Music, music everywhere

Man, what a weekend to be out of town. As I wait for my flight, I just want to highlight all the goodness I'll be missing over then next few days.

For some of the best that our city has to offer, Lohio and Emily Rodgers will be at Calliope Center Stage in the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts tonight. The tunes should run the gamut from mellow to upbeat, and should provide a good intro to the local scene for those unfamiliar.

There will also be some quality Celtic-rock happening over at the Hard Rock Cafe if you're looking to warm up for the weekend.

Friday, some quality roots rock on two spectrums (spectra?), with Rusted Root playing on a boat, and John Hiatt taking over the Munhall library. Tough to go wrong either way.

Saturday is a smorgasbord: If it's classic, quality, down-home rock you crave, find it at Altar Bar for 28 North's CD release party. If you've got the kids for the night, everyone can enjoy They Might Be Giants at the New Hazlett in the North Side. Brilloboxians the city wide should be thrilled to welcome Baltimore's indie-folk stalwarts Wye Oak. But if you're looking for a mellower evening, find a seat at Synod Hall (behind St. Paul's Cathedral in Oakland) for some eight-string artistry with Carlo Aonzo and the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. Or, if you're feeling the spirit and a bit of the sauce, perhaps, Harp & Fiddle will keep you going all day. The lineup includes a stellar local cast of Mark Guiser, Hooley, Whiskey Limerick, Guaranteed Irish, and Red Hand Paddy.

So you've got options. Information about all can be found in the concert calendar in the sidebar.

Me? I have some salsa and calypso in my near future, with hopes for a bit of flamenco and a lot of sangria. Irish? No. But all things considered I guess I'm not too upset.