JOAN JETT | PHOTO COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH BREWING CO.

BEST BET

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Aug. 8 | Pittsburgh Brewing Co.

For more than 50 years, the Godmother of Punk has been so unapologetically badass that it can be both intimidating and invigorating to stare directly into her power. It’s time to squeeze back into those leather pants because Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are descending upon the Iron City Stage at Pittsburgh Brewing Co.

Jett stands as an icon for women and girls to be true to themselves and their values, with an influence that extends beyond her music; she has been a significant inspiration for later female-fronted rock and punk bands, particularly the 1990s “Riot Grrrl” movement. In an industry where artists are constantly feeling the push and pull of reinvention, Jett authentically wears her “bad reputation” as a badge of honor.

She’s a rock star who remains a commanding presence, guitar slung low, delivering every note with the same power and defiant attitude that has captivated audiences for decades. Her music lets you know who she is, and as a listener, you can use those same guitar riffs and growling vocals as a conduit to express your own defiance.

Outdoors, along the Allegheny River, is a perfect spot to scream your riotous little black heart out.

ART

PearlArts Movement & Sound Presents: Drift Terrain

Aug. 2 | Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Court

INSIDE OUT: MICHIYAYA & FRIENDS, INCLUDING DJ SHOE, CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART, PITTSBURGH, AUGUST 3, 2024; PHOTO: DARIEUS VELTRI, VIZNS PHOTOGRAPHY / CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART

It’s a call and response for your senses. PearlArts Movement & Sound Presents: Drift Terrain is described as five hours of continuous soundscapes, presented in Carnegie Museum of Art’s Sculpture Court and curated by Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl.

The experience invites audiences to move freely through the space or to settle into stillness as acoustic and electronic musicians weave in and out with their musical contributions. What a perfect way to reset your soul.

FESTIVAL

Barrel & Flow

Aug. 9 | The Stacks at 3 Crossings

The “Best Brew Fest in America” is back for its fifth year! The inclusive Barrel & Flow Fest is not just a festival; it’s a movement, showcasing and celebrating Black breweries, artists and small businesses.

The live entertainment from musicians and visual artists will put an exclamation point on a space to connect opportunity, accessibility and artistry in ways that empower the Black community.

THEATER

“Hangmen”

Aug. 7-24 | Carnegie Stage

PHOTO COURTESY OF KINETIC THEATRE

Inside Out, the Carnegie Museum of Art’s free outdoor summer series, offers something different for families to enjoy in each iteration held on Thursday nights and Saturdays. On this particular Saturday, the “artsy fartsy” dynamic duo, KinselLand (ANQWENIQUE and DS Kinsel) will present Conflict and Competition, a day of family-friendly sport, collaboration and performance.

COMEDY

Josh Johnson

Aug. 15-16 | Byham Theater

Why would comedian Josh Johnson name his comedy tour “The Flowers Tour?” According to a post on his Instagram, he recognizes people as having their own unique “bloom” or qualities, much like a flower. Clearly, he’s one of comedy’s more gentle souls.

But that’s not to say that he doesn’t have a message for all. The on-air correspondent for “The Daily Show” has plenty of commentary on world views, society and the good ol’ US of A.

MUSIC

Gary Clark Jr. 

Aug. 26 | Stage AE

Gary Clark Jr. is a masterful guitarist who seamlessly blends blues, rock, soul and hip-hop. It’s almost like the souls of Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye agreed to co-exist in Clark Jr. for the purpose of delivering a dynamic stage show.

His shows have been described as a “blues explosion,” offering a compelling and authentic musical experience as he promotes his 2024 album “JPEG Raw.”