pittsburgh is especially appreciated after a canceled show in 2015. Prior to that, they opened for U2 at Heinz Field in 2011. Now they will perform at Stage AE. Their latest releases include an LP, 2018’s Marauder, and an EP, 2019’s A Fine Mess. Surfbort opens. 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6MCD0YMoNw

The music business is fraught with peril and hardships, and a career that spans more than a couple of years is generally considered a significant accomplishment. Frankie Valli has reached that level of  achievement and then some. Born in Newark, N.J., Valli rose to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of The Four Seasons (they took the band name from a New Jersey bowling alley), and his career continues on a strong note. The Four Seasons’ first hit, “Sherry” put the band on the map. Other hits include “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and “Working My Way Back to You.” Valli comes to Rivers Casino in what should be a harmonious joyride down melody lane. Opportunities to catch legends like Valli are increasingly scarce, so pen this one into your “high-priority” category. 8 p.m. both nights. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore. (EC/RH)

Sunday, August 11

An Oscar winner is performing at the Roxian Theatre. Rapper, actor, and philanthropist Common won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Glory.” The song, co-written with John Legend and Rhymefest, was the theme for 2014’s Selma. The movie is based on the voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. Common also starred in it. He has been releasing albums since he was Common Sense and dropped 1992’s Can I Borrow a Dollar? (He removed “Sense” from his moniker when a reggae band of the same name sued him.) As Common, he’s released nine albums, including 2005’s critically acclaimed Be. The LP was largely produced by Kanye West, a fellow Chicagoian. Common’s latest album is 2016’s Black America Again. He is also part of the R&B supergroup August Greene. Maimouna Youssef, who performed with this group during an NPR Tiny Desk concert, opens. 8 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (CM)

Black Flag, which formed in Hermosa Beach, California, rolls into the ’Burgh for a show at The Rex Theater. Formed in 1976 by guitarist Greg Ginn (the only continuous member), the band has had several breakups and reunions and was re-formed in January 2013. It is one of the seminal hardcore punk groups, and it pioneered the DIY (do-it-yourself) aesthetic and attitude. The band members organized many of their early shows and promotional flyers. Their raw, thrashing sound with backing vocals is somewhat reminiscent of the Ramones and can be heard in “TV Party.” Washington D.C.-based singer Henry Rollins joined Black Flag in 1981 and fronted arguably the most popular incarnation of the group. He sings on 1981’s Damaged, its debut and a touchstone of early hardcore. 2013’s What The… is Black Flag’s latest album. The Linecutters open. 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. (RH, CM)

Tuesday, August 13

The Raconteurs last played Pittsburgh in 2008 for the New American Music Union. They rocked and were a highlight of the two-day festival. Alas, it was a one-time event. Then the Raconteurs went on hiatus. But they’re back—with this year’s Help Us Stranger. The Raconteurs formed in 2005. Members include singer/guitarist Jack White, who was already famous in the White Stripes. Brendan Benson, who has an accomplished solo discography, also sings and plays guitar. (Like with the Beatles’ Lennon and McCartney, it’s fun to try and discern who’s singing lead or harmony vocals.) Bassist Jack Lawrence performs with White in the Dead Weather. And drummer Patrick Keeler performs with Lawrence in the Greenhornes. So many commitments; no wonder it took the Raconteurs 11 years to release a new album, following 2008’s Consolers of the Lonely. Catch them at Stage AE for a phone-free show. (Phones will be secured in a pouch upon admittance.) Doors open 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

The Raconteurs’ Brendan Benson (l.) and Jack White (r.) jamming together in a concert at the Accelerator in Stockholm, Sweden in 2006 (photo: Frida Borjeson and Wikipedia)

Wednesday, August 14

Bryan Adams, the Canadian pop/rocker, can lay down some scorching guitar heat with his lead guitar, but is also equally adept at singing a touching ballad. Guitar scorchers include “Home Again,” “Run to You,” and “Heat of the Night.” While on the softer side Adams has scored big chart success with songs like “Heaven,” and “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman.” Adams has had numerous No. 1 songs and has received 20 Juno Awards from 56 nominations, 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television in 1992. He and his longtime songwriting collaborator, Jim Vallance, created the songs, lyrics, and music for Disney’s Pretty Woman – The Musical. Adams is also a talented photographer who has exhibited his works at many museums including the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, and has even published several books. He is an animal rights activist and has a foundation that supports youth education. He plays in various fundraising concerts to support good causes. Shine a Light, his most recent album, was released in January. Adams will be performing at the new UPMC Event Center at Robert Morris University. 7:30 p.m. 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp. (RH)

Friday, August 16

The Doobie Brothers are a big time rock band that rose out of San Jose, California and charted many hits in the 1970s and early 1980s. The initial outfit was fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Johnston. He led the band  from 1970 until he left in 1975. During that period the Doobies had top hits like “China Grove,” “Blackwater,” and “Listen to the Music.” In 1976 Michael McDonald signed on as lead vocalist and the band’s sound took a new course. That version of the band scored hits with “Takin it to the Streets,” “What a Fool Believes,” and “Minute By Minute.” Kenny Loggins even has a co-writing credit on “What a Fool Believes.” Johnston then returned to the band in 1987 and has remained with them ever since. The Doobies had a new hit in 1989 with “The Doctor.” In 2018 former Ex-Allman Brothers percussionist Marc Quiñones joined the band in May 2018. In recent years they have been touring with Steely Dan and Santana. Catch them at the new UPMC Event Center at Robert Morris University. 7 p.m. 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp. (RH)

Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0fYKguHFcQ

Here’s a chance to hear rock and reggae while supporting a great cause. The Rock, Reggae, & Relief Festival is a two-day event, the proceeds of which benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance through the Piatt Family Foundation. Headlining Saturday is Gavin DeGraw, who jetted to superstardom with his 2003 debut, Chariot. His song “I Don’t Want to Be” served as the theme for the CW’s teen drama “One Tree Hill.” 2016’s Something Worth Saving is his latest album. Headlining Sunday is Michael Franti & Spearhead. The band is like a musical blender using the ingredients of hip-hop, rock, funk, jazz, reggae, and folk to create a tasty smoothie for the ears. The group’s latest is 2019’s Stay Human, Vol. II. In addition to being a very talented songwriter and musician, Franti is a dedicated humanitarian and environmentalist. Ras Prophet, Roots of Creation, The Expendables, Ghost Hounds open Saturday. Flow Band, Roots of Creation, and Magic! open Sunday. 4 p.m. Forbes Avenue at Market Square, Downtown. (RH, CM)

Michael Franti spreading love and positive energy one tune at a time at the 2016 Three Rivers Arts Festival. (photo: Rick Handler)

Friday, August 30

British new wave band Squeeze formed in London, England, in 1974. The core battery of the band is guitarists/vocalists Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. Difford mainly focused on the lyrics while Tilbrook created the music. “Tempted” from their fourth album, East Side Story, has grown over the years to become one of their best-known tunes despite not being a hit when it was released in 1981. Other songs that were very successful for the group upon their release include “Cool for Cats,” “Up the Junction,” “Pulling Mussels (from the Shell),” and “Black Coffee in Bed.” Squeeze has broken up and reunited several times during their long tenure. Their latest LP is 2017’s, The Knowledge. Special guest is Scottish singer/songwriter KT Tunstall who’s best known for her hit song “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” from her 2005 album, Eye to the Telescope. Her most recent LP is last year’s WAX. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (RH)

Other Suggested Shows

Friday, August 2

The axiom “Everybody Plays the Fool” sometime, is true and it was also a top ten hit for Aaron Neville in 1991 when he recorded a cover of The Main Ingredients’ song. He’s had two other high charting successes. One was 1967’s “Tell It Like It Is.” The other was a duet he performed with Linda Rhonstadt, in 1989 called “Don’t Know Much.” Neville comes from a highly talented New Orleans’s musical family. He and his brothers Art, Charles and Cyril recorded and performed as The Neville Brothers until 2012. Art and Charles have unfortunately passed, but Aaron still performs regularly. Neville’s music is a tasty gumbo of soul, R&B, jazz, pop, country, and gospel. You can see him at The Meadows. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (RH)

Clutch and Killswitch Engage will co-headline Stage AE. Clutch formed in Germantown, Maryland, in 1991. Its latest album is 2018’s Book of Bad Decisions. “In Walks Barbarella” is from that album. Killswitch Engage are a metalcore band formed by members of Overcast and Aftershock in Westerfield, Massachusetts, in 1999. After original vocalist Jesse Leach departed in 2002, Howard Jones (not the English musician) joined. The group released The End of Heartache in 2004. The eponymous song scored a Grammy nomination. Jones left, and Leach returned in 2012. Killswitch Engage will release Atonement this August. Cro-Mags JM open. Doors open 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3

Billed as “a celebration of American music,” the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, showcases blues, country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul. Almost 20 acts are scheduled. The main headlining band is the Gin Blossoms, known for crafting delicious pop-rock tunes like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” The festival takes place at Peoples Natural Gas Park. Its origins hark back to a 1989 street fair that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood. 90 Johns St., Johnstown. (CM, RH)

Saturday, August 3

Southern fried rock from Molly Hatchet can be enjoyed at Y108’s Red Dirt, Rock & Ribs this month. “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” “Dreams I’ll Never See” and “Gator Country” are the songs that propelled Molly Hatchet to the upper echelon of 1970s southern rock. The band hails from Jacksonville, Florida, the same town that produced the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd. Molly Hatchet is appearing with special guests Marcus Tyler Band, and The Marks Brothers. 5 p.m. Wild Things Park, 1 Washington Federal Way, Washington. (RH)

Ace Frehley, aka The Spaceman or Space Ace, co-founder and lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss, returns to the Palace Theatre. Frehley had a solo hit in 1978 with a cover of “New York Groove” by the British glam rock group Hello. When Frehely departed Kiss in 1982, his solo career continued as leader of Frehley’s Comet. He rejoined Kiss in 1996 but left again in 2002. 2014’s Space Invader reached no. 9 on the Billboard 200 album chart, the highest spot ever achieved by a current or past Kiss member for a solo album. His latest album is 2018’s Spaceman. Like It opens. 8 p.m. 21 West Otterman St., Greensburg. (RH, CM)

Sunday, August 4

Local trio Meeting of Important People open for Guster as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater. Meeting of Important People is celebrating 10 years since releasing its debut LP and playing a cardboard city. Guster may be from Boston, but the band loves Pittsburgh. Mayor Bill Peduto joined the members on stage for an impromptu song at the 2016 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. They have been active since 1991, scoring hits which you may know by ear if not by name. (“Satellite,” from 2006’s Ganging Up on the Sun, is one.) 2019’s Look Alive is their latest studio LP. Free. 7:30 p.m. 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (CM)

Tuesday, August 6

Every four years, the Republican presidential nominee has a problem—most of the best rock is performed by Democratic-leaning performers and groups. Problem solved—the “Motor City Madman” Ted Nugent, an ardent gun rights advocate, hunter, and Republican, known for his conservative stances and bombastic statements, plays at many of the party’s events. President Trump has appreciated Nugent’s support and has even had him over to the White House. Nugent’s best known songs include “Stranglehold,” “Great White Buffalo,” and “Cat Scratch Fever.” Michael Austin opens. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, 510 E. 10thAve., Munhall. (RH)

Wednesday, August 7

“Stranger Things” fans know Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson. Even the casual TV-watcher or YouTuber will recognize Matarazzo from Verizon commercials. But he also sings in a band. Work in Progress will headline the Club at Stage AE. The septet is composed of students and alumni of Pinelands Regional High School in New Jersey. The band recently released “Dream Eater” and is working on an EP. Doors open 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Wednesday, August 14

Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule is returning to Pittsburgh’s Club Cafe more than 10 years after recording her live DVD, Live in Pittsburgh, at the same venue. She will have plenty of new material to add to the set list since that 2003 recording—she’s released many albums since then, including last year’s Dottie’s Charms and two EPs. Her biggest commercial hit came from 1995’s self-titled album, featuring the singles “I Kissed A Girl” and “Supermodel,” which were featured on the Clueless movie soundtrack. Since then, Sobule’s sound has evolved into a narrative, folk-influenced style, which has won her a dedicated following. Her latest LP is 2018’s Nostalgia Kills. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (EC, RH)

On the TV show “Seinfeld,” there was a proctologist who took pride in calling himself “the assman.” Appearing at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille this month, one could say there’s a different kind of “assman.” This one, Sir Mix-a-Lot, has an appreciation for women with a big derriere as referenced in his 1992 No.1 smash hit song “Baby Got Back.” It was the second best selling song of the year. Sir Mix-a-Lot (nee Anthony Ray) will be definitely be playing that tune at his Pittsburgh appearance and more. Special guests are Morbid Sikosis w/DjGWK. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (RH)

Friday, August 16

Foghat will perform at the South Park Amphitheater as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. 1975’s “Slow Ride” has connected music fans from boomers to Generation Z. The band even re-recorded the hit for its 17th studio album, 2016’s Under the Influence. Although the group continues to record and perform, drummer Roger Earl is the only founding member remaining. The Matt Barranti Band opens. Free. 7:30 p.m. 3700 Farmshow Dr., South Park Township. (CM)

Country rockers Montgomery Gentry continue on after the tragic death of founding duo member Troy Gentry in a helicopter crash in 2017. Eddie Montgomery is keeping his late partner’s name on the act, and he’s visiting Jergel’s Rhythm Grille with the band. (Eddie is the burly bearded guy in “What Do Ya Think About That.”) Montgomery Gentry’s style has been called workingman’s country, or patriotic country, or just in-your-face country. It has won them three platinum albums. Saddle Up opens. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (MV)

Saturday, August 17

Iron Maiden brings its Legacy of the Beast Tour to PPG Paints Arena. The tour shares its name with the band’s new mobile game, which sees its mascot, Eddie, visiting different Iron Maiden worlds. The English heavy metal group is translating these worlds into a stage show with songs to match, such as “Flight of Icarus.” 2015’s The Book of Souls is their latest album in a discography that stretches back to 1980. “Tears of a Clown,” from that LP, is about the late Robin Williams. The Raven Age opens. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

Korn a seminal nu metal band that formed in Bakersfield, California, in 1993 has had 12 releases in the top ten of the Billboard 200. The group has also won two Grammy Awards. Korn is touring in advance of their new upcoming album, The Nothing. It will drop on September 13 and contains the recently released song “You’ll Never Find Me.” Alice In Chains, the multi-platinum selling, alternative rock band started in Seattle in 1987 and had early success with the songs “Man in the Box” and “Rooster.”  In 2009 Alice In chains achieved more chart topping success with the No. 1 hits “Check My Brain” and “Your Decision.” Their latest release is Ranier Fog, released last year. Also on the bill is Underoath and Fever 333. 6 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

The Cynics, who infuse rock and dance sounds with intense thought-inspiring lyrics will be performing at Get Hip Recordings. They will be performing all the songs from their 1989 album Rock’n Roll, which they are reissuing, and other top songs. Opening is The Big Bend and DJs Flipside Scotty and Jesse Novak. Get Hip Recordings is a record label and distributor of over 20,000 titles in independent music started by members of the rock band The Cynics. It is now led by Cynics guitarist Gregg Kostelich and his wife, Barbara Garcia-Bernardo. 8 p.m. 1800 Columbus Ave., Manchester. (RH)

The Commonheart is one of the hottest bands on the local music scene. Led by frontman Clinton Clegg and his impressive rock/soul pipes, the band delivers inspiring performances. Strong guitar, rhythm, and horn sections, along with harmonious background singers, add to the aural delight. The Commonheart released Grown in 2016. “Cannonball” is a standout track. The nine-piece will release its sophomore album, Pressure, a day ahead of its sold-out matinee concert at Club Cafe. 1 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (Rh, CM) 

Tuesday, August 20

Sharing equal billing at Stage AE are Flogging Molly and Social Distortion. Dave King fronts the Celtic-punk band Flogging Molly. He sings of exile, drink, and his father’s death when he was only 10 years old. 2008’s “Float” was a commercial peak for the group. Their latest album is 2017’s Life Is Good. Mike Ness started Social Distortion with Dennis Danell in high school. “Ball and Chain” and “Story of My Life,” two hits from the band’s 1990 self-titled third album, remain popular today. Danell died in 2000, and Ness remains the group’s sole original member. Their latest album is 2011’s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. The Devil Makes Three and Le Butcherettes open. Doors open 5 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Thursday, August 22

Their lyrics are heavy. Their raps, melodic. Perhaps this combination has kept Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, who return to Mr. Smalls Theatre, relevant for so long. Their single “Tha Crossroads” won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997. They dedicated it to the late Eazy-E of N.W.A. Krayzie Bone and Bizzy Bone released New Waves under the Bone Thugs moniker in 2017. The other three members of the quintet contributed as did guest stars, such as Stephen Marley. Lyn Starr, Jayy Braxx, Treble NLS, Shad Ali, and DJ Femi open. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

Friday, August 23

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will perform at Mr. Smalls Theatre. The ska band, who formed in Boston in 1983, released “The Impression That I Get” in 1997 to crossover radio play. It appears on Let’s Face It, also released that year. 2018’s While We’re at It is the group’s latest album. Bedouin Soundclash and INCO FldO open. 8 p.m. Sold out. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

Sunday, August 25

Live hails from York, Pennsylvania. The group achieved multi-platinum success with its sophomore album, 1994’s Throwing Copper. Hits include “I Alone” and “Lightning Crashes.” Live released an EP, Local 717, in 2018. Bush hails from London, England, and it achieved multi-platinum success with its debut, Sixteen Stone, also released that year. It contained the hits “Comedown” and “Glycerine.” Bush’s song “Bullet Holes” was featured in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. The bands will perform at Stage AE. Our Lady Peace opens. Doors open 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

The Bacon Brothers return to Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. Younger brother Kevin Bacon is known for his acting roles in Footloose and Apollo 13. Michael Bacon has had an equally successful career, albeit one behind the scenes. He composes film and television scores. His music for “The Kennedys,” a documentary which aired on PBS, won the Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music. However, the brothers’ music is all-American rock. Their latest album is 2018’s The Bacon Brothers, and their latest single is “Play!” Opening is Lauren Lucas. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (CM)

Tuesday, August 27

Rob Thomas is arguably as well known for fronting Matchbox Twenty as he is for “Smooth,” that ubiquitous Santana single which he also co-wrote. (“Smooth” turned 20 this year by the way.) Thomas also has a tenured solo career with four solo albums to date. His latest, 2019’s Chip Tooth Smile, finds him in tip-“pop” shape for his show at the Benedum Center. 7 p.m. 237 7th St. and Penn Ave., Cultural District. (CM)

Wednesday, August 28

Jergel’s Rhythm Grille hosts California rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket, who took the fictional band name from Monty Python’s Eric Idle, created for the 1975 BBC-TV show “Rutland Weekend Television.” The band scored a top hit in 1991 with “All I Want.” Toad is on its 30th anniversary tour. 2015’s Architect of the Ruin is the groups latest release. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (MV)

Thursday, August 29 

John Popper, who is known equally for his harmonic prowess and harmonic bandoliers, leads Blues Traveler. The band, which started its journey in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987, touches on blues, folk, psychedelic, and southern rock. The group’s top hits are “Run-Around” and “Hook,” both of which appear on 1994’s four, its fourth (and breakthrough) album. Founding member and bassist Bobby Sheehan died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, but the rest of the band continued to honor their friend and bandmate. Popper and company continue to release music. Blues Traveler’s latest album is 2018’s Hurry Up & Hang Around. Their latest tour takes them to the Rivers Casino. 8 p.m. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore. (EC, CM)

Friday, August 30

Sometimes blues, sometimes hip hop, sometimes rock—G. Love & Special Sauce deliver a smorgasbord of all their sounds often in one song, such as on “New York City.” The Philadelphia trio has remained a viable act for over 25 years. For proof, check out the band’s show at the Roxian Theatre. As a special bonus, bassist Jim (“Jimi Jazz”) Prescott returned in 2014 following a five-year hiatus. It’s the original lineup with Jeffrey (“Houseman”) Clemens on drums/vocals and Garrett (“G. Love”) Dutton on guitar/vocals. 2015’s Love Saves the Day is their latest album. Jack Cloonan Band opens. 8:30 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (CM)

On the Radar

Sunday, September 1
20th Annual Allegheny County Music Festival: Uprooted feat. Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors, and Jenn Wertz (Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater)

Tuesday, September 3
Jonas Brothers (PPG Paints Arena)
Flying Lotus in 3D (Stage AE)

Wednesday, September 4
Titus Andronicus (Spirit)
Richie Ramone (Crafthouse Stage & Grille)

Thursday, September 5
Max Weinberg’s Jukebox (Roxian Theatre)

Friday, September 6
Meek Mill and Future (KeyBank Pavilion)
Johnny Lang (Palace Theatre)
Judah & the Lion (Stage AE)
Back to School 2019 ft. Brittney Chantele (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Saturday, September 7
Andre Costello & The Cool Minors (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall))
Brownie Mary Acoustic (Club Cafe)

Tuesday, September 10
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall)

September, 11
ZZ Top and Cheap Trick (KeyBank Pavilion)

Friday, September 13
Arrested Development and Black Sheep (The Meadows)
Andrew Bird (Roxian Theatre)

Saturday, September 14
Jason Aldean (KeyBank Pavilion)
The Backstreet Boys (PPG Paints Arena)

Sunday, September 15
Drive-By Truckers (Mr. Smalls Theatre)
Frankie Avalon and Lou Christie (Palace Theatre)
The Descendents (Roxian Theatre)

Tuesday, September 17
Built to Spill (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Wednesday, September 18
Low Cut Connie (Rex Theater)
STRFKR (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Friday, September 20 
Gov’t Mule (The Roxian)

Friday, September 20 – Sunday, September 22
Ladyfest (Multiple Venues)

Saturday, September 21
Rascal Flatts (KeyBank Pavilion)
Stone Temple Pilots and Rival Sons (Stage AE)
The Clarks (Wild Things Park [formerly Consol Energy Park])
Nick Lowe’s Quality Rock & Roll Review Starring Los Straitjackets (Mr. Smalls Theatre)
CeCe Winans (August Wilson Cultural Center)
Craig Finn (of the Hold Steady) & the Uptown Controllers (Club Cafe) 

Sunday, September 22
Bastille (Stage AE)
Charles Musselwhite (August Wilson Cultural Center)

Tuesday, September 24
Chris Brown (PPG Paints Arena)
Tyler, the Creator (Stage AE)
Roger Humphries + RH Factor (Agnes Katz Plaza)

Friday, September 27
Toby Keith (Highmark Stadium)
Southern Culture on the Skids (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)

Sunday, September 29
Thom Yorke (Stage AE)

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