NAS | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

BEST BET

Nas and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

July 26 | Heinz Hall

When one listens to a track by Nas, his artistry shines through lyrics with depth greater than that of the Pacific Ocean.

And it immediately becomes clear that, conscious though he may be, this man suffers no fools. Nas — the son of a jazz musician, the gentleman’s rapper, the educator — helped to remind a generation of Black boys and girls that they are descendants of Kings and Queens. The stories he tells range from realistic tales about growing up in public housing in Queens, New York, to fantastic visions of a world that he rules.

The thought-provoking talent, who is touring the country for special engagements at concert halls, will breathe new life into his 1994 debut album, “Illmatic,” as he joins forces with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Expect a different feeling from the tracks, perhaps a bit more “grown-up” than the first time you may have listened to “Illmatic” while driving to a house party in your bestie’s car. After all, there is something extra beautiful about the results when hip-hop music gets dipped into other musical genres; the lush music of the PSO can only enhance the creatively introspective lyrics of the man considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time.

MUSIC

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

July 10 | City Winery Pittsburgh

Dust off those zoot suits and swing dresses; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is coming to town to boogie-woogie. The band is celebrating its 32nd anniversary since bursting onto the scene in the early ’90s. (Boy, does that make me feel old.) The night is meant to dig up nostalgia and get the heart rate going as the band kicks out a beautiful, vibrant fusion of the classic sounds of jazz, swing and Dixieland.

MUSIC

Northside Music Festival

July 18-20 | Deutschtown

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTHSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL (MELANIE STANGLE)

The Pittsburgh weather is finally getting respectable. Which means it’s time to get outside! Venture over to Deutschtown for three days of art, live music and food at the Northside Music Festival. Free admission grants you access to various genres on several stages, numerous art vendors, food and Gospel Sunday. There also will be plenty of activities for the kids.

COMEDY

Patrick Warburton

July 22-23 | Pittsburgh Improv

PHOTO COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH IMPROV

“Seinfeld” fans call him Puddy. Others know him as Joe Swanson. Or Kronk. Or the Tick. No matter what you call him, most call him funny. A beloved actor with an iconic voice, Patrick Warburton has decided to try his hand at stand-up comedy. The man is 60 years old and has spent 40 years in the industry — you know he has some stories to tell!

FESTIVAL

Undead Format Fest

July 26 | Bottlerocket Social Hall

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALTERNATE HISTORIES

Physical media is dead, they said. Digital is the future, they said. Well, some of us older kids love a DVD or a cassette tape to hold in our hands — or to decorate our shelves. Bottlerocket Social Hall, Alternate Histories and Horror PGH are introducing Undead Format Fest, celebrating all varieties of physical media. Vendors will be on hand selling vinyl records, cassette tapes, DVDs, VHS tapes — even laserdiscs. You also can bring your own stash to trade with others.

DANCE

Dance Africa Pittsburgh: A Moment in Time

July 26-27 | New Hazlett Theater

Dance Africa Pittsburgh: A Moment in Time is an annual celebration hosted by The Legacy Arts Project. The vibe at this two-day event is “Peace, Love and Respect for Everybody,” with a focus on the beauty and diversity of the African diaspora through dance, drumming, song, spoken word and visual art. You also can explore community workshops and the African Marketplace to purchase traditional Adinkra prints, Kente cloth, natural body products and handcrafted goods.