Concert Guide March 2024: Kane Brown, Zach Bryan, Bryan Adams, Fall Out Boy, Avenged Sevenfold, and Jason Isbell

Kane Brown at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California, where he had just filmed the video for his song, ‘Homesick.’ (Photo: California National Guard, Senior Airman Crystal Housman and Wikipedia.)

It’s hard to tell what the biggest musical act is in March. The ushers and vendors at PPG Paints Arena are going to get some extra hours this month with Kane Brown, Zach Bryan, Bryan Adams, Fall Out Boy, and Avenged Sevenfold all slated to play the venue. Kenny Wayne Shepherd will bring the guitar heat to Greensburg’s Palace. Like your guitar with a little southern-fried tinge? Then check out Blackberry Smoke at the Roxian. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit play a sold out show at the Benedum.

At the other end of the sound spectrum, Howard Hewett will be laying down some soulful sounds at City Winery. Cleveland native, Joshua Radin, is also at City Winery with his acoustic guitar and pop rock tunes. The cherry on the sundae this month is the consummate entertainer, Wayne Newton, performing at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. Hometown heroes Donnie Iris and the Cruisers and The Clarks will be joining forces at UPMC Events Center, with The Vindys, for a concert billed as Luck of the Iris.

This 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:

Saturday, March 2

With the Super Bowl having just been played in Las Vegas, both old and new Las Vegas icons are back in the spotlight. One performer who bridges both old and new Vegas is Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton. A talent scout discovered Wayne Newton while he was playing with his brother Jerry and signed them to come play a two week stint in Vegas. That two week gig turned into a lifetime of entertaining people. Wayne Newton started to open for many top acts including Jack Benny and appeared on “The Jackie Gleason Show” many times. He even had a TV part for a while when he acted and sang as Andy, the young Ponderosa ranch hand on the classic western series, “Bonanza.” Newton asked for and received his own headliner in residence contract at the Flamingo Hotel in Vegas. One of the first of its kind. He scored a big hit in 1963 with “Danke Schoen” which hit No. 3 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart and No. 13 overall.  The song was even used in the classic 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which was lip synced by Bueller.

There’s always been a little bit of mystery surrounding Newton and possible mafia ties, which Newton has always denied. Another curious happening in Newton’s life was when in ’92 his Elvis inspired song “The Letter” went to No. 1 on the Cashbox pop and country song charts, but failed to register on the Billboard Hot 100. The first and only time this ever happened. Newton has done numerous charitable works and succeeded Bob Hope in ’02 as the chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle. He is currently touring his Wayne Newton Up Close and Personal show where he sings, plays the 13 instruments he has mastered, tells stories, and takes questions from the audience. This is a great opportunity to see a legendary Vegas entertainer. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (R.H.)

Saturday, March 9

Not many singer-songwriters have gotten over 26 million YouTube hits on a song that they recorded on a smartphone … outside a U.S. Navy barracks at night … while they were in the Navy. That’s what Zach Bryan did with “Heading South” in 2019, and it set him on a path to country-rock stardom. During eight years of active duty, Bryan wrote songs in his free time and began uploading performances to the web. He hit the jackpot when “Heading South” went viral. And since returning to civilian life to do music full-time, he’s been on a prolific fast track. Last year, Bryan released his self-titled fourth album while taking home the Academy of Country Music’s New Male Artist of the Year award, plus Billboard’s Top New Artist (covering all genres), Top Rock Artist, Top Rock Album (2022’s American Heartbreak, also nominated for Top Country Album), and more. His plaintive, soulful single “I Remember Everything”—with Kacey Musgraves—is quiet dynamite. Now Bryan plays PPG Paints Arena on his Quittin’ Time Tour with guests The Middle East and Levi Turner. The show is sold out, so do what you do to obtain tickets legally anyhow. 7 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.)

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Jason Isbell and his band, The 400 Unit, are playing the Benedum Center this month. Isbell hails from Green Hill, Alabama, and is a former member of Drive-By Truckers, He continues in the alt-country tradition. Songs like “Cover Me Up” and “Goddamn Lonely Love” showcase his rich vocals and songwriting talents. Isbell’s first solo album was 2007’s Sirens of the Ditch. 2013’s Southeastern, which he began after time in rehab and finished shortly after his wedding to Amanda Shires (divorced this year), was a career breakthrough: it debuted at no. 23 on the Billboard 200. His 2015 release Something More Than Free won the Grammy for Best Americana Album. Isbell’s latest album is Weathervanes, released in June of  2023. It won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Americana Album and reached no. 2 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. Isbell and the 400 Unit were headliners at the Maple House Music Festival at Hartwood Acres in May 2022. 8 p.m. Sold out. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H., C.M.)

Howard Hewett, along with Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, were core elements of the band Shalamar. The group created legendary hit songs like: “A Night to Remember,” “Make That Move,” “The Second Time Around,” and “This is for the Lover in You.” Their songs were some of the top dance hits of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Watley would go onto have a very successful solo career. Hewitt continued with Shalamar in different iterations and is also a popular solo artist. He will be in concert at City Winery to play some of his and Shalamar’s biggest songs. 6:30 p.m. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. (R.H.)

Sunday, March 10

Some people know from a very early age what their life’s work will be. Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one such person. Growing up, one of his first loves was a guitar. He worked at his skills so voraciously that he became a young prodigy. An early musical influence was his dad, a radio personality and concert promoter. Another influence would be Stevie Ray Vaughn, and other blues rock legends. Shepherd’s first album, Ledbetter Heights, would reach no. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart. His follow-up album, which was released in 1997 when he was only 18 years old, was even more successful. Trouble Is… reached the  no.1 spot as well and spawned a mega mainstream rock hit, “Blue on Black.” This early success bolstered his credibility in the musical industry. Shepherd went on to open for, and perform with, many rock and blues legends including The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Pinetop Perkins, Etta Baker, and the Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters Bands. Shepherd has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. He is touring in support of his latest, and 11th, studio album, Dirt on My Diamonds, Volume I, and will be performing at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. See our recent interview and story with Shepherd. 8 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St. (R.H.)

Kenny Wayne Shepherd performing on his Fender Stratocaster. (Photo: Kristin Forbes)

Friday, March 15

Bryan Adams, the Canadian pop/rocker, can lay down some flaming lead guitar heat, but is also equally adept at singing a touching ballad. Guitar scorchers include “Home Again,” “Summer of ’69,” 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. So Happy It Hurts, his most recent studio album, was released in 2022. 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

Saturday, March 16

Area native Donnie Iris, aka King Cool, is performing at the UPMC Events Center with his band, The Cruisers. Sure to be on the set list are top favorites including “Ah Leah” and “Love Is Like a Rock.” Iris was once a member of the Pittsburgh group The Jaggerz in the early ’70s who had a monster hit with the “The Rapper,” which reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Helping Iris celebrate the Luck of the Iris is top Pittsburgh band, The Clarks. Special guest is The Vindys. A portion of each ticket will be donated to the American Cancer Society. 7 p.m. 6001 University Blvd., RMU, Moon Twp. (R.H.)

Tuesday, March 19

Add some sweet southern-fried rock to your music itinerary this month with Blackberry Smoke at the Roxian Theatre. The band formed in 2000 and gained popularity as a supporting act for Zac Brown Band’s 2011 tour. They’ve also opened for the legendary  Lynyrd Skynyrd, and for Eric Church and ZZ Top. Their rich harmonies and quality guitar and drum play give them good crossover appeal. The group’s 2016 album Like an Arrow reached no. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Country and Americana/Folk charts, while also reaching no. 3 on the U.S. Rock chart. Their EP, Live from Capricorn Sound Studios, was released in 2020. Blackberry Smoke’s latest studio album, Be Right Here, was released in February reaching no. 23 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. Special guest is Duane Betts.  7 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (R.H.)

Monday, March 25

California-based Avenged Sevenfold (a.k.a. “A7X”) has skyrocketed to superstardom over the past two decades. The band members are known for their rapid, melodic shredding; their theatrical, ghoulish vocals; and their dark, imaginative imagery. “The Stage” the title track from their 2016 studio album was nominated for the Best Rock Song Grammy in 2018. The video for the song features puppets playing out a cruel world history in a spectacular and meaningful fashion. Life is But a Dream is the latest album since The Stage and dropped last year. Rolling Stone listed it at no. 7 of the 11 best metal albums of 2023. The A7X website is equally imaginative and the fan club is called Deathbats. There are different membership levels and very cool Deathbat icons available for purchase and resale that you can artistically personalize. Special guests are Poppy and Sulivan King. 6:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

Tuesday, March 26 & Wednesday, March 27

Successful songwriters often find inspiration in various subjects and times. Taylor Swift mined gold from past relationships. In the 1960’s Bob Dylan wrote about politics, culture, and the Vietnam War. Gold-selling performing artist Joshua Radin has most recently found inspiration in his travels. These influences can be heard in his 2023 EP’s though the world will tell me so, volume. 1 and though the world will tell me so, volume. 2. Radin will be in concert at City Winery in the Strip District on March 26 and 27.

Radin’s distinctive, melodic singing voice, insightful lyrics, and deft acoustic guitar playing have garnered him a large audience including several high-profile fans like Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres. Degeneres loves his music so much that he performed on the “Ellen” show several times and even sang at her wedding to Portia de Rossi. Another big name, Zack Braff, who attended Northwestern University with Radin, pushed for several of Radin’s songs to be included in various episodes of Braff’s NBC (and later ABC) TV comedy, “Scrubs.” This led to over 200 film and TV placements for Radin’s songs. He has more than one billion streams and one million records sold. His 2008 song, “I’d Rather Be with You,” is his biggest hit, reaching no. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Radin has performed with many top stars including Ed Sheeran and Sheryl Crow. See our interview and story with Radin. Special guest is Maddie Pope. 8 p.m. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. (R.H.)

Joshua Radin writes songs that inspire emotions in people. (Photo: Work by Minnayr)

Wednesday, March 27 

The upscale Chicago suburb of Wilmette is home to high-income residents, a gorgeous Baháʼí temple, and a high-flying rock band. Pop-punkers Fall Out Boy formed there in 2001. And through the intervening years—despite some early personnel tweaks, a hiatus at one point, and a temporary guy-on-leave at another—the Boy(s) have maintained a core lineup of singer/guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. They’ve released eight studio albums, four of which went number one on the Billboard 200, which computes to a remarkable .500 batting average. They’ve got loads of platinum singles, bunches of quirky music videos, and a fan base that can’t seem to get enough Fall Out Boy. Now is the time to catch them live in quadruple person. Fall Out Boy visits PPG Paints Arena with guests Jimmy Eat World, Hot Mulligan, and Carr. The tour is titled So Much for (2our) Dust, in reference to Fall Out Boy’s latest album, the 2023 release So Much (for) Stardust. Odd naming rituals are part of the package! 6:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.)  

Friday, March 29

Want to know what makes Kane Brown a country-music sensation? Check out “Worship You” in the video above. It’s a beautifully clever twist of a song, weaving together Brown’s Christian faith and his irresistible attraction to a woman, all delivered silky-smooth. Then you have his ability to shift gears—as in “I Can Feel It,” full of lines sung dexterously rapid-fire in a rap-like tempo. Brown is the very model of a modern major superstar, and he’s come a long way to get to this stage. Raised in considerably less-than-wealthy circumstances in rural Georgia and elsewhere, he auditioned for “American Idol” but didn’t make the cut. So he tried the online DIY route, uploading his covers of hits by various artists and crowdfunding an EP. Then finally he rose to the big time, from touring as an opening act to getting signed by the RCA Nashville label. Now, after three studio albums and counting, he’s performing in top-shelf venues nationwide. Brown’s latest album is 2022’s Different Man. Kane Brown comes to PPG Paints Arena on his In the Air Tour, with guests Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee. 7 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.) 

Other Shows of Interest:

Saturday, March 2
St. Paul & Broken Bones (Roxian Theatre)

Wednesday, March 6
Dwight Yoakam (Palace Theatre)

Friday, March 8 & Saturday, March 9
Joe Grushecky (The Hotel & Rosa’s Cantina)
Papadosio and Chalk Dinosaur (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)

Saturday, March 9
Taylor Dane (Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall)
Punchline (Preserving Underground)
Cecil Brooks II (Con Alma)

Sunday, March 10
Sypro Gyra (The Oaks Theater)

Tuesday, March 12
Thomas Wendt Quartet (Greer Cabaret Theater)

Friday, March 15
Billy Price (The Oaks Theater)
Bastard Bearded Irishmen (Hollywood Casino at The Meadows)

Saturday, March 16
Bastard Bearded Irishfest (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)
FUBAR (Club Cafe)

Tuesday, March 19
Bill Deasy (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)

Wednesday, March 20
Marshall Crenshaw (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)

Thursday, March 21
KRMU (Andy Warhol Museum)

Friday, March 22
Grand Funk Railroad (Rivers Casino Events Center)
Molly Hatchet (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)

Saturday, March 23
Jazzmeia Horne (MCG Jazz)
Justin Fabus (Rivers Casino)

Thursday, March 21
Leanne Morgan (UPMC Events Center)

Saturday, March 23
Byron Nash (Bonafide Beer Company)

Tuesday, March 26
Roger Humphries (Greer Cabaret Theater)

Wednesday, March 27
Herbie Hancock (Byham Theater)

Friday, March 29
Too Many Zooz (Roxian Theatre)
Norm Nardini (Moondog’s Pub)

Saturday, March 30
Ruff Creek (Hollywood Casino at The Meadows)
Jimmy Adler (Moondog’s Pub)

Big Shows on the Horizon:

April 4
Andrea Bocelli (PPG Paints Arena)

April 13
Brantley Gilbert (UPMC Events Center)

April 16
Shawn Colvin & KT Tunstall (Byham Theater)

April 24
Queensryche (Roxian Theatre)

April 27
Tim McGraw (PPG Paints Arena)

April 29
Todd Rundgren (Roxian Theatre)

April 30
Asking Alexandria (Roxian Theatre)

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central.

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