July ’19 Concert Guide: Queen + Adam Lambert, Khalid, Hootie & the Blowfish, Lake Street Dive, Lil Wayne and blink-182

Queen and Adam Lambert in a 2017 Concert. (L. to r.) Roger Taylor, Brian May, and Lambert. (photo: Raph_PH and Wikipedia)

We’re reaching the apex of the summer concert season. Let’s begin with the big-name shows. Among these are R&B prodigy Khalid, guitar-god Peter Frampton, other guitar-god John Mayer, multiple-Grammy-nominee Dierks Bently, genre-benders Lake Street Dive, and of course Queen and Adam Lambert.

July boasts concert pairings that go together like gin and tonic. The Psychedelic Furs and James should make for a night of introspective dancing. Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World bring the power-pop. Alice Cooper and Halestrom bring the metal and likely some startling stage spectacle. Hootie & the Blowfish are back, and Barenaked Ladies will open, for an evening of jangle pop. The one odd pairing is blink-182 with Lil Wayne, but as you’ll read below, they have at least one common denominator. Finally, there’s Belle & Sebastian! (Okay, that last one is a single great indie-rock band, which is visiting Pittsburgh for only the second time ever.)

What’s a summer month in Pittsburgh without a music festival? These include the Deutschtown Music Festival, the Sad Summer Festival featuring the Maine, the Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival, and Pittsburgh Winery’s Vine Rewind. Wiz Khalifa’s return to Pittsburgh isn’t a festival per se, but it hosts enough opening acts that it virtually is one. July also sees more free outdoor shows. Troubadour Kurt Vile, reggae royalty Stephen Marley, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will take our Allegheny parks by storm.

Temperatures are sure to warm, so remember your water bottle and sunscreen, but don’t let the heat deter you from attending one of the above shows or the many more we’ve compiled 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.

EC Spotlighted Shows

Tuesday, July 2

The year was 1976, the bicentennial of the United States, but an Englishman was ruling America’s radio airwaves. Peter Frampton was that man. Formerly of the English group Humble Pie, Frampton embarked on his own in 1971 and recorded four albums before his 1976 release of Frampton Comes Alive! That release had several songs that burned their way up America’s rock charts—especially “Show Me the Way“, “Baby, I Love Your Way,” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.” The album became the top-selling one up to that point, and it has been certified platinum eight times. Since then, Frampton has had some missteps and dormant periods, but he’s managed to remain relevant by continuing to write, record, and perform great music. It also doesn’t hurt that he appeared as himself on Fox’s “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” Frampton’s most recent release is All Blues which was released in June. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Blues Albums Chart. This concert tour is named Peter Frampton Finale as he has unfortunately been diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM), a progressive muscle disorder. 7:30 p.m. Benedum Center,  7th St. and Penn Ave. Cultural District. (RH)

The distinct ska sounds of trumpets, trombones, and electric riffs make for the fun sound of Reel Big Fish. The band is currently touring with co-headliners, The Aquabats. Reel Big Fish hit the mainstream with their aptly titled 1996 single, “Sell Out.” Tired of selling out, the band began its own record label in 2006 to do what it does best—rock out. With no signs of slowing down, the band puts on a high energy show that includes old favorites like “She’s Got a Girlfriend Now” as well as songs from other albums like 2012’s, Candy Coated Fury’s, “I Dare You To Break My Heart.” Their latest album is 2018’s Life Sucks…Let’s Dance! The Aquabats are a rock band from Orange County California. The band’s name is not the only colorful part of the group which is composed of players: The MC Bat Commander, Crash McLarson, Jimmy the Robot, Ricky Fitness, and Eagle “Bones” Falconhawk. They also perform in their Aquabat costumes. Sounds like a fun show so dig out your chain wallet and get ready to mosh! 7 p.m. The Roxian Theatre, 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (RH)

Saturday, July 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkLLeOCOQ3w

It’s unclear what the Venn diagram looks like for blink-182 fans and Lil Wayne fans, but someone must suspect an overlap because they’re playing KeyBank Pavilion. Perhaps they have more in common than one might realize; Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker recruited Lil Wayne to rap on his solo cut “Can a Drummer Get Some.” Blink-182 formed in Poway, California in 1992 as Blink. The trio scored a breakthrough record with 1999’s pop-punk masterpiece, Enema of the State. The band will perform that album in its entirety on this tour. The members disbanded in 2005, regrouped in 2009, and then co-founder/singer/guitarist Tom DeLonge split in 2015. Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba joined. Blink-182’s latest is 2016’s California. Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter Jr and known to his fans as Weezy, is from New Orleans. The rapper hit it big with 2008’s Tha Carter III, which contained “Lollipop” and “A Milli.” His latest album is 2018’s Tha Carter V. Neck Deep opens. 7:30 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7

One of the most widely known and award winning local groups is playing at both South Park and Hartwood Acres on July 6 and 7 respectively. This outfit is a large ensemble with a big horn section. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be performing orchestral and patriotic favorites. Both concerts begin at 8:15 p.m. with Andrés Franco conducting. In addition to the fantastic symphony music there will also be a selection of food trucks at the parks. The PSO and food trucks, that’s a cool combination one doesn’t see often. These concerts are part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. Free. South Park, 3700 Farmshow Drive, South Park Township; Hartwood Acres, 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (RH)

Sunday, July 7

“Weird Al” Yankovic isn’t slowing down. He performed an intimate show of originals, like the 11-minute-plus epic “Albuquerque,” last year at the Palace Theatre. Now he will perform his hit parodies, such as “Smells Like Nirvana,” with a band, backing singers, and full symphony orchestra at the Benedum Center. He’s calling it the Strings Attached Tour. It will also include costumes, props, and a video wall. 2014’s Mandatory Fun, his first number one album in a career which spans four decades of such satire, is his latest LP. Tracks include “Tacky,” a lampoon of Pharrell Williams’s “Happy,” and “Foil,” his take on Lorde’s “Royals.” For Yankovic’s show at the Benedum, expect not only “mandatory fun” but also plenty of video interludes from past movie and TV appearances. “White & Nerdy” was another hilarious top hit for Yankovic, and he voiced Captain Peanutbutter on the acclaimed Netflix series “BoJack Horseman.” 8 p.m. 237 7th St. and Penn Ave., Cultural District. (CM)

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic looking, weird. photo: Antmantrunks,Wikipedia.

Friday, July 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM7zRfHG0no

 KC and the Sunshine Band rose out of the ’70s music scene in Miami, Florida. Creating classic dance grooves including “That’s The Way I Like It,” “Get Down Tonight,” “I’m You’re Boogie Man,” and “Give It Up,” they achieved massive success. U.S. music charts in the mid to late ’70’s were often populated by the band’s numerous hits. KC and the Sunshine Band have been nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning three. When disco/dance music faded and punk music rose in the early ’80s, KC retired for a while until brought back by popular demand in 1991. Rivers Casino, 777 Casino Dr., Pittsburgh (RH)

Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13

The Deutschtown Music Festival helps to promote local music and a neighborhood hidden in plain sight. Also known as East Allegheny, Deutschtown is east of the Children’s Museum and Allegheny Commons Park. The neighborhood is home to some lively bars and restaurants; many will serve as venues as will seven outdoor stages. Now in its seventh year and once a Saturday-only event, the festival has spilled into Friday. The lineup features over 300 Pittsburgh acts, including Jim Donovan & the Sun King Warriors, Murder for Girls, Drowning Clowns, Garter Shake, Gene the Werewolf, Chet Vincent and the Big Bend, The Weird Paul Rock Band, LoFi Delphi, Jenn Wertz, Tupelo and Noah, André Costello and the Cool Minors, Jon Bañuelos, The Telephone Line, Native Alloys, Zoob, Bindley Hardware, Jenny and the Jags, and Decaffeinated Grapefruit. Bluegrass, punk, rap, rock, and other genres are represented. Some venues, like Penn Brewery, are outside Deutschtown. Check out the festival’s website for a complete list of venues and acts. Food trucks, art vendors, and a beer garden will be on site. Friday, July 13, 2–11:45 p.m., and Saturday, July 14, 11 a.m.–1 a.m.  There will also be a Gospel Brunch on Sunday with live music from 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Free. Deutschtown (East Allegheny), North Side. (CM)

Jim Donvan (jumping guitarist) & the Sun King Warriors. Photo: Erica Dilcer.

Sunday, July 14

The saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and that is certainly the case with Stephen Marley. His father. Bob Marley, was a widely popular reggae music pioneer and his mother Rita was a member of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ backing vocalists, The I Threes. Wow, talk about a strong musical gene pool! Growing up he was part older brother Ziggy’s Melody Makers band. Stephen Marley has won eight Grammy Awards, three times as a solo artist, twice as a producer of younger brother Damian Marley’s albums, and an additional three times as a member of Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. His latest album is 2016’s Revelation Pt. 2 – The Fruit of Life. Special guest is DJ Shacia Payne. Stephen Marley will be performing as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Free. Hartwood Acres, 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (RH)

 Tuesday, July 16

Cornerstones of any post-punk dance-night, The Psychedelic Furs and James will co-headline the Roxian Theatre. The Psychedelic Furs’ core consists of vocalist/songwriter Richard Butler and his bass-playing brother, Tim. The Furs had major chart success with the songs “Love My Way,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Heaven,” and “The Ghost in You.” The post-punk British rockers were MTV darlings during the ’80s, and they inspired director John Hughes to create a movie around “Pretty in Pink.” Their ’82 single “Love My Way” was featured several times in the 2017 Oscar-nominated film Call Me by Your Name. James formed in the ’80s but didn’t break commercially until the ’90s with singles such as “Laid.” (Even if you don’t know the title, you likely know the opening crescendo and sultry first verse.) The group disbanded in 2001 but reunited in 2007. In the interim, singer Tim Booth portrayed the villain Victor Zsasz in 2005’s Batman Begins. James’s latest release is 2018’s Living in Extraordinary Times. Dear Boy opens. 8 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (EC, CM)

Thursday, July 18

Belle & Sebastian formed in Glasgow in 1996, but the Scottish indie rockers didn’t perform in Pittsburgh until 2013. It was worth the wait. During an outdoor concert at Stage AE, the band played all the hits, such as “I’m a Cuckoo,” “Expectations,” and “Piazza, New York Catcher.” The last was introduced with “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” (The Pirates and the Mets, Mike Piazza’s former team, happened to be playing nearby at PNC Park.) Frontman Stuart Murdoch later invited some concertgoers onstage to dance to “The Boy with the Arab Strap.” Fans had to wait only six years for them to return, this time as part of the Andy Warhol Museum’s Sound Series. Who knows what magic will transpire during their show at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland? Their latest album is 2018’s How to Solve Our Human Problems, a collection of three recently released EPs. Men I Trust open. 8 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. (CM)

Friday, July 19

Alice Cooper rose to fame in the early 1970s with the hits “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “School’s Out,” and “I’m Eighteen.” When Cooper first got on the rock radar, he shocked not only with horror imagery, but also with how hard and well he rocked, setting the stage for many rock/metal groups to follow. He blended horrific makeup and onstage props like guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, baby dolls, snakes, and dueling swords with high-quality rock and metal music. Rolling Stone called Cooper the world’s “most beloved heavy metal entertainer.” His dad was a preacher for The Church of Jesus Christ (the Bickertonites) which was headquartered in Monongahela, PA, and now in Greensburg. Cooper was raised in Detroit and then Arizona. He is a very accomplished amateur golfer. Paranormal is Cooper’s latest, and 27th, album, released in 2017. In 2018, Cooper performed as King Herod in NBC’s live performance of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. His concert is sure to be a music and theatrical event. Also on the bill is Halestorm, a heavy metal, rock and roll outfit from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, near York. The group features lead vocalist/guitarist Lzzy Hale and her brother, drummer/percussionist Arejay Hale. Motionless in White Opens. 7 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

Alice Cooper and his band in concert during Halloween Night of Horror at Wembley Arena, London, England, 2012. photo: Kreepin Deth

Saturday, July 20

Wiz Khalifa’s songs have been nominated for 10 Grammys, including the hometown fave “Black and Yellow.” The music video for “See You Again” (featuring Charlie Puth), from the Furious 7 soundtrack, was briefly the most viewed video on YouTube when it surpassed “Gangnam Style” by K-pop singer Psy in July 2017. “See You Again” pays tribute to one of the film’s stars, Paul Walker, who died in a car accident before the movie was completed. Khalifa and his backing band, Kush and Orange Juice, headlined Thrival Music at Carrie Furnace in 2017. The band is part of the larger Taylor Gang, Khalifa’s Pittsburgh-based record label. The name harks back to Taylor Allderdice High School, his alma mater, and his admiration of Chuck Taylor shoes. His latest release is this year’s Fly Times, Vol. 1: The Good Fly Young. He will play KeyBank Pavilion. French Montana, Playboi Carti, Moneybagg Yo, Chevy Woods, and DJ Drama open. 6 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Wiz Khalifia rapping with a smile on his face as his band Kush and Orange Juice performing in the background at the 2017 Thrival Music Festival. (Photo: Rick Handler)

It’s a double shot of power pop: Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World at Stage AE. Vocalist Stephen Jenkins is the remaining founding member of Third Eye Blind. They never repeated the commercial success of their 1997 eponymous debut, which sold 6 million copies in the U.S., but they’ve hardly sat around collecting royalties. The band—in various iterations—has continued to record and tour, and it has grown a new fan base, particularly with the release of 2009’s Ursa Major, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Its latest release is 2018’s Thanks for Everything, a covers EP the sales of which benefit the Andy Warhol Museum. Jimmy Eat World enjoyed their highest charting single with “The Middle,” a top five hit on the Billboard Top 40 in 2002. It continues to have a long shelf-life. (“Oh, my god, I love this song,” Taylor Swift says in a 2016 Apple Music ad before lip-syncing to it.) 2004’s “Pain” was another hit for the band. Jimmy Eat World formed in Mesa, Arizona in 1993. Ra Ra Riot, an indie rock band known for songs like “Dance with Me,” open. Doors open 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (HM, CM) 

Sunday, July 21

The last couple of times Darius Rucker was in town, he opened for Lady Antebellum. This time, he fronts Hootie & the Blowfish, who have regrouped for their Group Therapy Tour and will headline KeyBank Pavilion. Hootie & the Blowfish achieved immediate success with their debut LP, 1994’s Cracked Rear View, which is the 19th best-selling album in the United States. It was buoyed by the single “Only Wanna Be with You.” The band, which formed in 1986 in Columbia, South Carolina, released four more albums before going on hiatus, save the occasional charity gig, in 2008. They’re back and releasing new music. Opening is Barenaked Ladies. “One Week,” an ironic rap performed by Canadians, details a seven-day argument through nearly unintelligible lyrics. It spent (ahem) one week atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998. Other recognizable singles include “If I Had $1,000,000” and the theme for “The Big Bang Theory.” Barenaked Ladies formed in Scarborough, Ontario in 1988. Their latest LP is 2017’s Fake Nudes. 7:30 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Kurt Vile, who hails from Philadelphia, co-founded The War on Drugs, and he appears on their first two albums. He left amicably to focus on his solo career, and what a career it has been. He’s released eight studio albums in nine years. One of those is 2017’s Lotta Sea Lice, a collaborative LP with one of rock’s other great singer-songwriters, guitarists, and “speak-singers,” Courtney Barnett. The pair wrote originals, covered other artists’ songs, and covered each other’s songs. He does a sinister, murky take on her “Outta the Woodwork.” She, meanwhile, gorgeously covered his “Peepin’ Tom.” He released Bottle It In, which contains the single Bassackwards, in 2018. As a title, it’s clever. As a song, it sounds like Lou Reed meets Revolver-era Beatles. So, brilliant. His backing band is called the Violators. He comes to Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. Cate Le Bon opens. Free. 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (CM)

The Struts headlined the sold-out 105.9 The X’s Kick-Ass Christmas show last December at Stage AE. They return to Pittsburgh for warmer climes and another show at Stage AE. Their music (and flamboyant dress) harks back to glam and classic rock groups such as Queen and AC/DC. Frontman Luke Spiller met guitarist Adam Slack in 2009. They formed the Struts in Derby, England, and just five years later, the band opened for the Rolling Stones in Paris. 2014 saw the release of their debut LP, Everybody Wants, and in 2018, their sophomore LP, Young & Dangerous. Lest one thinks that they are a nostalgia act, know that they remixed their single “Body Talks” with Kesha. The Glorious Sons, a Canadian rock quintet who opened at that Christmas show, open again. JJ Wilde also opens. Doors open 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Tuesday, July 23

Between the Buried and Me is known for progressive, spiritually inspired metal with death-metal overtones. Formed in 2000 by lead vocalist Tommy Giles Rogers, Jr. and guitarist Paul Waggoner, the Raleigh, North Carolina quintet scored big with 2015’s Coma Ecliptic, which shot to no. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock, Top Rock, and Tastemaker charts. Their latest album(s) is/are last year’s two-piece release, Automata I and Automata II. Between the Buried and Me visit Pittsburgh to perform at the Rex Theater with special guest Nick Johnston. 7 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. (EC)

Friday, July 26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EJyo4ZU1HI

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes are bringing their wall-of-sound to, very appropriately South Park. The band features a New Jersey rock sound complemented by a very talented horn section. Southside Johnny’s first three albums were arranged and produced by the co-founder of the band and Bruce Springsteen associate, Steven Van Zandt. The albums were mainly composed of songs written by Van Zandt and/or Springsteen. They are especially well known for the songs “Trapped Again,” “Without Love,” and “We’re Having A Party.” Their most recent release is 2017’s Live From E Street. 7:30 p.m. South Side Johnny & The Asbury Jukes are performing as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Free. 3700 Farmshow Drive, South Park Township. (RH)

 Saturday, July 27

Vanderbilt University is one of the nation’s finest, and while many college-bound youths enroll there to become scientists or scholars, young Dierks Bentley chose Vanderbilt for a different reason: it’s in Nashville. The hard-working undergrad from Phoenix, Arizona, earned his B.A. in 1997, officially studying English and the liberal arts while unofficially pursuing the highly competitive art of country music. By 2001, Bentley had progressed from fighting for open-mic slots to cutting an indie album. That release, Don’t Leave Me in Love, didn’t sell much but is now a collector’s item. It led to a contract with Capitol Records Nashville, which led to Bentley’s self-titled platinum album in 2003, and the rest is history. Bentley has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, and not having won one yet probably has him feeling like soap star Susan Lucci, who was nominated for a Daytime Emmy 18 times before eventually winning one. So hang in there, Dierks! Bentley is on his Burning Man Tour. His most recent release is 2018’s The Mountain. You can catch him at KeyBank Pavilion with Jon Pardi and Tenille Towns. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (EC, RH)

Sunday, July 28

John Mayer went from pop to blues to jam-band. Let’s chart this development. One of his first singles was “Your Body Is a Wonderland,” which won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2003. He moved to blues in the mid-aughts by collaborating with legends such as B.B. King, forming the John Mayer Trio, and releasing Continuum in 2006. Cut to a few albums later, and John Mayer became a Deadhead after hearing “Althea” on a Pandora station. He befriended Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir in 2015. The pair and Dead drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann soon formed Dead & Company, which toured in 2015 and every year since then. Dead & Company aren’t coming to Pittsburgh this year, but Mayer is. He will perform his solo work at PPG Paints Arena. Mayer’s latest album is 2017’s The Search for Everything. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

Monday, July 29

Khalid is the first and only artist to have simultaneously all of the top five singles on Billboard’s R&B Songs chart. He accomplished this feat just this past April too. The following month he became the most-streamed artist on Spotify. (Ed Sheeran surpassed in June.)  Khalid has released two albums, most recently 2019’s Free Spirit. His discography, then, should be excellent fodder for his headlining set at PPG Paints Arena. What a trajectory. He opened for Lorde at arenas in 2017, and now he’s headlining them. His other work with Lorde includes appearing on a remix of her song “Homemade Dynamite” along with SZA and Post Malone. Khalid first charted with his debut single, “Location,” from his debut album, 2017’s American Teen. He’s been nominated for five Grammys, winning none, but it’s still very early in his already remarkable career. Clairo opens. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

Tuesday, July 30

When Lake Street Dive was in town in 2016, the band played the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival … the evening the Penguins won the Stanley Cup Finals. If you missed it, luckily the group tours regularly. The members, who met while students at Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music, named their band after a dive-bar-rich street in Minneapolis, trumpeter/guitarist Mike Olson’s hometown. Their sound has touches of pop, Americana, jazz, and soul. For proof of their cross-genre appeal, check out 2016’s Side Pony, their fifth LP. It debuted at the top of three Billboard album charts—Rock, Folk, and Alternative. “Call Off Your Dogs,” a song from that album, moves in many musical directions and features a music video filmed at the famed Electric Lady Studios in New York City. Keyboardist Akie Bermiss joined the band in 2017. Free Yourself Up, their sixth LP, was released in 2018. They play Stage AE. YOLA opens. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (RH, CM)

Wednesday, July 31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X4eXbdlzq8

Nobody compares to Freddie Mercury, but the new guy isn’t exactly chopped liver either. Maybe you caught Queen + Adam Lambert opening the Oscars show on TV this year. Now they’re performing live in Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena on their Rhapsody Tour. This current combination is a very British kind of marriage. The spouses, for instance, maintain separate residences: Queen at one website address in cyberspace, Adam Lambert at another. Lambert however is American (born in Indianapolis), and we should give thanks that he doesn’t try to be a Freddie impersonator. He brings his own voice and stage presence to collaborations with Queen, and it works. The mutual interest arose in 2009 when Queen lead guitarist Brian May saw a video of Lambert doing “Bohemian Rhapsody” as an audition for TV’s “American Idol.”  Later, in the series finale, Lambert and fellow contestant Kris Allen shared lead vocals on “We Are the Champions.” Allen won the “Idol” competition but Lambert went on to perform with Queen. Tickets for Queen + Adam Lambert in Pittsburgh are officially sold out, so check your secondary sources. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (MV)

Other Suggested Shows

Monday, July 1

Albert Lee, one of the world’s greatest and most unassuming guitarists, is playing Club Cafe. While with the British band Heads Hands & Feet, he co-wrote “Country Boy,” which later became a hit for American country singer Ricky Skaggs. Lee’s most recent album is 2019’s Gypsy Man – A Tribute To Buddy Holly. He began playing music as a boy in Blackheath, London. The Cryers open. 8 p.m.  56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (CM)

Sunday, July 7

Sublime’s self-titled third album was a hit in 1996 and 1997, but it was bittersweet. The trio’s original singer, Bradley Nowell, died before the completion of the album. Bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh first performed with singer Rome Ramirez in 2009. Ramirez sounds remarkably like Nowell as this appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” attests. Sublime with Rome play Stage AE. Their latest album is this year’s Blessings. SOJA, Common Kings, and Seranation open. Doors open 5 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Wednesday, July 10

Florida alt-metal band Shinedown headlines KeyBank Pavilion. The band debuted with 2003’s Leave a Whisper, which was later rereleased to include a popular cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” Shinedown is touring in support of 2018’s Attention Attention with leadoff single, “Devil.” Badflower, Dinosaur Pile-Up, and Broken Hands open. 6:30 p.m. p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Saturday July 13

Pianist Bruce Hornsby’s very first single, “The Way It Is,” struck the international consciousness. The song depicts the American Civil Rights Movement and issues such as homelessness. Rap artists such as Tupac Shakur later sampled it. Hornsby has toured and recorded with his former band, the Range, and has released solo albums. Deadheads know him from his recorded and live appearances with the Grateful Dead. The Noisemakers, his current band, will be backing him at the Roxian Theatre. Attendees get a free copy of his latest album, this year’s Absolute Zero. 8 p.m. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. (CM)

Sunday, July 14

Watch Pharrell Williams’s face while Maggie Rogers shares her art-folk song “Alaska” with him during a masterclass. (It seems she passed.) She also transcribed hours of interviews for Lizzy Goodman’s Meet Me in the Bathroom, an oral history of rock in New York City in the ’00s. Rogers’s major-label debut, Heard It in a Past Life, was released this year. She performs at Stage AE. Natalie Prass opens. Doors open 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Friday, July 19

Sad Summer Festival is doing something rather sweet: partnering with local nonprofits at every tour stop. Fans who provide food donations to Christopher’s Kitchen at Stage AE will be granted first entry. Christopher’s Kitchen donates food for caregivers waiting for their sick and injured children at the emergency department and pediatric ICU at UPMC Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Home and Lemieux Family Center. The festival features The Maine, a pop-emo-rock band from Tempe, Arizona. The group’s latest album is this year’s You Are OK. Mayday Parade, State Champs, The Wonder Years, Mom Jeans., Stand Atlantic, Just Friends, and Jetty Bones open. Doors open at 1 p.m.. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Tuesday, July 23

Screaming Females hail from New Brunswick, New Jersey. The trio released its seventh album, All At Once, in 2018. It includes “I’ll Make You Sorry.” Touring honors include opening for The Dead Weather, a supergroup whose members include Alison Mosshart and Jack White, in 2009. Screaming Females will play Spirit. Dark Thoughts open. 7 p.m. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. (CM)

Friday, July 26

Breaking Benjamin return to KeyBank Pavilion. The hard rock band formed across the state in Wilkes-Barre in 1999. The Benjamin in question is singer and guitarist Benjamin Burnley. He is the sole remaining founding member of the group and also an avid gamer. No surprise then Breaking Benjamin wrote the song “Blow Me Away” specifically for the Halo 2 soundtrack in 2004. The band’s latest album is 2018’s Ember. Three Days Grace, who hold the record for most No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart with 15, open. Chevelle, Dorothy, and Diamante also open. 5:30 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28

The third annual Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival unfolds over two days at the Syria Shrine Center in Cheswick. Drawing top talent both nationally and locally, the Festival is produced by the nonprofit Band Together Pittsburgh, with proceeds benefiting the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. Headline acts include zydeco virtuosos C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band (Saturday) and master blasters Tommy Castro and the Painkillers (Sunday). Featured artists also include Dana Fuchs, Vanessa Collier, Bobby Thompson and The Groove, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, Bill Toms and Hard Rain, and more. Acts begin at times from 1:30 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday; 1:45 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Moreover, there’s a pre-festival Warm-Up Party with Billy Price and Albert Castiglia at Moondogs in Blawnox on Friday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m. Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. (RH/MV)

Pittsburgh Winery is hosting its fourth annual Vine Rewind. Performers over the two-day event, which takes place Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, include: New Invisible Joy, Lyndsey Smith, Punchline, Starship Mantis, Byron Nash, Mark Dignam, Good Brother Earl, Buffalo Rose, and more. There will be two stages again this year. Several of the food purveyors on hand will be Blowfish BBQ, Edgars Best Tacos, Onion Maiden, Backwoods BBQ, and Straub Beer. Be sure to have some of Pittsburgh Winery’s tasty wine. Vine Rewind will be held on the 2700 block of Penn Avenue in the Strip District. (RH)

Sunday, July 28

Snail Mail is the project of Lindsey Jordan. Her debut, Lush, released in 2018, made many publications’ year-end best-of lists, and songs such as “Pristine” echo alt-rock veteran Liz Phair. She and her band will perform at The Rex Theater. Sasami, whose “Morning Comes” music video doubles as a Korean cooking show, opens. 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. (CM)

The Rolls-Royce is a big car, and a keeper. Rose Royce is a big R&B band—complete with horns as standard equipment—and they just keep on motoring, too. The L.A.-based musicians got their start in the early 1970s, performing a West Coast variant of the Motown sound. Their big break came when they were chosen to provide the music for the 1976 movie Car Wash. Their Car Wash soundtrack LP won the ’77 Grammy Award for that category. Rose Royce performs free at Hartwood Acres, along with special guests Steeltown Horns, as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (MV)

On the Radar

Thursday, August 1
Heart (KeyBank Pavilion)
Jeff Lynne’s ELO (PPG Paints Arena)

Friday, August 2
Florida Georgia Line (KeyBank Pavilion)
Aaron Neville (The Meadows)
Clutch and Killswitch Engage (Stage AE)
Happy Together: The Turtles, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV and The Cowsills. (Palace Theatre)

Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3
Flood City Music Festival feat. the Gin Blossoms (Johnstown)

Saturday, August 3
Molly Hatchet (Consol Energy Park)
Ace Frehley (Palace Theatre)
Bill Deasy (Club Cafe)

Sunday, August 4
Guster with Meeting of Important People (Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater)
UB40 (Jergel’s)

Tuesday, August 6
Shawn Mendes (PPG Paints Arena)
Ben Folds & Violent Femmes (Stage AE)
Ted Nugent (Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall)

Wednesday, August 7
Lucinda Williams and her band Buick 6 (Byham Theater)
Work in Progress (feat. Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things) (Stage AE)

Thursday, August 8
Nelly, TLC, and Flo Rida (KeyBank Pavilion)
Uncle Kracker (Jergel’s)

Friday, August 9
RaeLynn (South Park Amphitheater)
John Schneider (Jergel’s)

Saturday, August 10
Interpol (Stage AE)
Chris Stapleton (KeyBank Pavilion)

Saturday, August 10 and Sunday August 11
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Rivers Casino)

Sunday, August 11
Common (Roxian Theatre)
Black Flag (The Rex Theater)
The B.B. King Blues Band feat. Michael Lee (Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater)

Tuesday, August 13
The Raconteurs (Stage AE)

Wednesday, August 14
Sir Mix-a-Lot (Jergel’s)
Jill Sobule (Club cafe)

Friday, August 16
Foghat (South Park Amphitheater)
Montgomery Gentry (Jergel’s)
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. (Palace Theatre)

Saturday, August 17
Iron Maiden (PPG Paints Arena)
Korn and Alice in Chains (KeyBank Pavilion)
The Commonheart (Club Cafe)

Tuesday, August 20
Flogging Molly and Social Distortion (Stage AE)

Wednesday, August 21
Popa Chubby (Jergel’s)

Thursday, August 22
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Mr. Smalls Theatre)
Tab Benoit (Jergel’s)
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (Club Cafe)
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (Spirit)

Friday, August 23
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (Mr. Smalls Theatre)

Sunday, February 25
Live and Bush (Stage AE)
The Manhattan Transfer (Hartwood Acres)
The Bacon Brothers (Jergel’s)

Tuesday, August 27
Rob Thomas (Benedum Center)

Wednesday, August 28
Toad the Wet Sprocket (Jergel’s)

Friday, August 30
Love & Special Sauce (Roxian Theatre)
Squeeze and KT Tunstall  (Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall)

Saturday, August 31
Beauty Slap (The Rex Theater)

Christopher Maggio is a Pittsburgh-based writer and editor who enjoys live music.

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