christopher maggio

a cozy bar on an Oakland side street.|Trivia contest player Regina Maenz confidently writes down the answer to a question on her card.|Affable owner/bartender Gene Ney pouring a pitcher from the tap.|Co-host Mike “Marty” Stanis calls out a round one question while Anthony Fennessy prepares to do the same in round two.|Trivia night packs them in at Gene's Place.

Gene’s Place Keeps Spirits High, Pints Full, Minds Working

Beer, minutiae, and lots of Bowie—the Entertainment Central Recon Patrol visits Gene’s Place in South Oakland.

Bruce Springsteen with Guitar. Photo: Bill Ebbesen and Wikipedia.

January Concert Preview: From E Street to Smallman Street

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are this month’s big headr, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of other great music to be found.

Bret Michaels performing in New York in 2014. (Photo: Rjkowal and Wikipedia)

December Concert Preview: An Iron Butterfly, Holiday Chestnuts, and Hometown Heroes

This month we’re served up hot local acts, holiday fare, and several interesting national bands.

Robert Randolph playing the pedal steel guitar while Eric Clapton looks on. Photo: Steve Proctor via Wikimedia Commons lic.

November Concert Preview: Top Christian Singers, A Formerly “Rotten” Johnny, and Two Guitarists Named Robert

November’s musical performances bring us funk, christian music, and talented guitarists.

Ringo Starr perfoming with his All-Starr Band in Paris in 2011. photo: Jean Fortunet.

October Concert Preview: Superstars of the 60’s and 70’s

Top performers from the 1960s and 1970s are the main highlights of this months concert scene.

the "carriages" are filled with mozzarella.||An Il Pizzaiolo chef

Il Pizzaiolo Market Square a Paragon of Fine Dining

Exemplary Neapolitan fare and top-notch service make Il Pizzaiolo Market Square the mo restaurant in an area chockablock with gastronomic options. We also learn of future prospects for this thriving franchise.

Mac Miller performing at Governors Ball 2011. photo: LG Rocket and Wikipedia.

September Concert Preview: A Motown Legend, Twangers, Swedish Groups, and a Rapper from the ‘Burgh

Not a lot of major musical acts this month, but still plenty of high-quality bands and performers.

Dave Grohl

August Concert Preview: Succulent Sounds Ripe for the Picking

Squeeze out every last bit of juice from the 2015 summer concert season.

vocalist for Mojoflo

Community, Musicians, Weather Come Together for Biggest Deutschtown Music Fest Yet

Over 125 musicians, plus 16 venues and numerous artists and food trucks, make for a unique, successful third annual Deutschtown Music Festival. The first sunny day in memory adds the final touch.

Van Halen live in concert. photo: Ghostrider.

July Music Preview: Festivals and Fun

Pittsburgh concerts this month have all the basic elements: rock, metal, country, soul, and pop.

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