Pittsburgh's Can't Miss Concerts in March
This month's lineup includes “Weird Al” Yankovic, Julian Lage, Mitski and more.
March 24/ It’s a simple joy that one of the most recognized and beloved figures in popular music happens to be a be-curled, middle-aged polka enthusiast with a penchant for loud shirts. However it came to pass, “Weird Al” Yankovic has charmed generations with his accordion and puns, positioning himself on the most entertaining and wittiest end of the dad-humor spectrum. (The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg; 724/836-8000, thepalacetheatre.org)
March 10 & 11/ Jazz guitarist Julian Lage, a child prodigy who picked up his instrument at age 4, has been cultivating a mastery of it ever since. His technical skill is a delight in itself, but it’s the freedom that his precision grants that allows for him to make truly exceptional music that pushes the genre to its most innovative edges. (Club Café, 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side; 412/431-4950, clubcafelive.com)
March 16/ In March, we talk of lions and lambs, the dueling nature of tranquility and ferocity, and the balance found when they meet. The music of Mitski concerns that as well. Her lyrics are vulnerable and raw but often cutting and unapologetic; her bold, clever and occasionally dark indie rock sound acts as a counterweight to her gentle voice. The result conjures up images of the lion and lamb lying down together, with Mitski snuggled up in between. (Cattivo, 146 44th St., Lawrenceville; 412/687-2157, cattivopgh.com)
March 17/ If, like me, you have been called “challenging” by more than one person (say, multiple romantic prospects), it might be helpful to follow the lead of counter)induction and embrace it as a compliment. The collective owns the complexity of their work, striving to explore contemporary chamber music with the intention of showing just how provocative and awe-inspiring it can be. (The Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky St., North Shore; 412/237-8300, warhol.org)
In Concert.
Joe Policastro Trio — City of Asylum, alphabetcity.org March 1
Christine Brandes & Eric Moe — Chatham’s James Laughlin Music Hall, music.pitt.edu March 2
River City Brass — The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.org March 3
Albert Cummings — Club Cafe, clubcafelive.com March 4
Propagandhi — Rex Theater, rextheater.net March 5
Mary Halvorson’s Code Girl — The Andy Warhol Museum, warhol.org March 7
Milk & Bone — Club Cafe, clubcafelive.com March 8
Etta Cox — City of Asylum, alphabetcity.org March 9
Paul Luc — Mr. Smalls, mrsmalls.com March 10
The Temptations and the Four Tops — Heinz Hall, pittsburghsymphony.org March 11
Carmen Cusack — Cabaret at Theater Square, trustarts.org March 12
Melvin Seals and JGB — Rex Theater, rextheater.net March 13
PSO @ City of Asylum: “Inspiration and Tenacity” — City of Asylum, pittsburghsymphony.org March 15
Symphonie Fantastique! — Heinz Hall, pittsburghsymphony.org March 16-18
Lyle Lovett & Shawn Colvin — Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, librarymusichall.com March 18
Kenny Blake — Backstage Bar, Theater Square, trustarts.org March 20
Eddie Money — The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.org March 22
Regal Classics — Heinz Hall, pittsburghsymphony.org March 23-25
Wild Child & The Wild Reeds — Rex Theater, rextheater.net March 23
Alan Jackson — PPG Paints Arena, ppgpaintsarena.com March 24
Octave Cat — Club Cafe, clubcafelive.com March 25
Coast Modern — Stage AE, promowestlive.com March 30
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo — The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.org March 30
J Roddy Walston and The Business — Stage AE, promowestlive.com March 31
