#SupportPGHMusic // Playing now on HughShows Radio streaming at the bottom of the page is Episode 7 of HughShows Live at Just-Records Podcast featuring Gaadge //
Hello friends,
After 20 years of having more fun than anyone else in the Pittsburgh music community, I have decided to take an extended sabbatical from HughShows. I am doing this for various reasons, chief among them, I am dealing with some personal issues that prohibit me from giving all I can to ‘supporting Pittsburgh music.’
My website will go dark at the start of the new year and although I will keep the domain name, I do not know when or if it will return.
The social media accounts will live on but will not be updated, as they have not been for awhile.
I have to say thank you to everyone I’ve met and befriended over the last two decades and especially to anyone who took an interest in what I did.
Sincerely,
Hugh
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Streaming exclusively at the bottom of the home page.
Runtime: 110 minutes
NSFW
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#HughShowsXX
Streaming exclusively at the bottom of the home page.
Runtime: 100 minutes
NSFW
#SupportPGHMusic
#HughShowsRadio
#HughShowsXX
Happy New Year, everyone. I am amazed that this year is my 20th Anniversary of HughShows (!!!) and have a few things planned to celebrate, starting out with a brand new feature here, a streaming radio program at the bottom of my homepage featuring all things Pittsburgh music. As with everything I do, this is a DIY work in progress and as I go through the inevitable growing pains, I would love your participation and feedback.
First, if you are a local band/musician and feel like being a part of the show, send me an mp3 of new music, older music, demos, alternative takes, live versions, cover songs… any genre welcome. Indie, hip-hop, hard rock, metal, R&B, acoustic… you name it. I have an extensive library as it is but would love to round it out with anything you would like to feature.
Second, I also welcome comments, criticisms and any other suggestions. I find that so many people I have known in the music community these two decades are so helpful and willing to share their talents.
Email all correspondence and music to hugh@hughshows.com.
Thank so much as always and keep supporting Pittsburgh music.
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HughShows Radio EP 1 ‘Covering Pittsburgh’ Playlist
“Cats Prowl at Night” – Doors in the Labyrinth
“Ya Gotta Believe” – Bitter Whiskers
“Oh Pittsberg, My Pittsberg” – Suavity’s Mouthpiece
“Holiday in Pittsburgh” – Skeletonized
“Daughter of Rock N Roll” – Mourning People
“Genie 2.0” – 2020k
Above is the new music video from Pittsburgh based ethereal rock quartet Zinnia’s Garden.
The song “Purple Portal Dream” was officially released today by the band and being that it is December 31st, they will be celebrating ringing in the new year tonight at Spirit along with livefromthecity & Urban Development, MINKA, Ames Harding & The Mirage, Forestry Division, Studio 412 Band & DJ Dini Daddy. Details here.
More on Zinnia’s Garden from their press:
“A band bringing you sublime, moody vibes, with all four members surging in and out of harmony across a rich multi-dimensional plane. We’re rounding out to our second album to release in 2024 with the hope of coming into this New Growth like a seed sprouting into spring.”
Groovy indeed!
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Artist: Sun Ray, Shining Light
Album: Lullabies for Calliope
Year Released: 2023
Genre: Instrumental Post-Rock
Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2010
Did you know? Originally recorded in 2012, the EP was shelved due to band commitments, technology limitations and finally released after a decade in the vaults
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support Sun Ray, Shining Light
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HughShows welcomes back contributing music journalist Jill Berkin. A a UK-based writer and avid music enthusiast, she’s interested in shoegaze, rock, and alternative music. I couldn’t be more thrilled in highlighting her wonderful work on the blog.
Inspiration comes from many sources, and this is evident in a lot of music. Songwriters often find a muse to help them create a tune, but muses aren’t always people. Sometimes it’s a place and its distinct qualities.
Take influential rock classic California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas, for example. It exudes the yearning for a warm summer’s day in L.A. while the singer has to endure a biting winter in another city. The songwriters highlight the contrast by singing about gray skies and warm leaves, making California seem even cozier in comparison.
Along the same vein, intimate locations can also evoke such feelings as these big states. Singer-songwriter Bacon James captured the solace of being at the Sante Fe river after feelings of disillusionment in the big city with “Lost and Found (At the Sante Fe).” The song bagged first place at a local songwriting competition as it resonated with many other Floridians who felt the same.
This theme of conflicting feelings and falling in love with a place can also be seen in Sufjan Stevens’ Chicago. As Stevens conveys, some cities leave a mark so deep that you can capture its essence through song. Pittsburgh is one such city. With its tall skyscrapers and its vibrant community, it’s no wonder why so many have written about it. Here are some of the most notable.
Pittsburgh is a bustling city, alive with many characters, but this song talks about how you can still feel lonely amongst the crowd. Guy Mitchell sings about how he lost his beloved to a man much richer than he. As he approaches the pawn shop at the corner, he realizes he has nothing left to sell to regain her love. The jolly tune of the song depicts a lively Pennsylvania, despite the increasing desperation of one man who just wants his girl back.
As someone born and raised in Pennsylvania, Mac Miller often included references to his hometown in music. Frick Park Market is about Pittsburgh’s downtown market, where he usually hung out as a kid. As one of the tracks in his debut album, he uses his experiences growing up here as metaphors for his entrance into the rap genre. After Miller’s passing in 2018, fans have honored his legacy by creating a memorial here and leaving flowers around the city.
Pittsburgh is known as a rainy city, making it the ideal background for angst and sad expressions. Punk band The Outcasts uses this as the background for their frenetic track, in which a man at a subway complains about how a girl has left him broken-hearted. Although very catchy, the Texas-based band was unaware that Pittsburgh didn’t have a subway system at the time of the song’s release.
Despite this song’s massive popularity in 2018, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, many were unaware of its link to Pittsburgh. The song is about pride in the city, with black and yellow being the colors of the city’s football team. The music video also features several of Pittsburgh’s tourist attractions, including the U.S. Steel Tower and the William Penn Hotel. To honor him, the Pittsburgh City Council officially declared December 12, 2012 as Wiz Khalifa Day.
Maybe it’s the tall skyscrapers or the weather, but there’s something about Pittsburgh that elicits melancholy from singers. This song is often overlooked when talking about Bruce Springsteen, as it was an outtake in one of his albums, but it’s one of his most lyrically-rich creations. The song is about a widow mourning her soldier husband who perished in Saigon. It’s a lot to put in one song, but Springsteen weaves this tragic Pittsburgh tale beautifully with his voice that you can’t help but want to listen to it again once it’s over.
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city teeming with life, and it’s clear why so many musicians are inspired to sing about it.
Written for hughshows.com by Jill Birken
BusCrates’ latest album, Control Center, is a collection of funky, instrumental tracks that blur the lines between synth-pop, electro-funk, and hip-hop. The album is characterized by BusCrates’ smooth, soulful keyboard playing, infectious melodies, and driving rhythms.
The title track is an upbeat offering with a catchy melody and a smooth bassline. “Prisms” is another highlight, with its swirling synths and funky drumbeat. “Floating in the Wind” is a more laid-back song, with a smooth melody and a mellow vibe.
Control Center is an album full of infectious grooves. You’ll find yourself bobbing your head and tapping your feet along to the music that will make you want to get up and move. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a party or a night out with friends. If you’re looking for an album that will get you grooving, then you should check it out.
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The inaugural Northside Music Festival will take place July 14-16
within the heart of Historic Deutschtown on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The free, three-day event
will feature 65 bands, art vendors, and more than 30 food trucks. In addition to music, the festival will feature numerous art vendors, food, and free family-friendly activities.
More bands TBA
First National Bank Stage at Foreland (Foreland and Middle St.) All Ages
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM The Regal Sweet
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM Kenny Stockard
8:00 PM – 8:40PM Black Ridge
9:00 PM – 9:40 PM NASH.V.ILL
10 PM – 10:45 PM Sweat
Park Stage (Allegheny Commons Park North) All Ages
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM Allegheny Brass Band
Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 (400 Cedar Ave) 21+
8 PM – 8:40 PM Miss Freddye’s Blues Band
9:05 PM – 9:50 PM Between Two Rivers
10:15 PM – 11:00 PM Different Places in Space
The Government Center (715 East St) All Ages
7:00 PM Buscrates
8:00 PM Gundy
9:00 PM Mute Duo
10:00 PM Crush Curl
HughShows Stage at YMR Club (631 Suismon St.) 21+
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM Boy Wonders
8:40 PM – 9:25 PM Natural Rat
9:50 PM – 10:35 PM The Gotobeds
11:00 PM – 11:45 PM Working Breed
91.3 WYEP Stage at Allegheny City Brewing (507 Foreland St) All Ages
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM LoRen
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM Nick Guckert
8:00 PM – 8:40 PM Paging Doctor Moon
Verdetto’s (814 Madison Ave) 21+
9 PM – 2 AM DJ
First National Bank Stage at Foreland (Foreland and Middle St.) All Ages
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Poster Child
3:10 PM – 3:55 PM Mani Bahia & The Mob
4:20 PM – 5:05 PM TBA
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Stone Throwers
6:40 PM – 7:25 PM Ames Harding & The Mirage
7:50 PM – 8:35 PM Good Looks (Austin, TX)
9:00 PM – 9:45 PM Chet Vincent and the Music Industry
10:10 PM – 11PM Cam Chambers
DJ FEMI in between sets
Park Stage (Allegheny Commons Park North) All Ages
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Gabriella Salvucci
1:10 PM – 1:55 PM Halloway
2:20 PM – 3:05 PM The Polkamaniacs
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Lee Robinson & ISKA
4:40 PM – 5:25 PM Sadurn (Philadelphia, PA)
5:50 PM – 6:35 PM The Weird Paul Rock Band
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM Tiny Wars
8:10 PM – 8:55 PM Bastard Bearded Irishmen
Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 (400 Cedar Ave) 21+
7:15 PM – 8 PM Jack Swing
8:25 PM – 9:10 PM Woodland Creatures
9:35 PM -10:20 PM Lindsay Dragan + Her Band
10:45 PM – 11:30 PM Forestry Division
The Government Center (715 East St) All Ages
4:00 PM Emptier
5:00 PM The Spectres
6:00 PM Odno Okno
7:00 PM Gina Gory
8:00 PM Same
9:00 PM The Zells
10:00 PM Flower Crown
HughShows Stage at YMR Club (631 Suismon St.) 21+
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM TBA
8:40 PM – 9:25 PM Limousine Beach
9:50 PM – 10:35 PM Astrology Now
11 PM – 11:45 PM Fortune Teller
12:10 AM- 12:55 AM TBA
91.3 WYEP Stage at Allegheny City Brewing (507 Foreland St) All Ages
4:00 PM Ms. Tenaj
5:00 PM Tony from Bowling
6:00 PM Animal Scream
7:00 PM Feralcat and the Wild
8:00 PM Shelf Life String Band
East Street Beer (807 East St.) All Ages
4:00 PM The Redlines
5:00 PM Heinous Bienfang
6:00 PM The Pump Fakes
7:00 PM Tory Silver
8:00 PM Melt
CHN Javor (805 East St) All Ages
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM Right On Warriors
5:40 PM – 6:25 PM TBA
6:50 PM – 7:35 PM TBA
8:00 PM – 8:45 PM Grand Piano
Verdetto’s (814 Madison Ave) 21+
9 PM – 2 AM DJ
Park Stage (Allegheny Commons Park North) All Ages
10:00 AM Gospel Brunch with Allegheny Center Alliance Church
Artist: The Wolf Tones
Album: Migration
Year Released: 2023
Genre: Bluegrass Jamz
Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2023
Did you know? The Wolf Tones are a ‘supergroup’ made up of members from Sweaty Already, Shelf Life String Band, and Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support The Wolf Tones
#PittSongs
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Artist: The Telephone Line
Album: How’d We Get This Far?
Year Released: 2023
Genre: Bluegrass Rock/Pop/Soul
Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2013
Did you know? The Telephone Line have (sadly but amicably) decided to disband after 10 years together
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support The Telephone Line
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Artist: D’Arc’s Family Jams
Album: D’Arc’s Family Jams
Year Released: 2023
Genre: Psychedelic Soul
Local Connection: Originally from Johnstown, PA
Did you know? D’Arc’s Family Jams is comprised of brothers Jake and Mike D’Arc who’s first band was Peanut Butter Lovesicle
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support D’Arc’s Family Jams
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Album: Cheap & Used
Year Released: 2023
Genre: Rock & Roll
Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2020
Did you know? The Freeloaders debut album Cheap & Used was recorded and mixed by Jake Hanner (Donora, Meeting of Important People, Bad Custer) and mastered by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Studios London which recently named it one of their Mastering Highlights of the Week along with Peter Gabriel’s Panopticon.
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
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“We are The Argonauts sail the seven seas play funk a lot like a record get into the groove the things you hear about us well they got to be true“
The Argonauts are a Pittsburgh funk blues rock band who released their self-titled debut album earlier this year and who have a couple members (Dale and Joe) who host an acoustic brunch open mic every third Sunday from 11:30-2pm at The Bridge Music Bar in East Liberty. This Sunday (December 18) features friends of the blog Carrie Collins and David Hipchen as featured performers. I want to thank Dale Mangold (Tenor Saxophone/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
Toss-up between either Steve Miller Band’s Fly Like an Eagle or Beach Boys’ Greatest Hits. (My older sister made me, lol!)
Your last album bought?
The Chosen by Enterprise Earth.
Favorite album of all time?
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Van Halen III.
First concert attended?
Allman Brothers Band.
Last concert?
Enterprise Earth.
Favorite concert ever?
Many Who or Springsteen shows, but recently Here Come the Mummies.
Least favorite concert?
The Cars. Great music, boring live.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Great city, with a lot of history, under rated music scene, beautiful scenery, friendly.
Thanks, Dale. We definitely have something in common as my first album was by Steve Miller Band (Greatest Hits) and my least favorite concert ever were The Cars because, yes, they are a fantastic band but SOOOOOOO boring live!
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“Blisters on my fingers who’d you burden me with this when will you come home?“
Oliver Hufford is a solo artist from Pittsburgh PA, a multi-instrumentalist whose music incorporates different styles and genres that merge into one unique sound. At 17, he’s writing A-level songs, melodies, lyrics, hooks… he puts things in a way that aren’t so obvious to us until he shows us his unique and abstract descriptiveness, and they come across poignantly. Some of his musical inspirations include Bright Eyes, American Pleasure Club, and Tiny Moving Parts. His debut release, a limited ‘glow in the dark’ vinyl single of “Blisters”, the preview song from his upcoming full-length via Wake Up On Fire! (WUOF) Records. I want to thank Oliver (Guitar/Mandolin/Bass/Synth/Keys/Drums and Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.
The first album you ever bought?
34th and 8th by O.A.R.
Your last album bought?
Stratosphere by Duster.
Favorite album of all time?
Tie between Sleep Well Beast and Trouble Will Find Me… both by The National.
Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The Rockville LP by O.A.R. (I much prefer their live recordings to their studio recorded ones.)
First concert attended?
Blue Man Group (when I was 6 or 7 I believe.)
Last concert?
I saw The National here in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall.
Favorite concert ever?
When I went and saw Hot Mulligan at the Rex Theatre.
Least favorite concert?
The Blue Man Group… but, mostly because I love all the shows I’ve been to, and it’s the one I remember the least, so I have to pick it as my least favorite. Not that it was subpar in any way.
Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I’ve lived in Squirrel Hill for most of my life. I moved here from North Carolina when I was 11, and before there, I was born in San Diego. Pittsburgh has been an amazing environment to live in and grow up in. I was always into music, and I first joined a band when I was just finishing middle school. Because of that first band, I got to experience a lot of underground music… Some of which are still my favorite bands today. It’s been awesome to be able to get to know them after the show. Pittsburgh has a unique sense of community, especially when it comes to music! I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the bands and groups all around the city, and it’s been great to immerse myself in music to an extent I may not have elsewhere.
Thanks, Oliver. As always, I am so amazed at someone who can record a song all by themselves. Literally blows me away every time!
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Song: “Killing the Au Pair”
Artist: Sommelier
Album: Single Release
Year Released: 2022
Genre: Pop / Post-Punk
Local Connection: Band formed in Greensburg in Spring 2020 during quarantine
Did you know? Sommelier (pronounced suh-muhl-yei) is a wine seward, or highly trained wine professional who tests through four levels of knowledge: introductory, certified, advanced, and master
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support Sommelier
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Song: “Termites”
Album: Hayday
Year Released: 2021
Genre: Fuzz Rock
Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2021
Did you know? feeble little horse has signed to Saddle Creek Records, who will re-issue their debut full-length on vinyl
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support feeble little horse
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Song: “Ahimsa”
Artist: Sapphirecut (w/ Jake Knights)
Album: Single Release
Year Released: 2018
Genre: Trance
Local Connection: Born and raised in Pittsburgh
Did you know? Sapphirecut (Megan Taylor) got her stage name when she realized that a sapphire needle is used to create a dub plate as she was helping physically balance a friend’s new dub plate press and learned that these were used as the original template of vinyls
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support Sapphirecut
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Song: “All I Want”
Artist: Cristina Black
Album: The Ditty Sessions
Year Released: 2010
Genre: Pop
Local Connection: Born and raised in Pittsburgh
Did you know? Cristina Black has written articles for various publications including The Village Voice, Nylon, Dazed and Confused, Time Out New York, and LA Weekly
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support Cristina Black
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Song: “Pointless”
Artist: Thirty Years Later
Album: The Deep Now
Year Released: 2021
Genre: Rock
Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2013
Did you know? Thirty Years Later members Joe Hale (Guitar/Vocals) and Gary Burdelski started playing together in 1982 in the band Zero Factor. Subsequent bands included Quest, Blind Vengeance, Lone Rangers, Steel Henge, The Amazements, Half Pound Hot Dog and Javerblöö
PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music
Support Thirty Years Later
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