Concert Guide March 2026: Journey, Three Days Grace, Cody Johnson, Joe Bonamassa, Lotus, Rakim, and Thievery Corp.

The concert scene in Pittsburgh this month starts off with a bang. March 2 sees Journey at PPG Paints Arena on their farewell tour and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit play the Benedum. Then on the 3rd, Three Days Grace is in concert at PPG. Country music performer Cody Johnson gets the same venue country rockin’. Blues rock blazer Joe Bonamassa returns to the ‘Burgh again for a show at the Benedum. Influential rapper Rakim takes the stage at City Winery.

Lynyrd Skynyrd had two drummers during their hit-making heyday; one, Artimus Pyle, will play The Lamp with his band. South African a capella group Ladysmith Black Mombasa visits this month. Rise Against and Slaughter will also be playing concerts. March ends with two groove machines: Lotus is planted for a two-night stand at Mr. Smalls and Thievery Corporation plays the Roxian. Local talent Chet Vincent and his band The Music Industry celebrate a record release with a concert at The Sanctuary at Mr. Smalls.

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

Monday, March 2

“The Wheel in the Sky” keeps on turnin’ and luckily keeps Journey on tour with stops in Pittsburgh. However this is the group’s last tour. It’s been over 40 years since the band originally formed, and they haven’t stopped rocking (or believing!) since. Indeed, the band famous for “Don’t Stop Believin’” has been absolutely relentless in their success over the years; to date, their Greatest Hits album has sold more than 15 million copies. Lead singer Steve Perry left the group for a solo career first in the mid-eighties and then again in the nineties. Several other singers have fronted the band. Since 2007 Journey has featured a talented Filipino lead singer, Arnel Pineda, who lead guitarist Neal Schon, saw do an amazing cover of  “Don’t Stop Believin‘” on YouTube and asked him to audition for the band. They were highly impressed and asked him to join Journey. 2022’s Freedom is the group’s most recent release. Catch them one last time in the ‘Burgh on their Final Frontier tour which stops at PPG Paints Arena. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

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 (now divorced), 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 2023 LP Weathervanes, won that year’s Grammy Award for Best Americana Album and reached no. 2 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. His most recent album is 2025’s Foxes in the Snow, also a high flyer on the charts. Isbell and The 400 Unit were headliners at the Maple House Music Festival at Hartwood Acres in May 2022. 8 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H., C.M.)

Tuesday, March 3

Toronto based rockers Three Days Grace have had a long run of success despite several lineup changes. The group had a good initial win with their debut single, “I Hate Everything About You,” from their self-titled debut album in 2003. Three Days Grace has continued creating solid rock music, producing an album about every three years (except during Covid). The two longest serving members are Neil Sanderson (drums, backing vocals, and keyboards) and Brad Waist (bass and backing vocals). Alienation, the band’s latest studio release, dropped last August. This recording marks the return of their original lead vocalist, Adam Gontier. He joined present lead vocalist Matt Waist to form a dual lead vocalist band. Three Days Grace’s new structure and creative contributions have made Alienation a success, reaching no. 8 on the Billboard U.S. Top Rock & Alternative Albums. The album is also nominated for the Canadian Juno award for Best Rock Album this year. Special guests areI Prevail and The Funeral Portrait. 7 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (R.H.)

Friday, March 6

Sometimes it seems the whole country has been taken over by country—musically speaking, that is. And as the country music tidal wave sweeps through Pittsburgh, it brings to town one of the form’s beloved practitioners, Cody Johnson. The man is from Texas and his bona fides appear to be pretty darn bona: When young, he rode bulls at rodeos. Johnson also is known as a neo-traditional kind of country musician. He says he’s been influenced by esteemed old gaffers like George Strait, Willie Nelson, and way-back legend Hank Williams. Johnson’s style is flowing, lilting, and natural. His songs sound like they come from a born-and-raised storyteller. And the songs on his 2023 release Leather won him the Country Music Association’s award for Album of the Year. Now you can enjoy him live and in personable person, as Cody Johnson plays PPG Paints Arena. The guest artists are Kip Moore and Walker Montgomery. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.)

Saturday, March 7

Joe Bonamassa is a blues rock guitar virtuoso, whose soaring lead guitar riffs are heavily influenced by British players, including Eric Clapton, John Mayall, and Jeff Beck. He opened for B.B. King when he was all of 12 years old. Bonamassa’s albums have occupied the number one spot on the Billboard Blues Chart 28 times. Many people will remember Bonamassa from his PBS concert specials. Last year’s Breakthrough is his latest release and reached No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Top Blues Albums Charts. Bonamassa hosts an annual music cruise called Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea. He performs and is joined by other talented musicians. Pittsburgh has many great guitarists who enjoy seeing other talented players, which is evidenced by the brisk ticket sales for this show. 8 p.m. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (R.H.)

Friday, March 13

If you think about it, if you get down to both the medium and the message of the music, punk has always been sorta woke. Granted, it’s hard-edged and hardcore. And yes, the anti-establishment attitude sometimes amounts to no more than angry nihilism. But punk is resolutely democratic—even socialist, counting bands like The Clash—and regardless of whether you support a people’s party, its spirit is “Hey, let’s party with the people, one and all.” Carrying that spirit forward these days is Rise Against. The Chicago-bred rockers have been at it since forming in 1999. They made their social views evident in the very title of their 2003 album Revolutions per Minute. Frontman Tim McIlrath and cofounder Joe Principe are straightedge, vegan, animal-rights advocates—a position that came through loud and clear in the band’s famous 2006 song “Ready to Fall.”  And through it all, they’ve developed a melodic hardcore sound that resonates widely. The group’s 10th and latest studio album is last year’s Ricochet. Fans can join the party when Rise Against plays at Stage AE. Doors open at 6 p.m. for this Friday the 13th show with guests Destroy Boys and Koyo. 400 North Shore Dr., North Side. (M.V.) 

Saturday, March 14

Artimus Pyle was not the original drummer for the legendary group Lynyrd Skynyrd, that would be Bob Burns, but if Burns supplied the powerful beats to help propel the band to the top of the charts, Pyle helped take them even higher. When Pyle joined Skynyrd in 1975 the two even played drums alongside one another with the band, with Pyle eventually replacing Burns. He survived the infamous plane crash that killed bandmates Ronnie Van Zant and Steve and Cassie Gaines, stumbling to a farmhouse to get help. Pyle joined the reunited Skynyrd, but departed in 1991, after not agreeing with the continuing illicit lifestyle of the band. Having studied religion and spirituality in Israel he started on his solo career. They would reunite a few times after the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Supposedly Pyle and his band play Lynyrd Skynyrd songs note for note like they were done in the original incarnation of the band. Former Skynyrd lead guitarist, the late Ed King, helped the band with the original arrangements. 8 p.m. The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St. Irwin. (R.H.)

To whom shall we compare Rakim? Maybe to a legendary poet like … Gerard Manley Hopkins? Sure, let’s do it. Back in the late 1800s, Hopkins revolutionized English poetry with numbers like “As Kingfishers Catch Fire.” His free-rolling “sprung rhythms” defied standard meter, and his language never strained for high drama but somehow packed a cosmic punch. Dance ahead to the 1980s, and along came Rakim with rap that reimagined what rap could be. He defied singsong rhythms in favor of a natural “flow,” rich in internal rhyme, and never attacked the mic feverishly but rather laid out his words with a precise, straight-ahead punch. Rakim (born William Michael Griffin Jr.) made waves initially as part of a duo with DJ Eric B. The track above is from their landmark 1987 album Paid in Full. Since the early ‘90s, Rakim has continued innovating solo and in various collaborations. Beyond the scratching and sampling that a DJ can provide, Rakim has even rapped to the silky strains of symphony instruments, as in a memorable NPR Tiny Desk Concert. He calls himself The God Rakim not from arrogance, but from a spiritual belief that God is manifest in every man. Now touring in support of his new vinyl release The Re-Up, Rakim will rap in intimate splendor at City Winery in a show that’s officially sold out. 7:30 p.m. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. (M.V.) 

Monday, March 23

“World music” seems like a strange name for a genre—aren’t there lots of kinds of music in the world?—but it refers mainly to music from faraway places becoming popular in the American and Euro markets. For a long while, that didn’t happen very often. One group that’s been pivotal in breaking the global sound barrier is Ladysmith Black Mambazo of South Africa. The all-male a cappella ensemble creates and sings songs rooted in Zulu styles and traditions. Many lyrics are in the Zulu language; others mix Zulu with English. The group was founded in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala, then an aspiring 20-year-old musician with a dramatic high-register voice. Shabalala recruited family members for the original lineup, naming them after their hometown of Ladysmith and adding Black (a signifier of “strongest”) and Mambazo—Zulu for “axe”—to indicate their intent of chopping through the competition at regional singing contests. Which they did. Eventually they became a sensation across South Africa, recorded albums on the domestic Gallo label, and began performing in Europe.  

A big international breakthrough came when U.S. folk/pop icon Paul Simon included the group on his 1986 multi-platinum album Graceland. Simon then produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s first album for Warner Bros., Shaka Zulu in 1987. They’ve kept going strong ever since—through many evolutions of personnel (Joseph Shabalala retired in 2008), through expansion of their repertoire (notably, into Christian and gospel-inflected music)—and through profound social changes in their homeland. The group performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as president of South Africa. They’ve serenaded Queen Elizabeth II of England on her birthday, collaborated with Dolly Parton, and won Grammys and other awards globally. Ladysmith Black Mambazo visits Pittsburgh on their latest North American tour. Hear them in concert at City Winery. 7:30 p.m. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. (M.V.) 

Thursday, March 26

Before the Killers and Imagine Dragons, Slaughter was Las Vegas’s premier rock band. Slaughter is actually the last name of the group’s lead vocalist, Mark Slaughter. 1990’s Stick It to Ya, the group’s debut, was a hit with singles such as “Up All Night.” Slaughter hasn’t been killing it in the studio as they haven’t released a studio album since 1999’s Back to Reality, but they continue to tour, including a stop at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. Maybe this will be the year for a new album! Opening are Ringleader and Dying Breed. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (C.M., R.H.)

Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29

Lotus has a history of playing shows on or around New Year’s Eve in Pittsburgh. This year they’re visiting us a little later. The band, originally from Indiana, is known for incorporating electronic elements into its music. On 2016’s Eat the Light, the group tried something new: vocals, with a different guest musician on every track. Concerts include elaborate lighting and occasionally themed shows. One 2009 concert saw David Bowie costumes. The band members play covers as well as originals during themed shows. In 2023 they recorded a live album in Pittsburgh, Live in Steel City. They chose to record here as they consider Pittsburgh their second home. The album is a tribute to their late percussionist Chuck Morris, and his son Charlie. Both died while kayaking in 2023. In 2024 Lotus released How to Dream in Color and their latest LP, released last month, is Rise of the Anglerfish. It’s not New Year’s Eve, but you can see them at Mr. Smalls Theatre. Both nights’ concerts begin at 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (C.M., R.H.)

Saturday, March 28

No, Thievery Corporation is not some newly taken over media conglomerate or an unscrupulous hedge fund, it is the electronic music duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. The two started performing together at the Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington, D.C., in 1995 where Hilton was a co-owner. They have been influenced by a wide spectrum of musical genres, from domestic and international sounds, including bossa nova. The Corp boasts ten studio albums and 9 compilation LPs. They’ve even been a opening act for Paul McCartney. They perform with a full band of other talented musicians. Get in the groove with Thievery Corporation at the Roxian Theatre, 8 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (R.H.)

Chet Vincent has been a constant on the Pittsburgh music scene for over a decade, many years with his band The Big Bend. Now he and his current musical outfit, The Music Industry, are having a record release concert at The Sanctuary at Mr. Smalls. Static on the Radio is the name of the new album. Catch the rockers with special guest Clinton Clegg. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (R.H.)

Other Shows of Interest

Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday March 4
Jonathan Richman (Andy Warhol Museum)

Tuesday, March 3
Patti LuPone (Byham Theater)

Friday, March 6
The Gathering Field (Pittsburgh Winery)
Scott and Rob of The Clarks Unplugged (Strand Theater)

Tuesday, March 10
Hugo Cruz and Caminos (Greer Cabaret Lounge)

Wednesday, March 11
John Shannon Trio w/Depaolis & Rushton (Con Alma)

Thursday, March 12
Firehouse (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)
Roger Humphries & RH Factor (Con Alma)

Saturday, March 14
Billy Price (Twin Oaks Lounge)
Bill Toms and Hard Rain and Tom Breiding & Union Station (Moondogs Pub)
Sun King Warriors (Pittsburgh Winery)

Sunday, March 15
The Jaggerz CD Release Party (Jergel’s Rhythm Grille)
Dar Williams (City Winery)

Tuesday, March 17
Jim Messina (The Oaks Theater)

Thursday, March 19
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack (Crafthouse Stage & Grill)

Friday, March 20
Bernard Allison (Moondog’s Pub)

Saturday, March 21
The Clarks and Good Brother Earl (Crafthouse Stage & Grill)

Sunday, March 22
Zara Larsson (Stage AE)
Alton Merrell (Con Alma)
Morgan Erina, Brooke Annibale, and Vida Chi (Pittsburgh Winery)

Tuesday, March 24
Travelin’ McCourys (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)

Thursday, March 26
Toby Mac and Crowder (Petersen Events Center)
Spyro Gyra (The Oaks Theater)

Friday, March 27
The Vindys (Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall)

Sunday, March 29
Joanne Shaw Taylor (The Oaks Theater)
Etta Cox (Con Alma)

Tuesday, March 31
Mike Marshall and Alessandro Penezzi (MCG Jazz)

Big Shows on the Horizon

April 2
Boys Like Girls, IDKHOW, and Arrows in Action (Roxian Theatre)

April 4
Bow Wow (Petersen Events Center)
Our Lady Peace (Roxian Theatre)

April 7
Bush (UPMC Events center)

April 10
Anne Wilson (Benedum Center)

April 17
Gov’t Mule (Timber Rock)

April 19
Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Palace Theatre)

April 25
Jeezy (Petersen Events Center)

April 26
Steel Panther (Roxian Theatre)

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central.

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