July ’18 Concert Guide: The Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Foo Fighters, Greta Van Fleet, and Two Starships

You probably know already that July is another big month for concerts in the ’Burgh. Four of the biggest acts this month are The Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Foo Fighters, and Greta Van Fleet.

The Eagles had wrestled with whether to continue or disband after the death of one of the group’s mainstays, Glenn Frey, two years ago. In interviews, The Eagles’ Don Henley said it was important to continue by adding some family members to the group. And Jimmy Buffett is like a friendly uncle who comes to visit each summer and shows everybody a good time with his music, band, and tropical motifs. Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters play a sold out show at PPG Paints Arena. Greta Van Fleet is a hot, young rock band who sure can play and have achieved great success in a short period of time.

Summer is prime country twang time here, and it continues this month with Rascal Flatts and Shania Twain. Classic rock is well represented with a Chicago/REO Speedwagon pairing and a Styx/Joan Jett/Tesla combo. Yes is also in town to celebrate its 50 years as a band. Other top names include The Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, and Arctic Monkeys. ’80s pop rockers Joe Jackson, Boy George with Culture Club, and Thompson Twin Tom Bailey play concerts here. Oh, and we are happy to say that we have two different Starship concerts landing here this month!

On the hometown heroes front, big time rapper Wiz Khalifa returns home for another hazy summer show, this time with Rae Sremmurd. Deutschtown Music Festival, Vine Rewind, and Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival showcase some of the region’s best musical entertainers. And Social Justice Disco, featuring the dynamic duo of Phat Man Dee and Liz Berlin, have a CD release party this month. Chris Higbee brings his good-time fiddle music to Rivers Casino. Mid-summer is a great time to see some concerts. Check out some of ours or your own faves, and remember to stay hydrated with more than your favorite craft IPA.

Entertainment Central Spotlighted Concerts for July.

Tuesday, July 3

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

Now this is an interesting show: Ray LaMontagne with special guest Neko Case. Neither singer-songwriter has an easily identifiable genre—sometimes bluesy, sometimes folksy, and sometimes a curious hybrid of several genres—but both are always equipped with a story to tell and music to ease the soul. New Hampshire-born LaMontagne showcases a real vocal talent that’s raspy and gravelly. Whether caught in the throes of a doomed affair (“Jolene”) or the spark of new love (“Supernova”), chances are he has a song in his repertoire to fit your mood. He celebrates a prolific career, having just released his seventh studio album in 14 years, titled Part of the Light. Jim James of My Morning Jacket produced his last album, Ouroboros, in 2016.

Neko Case’s voice filled Point State Park when she performed at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival in 2015. She has a number of acclaimed solo albums, such as 2006’s Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, and has contributed lead and backing vocals to numerous songs by indie-rock band The New Pornographers. Her most recent release was this year’s Hell-On. 8 p.m. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District. (EC, CM)

Thursday, July 5

Yes started out in 1968 performing original songs and reworked covers. Their first two albums were mostly uneventful, and they were even on the verge of being dropped by their record label. Then the band made a dramatic turn into experimental (progressive) rock. A few personnel moves were made, and guitarist Steve Howe joined the main founding members Jon Anderson and Chris Squire. Their fortunes also turned as their next album, The Yes Album, released in ’71, was a breakthrough success. The album reached no. 4 in the UK and no. 40 on the U.S. charts. “Starship Trooper” and “Yours Is No Disgrace” were top songs from the release. The band is known as one of the progressive rock pioneers. The members’ innovative vocal harmonies, guitars, rhythm section, and keyboards left a mark on the music industry despite breakups and reunions. There are currently two Yes outfits: Yes and Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman. Yes is led by longtime band members Howe and Alan White (drums, percussion). The group’s last release was 2014’s Heaven & Earth. Yes was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2017. This tour is #Yes50:: Celebrating 50 Years of Yes. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (RH)

Saturday, July 7

A best-selling author, successful restaurateur, and beverage manufacturer will be making an appearance in the Pittsburgh area. Who might that be, you ask? Jimmy Buffett! The quintessential singer-songwriter has successfully transformed his brand of fun and vacation-y party music into a series of books, restaurants, and libations. Oh, don’t worry, he still has time to visit with Parrot Heads (Buffett fans) in Pittsburgh every year. Some likely sounds on the setlist for Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band include “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” and “Fins.” Buffett, who upon college graduation worked for a while as a correspondent for Billboard magazine in Nashville, first started out performing in the country arena and busked for tourists in New Orleans. A busking trip to Key West gave him the inspiration for his island sound, one which is a unique mix of country, folk, pop, and tropical melodies. 8 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

Long before suburban sprawl, Long Island was known for its oyster industry—and then, in the strangest of cosmic convergences, the Island gave birth to Blue Öyster Cult. Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, Eric Bloom, and company have been among the heaviest of heavy-metal and genre-busting rockers for more than a generation. Now Roeser and Bloom with the current incarnation of Blue Öyster Cult play The Meadows Racetrack and Casino  Be prepared for songs including “Godzilla,” “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” and an oyster-y feast of many more. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (MV)

Sunday, July 8

“Hey, come on, come along take a ride/There’s a party over there, that ain’t no jive/It’s live, live, it’s all the way live” are lyrics from Lakeside’s song “Fantastic Voyage.” And what a great voyage it is riding along on a sweet funk groove. The Dayton, Ohio, group scored a number one hit on the R&B charts with the song in 1981. Many of their songs provided a dance soundtrack in the ’70s and ’80s. Opening is The Bill Henry Band. The Original Lakeside show is part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Hartwood Acres Amphitheatre, 4070 Middle Road, Allison Park, PA. (RH)

Tuesday, July 10

Early in their respective careers, the Rolling Stones played West View Park’s Danceland, and U2 played the Decade in Oakland. Similarly, Arcade Fire performed at the Rex Theatre in June 2004, less than three months before the release of their debut studio album, Funeral. They opened for the Unicorns; both acts were from Montreal. Almost 10 years passed before Arcade Fire visited Pittsburgh again. They headlined at Consol Energy Center, and like those aforementioned rockers, had become a great live act. (Some of the band’s members even backed Mick Jagger on “Saturday Night Live” in 2012.) They also won an Album of the Year Grammy for The Suburbs in 2011. Their sound draws from David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen, but they incorporate other genres, like Haitian rara, to create their own form of arena rock. This time, Pittsburghers needed to wait only four years for their return. They headline an outdoor show at Stage AE. Their latest release is 2017’s Everything Now. Hamilton Leithauser, frontman of The Walkmen, opens. Doors open 5:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Friday, 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 sixth year and once a Saturday-only event, the festival has spilled into Friday night. The lineup features over 200 Pittsburgh acts, including Murder for Girls, Slugss, Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors, the Nox Boys, As Ladders, little good bad, and Ferdinand the Bull. Bluegrass, punk, rap, rock, and other genres are represented. Some venues, like Penn Brewery, are outside Deutschtown. For a complete list of venues and acts, check out the festival’s website. Food trucks, art vendors, and a beer garden will be on site. 3–11:45 p.m. Fri., July 13, and 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Sat., July 14. Free. Deutschtown (East Allegheny), North Side. (CM)

Erin Rae’s sophomore album, Putting On Airs, addresses addiction, mental health, and sexuality. The single “June Bug” pairs Rae’s arresting imagery with slow, lush guitar and piano, conjuring a sleepy summer evening in Nashville, where Rae is based. However, she recorded Putting On Airs in Appleton, Wisc., at a former Franciscan monastery. Indeed, the outro of “June Bug” conjures a church procession. The album follows her debut, 2015’s Soon Enough. Rae has also collaborated with fellow Nashville singer-songwriter Margo Price, whom she supported this spring along with the Mountain Goats.

Rae will be supporting The Lone Bellow for their concert at Mr. Smalls Theatre. The indie-folk trio formed in Brooklyn, New York City, but like Rae, is now based in Nashville. 2015’s Then Came the Morning, the group’s second album, saw production by Aaron Dessner (of The National) and brass and string arrangements by Bryce Dessner (also of The National). A standout single from that LP is “Fake Roses.” The Lone Bellow also shared the bill with Cold War Kids for the Feed More Festival at Stage AE in 2016. The band is now touring in support of 2017’s Walk into a Storm, its third record. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

Saturday, July 14

Styx is the mythical river in Greek mythology that sets the boundary between Earth and Hades. It’s also the name of a Chicago rock band whose major success was between the chronological boundaries of 1972 and 1984. During that period, the band had four consecutive multi-platinum albums and 16 top-40 singles on the U.S. charts. The hit parade included songs like “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” Oh, and of course Steeler fans love Styx’s “Renegade,” which is often played at home games. Their latest album is 2017’s The Mission.

Styx co-headlines a concert at KeyBank Pavilion with Joan Jett, who co-founded The Runaways. You can draw a line from Runaways songs, such as “Cherry Bomb,” to riot grrrl acts, like Bikini Kill. After The Runaways dissolved in 1979, Jett went solo. She and her band, the Blackhearts, are best known for their 1982 number one hit, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” “Bad Reputation” was another great track. Outside of rock ‘n’ roll, she co-starred alongside Michael J. Fox in 1987’s Light of Day, and she played Columbia in the 2000 Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. Her latest album is 2013’s Unvarnished.

Opening is Tesla, who is named after inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The band hit its stride in the early ’90s with a tight group, the rich vocals of Jeff Keith, and the ability to craft some popular power ballads. Tesla’s best known songs include “Love Song,” “What You Give,” and “Signs.” The band has sold over 25 million albums. Their latest album is 2014’s Simplicity. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (EC, CM)

Monday, July 16

The Vans Warped Tour—which at its core is a punk rock showcase—long ago expanded to include dubstep, hip-hop, metal, reggae, and other genres. Begun in 1995, the Warped Tour is not only the largest touring music festival in the United States but also the longest-running. The tour launched Green Day, Blink-182, even Katy Perry. This year, with dozens of acts playing the tour’s KeyBank Pavilion date, there’s too many to list. Bowling for Soup, who were also on last year’s bill, will again make the tour party like it’s 1985. Another top act is the ska band Reel Big Fish. And Simple Plan, who are no strangers to the tour having played it 10 times, again return from their native Montreal. Set times and performance locations are not determined until the day of the show, so attendees should arrive early and seek the performance schedule, which is printed not on paper but on a giant, inflated billboard. Concertgoers take heed—this is the last year of a cross-country Vans Warped Tour, although the promoter intimated there will be some sort of “celebration” next year for its 25th anniversary. 11 a.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Tuesday, July 17

Turns out Shania Twain isn’t saying goodbye just yet. The Canadian country singer was last in Pittsburgh on her supposed farewell tour, but she returns yet again. This time, she’s promoting a new album, Now, her first since 2002’s Up! She’s one of the best-selling artists of all time; she’s collected five Grammys, and with 1997’s Come On Over, claims the title of best-selling country album and best-selling album by a female artist. Featuring hits “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and “You’re Still The One,” it was a country-pop-rock crossover juggernaut. After a long struggle with voice problems, she returned to performing with Shania: Still The One, a two-year residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from 2012 to 2014. The Rock This Country Tour, her “farewell tour,” followed. Twain plays at PPG Paints Arena. Bastian Baker opens. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (EC, CM)

Singer-songwriter Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his band visit the Palace Theatre on their 2018 tour. Much can be said of Shepherd’s prolific library—it’s raw, southern-styled, slightly grungy, and highly bluesy. Shepherd, 41, hails from Shreveport, La.; his southern roots are apparent in his music. Impressively, he’s relatively young compared to many of his blues compatriots, though he’s been recording music since he was only 16 years old; he released his first studio album, Ledbetter Heights, in 1995. It’s no wonder: He’s got a hell of a talent for blues guitar and boasts a strong stage presence. Since that first release, he’s carved out an enviable reputation as one of America’s most accomplished blues guitarists. Besides selling millions of albums, Shepherd has received three Grammy nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, and a slew of other awards specific to the blues genre. His current tour promotes and celebrates his newest release, Lay It on Down, which dropped last August. Shepherd is joined by the similar blues/rock artist Beth Hart, who also has a Grammy nomination, and her band. 7:30 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. (RH)

Wednesday, July 18

To baseball historians, Joe Jackson was the great outfielder accused of conspiring to throw the 1919 World Series in the controversial Black Sox scandal, but there’s another Joe Jackson, who is active on the music scene today—and he’s a five-tool player. This modern Jackson writes, sings, plays piano and keyboards, and blows a sax. His many genres include rock, pop, jazz, classical (!), and an updated version of big-band swing. Jackson started performing music in 1970 at the age of 16, and he is still creating new material at 63. Over the years, he has moved from his native England to New York to Berlin, released 20 studio albums, and performed with multitudes of various bands, ad-hoc combos, and collaborating artists. Jackson’s latest album is 2015’s Fast Forward, and he’ll be here at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 8 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (MV)

When the Greta Van Fleet show was announced several months back and sold out quickly, my curiosity was piqued. I had heard of the band, but hadn’t really heard any of their songs. I checked out a few of Greta Van Fleet’s videos on YouTube and saw what the attraction was—they are a melodic, hard rocking band that is very reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. Lead singer Josh Kiszka’s wailing vocals sound evocative of Led Zeppelin’s lead singer, Robert Plant, who reportedly likes the group. Some people have called out the Frankenmuth, Michigan band for those similarities. Whether they have or haven’t flown too closely to previous stars’ works, Greta Van Fleet has created music that people wanted to hear and did it well. Greta Van Fleet is composed of the brothers Kiszka—Josh, Sam (bass guitar/keyboards), and Jake (lead guitar)—and Danny Wagner (drums). The group’s name is from the name of a hometown resident, Gretna Van Fleet, who gave them her OK. They are a relatively young band, just formed in 2012, but have enjoyed great success. From the Fires, their EP which was released in November 2017, hit No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. hard rock chart and No. 4 on the U.S. rock chart. Special guest is Cloves. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (RH)

The Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band plays KeyBank Pavilion. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks are band mates and a married couple. They formed the band in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2010 after both had already tasted career success. Trucks was a member of the Allman Brothers for a number of years, fronted his own band, and worked on projects with many musicians, including Eric Clapton. He’s known as one of the guitar greats and was ranked No. 16 on Rolling Stone‘s list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2011. Before becoming a headliner of her own, Susan Tedeschi opened for top acts like B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and even the Allman Brothers (that’s how they met in 1999). Known for her pleasant vocals, she is a respected guitarist in her own right.  The Tedeschi Trucks Band has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and won one in 2012 for the album Revelator. Before flying the banner of Tedeschi Trucks Band, the two collaborated in their previous band, Soul Stew Revival. Their soulful, blues-rock twelve-piece band is a big reason for their success. Additionally, their tour is called the Wheels of Soul 2018 Tour. Opening is Drive-By Truckers and The Marcus King Band. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

Thursday, July 19

Foo Fighters, a band created by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, co-opted their name from the term World War II pilots gave to UFOs and anomalies they would encounter while flying missions. Four Foo Fighters’ albums have won Best Rock Album Grammys, a great accomplishment. Their music has a hard rock base with good rhythms and melody and strong clear vocals by Grohl, who also plays guitar and sometimes drums. Their latest studio album is Concrete and Gold, released in September of 2017 and debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album was heavily influenced by the state of the nation, which Grohl describes as a mix of “hope and desperation.” 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (RH)

 Friday, July 20

The rock band Gin Blossoms rose to fame out of Tempe, Ariz., in the ’90s on well-crafted pop-rock songs with strong instrumentality and melodic vocals. The band has survived the suicide of founding member Doug Hopkins in 1993 and a breakup in 1997. Songs that have “blossomed” for the band include its biggest hits, “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” and “Found Out About You.” Gin Blossoms just released a new album on June 15, Mixed Reality. Special guest is Tonic. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (RH)

Rapper/actor Tone Loc is best known for his two biggest hits, “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina.” “Wild Thing” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1989, and “Medina” reached No. 3 on that chart the same year. While there weren’t many hits after those, his acting career took off. His latest role was as a voice actor for Bat Eyewitness in 2016’s Zootopia. Loc has performed on the recent multi-act I Love the ’90s Tour. Also performing is Color Me Badd, a boy band/pop R&B group that formed in 1985 and is best known for the hits “I Wanna Sex You Up” and “All 4 Love.” The Meadows Racetrack and Casino. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (RH)

Saturday, July 21

There are two derivations of the former Jefferson Airplane currently touring, and both will be in Pittsburgh this month. Jefferson Starship, which was revived in 1992, had a founding Jefferson Airplane member, Paul Kantner, as its leader until his death in 2016. The other band is Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Thomas was not a founding member of Jefferson Airplane but joined the remnants of Jefferson Starship in 1979. Thomas is the lead singer who was on the hits “Jane,” “Sara,” and “We Built This City.” There have been lawsuits over name usage and retirements and un-retirements over the years, but both bands are touring and playing the wonderful Jefferson Airplane/Starship tunes. Isn’t rock and roll grand! Starship featuring Mickey Thomas plays The Meadows Racetrack and Casino. 8 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington. (RH)

Bush—an English grunge band formed in London in 1992—gained early success with its first album, Sixteen Stone. The rockers’ 1996 release, Razorblade Suitcase, went to number one on the Billboard album chart, thanks to singles like “Swallowed.” Bush is currently touring in support of its latest album, 2017’s Black and White Rainbows. The band plays KeyBank Pavilion along with The Cult, who is also from England. “She Sells Sanctuary” is a standout song. Stone Temple Pilots, now fronted by Jeff Gutt after the death of Scott Weiland, are also on the bill. 6:30 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (EC, CM)

The second annual Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival will take place over two days at the Syria Shrine Center in Cheswick. The nonprofit group Band Together Pittsburgh organized the event. Proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. The strong lineup of blues musicians includes headliners John Nemeth (Saturday) and Walter Trout (Sunday). Tas Cru, Bernard Allison, Gathering Field, Jimbo & the Soupbones, The Nied’s Hotel Band, a Tribute to the Legendary Women of Blues, and more perform. 1:45 – 11 p.m. Saturday; 1:45 to 9 p.m. Sunday. There will also be a pre-festival party with Billy Price at Moondogs in Blawnox on Friday, July 20 at 8:30 p.m. Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. (RH)

 Tuesday, July 24

The Eagles are a quintessential American rock band. Their talent and versatility allowed them to excel at both ballads and rockers. And The Eagles’ vocal harmonies are some of the best in the business. Five number-one singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six number-one albums demonstrate their popularity as one of the best-selling bands of the 1970s. The Eagles were founded in Los Angeles, California in 1971 by Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals). Leadon left the group in ’75, Meisner in ’77, and Frey passed away in 2016. However, The Eagles have managed to fly on. Timothy B. Schmit has been the band’s longtime bass guitar player and shined singing lead vocals on the hit “I Can’t Tell You Why.” Another longtime member is Joe Walsh, whose guitar playing powered many of the songs on The Eagles’ blockbuster album Hotel California and subsequent ones as well. Vince Gill has joined as a touring musician. He has had a successful solo career and was once a member of Pure Prairie League. Also joining the band on tour is Deacon Frey (Glenn’s son) and Will Henley (Don’s son). Sounds like it will be a great, albeit different, Eagles experience. Some of the Eagles’ most popular songs include “One of These Nights,” “Hotel California,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It Easy,” “The Last Resort,” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” 8 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (RH)

 Wednesday, July 25

The Jamaican group Third World has many musical influences. First and foremost is reggae, especially the master Bob Marley and his band, The Wailers. Additional influences have included pop, rock, soul, and funk. It’s been a successful mix for them, as they’ve had several top hits, including “Now That We Found Love,” “Sense of Purpose,” and “Try Jah Love.” This reggae jam will be at the Rex Theater. 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. (RH)

Thursday, July 26

Wiz Khalifa’s songs have been nominated for 10 Grammys, including the hometown fav “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 last year. 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 album is Rolling Papers 2, which will have dropped by the time of his concert at KeyBank Pavilion.

Co-headlining is Rae Sremmurd, a rap duo from Tupelo, Mo. . They are arguably most famous for their song “Black Beatles” (featuring Gucci Mane). The single became synonymous with the Mannequin Challenge in 2016. According to the New York Times, a Colony High School student in Ontario, Calif., became the first person to pair the song, his favorite, with the challenge, which involves people not moving while a camera pans them. (Paul McCartney himself soon got in on the fun, further cementing “Black Beatles” with the challenge.) Rae Sremmurd’s latest release is SR3MM, a triple album: one record by the duo and two solo records by each member, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi. Lil Skies and O.T. Genasis open. 6 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

The last time Radiohead played Pittsburgh was in 1997 at Metropol. “Creep,” the English quintet’s breakout single, was barely five years old, and the band was touring OK Computer, its third album. The record deconstructed (and then reconstructed) not only Radiohead’s sound but arguably the sound of all of rock. (See “Paranoid Android,” which musically is like Yes by way of the Caribbean and lyrically like George Orwell, had he lived to see the Internet.) The band remade rock yet again for its fourth album, the electronic-based Kid A, released in 2000. Other career highlights include 2007’s In Rainbows, which people tend to remember more for its pay-what-you-will price and less for its equally amazing sonic architecture. The group seemed to lose steam with 2011’s King of Limbs, but surprised the naysayers with 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool, its latest. Radiohead returns (finally) for a headlining show at PPG Paints Arena. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

Friday, July 27

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJLsgs3KVc

1965 was the year rock turned seriously psychedelic. Among other things, three new groups emerged from the San Francisco area’s folk-rock scene sounding more like musicians from another planet: the Grateful Dead, Country Joe and the Fish (remember them?)—and Jefferson Airplane. Airplane’s co-founder, Paul Kantner, started his successor band, Jefferson Starship, to play the music of Jefferson Airplane and more. Kantner died in 2016 at the age of 74, but the music goes on. The band’s female vocalist, Cathy Richardson, has a big voice that wakes the echoes. It’s impossible to replace Grace Slick, who is a painter now, but Richardson does a mighty fine job in her own right. Expect to hear Woodstock-era numbers like “Volunteers” and “White Rabbit” in a show that should be a trip. So trip on out to South Park as this concert is part of the Allegheny County Concert Series. Working Breed opens. 7:30 p.m. South Park Amphitheatre, 3700 Farmshow Dr., South Park Township. (MV, RH)

Country-pop trio Rascal Flatts are coming to town—well, actually to KeyBank Pavilion, just a little ways out of town—on their Back to Us Tour, and when these boys come to town, they really go to town. The Columbus, Ohio band’s 2014 album, Rewind, topped at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, featuring hit singles like “Rewind,” “Riot,” and “I Like the Sound of That.” The group is made up of vocalist Gary LeVox, bass and keyboard player Jay DeMarcus, and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. Rascal Flatts’ latest album is 2017’s Back to Us, on which they produced every track on their own, except one on the deluxe edition. The release has enjoyed some very good success, entering the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at No. 2. Dan + Shay and Carly Pearce open. 7:30 p.m. 665 Rt.18, Burgettstown. (EC, RH)

Saturday, July 28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpL9ZSmG1Zo

Classic-rock mainstay Chicago has remained vibrant and popular throughout the decades despite lead singer Peter Cetera leaving the band for a solo career in 1985, personnel changes, and a lack of latter-day chart successes. Why has Chicago remained so popular? The answer is in the music. Every musician is highly accomplished, and the band’s big wall of sound brings it all together. Best known for its brassy horn section—which gives extra depth to hits like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Just You ‘n’ Me” “Beginnings,” and “If You Leave Me Now“—Chicago had a longer name at its start in 1967. The rockers called themselves Chicago Transit Authority but were forced to change it … by the Chicago Transit Authority. The band’s last release was 2014’s XXXVI: Now. Also on the bill is REO Speedwagon, who first achieved success with its 1978 album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, which contained “Roll with the Changes” and “Time for Me to Fly.” Their ’80 release, Hi Infidelity, had four singles that went on to become major hits. 7:30 p.m. KeyBank Pavilion, 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (RH)

Pittsburgh Winery is hosting its third annual Vine Rewind. Performers over the two-day event, which takes place 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28 and noon Sunday, July 29, include The Clarks, Paul Luc, The Buckle Downs, Divinity Roxx, Buffalo Rose, Red Beans and Rice, Lyndsey Smith and The Soul Distribution, Nameless in August, and more. There will be two stages this year. Several of the food purveyors on hand will be Blowfish BBQ, Edgars Best Tacos, Backwoods BBQ, and Straub Beer. Be sure to have some of Pittsburgh Winery’s tasty wine. Vine Rewind will be held on the 28th Street block of Penn Ave. (RH)

Sunday, July 29

Formed in England in 1981, and led by the charismatic, androgynously styled Boy George, Culture Club created songs that were in heavy radio rotation and shown frequently on the then newly launched MTV. The original lineup is now back together and touring again, with a stop in Pittsburgh. Culture Club’s music is a little bit of sugar pop, a touch of rock, and a melodic mix of lead and backing vocal harmonies. The group’s second album, Colour by Numbers, went quadruple platinum in the U.S. and was named one of Rolling Stone’s Top 100 albums of the 1980s. Widely known for their hits, including “Time (Clock of the Heart),” “Karma Chameleon,” “Church of the Poison Mind” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” Boy George and Culture Club became such a part of popular culture that George was affectionately satirized in the Adam Sandler film The Wedding Singer. Opening is Tom Bailey of ’80s pop band The Thompson Twins. Doors open 6 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (RH)

Tuesday, July 31

Sardonic wit courtesy of frontman Alex Turner, plus breakneck instrumentation, made the Arctic Monkeys’ debut studio album, 2006’s Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, one of the most lauded debuts of all time. The hype scored the English band an appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” They then released three more albums. All arguably great, but by 2013, the hype had died down a bit until, that is, they released AM, a next-level album. “Do I Wanna Know?”—with its lumbering drums and a lyrical wordplay indebted to rap—became a hit across radio stations and streaming services. The band also got an assist from Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who sang backing vocals on two songs. Arctic Monkeys took a break but are back with the piano-driven Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, released this year. They headline the Petersen Events Center. Mini Mansions open. 8 p.m. 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. (CM)

Several Other Suggested Shows

Friday, July 6

The Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster” was a number one single for the Dayton funkateers. One minute and 24 seconds into it, somebody screams. There have been many explanations, but the most widely circulated involved Ester Cordet, the model on the Honey album cover. The story goes that the heated honey left her burned—her scream is either from the burns themselves or from the band’s manager stabbing her to death (!) after she threatened to sue for her disfigurement. Complete urban legend, of course; it was really keyboardist Billy Beck. Cordet, a former Playboy Playmate, is also still alive. Urban legend aside, “Love Rollercoaster” is a standout funk tune and one of two number one hits for the band—the other was “Fire.” The group will be bringing the funk to the Rivers Casino. 8 p.m. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Sunday, July 8

Social Justice Disco is a collaboration between area musicians Phat Man Dee and Liz Berlin. The former is a jazz singer; the latter is a founding member of Rusted Root. They call their music “songs to fight fascists by” in order to counteract intolerance and injustice. These songs include originals and covers, such as “Have You Been To Jail for Justice?” (That song was written by local musician and activist Anne Feeney and was popularized by Peter, Paul and Mary.) They are having a CD release party at Mr. Smalls, which Berlin co-owns. Other performers include Johnny Creed Coe & Family, Pastor Deryck Tines & the Lemington Gospel Chorale, Miguel Sague Jr., Leslie Ezra Smith, Holly Hood, Big Jus, Christina Springer, and Ms. Thea Trix. 7 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

Wednesday, July 18

Panic! at the Disco headline PPG Paints Arena. The band released its debut, the infectious A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, in 2005. Its latest is Pray for the Wicked, which was released this June and preceded by “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” the album’s lead single. Frontman Brendon Urie appeared on Broadway in 2017 as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. Opening is Hayley Kiyoko, who played Mr. Smalls in June while promoting her debut LP, this year’s Expectations. Arizona also opens. 7 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (CM)

Sunday, July 22

Chris Brown plays a concert at KeyBank Pavilion. His debut single, “Run It!,” went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. His latest album is 2017’s Heartbreak on a Full Moon. H.E.R., 6LACK, and Rich the Kid open. 6:30 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown. (CM)

Thursday, July 26

Lord Huron may take its name from a Great Lake, but the band is based in Los Angeles. The indie folk group will perform at Stage AE. Their debut studio album, Lonesome Dreams, was released in 2012, and they are touring in support of their third album, this year’s Vide Noir. Check out the old-timey video for “Wait by the River.” Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (EC, CM)

Friday, July 27

Dean Ween, née Michael Melchiondo Jr., met Gene Ween, née Aaron Freeman, in a junior high typing class. They formed Ween, an alternative-rock duo from New Hope,Pa.. The duo crafted irreverent, noisy, lo-fi rock songs with titles like “Strap on that jammypac” and “Push th’ Little Daisies.” The latter charted on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks in 1993. Ween broke up in 2012, but reunited in 2015. They play Stage AE. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

Former Povertyneck Hillbilly Chris Higbee is widely known as one of the best fiddle-playing frontmen since Charlie Daniels. Higbee has been going it alone since the rest of the Hillbillies broke away to form The Hillbilly Way in 2012. But Higbee has proven that he has the chutzpah to pull off a solo act, releasing his self-titled debut LP in 2013 and touring nationally. This is a free outdoor show. The Hobbs Sisters open. 7 p.m. Rivers Casino, 777 Casino Dr., North Shore. (RH)

On the Radar

Saturday, August 4
Smashing Pumpkins and Metric (PPG Paints Arena)

Tuesday, August 7
Taylor Swift (Heinz Field)

Saturday, August 11
Charlie Daniels (Jergel’s)
Smokey Robinson (The Meadows)

Tues., August 14
Breaking Benjamin (KeyBank Pavilion)
Psychedelic Furs (Mr.Smalls)

Thursday, August 16
The Avett Brothers (Stage AE)

Friday, August 17
Miranda Lambert (KeyBank Pavilion)

Thursday, August 23
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Heinz Hall)

Friday, August 24
Jason Aldean (KeyBank Pavilion)

Saturday, August 25
Lynyrd Skynyrd (KeyBank Pavilion)

Thursday, August 30
Counting Crows (KeyBank Pavilion)

Rick Handler is the executive producer of Entertainment Central. Christopher Maggio made substantial contributions to this guide. Mike Vargo also contributed.

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