Concert Guide Dec. 2025: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, Allman Betts, Kip Moore, The Elovaters, and Hometown Heroes

The holidays are now upon us. In the stores, on the airwaves, and yes, even in the concert halls. Two of the biggest holiday acts are in town this month. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is in concert at PPG Paints Arena and Mannheim Steamroller plays the Benedum. Also performing there is Straight No Chaser who are sure to sing a Christmas song or two. And “goody, goody, gumdrops,” many hometown heroes have holiday shows too. Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, Billy Price, Bill Toms and Hard Rain, and Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors are several of them.

And if you’re not so much into sparkle season, there’s still several top shows. The Elovaters will elevate your mood with some euphonic reggae jamming. The Allman Betts Family Revival will bring a “Last Waltz style” show to the Palace Theatre with some top-notch supporting talent. The Lemonheads bring their punk-pop rock to Mr. Smalls. For fans of Americana music check out The Wood Brothers at the Roxian. Country music artist Kip Moore will sing his hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” also at the Roxian. Another country performer, Avery Anna, will be in concert at Stage AE.

The Concert Guide features (in chronological order) Spotlight Picks, Other Shows of Interest, and Big Shows on the Horizon. Get out and see what pleases you, whether it’s one of our concert picks or something entirely different. Mike Vargo (M.V.) also contributed to this guide.

Spotlight Picks

Tuesday, December 2

Some ingredients go very well together, like ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Another tasty combination is the Allman Betts Family Revival. The group consists of sons of some of the players in the former Allman Brothers Band. This includes Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and Berry Duane Oakley. Other notables performing include: Robert Randolph, Amanda Shires, Judith Hill, Jimmy Hall, Cody Dickinson, Luther Dickinson, Alex Orbison, and Mattie Schell. The Allman Betts Band’s Devon Allman is the son of the late Gregg Allman and Shelly Jefts, while Duane is the son of  longtime Allman Brothers’ lead guitarist Dickey Betts and Paulette Howell. Duane was named after Allman Brothers’ band co-founder Duane Allman, who was a lead guitar virtuoso. The latest Allman Betts Band album is Bless Your Heart, which was released in 2020. Some Allman Brothers Band songs played on the set list are from both the Duane Allman 1970s era and the 1990s comeback period. 7:30 p.m. Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. (R.H.)

Boston alt-rockers The Lemonheads are in town for a show at Mr. Smalls Theatre on their Love Chant World Tour. After forming in 1986, the band has had many iterations with lead vocalist (and guitarist) Evan Dando being the group’s only constant member. Top hits for the group include “Mrs. Robinson,” “It’s a Shame About Ray,” and “Into Your Arms.” The Lemonheads latest LP and title track, Love Chant, was influenced by Dando’s recent relocation to Brazil. It is described as bold and melodic and features longtime collaborators and new voices. Special guest is Erin Rae. 7 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (R.H.)

Friday, December 5

Can a bunch of non-Rastas from Boston play reggae? Isn’t Boston supposed to be Dropkick Murphys territory? It is, it is, but then you have The Elovaters. Globalization means that all forms of music travel everywhere, and The Elovaters are one of the premier bands on the North American reggae-rock-dub-ska scene. They have opened for Ziggy Marley; they’ve toured and collaborated extensively. Their 2018 album Defy Gravity, featuring songs like “Live By the Day,” shot to number 1 on Billboard’s reggae chart. But maybe you know all that! And maybe you also know where to scrounge a ticket when you learn that The Elovators’ visit to Mr. Smalls Theatre is sold out. Fellow artists for the occasion are Kash’d Out and Coyote Island. Doors at 6 p.m., music 7 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (M.V.)

Saturday, December 6

Country music artist Kip Moore is known for good old down-home beats and for featuring attractive young women in his videos. If you were to object that this doesn’t narrow down the field very much, the answer would be: Yeah, but he really does it. Moore scored a number 1 on the Billboard country chart with his 2011 single “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” although he has never disclosed exactly what it is about a truck—perhaps the engine, the transmission, the gestalt of a truck?—and if you watch and listen, the song actually seems to be about somethin’ other than a truck. Moore is a NASCAR fan. He plays pre-race concerts; he once was Grand Marshal of the Dixie Vodka 400, and he also surfs. In Hawaii, not online; he reportedly abhors social media. Kip Moore is touring in support of his sixth studio album, this year’s Solitary Tracks, and his concert at the Roxian Theatre is almost officially sold out, so you know what to do. Guest artist is Caylee Hammack. Doors at 7 p.m., music 8 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (M.V.) 

Sunday, December 7

In talking about The Wood Brothers, the question of genre comes up—unless you don’t care whether their music is called progressive Americana or roots rock or folk-something. Mostly, the trio is just eclectic fun. Upright bassist Chris Wood once had a jazz fusion band, and drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix plays sorta-jazzy honky-tonk R&B on the side with his father, Luther. Meanwhile the other Wood blood brother, Oliver, plays various guitars and fronts The Wood Brothers. They recently released their ninth album, Puff of Smoke, billed on their website as providing “insights into the state of the human condition in 2025.” That’s a tall order, with more than 8 billion of us humans around, but the band didn’t promise a comprehensive appraisal, just some peeks under the hood. Decide for yourself if new songs like “Witness” and “The Trick (Is Not to Give a Damn)” deliver. And a good place to decide is the Roxian Theatre, where The Wood Brothers visit for a concert with guest artists The Wildmans. $1 from each ticket supports The Nature Trust of British Columbia. Doors at 7 p.m, music 8 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (M. V.) 

Tuesday, December 9

A cappella singing garnered a loyal audience with movies like Pitch Perfect and TV shows like “Glee” having had huge fan bases. See what all the buzz was about with Straight No Chaser at the Benedum Center. The group’s 2013 album, Under the Influence, featured the likes of superstars Rob Thomas, Dolly Parton, and Phil Collins, among others. SNC’s 9 intertwining voices make for a rich, smooth sound, kind of like a fine bourbon (thus, the name). They were founded at Indiana University in 1996. Don’t expect traditional alma mater tunes though. When covering songs like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” SNC shows us that a cappella is not only relevant but also worth seeing live. The group’s latest album is Holiday Road, which was released in October. 7:30 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

Thursday, December 11

Mannheim Steamroller will bowl you over with their combination of great holiday music, special effects, and innovative lighting. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis founded Mannheim Steamroller—named in part after an 18th-century German musical technique, the Mannheim roller—in 1974 to play a blend of rock and classical music. No record company would produce their records, so Davis set up his own, American Gramaphone, which paved the way for the band’s success. Mannheim Steamroller hit a higher level of popularity in ’84 with its first holiday album and are now one of the highest rated Christmas music acts in entertainment. There is such a demand for their Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show during the holiday season that two different tours crisscross the country spreading rock ‘n’ roll joy. Pittsburgh will get the red tour. There’s also a green tour. Talk about holiday colors! 8 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

Saturday, December 13

Rising country music star Avery Anna will be performing at Stage AE. The singer, who hails from Flagstaff, Arizona, has a country-rock-pop sound that really sees her opening up about her thoughts and feelings. She has two albums out, Breakup Over Breakfast, released in 2024 and followed up this year by Let Go Letters. Her first break came when a TikTok video of her singing Christine Aguilera’s “Say Something” went viral, catching the attention of industry insiders. Also on the bill are Jena Raine and Dylan Davidson. Doors open at 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (R.H.)

Saturday, December 20

In 1996, musician/rock band manager Paul O’Neill hit upon the idea that Christmas tunes could be totally progressive and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra was born. The TSO plays holiday music, traditional and originals, with a Rush level of elaboration and technical skill, all of which has racked up millions of album sales. You probably know the band’s wailing, synth-infused version of “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo,” a.k.a. “Carol of the Bells.” It’s one of the most hardcore tracks that DJs pull out every December. Music like this deserves the arena treatment, with a great light show and all, so the TSO tours major venues at the holiday season annually. Paul O’Neill passed away from chronic health problems in 2017, and bassist Dave Z (David Zablidowsky) died that year too, in a motor vehicle accident. But the band plays on—surely, as these men would have wished—and the TSO visits PPG Paints Arena for matinee and evening performances, with a cast of dozens taking part. The show is billed as “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More.” 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H./M.V.) 

Pittsburgh soul and blues legend Billy Price knew from an early age that he wanted to be a singer. Growing up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Price (then known by his formal name, William Pollak) sang in grade school and had the most popular bands in junior and senior high. And of course the band was doing all soul songs. He also had a band while attending Penn State University. After graduating he was in the Rhythm Kings, even playing the famous Fox Cafe in Shadyside. He was noticed by the late, renowned blues rock guitarist, Roy Buchanan, who drafted him to be the lead singer of his band. Post-Buchanan, Price formed the highly talented Billy Price and the Keystone Rhythm Band. And after closing the chapter on the Keystone Rhythm Band after many years, he went on to have a richly rewarding solo career which included being nominated for and winning numerous national blues awards including the prestigious Blues Music Award. He even recorded an album with the late great soul singer Otis Clay.

In 2024 Price reached a new zenith in his career with his first-ever album of all original songs, Person of Interest. See our story on the making of the album. He and his band are currently working on their new album, tentatively titled Random Madness, after one of the 11 new songs recorded at The Vault with producer Tony Braunagel and engineer Jimmy Hoyson. Price will be performing these and many of his classic tunes at the Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (R.H.)

Friday, December 26

Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers are Pittsburgh rock royalty. They have risen through several incarnations—from the Brick Alley Band to Joe Grushecky and the Iron City Houserockers to the unit’s present day form—Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers—to become one of Pittsburgh’s top bands. Over the years Grushecky’s sound is one of both hard-driving rock and roll and insightful ballads. The lyrics and music seek higher ground, and find it. Top songs include “Pumping Iron,” “Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive),” and “Rock and Real.” In 2024 Grushecky released Joe Grushecky Houserocker: A Joe Grushecky Anthology and followed that up by releasing a fantastic new album with The Houserockers, Can’t Outrun a Memory. (See our story and interview with Grushecky regarding the making of the album.) A track from the LP, “This is Who We Are” made Little Steven’s Underground Garage Coolest Songs in the World 2024.

Grushecky has also released a CD version of his 1981 recording with the Iron City Houserockers, Blood on the Bricks. And most recently Grushecky dropped a hot new track, “Living in a Blues Song.” Tonight is the Third Annual Houserockers Holiday Extravaganza. Special guests at this performance will include several members from the original Iron City Houserockers. 8 p.m. Crafthouse Stage & Grill, 5024 Curry Rd., Whitehall. (R.H.)

Bill Toms and Hard Rain with the Soulville Horns will be rockin’ out Jergel’s Rhythm Grille this month. Toms latest album is Keep Movin’ On, released in 2021. See our story on the making of the album. Toms’ slightly raspy, deeply soulful voice and his guitar playing prowess combine with the drums, horns, and rest of the band to create a hot rock sound. He will be joined tonight by Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors. Donovan was part of the highly successful Pittsburgh rock band Rusted Root. Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors latest album is 2024’s “Like a Light.” The group stays very active in the region. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (R.H.)

Other Shows of Interest

Tuesday, December 2
The Klezmatics (City Winery)

Wednesday, December 3
The Nighthawks (Moondog’s Pub)

Friday, December 5
The Drifters, The Platters, and The Coasters (Palace Theatre)
Dexter and The Moonrocks (Stage AE)
Jimmy Adler (Moondog’s Pub)

Saturday, December 6
Shaun Cassidy  (Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall)
Dwayne Dolphin All Stars (New Hazlett Theater)

Monday, December 8
A Very Yinzer Christmas (Benedum Center)

Tuesday, December 9
Highly Suspect and Flight Attendant (Stage AE) 

Thursday, December 11
Black Stone Cherry (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)
The Koffin Kats (Mr. Smalls Theatre)
Tom Brieding and Union Railroad (Club Cafe)

Friday, December 12
Too Many Zooz (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Saturday, December 13
Rhett Miller (Club Cafe)
Bastard Bearded Irishmen and NASH.V.ILL (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)
Sound of the Season (New Hazlett Theater)

Tuesday, December 16
J.D. McPherson (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)

Friday, December 19
Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)
Feed the Burgh Benefit for Rainbow Kitchen (Mr. Smalls Theatre)
Tina Daniels Band (Moondog’s Pub)

Saturday, December 20
The Commonheart (Mr. Smalls Theatre) 

Friday, December 26
Bill Deasy’s Annual Boxing Day Show (Club Cafe)

Saturday, December 27
Right Turn Clyde (Moondog’s Pub)

Sunday, December 28
Damien Escobar (City Winery)
The Little Wretches (Moondog’s Pub)

Tuesday, December 30
Nied’s Hotel Band (Moondog’s Pub)

Wednesday, December 30
Norm Nardini (Moondog’s Pub)

Big Shows on the Horizon

January 21
Lettuce (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

January 31
Donna the Buffalo (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central.

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