Pete Davidson in ‘Prehab’ at Byham; Blues Guitarist Quinn Sullivan in Concert at City Winery (Fri., 6/28/24)

1) Pete Davidson has had many ups and downs in his life, the most tragic is that his father died while bravely trying to rescue people from the Marriott World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. He has also battled Crohn’s disease and depression. On the brighter side he has dated some amazing women including Kate Beckinsale and Ariana Grande. Davidson has translated his pain and angst into a very relatable form of humor which made him a success on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and on his own comedy specials. Davidson co-wrote, executive produced, and starred in the critically acclaimed 2020 film The King of Staten Island. Other film work includes Trainwreck, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Big Time Adolescence, Set It Up, Meet Cute, and Bodies Bodies Bodies. 7 p.m. (sold out), 9:30 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6thSt., Cultural District.

Quinn Sullivan. (Photo: Jim Arbogast)

2) Quinn Sullivan at all of 25 years of age has already experienced some of life’s highest highs and lowest lows. Sullivan was a child guitar prodigy and was discovered by blues guitar legend Buddy Guy. He has also played with Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana and appeared on national TV programs including “CBS Saturday,” “Late Night,” “Ellen,” and “Oprah.” The lowest low was the loss of his mother recently, but he has turned that loss into mirroring her passion for life in his own life and in his recently released album, Salvation.

“I describe my music as a cross between rock and roll and soul with a bluesy undertone. I’m not a blues artist by any means. There’s enough purists out there that can do this that way better than I can. It is a cross between those genres. I’m a huge fan of pop music as well, so when I write, I write in kind of a pop context. Stylistically it ranges. I can’t really say that I am one thing.”

“I think music is in a very interesting spot. Part of it is the internet and the other part is, in this day and age, people feel free to be who they want to be.” He feels that some major bands have been constrained by their record labels and that they jump at the chance to go solo, go independent. “That it’s really a liberty to make the music you want and that’s ultimately going to attract people, especially if it’s music from your heart.”

“I have played Pittsburgh a few times before, but not for a minute. It will be nice to get back there and play a show,” said Sullivan, who spoke with Entertainment Central from his hometown of New Bedford, Massachusetts (which he says has a great local music scene). Sullivan will be performing in Pittsburgh at City Winery See our interview and story with Quinn Sullivan. 7:30 p.m. 1627 Smallman St, Strip District.

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