“No Front Man. No Eye Makeup. No Labels. No Boys in Girl Pants. No Pop Disney Bullsh#t. Disgruntled with the business of main-stream music, the Hang Lows dance to the beat of their own drums and offer their music for free (or pay what you want). Songs about getting old, fornication, drug abuse, philosophy, and of course their own genitalia are well represented.”

The Hang Lows are a Pittsburgh based ska-rock band who’s latest album MIX TAPE was released last April. Taking cues from Long Beach Dub Allstars, Bob Marley and Sublime, the band fuse elements of reggae, folk, rock, and punk to create an adult oriented style of original music. I want to thank bandleader Dominic Bartolomucci for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• Temple of the Dog was my first CD. I think Kiss Destroyer or Queen’s A Night at the Opera were my first records.
• Your last album bought?
• The Lion. I just met this guy and he is amazing.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Way too hard of a question. Sublime 40oz to Freedom is probably a safe choice. I can still listen to it after about a million times.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• Neil Young’s thing he did of old folk songs was pretty awful and I usually like him.
• First concert attended?
• Monsters of Rock (GNR, Metallica, and Faith no More). My parents wouldn’t let me go so I hitched a ride and stood outside the stadium listening.
• Last concert?
• Hopefully that won’t be for a long time….
• Favorite concert ever?
• SNUFF/Less than Jake at Laga, circa 1998.
• Least favorite concert?
• I played a show that no one showed up for about a million times. They are always my least favorite ?
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• Life is a series of desperate highs and lows, of amazing beauty and beastly horror. Pittsburgh’s music scene is a lot like that too. The people are awesome, the business end is pretty soul crushing. ?

Thanks, Dom. Your first concert brings back memories of my older brother and his friends taking me down outside of Three Rivers Stadium shows in the mid-Seventies to listen.

“Spinning Jenny was formed in 2011 after playing their first gig at a family reunion. Thanks to the kindness of John DiCarlo, frontman of the U.S. Kids, Spinning Jenny was then asked to open for the U.S. Kids at a benefit show held in Steubenville, Ohio. That became not only their first public gig, but the launchpad of nearly three years of playing and making music. Spinning Jenny is proud to say they are a family, with the group consisting of Dr. John Balzano and his three daughters, Julia (18), Talia (15) and Angelina (13). Dr. Balzano passed on his musicianship and love of music, particularly rock-and-roll, to his three daughters from an early age. Before long, the girls learned how to play guitar, drums, bass and keys, and that foundation led them to officially starting Spinning Jenny. During their live shows, audiences can expect to hear a wide variety of music genres — including old-school rock-and-roll, the latest hits on the radio and alternative rock hits — ensuring that there’s something for every age to enjoy.”

Spinning Jenny is a a Mingo Junction, OH based alt rock band made of of three sisters and their Dad. They recently released their latest EP entitled Weightless and are playing a handful of dates in August, including this Saturday (8/6) in Sharon, PA at the Bavarian Fun Fest. I want to thank Julia Balzano (Guitar/Vocals), Talia Balzano (Drums/Vocals), and Angelina Balzano (Bass/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• First album you ever bought?
• Julia Balzano: Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. Still inspired by all the lyrics.
• Talia & Angelina Balzano: Bad Blood by Bastille.
• Your last album bought?
• Julia: Disintegration by The Cure.
• Talia: MUTEMATH by MUTEMATH. They’re my favorite group right now.
• Angelina: Vitals by MUTEMATH. Saw them open for twenty one pilots and loved them.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Julia: Impossible to pick a favorite, but Bon Iver by Bon Iver is definitely one of my most listened to. Every song, start to finish, is so raw and beautiful.
• Talia: Threeway tie! Bad Blood by Bastille, Vitals by MUTEMATH, and Vessel by twenty one pilots. I’ve listened to each album countless times front to back and really connect with every song.
• Angelina: I really, really love Blurryface by twenty one pilots, but MUTEMATH’s and Marina and the Diamonds’ work is incredible as well. All three of us love the classics too! We’ve been especially into 52nd Street by Billy Joel lately.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• Julia: I used to be a big fan of Kelly Clarkson, but I haven’t been thrilled with her newer, poppier stuff. Hopefully she gets back to her edgier roots soon.
• Talia: Monsters In The Closet by Mayday Parade. I thought I would like it, but a lot of the songs are really repetitive and a little too busy for me.
• Angelina: I’ve never listened to a full album, but I’m not a fan of Taylor Swift’s music.
• First concert attended?
• Julia: Rush at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh when I was 14.
• Talia & Angelina: The Aquabats in Pittsburgh a couple years ago.
• Last concert?
• Julia, Talia, and Angelina: We saw twenty one pilots back in June in Pittsburgh. We’re all huge fans and it was one of the best nights ever.
• Favorite concert ever?
• Julia: I would say the Aquabats for sheer fun factor. We were right in front of the stage so I really felt their energy and got to see their talent up close. I jumped and danced the whole night.
• Talia: twenty one pilots. They’re such a huge musical influence for me and it was so incredible to see them live. Their live show has also inspired me to work on making our own shows really great.
• Angelina: Bastille a couple years ago. They’re one of my favorite bands and at one point the singer, Dan Smith, walked through our row and I got to hug him. Pretty amazing moment for me.
• Least favorite concert?
• Julia: That’s a tough one. I’m pretty particular about what concerts I go to, so I don’t go if I don’t enjoy the artist. I’ve pretty much enjoyed every one I’ve been to so far.
• Talia: Me and Angelina went to see the Wonder Years, but I didn’t enjoy the atmosphere at all. It was way too cramped and the crowd was really rowdy.
• Angelina: I agree with Talia. Way too many people in a tiny space!
• Favorite thoughts/experiences about Pittsburgh?
• Julia: One of my favorite experiences was performing on Walnut Street in Shadyside. Pittsburgh is a really cool, artsy city and I felt like we could connect well with such a hip crowd.
• Talia: We’ve seen all of our favorite concerts and shows up there, so I have a lot of good memories associated with the city. One of my favorite recent ones was getting to perform our original song on WDVE. My parents grew up listening to that station, which made the experience even cooler.
• Angelina: I love the bohemian vibe of the city. I’ve always enjoyed going to the museums, and hanging out and shopping on the South Side.

Thanks, gals. It is really great to see you rocking out at so young of an age. I say this because I cannot wait to see where you go with your career and hopefully be seeing you for years and years to come.

“Tunnels for Star Veins” combines multiple genres, spanning from house, hip hop, ambient, downtempo, disco and more. While based in synthesizers and electronics Rusnak regularly incorporates drums, guitar, bass and vocals into his recordings. Computer-less live sets include improvised song forms on analog gear and luminous butterflies.”

Glo Phase is the is the solo electronic project for Pittsburgh musician Joseph Rusnak. Self described as dreamy dance/chill music, Glo Phase recently released a new EP entitled Prisma. I want to thank Joseph for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• MC Hammer – Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em.
• Your last album bought?
• A bit of a tie here, was recently listening to DJ Firefly’s show on WRCT and couldn’t stop buying albums: Grouse – Oslo, My Neighbor Is – Moon’s Reflection on a Quiet Lake, George Sarah – Min and Elsa EP, Franc Moody – EP.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Super tough question, two of my most listened to are Röyksopp Melody A.M. and Brazilian Girls Brazilian Girls.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• I was so disappointed by Daft Punk Random Access Memories. I probably should add their 2001 release Discovery to my most listened to.
• First concert attended?
• Rolling Stones at Three Rivers Stadium 1994. I was pretty young, my parents took me and a friend. Probably the first time I’d ever smelled weed (I should hope).
• Last concert?
• If DJ sets count I went to LTJ Bukem last week at Hot Mass. The last band I saw would be Anjroy who played my EP release the week prior to.
• Favorite concert ever?
• A Japanese artist, Cornelius on his ‘Point’ tour. I saw him in Boston after only recently becoming familiar with his music and it was a mind blowing experience. Radiohead on their ‘Amnesiac’ tour would be a close second.
• Least favorite concert?
• I saw an early Washed Out show that was all around pretty bad. In his defense I’ve heard he has stepped it up a bit since.
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• “I didn’t speak English until I came to Pittsburgh.” – Mario Lemieux

Thanks, Joe. I was at that Stones show. That ended up being the last time I saw them. Was tired of the whole bombast of a stadium show and have avoided going to see bands in huge venues like that.

Image courtesy Whitney Ann Jenkins

“Originally from the picturesque landscape of West Virginia, Whitney Ann grew up in a household that nurtured creativity. Her father, Junior, would play guitar in his knowledge of seeming solitude and she would hide around the corner and listen with admiration. Her love of performing resulted in soaking up every opportunity that presented itself.”

Whitney Ann Jenkins and her Platonic Guy Friends is an Pittsburgh based folk rock band lead by singer-songwriter Whitney Ann Jenkins. With their 2105 release Down Stage Left, the band play out all over Pittsburgh and Whitney will be playing a solo spot this upcoming Sunday (7/31) at Pittsburgh Winery opening up for Planes on Paper from Washington State. I want to thank Whitney for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• I think… Patsy Cline. I was intoxicated by her raw emotion.
• Your last album bought?
• The Lion by Benjamin Scheuer. I bought it after I saw his show at City Theatre in Pittsburgh. Incredible guitarist–like no one I’ve ever seen, and such a beautiful songwriter and storyteller.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks or Joni Mitchell’s Blue, it’s a coin toss.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an album thinking I was disappointed in it. If I don’t like something, I turn it off…
• First concert attended?
• My parents took me to see Wynona Judd. The first I really remember remember was Elton John.
• Last concert?
• Meghann Wright and The Sure Thing. My band and I opened for her and she’s the real deal.
• Favorite concert ever?
• Grace Potter! She’s such a babe and a rock star. And I was amazed at the span of generations of the crowd, both younger and older enjoying it just the same. I think that says a lot about a “newer” artist.
• Least favorite concert?
• I went to see Dave Mason in Los Angeles because my friend knew him personally. It was a small venue but there were only about 6 of us there. It was really uncomfortable. But also as a musician, a good lesson. Sometimes the crowd may be sparse but that doesn’t mean you perform at a level less than if you were playing a sold out stadium show. An audience member is an audience member and they all deserve the same.
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• Beyond the top ten lists and sports fanaticism, Pittsburgh has a lot of potential. It’s exciting to watch it transform and embrace change and make its mark on the world.

Thanks, Whitney. As a music fan, I wholeheartedly agree with you on the notion that a musician should attempt to give their all onstage, no matter how many people show up.

Image courtesy Brad Byrd

“Indie-rock/folk singer/songwriter Brad Byrd has been crafting hooky, timeless, left-of-center pop songs since 2003. His body of work has been described as both “haunting” and “soulful”, and he was recently sited as “One of the top artists from the Cape Ann, MA area alongside Paula Cole” in Boston’s popular music rag – “The Noise” (July 2012). With penetrating melodies, and lyrical imagery that effortlessly deciphers the human condition the “on the verge” indie-rock singer/songwriter has been delighting crowds in the local bar/club, coffee shop scenes from LA, to NYC and all over New England.”

Brad Byrd is an folk rocker from Rowley, MA who’s is busy working on his third album to be released in the fall. He is finding time to tour this Summer and hits the Pittsburgh Winery this Saturday (7/30) opening for Christopher the Conquered. I want to thank Brad for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• Kiss Alive II.
• Your last album bought?
• Beck Morning Phase.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Very difficult… too many to name but Nada Surf Let Go.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album???
• First concert attended?
• Ratt, I believe?
• Last concert?
• The Darkness at Irving Plaza in April.
• Favorite concert ever?
• Afghan Whigs at the Fonda Theater in L.A. (last year).
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• ‘All The Right Moves’…

Thanks, Brad. “You know, Nickerson, you are not God! Huh? You’re just a typing teacher!”

“The music we make deals with the abstracts that work their way through my head everyday. Heavily influenced by punk rock, but also the blues, folk and bluegrass. The music we make (to me), over the past year, warped its way into a dizzying fusion of a lot of poetry and frustration. The band behind me changed everything; I started this project as a simple acoustic singer/songwritery kind of deal.”

Smokey Bellows (formerly Dick Whiskey and the Bottle Openers) is a bluesy folk rock band from Pittsburgh who will release their fantastic debut entitled Half Lucid and the Other Half via with a bash at The Funhouse at Mr. Small’s this Saturday (7/30) with special guests Cousin Boneless and Essential Machine. I want to thank Dick Whiskey (AKA Nick Bigatel) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• Not sure…. maybe a B-52s album.
• Your last album bought?
• Willie Nelson – Stardust.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Tom Petty – Wildflowers.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• Too many to name.
• First concert attended?
• Mushroomhead.
• Last concert?
• Murder by Death.
• Favorite concert?
• Chris Pureka at the Brown Hotel.
• Least favorite concert?
• Marilyn Manson (he was a douche bag, sounded like shit and it wasn’t fun at all.)
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• It has an ever growing art and music scene and there’s never a shortage of new things to discover. Food’s not bad either.

Thanks, Nick. Saturday looks like all kinds of fun, man. And Marilyn Manson acting like a douche? Shocker!

Learn all about Ladyfest Pittsburgh 2016 going down this weekend in Pittsburgh at The Shop, Howler’s Spirit, Hambone’s, and Mr. Roboto Project.

Stream the Ladyfest PGH 2016 Comp HERE

Full details below.

Ladyfest Pittsburgh is an annual three-day festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania featuring female-fronted and female-dominant acts. Ladyfest Pittsburgh benefits the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. It is organized by the members of the Pittsburgh bands The Lopez and Brazilian Wax. ♥ ♥

• Ladyfest Pittsburgh 2016 Lineup:
• Friday, July 15th /// 6pm /// all ages /// $8 The Shop 4314 Main Street

REIGN CHECK (https://www.facebook.com/reigncheck)
VSG (http://vsgmusic.bandcamp.com/album/a-quality-demo)
THE RIZZOS (https://therizzos.bandcamp.com/)
MURDER FOR GIRLS (https://murderforgirls.bandcamp.com/)
BLACK PLANET (https://blackplanett.bandcamp.com/)
UTAH JAZZ (https://utahjazz.bandcamp.com/)

• Friday, July 15th /// 9pm /// 21+ /// $8 Howler’s 4509 Liberty Avenue

LOVE DUMPSTER (https://www.facebook.com/Love-Dumpster-1522350841379731/)
JACQUEA MAE (https://www.facebook.com/JacqueaMae)
BLAK RAPP MADUSA (https://www.facebook.com/Blak-Rapp-Madusa-1409426912625704)
SLEEPY KITTY (https://sleepykitty.bandcamp.com/)
DERIDER (https://deriderpgh.bandcamp.com/)
TRASH BAG (https://trashbagmusic.bandcamp.com/)

• Saturday, July 16th /// 4pm /// 21+ /// $10 Spirit 242 51st Street

FRANNY MOON (http://www.musicianshotsheet.com/news-reviews/main-stage/355-moon-0416.html)
HET WARD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDqEkVF_eNM&app=desktop)
BIG GIRLS (https://www.facebook.com/BIG-Girls-165444523790318/?fref=ts)
SUN HOUND (https://sunhound.bandcamp.com/)
THE FRESHES (https://soundcloud.com/the-freshes/sets/a-little-taste)
EVAN GREER (https://evangreer.bandcamp.com/)
THE VAN ALLEN BELT (https://thevanallenbelt.bandcamp.com/)
THE GARMENT DISTRICT (https://thegarmentdistrict.bandcamp.com/)
COME HOLY SPIRIT (https://soundcloud.com/comeholyspirit)
UNO LADY (https://unolady.bandcamp.com/)
SWAMPWALK (https://swampwalkin.bandcamp.com/)
THE LOPEZ (https://thelopez.bandcamp.com/)
MOOR MOTHER (https://moormothergoddess.bandcamp.com/)
BOILED DENIM (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boiled-Denim/303891612956187)
BRAZILIAN WAX (https://brazilianwaxpgh.bandcamp.com/)

• Sunday, July 17th /// 11am /// all ages /// donation only Hambone’s 4207 Butler Street

JOANNA LOWE (https://ceeteecee.bandcamp.com/album/the-occasional-epiphany)
DORI CAMERON (https://soundcloud.com/dori-cameron)
SARAH HALTER (www.facebook.com/blueclutch)

• FAT IDA

SERPENTINE (https://grassinthesnake.bandcamp.com/)
LISS VICTORY (https://soundcloud.com/lissvictory)
PIEROGI PIZZA (https://pierogipizza.bandcamp.com/)

• Sunday, July 17th /// 3pm /// all ages /// $10 Roboto 5106 Penn Avenue

DINOSOUL (https://dinosoul.bandcamp.com/album/tree-star)
NOTHING (https://nothingnothingnothing.bandcamp.com/)
NAPPETITE (https://soundcloud.com/annaazizzy)
MIDDLE CHILDREN (https://midchild.bandcamp.com/)
THE TELEPHONE LINE (https://telelinepgh.bandcamp.com/)
DUMPLINGS (https://dumplings.bandcamp.com/)

• GILING

OLD GAME (https://oldgame.bandcamp.com/)
RUE (https://chatteltail.bandcamp.com/)

Performing “Phantom Limb” live on air at the WDVE Morning Show Coffeehouse on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Paddy the Wanderer play the Park Stage at the 4th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival on Saturday, July 9 at 2PM. #DTownMF

Performing “Tumbleweed” live on air at the WDVE Morning Show Coffeehouse on Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Sun Hound play Scratch Food & Beverage at the 4th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival on Friday, July 8 at 10PM. #DTownMF

Performing “Clouds” live on air at the WDVE Morning Show Coffeehouse on Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Some Kind of Animal play Wigle Wkiskey Barrelhouse at the 4th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival on Saturday, July 9 at 4PM. #DTownMF

Performing “Nothing to Do” live on air at the WDVE Morning Show Coffeehouse on Tuesday, July 5, 2016. Scott and Rosanna open up Scratch Food & Beverage at the 4th Annual Deutschtown Music Festival on Saturday, July 9 at 6PM. #DTownMF

“With his compelling songs, stirring melodies, and preternaturally soulful voice, Sam Lewis has quickly established himself as one of Nashville’s most talented new tunesmiths.”

Sam Lewis is a country/soul songwriter from Nashville who is touring behind his latest effort, Waiting on You. He stops in Pittsburgh on Tuesday (6/28) at the Pittsburgh Winery in the Strip. Doors at 6pm / Show at 7pm. I want to thank Sam for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• Jackson 5 Greatest Hits.
• Your last album bought?
• Ace of Bass Greatest Hits.
• Favorite album of all time?
• My first album, Sam Lewis.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• Vanilla Ice Greatest Hits.
• First concert attended?
• David Alan Coe.
• Last concert?
• Ricky Skaggs and Ry Cooder.
• Favorite concert ever?
• Stevie Wonder ‘Songs in the Key of Life 2015’.
• Least favorite concert?
• Birdcloud at The Basement East, Nashville 2015’.
• Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• Great food; better people.

Thanks, Sam. That is one nice call on your fave album. Way to go!

There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our traditional media outlets with full page color ads. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic! Friday June 24, 2016

– You Bred Raptors? / [explosion sound] / The Clock Reads / Sweet Earth
– Sweet Earth at Dead and Company ticket Giveaway show
– Teen Underground Cafe Open Mic Night – Woods Run
– The Rustbelters
– Hard Karma at The Good Time Bar
– Downtown At Sundown Concert Series
– Nice Try / 1-800-Band / Rue (solo) @City Grows
– JatS Live at New Kensington Community Days
– Secret Stuff, I Love Your Lifestyle, Frame and Mantle, Lawn Care and Salvage the Tongue at Roboto
– Highland House Show W/ The Black Hollow, Aerial Ruin
– Maytide and Grandadchilds Live at 31
– Bayardstown Cumbia Party: Dos Santos (chicago / cumbia) & Guests
– A Cheer’ly Farm Fest!
– Brother From Another Mother Jams Wolfie’s!
– Katie Hate Summer Ruckus Tour Kickoff weekend 2!
– Prairie Empire at The Acorn Alliance
– Lit with The Hawkeyes at South Park
– AcoustiCafe Select Reserve Songwriter Showcase with Kayla Schureman, Sean Atkins and Max Somerville!
– An evening with theCAUSE at the Oaks
– The Great Hambone’s Revolution! w/ Jeremy Caywood & The Way Of Life / Victory At The Crossroads / Dori Cameron
– PBR Presents: Live Band Karaoke; Summer’s Here!
– The Full Counts, Meeting of Important People, and the Nox Boys – Rock and Roll Show
– Shepherds (ATL) // Weird Corners // Tambouri
– Ray Lanich (Solo) LIVE at Rodney Corner Cafe – Acme, PA
– Summer Nights with the Dream Machine at the 1810
– John Riegert, Curated by Brett Yasko – Opening Reception
– Anger the Ant – CD Release Party

Saturday June 25, 2016

– Right Turnclyde at The Sports Grille Cranberry
– 1st Annual Pittsburgh Indie-Rockfest!
– FoundSound Songwriter Night: Morgan Erina, Buffalo Rose, Llore
– C. Joynes (UK) w/ Pairdown and Sagas (Matt McDowell)
– Funhouse Showcase – Liz Berlin Band wsg Lust and Confusion!
– The Red Western, Mystic Seers, James Hart (electric Set) at Spirit
– Colleen Green, Cassie Ramone, The Lopez, Rue
– Adam Murphy & The River Society with Elkhound
– James Drakes and CT3/Devin Moses and the Saved at BBT
– Say *I Do* Love to Dance w/ Jesley Snipes, Gordy G., Jordan K
– Th’ Royal Shakes! Vertigo-go! and Sun Hound! at Gooski’s
– Jam On Walnut
– Bonfire 35th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday June 26, 2016

– Vine Rewind: A Penn Avenue Picnic – Free!
– Spirit Sunday Brunch Buffet w/ Zombo
– WEATHER PERMITTING: Miramar, Pennsylvania Dirt & TBA
– Rat Hammer / Searights / Pop Thief & The Grand Larceny
– Benefits “The Spirit of Christmas Rocks in June”
– Eddie Palmieri Y Su Orquesta Salsera
– Tiki Bar Party with Steeltown
– Route 22 Fest 4
– The Jades

There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our traditional media outlets with full page color ads. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!

Friday June 17, 2016

– The Town Pants Summer 2016 Tour Stop in Pittsburgh!
– Brooke Annibale & Band
– Until we have Faces CD release party
– Pittsburgh’s World Refugee Day Celebration 2016
– The Adorabulls – Celebrate Patronizing Local Oakmont Establishments During the US Open
– FF at 31 Sports Bar-Grille (Outside on Deck)
– Right TurnClyde’s Party on the Patio ! at The Dorothy 6 Blast Cafe
– Live music with KGB at the fox
– Tony Germaine at Elwood’s Pub
– All Ages Open Mic Night
– Live Music: Good Guys Duo
– Pittsburgh Living album release party at Satalio’s
– Summer Fridays with Meeting of Important People and Working Breed
– Summer kick off at the Rochester Inn with The Mudslinger Band
– Jim Storch (ukulele, vocal) at Biddle’s Escape
– Shade Ten LIVE @ Paradise Island Beach Bar
– Dante Romito Band at 565 Live
– Rock Band Karaoke
– Bob & Dena Masterino
– Bayardstown Happy Hours : Total Trash, Aaron Lefebvre, Unknown String Band
– Mars Jackson, Metacara, and more, live in support of the CHS Food Pantry
– Slim at Nied’s
– The Grey Estates’ 2nd Annual Estate Party ft. Littler / Marge / Rue / Lawn Care
– The Oaks Theater Presents Barbara Blue/ Bill Toms and Hard Rain
– Songwriters in the Round. Jeff Campbell, Spencer Allan Patrick, Morgan Erina
– Red Room Effect & BlitheHound
– The Girlie Show: Blue Clutch / S&M / Megan Pennington & The Misfit Toys / Amy MmHmm
– Old Game// When Particles Collide (Tour!)// ZOOB
– Grant Street Grifters at The Park House
– Showcase at The Funhouse with Jude Benedict & The Last Drop and Stationary Pebbles
– Surf Festival 2016
– Crooked Cobras/Pig Pen/Slade & the Wasters/Dead River
– It’s “Strangeways” at Spirit Lodge!

Saturday June 18, 2016

– Spirit Summer Recess
– SOUTH SIDE ART CRAWL
– Right TurnClyde at the Arsenal Cider House
– The ChopShop and The Bees Trees LIVE
– Katie Hate’s Summer Ruckus 2016 Tour Kickoff weekend PT 1.
– Brash Teeth at Grist House Craft Brewery
– Who’s Your Daddy?
– LoFi Delphi EP Release w/ Chrome Moses, City Steps, The Park Plan, & Jeremy Caywood
– VOODOO ☾ A Monthly Goth Industrial Ritual ☽ June
– Sean K. Preston & the Loaded Pistols, Douglas & The Iron Lung,The Devil’s Holler
– Dirty Charms Live at Hollywood Lanes
– N3D Hilltop Festival
– Mavens and friends/a farewell for Rick Malis
– All In Uniform @ Rizz’s

Sunday June 19, 2016

– The Block Party #2 – Northview Heights
– Soul and Surf Sunday (Father’s Day)
– The Karma Kids & Big Breakfast in Pittsburgh (presented by Elevenfiftysix1156)
– Fathers Day Show feat. Cranberry Sanders & Jesse RS

Here is the full band lineup for the Deutschtown Music Festival for Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9, 2016. Please join and share the Facebook event.

Also, once again, Joe Mruk has produced an amazing image this year. Thanks, Joe! Friday, July 8, 2016

• Park Stage (Allegheny Commons) ALL-AGES
• 4 PM – Rox Academy
• 5 PM – The Annajames Band
• 6 PM – Chase the Monkey
• 7 PM – The Great Great Ants
• 8 PM – Pet Clinic
• James St. Restaurant (Ground Floor) 422 Foreland St. ALL-AGES
• 7 PM – The Chiodi Trio
• 8 PM – Dennis Malley
• 8:30 PM – Douglas Lowell Blevins
• 9 PM – Vit DeBacco
• 9:30PM – Samantha Sears
• 10 PM – Seth Pfannenschmidt
• James St. Speakeasy (Downstairs) – 422 Foreland St. 21+ 9 PM – PL>Y
• James St. Ballroom (Upstairs) 422 Foreland St. 21+
• 5 PM – The Buckle Downs
• 6 PM – Melinda
• 7 PM – Avi Diamond
• 8 PM – MVT
• 9 PM – The Telephone Line
• 10 PM – Diego
• 11 PM – Gypsy & His Band of Ghosts
• Scratch Food & Beverage – 1720 Lowrie Street ALL-AGES
• 6 PM – Cranberry Sanders
• 7 PM – The Rents
• 8 PM – Ben Valasek & The Growlers
• 9 PM – Slim Forsythe Band
• 10 PM – Sun Hound
• 11 PM – The Dovewires
• Huszar (formerly The Recovery Room) – 627 E North Avenue ALL-AGES
• 6 PM – Super Fun Time Awesome Party Band
• 7 PM – Swiss Army
• 8 PM – Young Fox
• 9 PM – Blue Clutch
• 10 PM – Charlie Hustle & The Grifters
• 11 PM – Patton
• The Park House – 403 East Ohio St. 21+
• 9:30 PM – Nameless in August
• Saturday, July 9, 2016
• Park Stage (Outside) – Allegheny Commons East ALL-AGES
• 11 AM – Ferdinand The Bull
• 12 PM – Metacara
• 1 PM – Strange Monsters
• 2 PM – Paddy The Wanderer
• 3 PM – Old Soles & Seedy Players
• 4 PM – Delicious Pastries
• 5 PM – Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo
• Main Stage (Outside) – Middle and Foreland Ave. ALL-AGES
• 2 PM – Memphis Hill
• 3 PM – Bindley Hardware Co.
• 4 PM – Devin Moses & The Saved
• 5 PM – The Red Western
• 6 PM – Jimbo & The Soupbones
• 7 PM – The Hawkeyes
• 8 PM – Meeting of Important People
• 9 PM – Gene the Werewolf
• 10 PM – Bastard Bearded Irishmen
• Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden (Outside) – 1055 Spring Garden Ave. ALL-AGES
• 12 PM – The Fed
• 1 PM – As Ladders
• 2 PM – The Mixus Brothers
• 3 PM – Heather Kropf
• 4 PM – Some Kind of Animal
• 5 PM – Paul Tabachneck
• 6 PM – Brewer’s Row
• 7 PM – Morgan Erina
• 8 PM – Brooke Annibale
• 9 PM – Agnes Wired for Sound
• James St. Ballroom (Upstairs) 422 Foreland St. 21+
• 2 PM – The Full Counts
• 3 PM – Working Breed
• 4 PM – Balloon Ride Fantasy
• 5 PM – Essential Machine
• 6 PM – The Nox Boys
• 7 PM – Lofi Delphi
• 8 PM – The Garment District
• 9 PM – Misaligned Mind
• 10 PM – Grand Piano
• 11 PM – 28 North
• James St. Speakeasy (Downstairs) – 422 Foreland St. 21+
• 12 PM – Doors in the Labrynth
• 1 PM – Shannon & The Merger
• 2 PM – Good Ship Gibraltar
• 3 PM – Nameless in August
• 4 PM – Different Places in SPACE
• 5 PM – Decaffeinated Grapefruit
• 6 PM – For Dizzier Heights
• 7 PM – Spacefish
• 8 PM – The Wire Riots
• 9 PM – Wolves in Sheeps Clothing
• 10 PM – The Show
• 11 PM – Ye Old Royal Shithouse Players
• 12 AM – Rat Tits
• James St. Restaurant (Ground Floor) 422 Foreland St. ALL-AGES
• 11 AM – J. Trafford
• 12 PM – Jeremy Caywood / Clay McLeod
• 1 PM – Swampwalk / The Anonymous Chronicles
• 2 PM – we speak in colors/ Katie Dee & The Quaking Aspens
• 3 PM – Bill Jasper Acoustics / Willis Tree
• 4 PM – Bryan McQuaid / Brett Staggs
• 5 PM – Flot Boi
• 6 PM – Aaron Jaye / Nick M.
• 7 PM – Jesse Prentiss / Corey James
• 8 PM – Angela Cash / Van Blue
• 9 PM – H&T / Epik Moss
• 10 PM – Pyro / Edon Jacobs
• Max’s Allegheny Tavern Rathskeller – 537 Suismon St. 21+
• 6 PM – Native Alloys
• 7 PM – The Mutiny
• 8 PM – The Me Toos
• 9 PM – Orange Mammoth
• 10 PM – Egomyth
• 11 PM – Pro Wrestler
• Penn Brewery Patio (Outside) – 800 Vinial St. ALL-AGES
• 8 PM – Thirty Years Later
• 9 PM – Naked Spirit
• 10 PM – TeraChain Sky
• 11 PM – KatieHate
• Penn Brewery Courtyard (Outside) – 800 Vinial St. ALL-AGES
• 2 PM – Bobby V
• 3 PM – Walker & the Rebellion
• 4 PM – Dan Bubien
• 5 PM – The Mike Medved Band
• 6 PM – Cory Eaux
• Penn Brewery Restaurant – 800 Vinial St. ALL-AGES
• 2 PM – The Hipsters
• 3 PM – The Shiners
• 4 PM – Whiskey River Panhandlers
• 5 PM – Music From Another Room
• 6 PM – Suisideburns
• 7 PM – Charm & Chain
• 8 PM – David Dickinson
• 9 PM – Transcontinental Boozehounds
• Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 – 400 Cedar Ave. 21+
• 7 PM – André Costello and the Cool Minors
• 8 PM – Wreck Loose
• 9 PM – The Commonheart
• 10 PM – Chrome Moses
• 11 PM – Bad Custer
• Arnolds Tea Room – 502 East Ohio St. ALL-AGES
• 12 PM – The Ray Lanich Band
• 1 PM – The Lo-Fi Project
• 2 PM – The Dark Lines
• 3 PM – Blithehound
• 4 PM – Dan Getkin
• 5 PM – Machete Kisumontao
• 6 PM – Ishtar Vintage Belly Dance Band
• 7 PM – Yo Mama’s Samba
• Allegheny City Brewing – 507 Forerland St. ALL-AGES
• 3 PM – Hedonism Bots
• 4 PM – Denzell
• 5 PM – The Danzas
• 6 PM – ATLAS
• 7 PM – The Clock Reads
• 8 PM – The Turbosonics
• 9 PM – The Filthy Lowdown
• 10 PM – World’s Scariest Police Chases
• 11 PM – 13 Saints
• Double R Café – 709 East St. 21+
• 6 PM – Solarburn
• 7 PM – Elkhound
• 8 PM – Fourth River Revival
• 9 PM – There You Are
• 10 PM – The Love Letters
• 11 PM – Byron Nash & Plan B
• 12 AM – The Weird Paul Rock Band
• Verdetto’s – 814 Madison Ave. 21+
• 8 PM – Three River Revival
• 9 PM – Chris Vipond & The Stanlet Street Band
• 10 PM – Them Labs
• 11 PM – Circles & Squares
• 12 AM – Eastend Mile
• YMR Club – 631 Suismon St. 21+
• 6 PM – Mickey & Snake Oil Boys
• 7 PM – Brett Staggs
• 8 PM – Dirty Charms
• 9 PM – SuperMonkey
• The Modern Café – 862 Western Ave. 21+
• 7 PM – Hepcat Dilemna
• 8 PM – The Shifted Past
• 9 PM – Sea Rights
• 10 PM – William Forrest
• 11 PM – Emerson Jay
• St. Mary’s Lyceum – 910 Chestnut St. ALL-AGES
• 6 PM – Turnpike Gardens
• 7 PM – St. Dude
• 8 PM – Action Camp
• 9 PM – The Freshes
• 10 PM – The Semi-Supervillians
• Scratch Food & Beverage – 1720 Lowrie St. ALL-AGES
• 6 PM – Scott & Rosanna
• 7 PM – Andy Van Lewis
• 8 PM – Wine & Spirit
• 9 PM – Absolution Key
• 10 PM – Brash Teeth
• 11 PM – Red Room Effect
• Huszar (formerly The Recovery Room) – 627 E North Avenue ALL-AGES
• 2 PM – Bat Zuppel
• 3 PM – Murder for Girls
• 4 PM – The Redlines
• 5 PM – Street Pigeons
• 6 PM – Ugly Blondes
• 8 PM – Mike Cali
• 9 PM – Victory at the Crossroads
• 10 PM – Clay McLeod & Pittsburgh Rare
• 11 PM – Those Gorgeous Bastards
• Carmi Soul Food Restaurant – 917 Western Ave. ALL-AGES
• 6 PM – Vox Imago
• 7 PM – Lee Robinson
• 8 PM – Kyle Greene: Bass Cadet
• The Park House – 403 East Ohio St. 21+
• 6 PM – Grant Street Grifters
• 9 PM – Chillent

There are always shows happening in Pittsburgh over the weekend that are worthy of your attention and may not be widely advertised in our traditional media outlets with full page color ads. Please go out to #SupportPGHMusic!

Friday June 10, 2016

– Charlie Hustle and The Grifters at Penn Hills Library Amphitheater
– Right TurnClyde at the Backdraft Bar and Grille

– Seafair w/ The Tilt Room & Lone Wolf Club
– Showcase at The Funhouse with Bindley Hardware Co, Amy Mmhmm and Daryl Fleming & the Public Domain!
– Grand Piano & Union Rye at the Park House (FREE)

Saturday June 11, 2016

– ATC 10 Year Anniversary Bash
– Saxophonist Eddie Manion – Joe Grushecky
– The Penske File / Rebuilder / Swiss Army / Secret Pizza @Black Forge Coffee House
– I Made a Record. It Is Time To Have A Listen Party
– Highway 4’s “Matter Of Time” CD Release & LIVE Music Video
– Girls Rock! PGH Dance Party at Belvedere’s w/ the Lopez!
– The Semi Supervillains, the Bigness (Philly), and Colourshow at Hambone’s
– Weapons of Choice CD Release
– Supervana a Tribute to Nirvana Live at Hollywood Lanes
– SweetWater Music Fest
– CB After Hours: Different Places in Space
– Late Show at The Funhouse with Billy Pilgram and Lazyblackman!
– Howler’s Rock Show
– BOYS tape release! w/ WEI ZHONGLE, IT IT, and CHOIR!

Sunday June 12, 2016

– Live Music Yoga w/ Jeremy Colbert of Nameless In August
– Right TurnClyde at Trax Farms
– Weather Permitting Summer Celebration : The Armadillos, Josh and Gab, Grant Street Grifters
– HOUR 24 + ECHO BLACK at Black Forge Coffee House
– Apples & Ales I – Lawrenceville Edition!
– ECID Bleubird Stillborn Identity Leftfield Mario Quinn at Belvedere’s
– SHADY MUGS – Afternoon Party at TIKI BAR!

“Diego has been in bands since he was 13, and has been a songwriter, performer, guitarist and singer, director and producer in Pittsburgh based groups such as Spontaneo, Gypsy and His Band of Ghosts and The Ruckus Bros. Diego first solo release draws inspiration from icons like The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Prince and many more.”

Diego is the appropriately named band from songwriter Diego Byrnes from The Ruckus Brothers and Gypsy and his Band of Ghosts fame.His first solo self-titled album will be released on Friday (6/10) with a blow out party at James St. Gastropub with PL>Y and anjroy providing support. Admission includes a free copy of the album. I want to thank Diego for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• Rancid Out Comes The Wolves.
• Your last album bought?
• Radiohead’s Moon Shaped Pool.
• Favorite album of all time?
• Bob Marley Legend.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• I’m pretty easy to please.
• First concert attended?
• Besides local fireball shows, Presidents of The United States of America with The Spin Doctors and Sponge.
• Last concert?
• The last touring act I saw was Dropkick Murphy’s with Tiger Army.
• Favorite concert ever?
• I’ve seen some great Jazz all over the world, but Gwar gets me every time.
• Least favorite concert?
• I’m pretty easy to please, I just love music.
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• It’s home and there’s no place like it.

Thanks, Diego. Looks like Friday is going to be a blast! And nice call on GWAR!

“Younger was originally created under the name “Draw Stravis” and this was started in 2013 as an outlet and as means of expressing everyday struggles of loneliness, heartbreak and growing up. I do this to escape from the things that bring me down in life and to express the joy that comes with getting through those things. I hope you enjoy.”

Younger is the moniker for Pittsburgh indie folk-punkster Drew Davis who is releasing his debut album called The Sum of Our Parts via Flowerpot Records this Friday (6/10). I want to thank Drew for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

• The first album you ever bought?
• Green Day’s American Idiot when I was in 5th grade with my own money. I was 10 years old and wanted to be a little punk.
• Your last album bought?
• I do a lot of music streaming now so it’s been a couple months since I bought an album, but the last album I purchased was Death of Slug by a Florida band called Northbound.
• Favorite album of all time?
• This is a hard question and not one I take lightly. I’ll have to narrow it to a top 5.Can’t Buy a Thrill by Steely Dan, Deja Entendu by Brand New, Sports by Modern Baseball, VOID by Vanna, and Bring Me Your Love by City & Colour.
• Least favorite/most disappointing album?
• It would have to be Fall Out Boy’s Save Rock and Roll. I had hyped it up in my own mind because I was so excited about their return and that album bums me out because it’s nothing I had hoped it would be.
• First concert attended?
• Black Eyes Peas in 5th grade. It was God-awful.
• Last concert?
• The last concert I went to was local to me, hosted by my friend Wes, who also played, but there were two Chicago bands coming through, Regular Oatmeal and Winter Classic. It was in a gazebo. It was dope.
• Favorite concert ever?
• It would have to be Vanna back in March of 2015. They played at Double Happiness in Columbus and me and my friend David cried and it was beautiful.
• Least favorite concert?
• Black Eyed Peas. By far. Probably the only actually bad concert I’ve ever attended.
• Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
• Pittsburgh is the best city in the world and I will fight anyone and everyone that says differently. In all seriousness, I lived in Pittsburgh for a while and my parents live about 45 minutes from downtown. Nothing compares to coming through the Fort Pitt tunnels and taking in that first view of the city.

Thanks, Drew. Of all the answers about Pittsburgh I get, the number one is easily that view coming out of the Fort Pitt tunnels. I never get tired of it at all.