Skid Row, Warrant, and Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors at Rivers; ‘Masters Program’ at Pittsburgh Ballet (Fri., 4/14/23)

1) Since 1986, Skid Row has seen a lot of changes, both within and outside the band. What hasn’t changed, however, is that these guys know how to rock out. Formed in 1986 by Rachel Bolan and Dave Sabo (a childhood friend of Jon Bon Jovi), Skid Row has a long (and at times tumultuous) history. They’re right up there with the greats of glam metal, like Mötley Crue, Quiet Riot, and, yes, Bon Jovi. Hits with that epic, arena rock sound, like “I Remember You” and “18 and Life” stand out in Skid Row’s repertoire and serve as proof that these guys know what they’re doing. Today, the band consists of Bolan and Sabo, along with Scotti Hill, Rob Hammersmith, and Erik Grönwall.

Glam band Warrant was at the zenith of their success from their formation in Los Angeles in 1984, to 1996, with five highly successful albums. Their first big hit was “Heaven”, but they are arguably best known for the risque dity, “Cherry Pie,” with the line “She’s My Cherry Pie” The video for the latter heavily featured model Bobbie Brown dancing and in various outfits including “Daisy Duke” shorts. As a result of the shoot, Brown and lead singer Jani Lane (now deceased) started dating, eventually marrying and divorcing. The song “Cherry Pie” reached no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990 and in 2009 the song was listed as the 56th Best Rock Song by VH1. The band’s latest album is 2017’s Louder Harder Faster. Skid Row and Warrant will be performing at the Rivers Casino Event Center. 7 p.m. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

2) Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors bring their lively brand of jam rock to Rivers Casino. Donovan and the band’s latest album is 2018’s We See Through It. They describe it by saying, “It illustrates the transformational power of music. Featuring ten songs that span genres and eras ̧ the sound of the new album blends the vintage rock sound of Zeppelin with the alternative folk of Mumford & Sons propelled by barreling drums.” Several songs from the album garnered good radio airplay. The group stays very active in the region. 9 p.m. Drum Bar, 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

THE MASTERS PROGRAM: BALANCHINE AND BEYOND (mixed repertoire ballet program) Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. April 14 – 16.

David O’Matz performs an amazing ballet routine from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s ‘ The Masters Program: Balanchine and Beyond.’ (photo: Duane Rieder)

3) The Masters Program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is not some type of classroom educational work towards an advanced degree, however, it is an education in three masters in the dance entertainment genre of ballet. The program presents works that feature classical dancing with contemporary twists, highlighted by live music from the PBT Orchestra. Included in the program are Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon’s emotional romantic drama Polyphonia, Jorma Elo’s detailed 1st Flash, and the splendid Theme and Variations from George Balanchine, the true master of 20th-century ballet. “We are thrilled to present this magnificent and majestic trio of works from three master ballet choreographers,” said Adam W. McKinney, artistic director at PBT.  “Audiences will marvel at the intricate choreography and amazingly versatile dance skills on display, performed to powerful music from the PBT Orchestra.” The Masters Program: Balanchine and Beyond will be performed at the Benedum Center. 237 7th Ave., Cultural District. (R.H.)

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