Lizzo Plays PPG Paints Arena; Pittonkatonk Music Fest Happening in Schenley Park (Sat., 5/13/23)

1) It was just a few years ago that Lizzo was playing medium-sized venues when her tour came to town. Now she is playing one of Pittsburgh’s top concert places, PPG Paints Arena. Lizzo’s meteoric rise is due to her talent and determination. Lizzo was born in Detroit and grew up in Houston, the same city that produced Beyoncé. He first two studio albums were Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015). Next up, and first on a major label, was the EP Coconut Oil in 2016. Three years later saw the release of Cuz I love You which generated the singles “Juice” and “Tempo” and created some mainstream buzz. The single “Truth Hurts” rocketed up the charts. Her 2022 album release, Special, featured the blockbuster hit “About Damn Time” which reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A collaboration with Cardi B, “Rumors,” also lit up the Billboard 100 charts. Lizzo went on to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. There are three other Grammys in her trophy case too. In addition to singing and rapping Lizzo is a highly talented flautist. The Smithsonian invited Lizzo to play President James Madison’s 200-year-old crystal flute at a Washington, D.C., concert. Special guest is Latto. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

Lizzo performing at SXSW in 2022 and wearing a very colorful outfit. (Photo: Daniel Benavides)

2) Pittonkatonk is a fun-ky music festival featuring mainly brass bands from near and far. It’s held every year at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion at Schenley Park. Bands slated to perform include: Baba Commandant and the Mandingo Band (Burkina Faso), Balaklava Blues (Ukraine/Canada), Tamikrest (Morocco), Kizaba (Congo), Undertow Brass Band (Prov/FKA What Cheer? Brigade), Detroit Party Marching Band, Hugo Cruz and Caminos, 1Hood, Mai Khoi and the Dissidents, Timbeleza, Eagleburger Band, May Day Marching Band, Balafon West African Dance. Food and beer/drink trucks, and other vendors will also be on hand. This will be the 10th year for Pittonkatonk, an environmentally friendly music festival. Starts at 1 p.m. Free.

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