Cloaca Melodia

Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, PA....   Another fun time with the All-Starr Band (my second time seeing them ), and it was a completely different band of All-Starrs than my previous time. The band included Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie (of Santana), Steve Lukather (of Toto), and Richard Page (of Mr. Mister). I was very excited to see Rundgren's contribution, as I had never seen him before. His featured songs were all great, and it fun to see him enjoying playing on other songs like "Rosanna." setlist : Matchbox It Don't Come Easy Island in the Sun I Saw the Light (led by Todd Rundgren) Evil Ways (led by Gregg Rolie) Rosanna (led by Steve Lukather) Kyrie (led by Richard Page) Bang the Drum All Day (led by Todd Rundgren) Boys Don't Pass Me By Yellow Submarine Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen (led by Gregg Rolie) You're Sixteen I'm the Greatest You Are Mine (led by Richard Page) Africa (led by Steve Lukather) Oye Como Va (led by Gregg Rolie) I Wanna Be Your Man Love Is th...

Schenley Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA..... The Nashville group The Apache Relay took the late-summer stage under the big tent at Schenley Plaza as part of WYEP's Final Fridays concert series. The band started their set with a cover of Springsteen's "State Trooper." They also played their signature song "Katie Queen of Tennessee" and for their encore did a cover of Tom Petty's "American Girl." An enjoyable set! Son Little was also good, featuring songs like "Lay Down," "Your Love Will Blow Me Away When My Heart Aches," and "The River."     

Highland Park Reservoir, Pittsburgh, PA Part of the Reservoir of Jazz concert series.   sorry, I haven't yet written about this show... add your own comments if you were also there!  

Schenley Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA   It was the 18th WYEP's Summer Music Festival. The Lone Bellow's Zach Williams had a surreal experience performing this show. He mentioned during their set that his great-uncle was one of the workers who helped construct the 42-story Cathedral of Learning, the iconic gothic building that looms behind the audience at Schenley Plaza. However, his great-uncle fell to his death while working there. While he didn't know his great-uncle, it must have been strange performing practically in the shadow of the site of one's relative's untimely demise.  Despite that darker connection, the band put on a great show. So did Martin Sexton, although he didn't invite me to participate in a non-denominational pre-show prayer, as he did the last time I had seen him .    The Lone Bellow

Mr. Smalls, Millvale, PA... Besides an enjoyable show, I was honored to interview the man himself prior to the concert about his latest album, Saturns Patterns, as well as his participation in the Live Aid concert, and more.    

Point State Park, Pittsburgh, PA.... sorry, I haven't yet written about this show... add your own comments if you were also there!    

Wonder Bar, Asbury Park, NJ.... A WHTG Reunion show, after the former owner in the '80s and '90s passed away. Many former WHTG DJs were in attendance, and some great music.   me making some stage announcements at the show

World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA......     sorry, I haven't yet written about this show... add your own comments if you were also there!    Josh Ritter