Quick TRAF Recap / Forecast

Busy Toosday edition of TRAF quick hits:
Please post your own thoughts/quick hits in the comments section.

Venue - No dispute that it's great to have the concert grounds back on the grass of Downtown PGH's best asset. I kind of miss the seclusion of the beyond-279 space, but the proximity to downtown proper is a lively compromise.

Friday - If there's another duo around today who can create a harder, dirtier blues groove than the Black Keys, I'd love to see 'em. Great to see a huge turnout for the best pick of this year's lineup. The Keys delivered. Crowdsurfers of both sexes were surprising.

Saturday - MedeskiMartinandWood. I get that these guys are wildly talented musicians and a tight-knit band, but they're a band I tend to remember more fondly than I actually feel about them. It feels like their allergic to maintaining a beat. But while the city's attention was on Pens and Chesney, the smallish crowd that turned out for MMW enjoyed a great night for a concert in the park.

Mind the Gap:
I've missed the past couple of days - so if others have seen or heard something of note, tell us about it in comments below. Wondering about Bonnaroo-bound Trombone Shorty in particular - anyone... anyone?

Immediate Forecast:
- Tonight - local-darlings Donora headline the mainstage after local-up-and-comers Meeting of Important People setup Toronto's Apostle of Hustle. They'll be collectively competing with the last-stand of Malkin, Crosby, and the bunch.

- Wednesday - don't overlook Toubab Krewe, a band that's not getting enough local buzz. They're an instrumental band that young and old alike can get down to. They blend West African sounds and instuments with American Southern jamrock producing layered, plucky grooves - hit their Website and turn up your speakers for a streaming taste..

From here the Krewe heads down to Bonnaroo, where my longings will be this weekend. But a week and a half of free, outdoor concerts that are a T, bus, bike, car or foot-ride away is not a bad alternative.