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ALKALINE TRIO AT THE 2023 FOUR CHORD MUSIC FESTIVAL | PHOTO BY NICK PREZIOSO<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Four Chord Music Festival:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> After more than a decade, the Four Chord Music Festival will finally catch its white whale this weekend. The event, an annual celebration of pop-punk music from the \u201990s to the present, has grown from an evening at a nightclub to a two-day outdoor festival \u2014 and no band better exemplifies its sound and style than Blink-182. Festival organizers have been trying to book the band for years, and came close once, announcing Blink-182 as the headliners for the 2020 edition \u2014 which, of course, was cancelled due to COVID. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise; the version of the band that was touring at that time wasn\u2019t the group\u2019s classic lineup, but the version that will play at EQT Park on Saturday night is. The lineup is loaded throughout the weekend, also featuring AFI, Jimmy Eat World, Bowling for Soup, Jawbreaker, Alkaline Trio and dozens more.<\/p>\n \u201cA Beautiful Noise\u201d:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> We really should divide so-called \u201cjukebox musicals\u201d into two categories: Those that tell a new story with old songs, and those that play like on-stage biopics of famous artists. While the former category is good material for Broadway fun, the latter can convey a musician\u2019s life story and greatest hits in an affecting package. Such is the case with \u201cA Beautiful Noise,\u201d a sweeping and surprisingly personal musical treatment of the life of Neil Diamond. Yes, you\u2019ll hear \u201cSweet Caroline\u201d and \u201cCracklin\u2019 Rosie,\u201d but you\u2019ll also get a personal look at an artist who was at one time the biggest star in music. \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d winner Nick Fradiani stars as Diamond throughout his touring career, while Tony nominee and original \u201cInto the Woods\u201d star Robert Westenberg plays Diamond later in life; both are excellent and convincing. \u201cA Beautiful Noise\u201d continues at the Benedum Center through Sunday.<\/p>\n Pleasant Times with \u201cPaddington\u201d:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> There was a time when \u201cPaddington 2,\u201d the sequel about the beloved yet occasionally bumbling bear, was the best-reviewed film of all time \u2014 at least on Rotten Tomatoes. While some very grumpy individuals have since dissented, the general point stands: Just about everyone loves this bear. This week, the first \u201cPaddington\u201d film plays at Row House Cinemas, and two special screenings are planned. On Saturday, a screening designed for parents with young children (and anyone else who prefers a sensory-friendly environment) is planned. On Sunday, you can enjoy Paddington\u2019s favorite meal \u2014 marmalade sandwiches \u2014 as you follow his adventures.<\/p>\n Joe Hisaishi Conducts the PSO:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> Joe Hisaishi \u2014 award-winning composer, musical director, conductor and pianist \u2014 is taking the stage to conduct the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He\u2019s best known for creating evocative and emotionally rich soundscapes; just watch the Oscar-winning \u201cThe Boy and the Heron.\u201d Along with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Hisaishi and the PSO will present new music from \u201cThe End of the World,\u201d his album inspired by \u201cthe people in the USA.\u201d \u2014 Kahmeela Adams-Friedson<\/em><\/p>\n Clemente Bridge Fest:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> We\u2019re about to kick off a weeklong celebration of Roberto Clemente, which will include Monday\u2019s annual Roberto Clemente Day celebration across Major League Baseball (the Pirates host the Chicago Cubs on Monday in the designated Clemente game<\/a><\/span>) and multiple opportunities to see the new documentary \u201cClemente\u201d on the big screen, including at the Harris<\/span><\/a> and Lindsay theaters<\/span><\/a>. Saturday afternoon, a signature celebration of the Hall of Famer will take place on the bridge that bears his name, as the Roberto Clemente Museum hosts Bridgefest 2025. Expect music, guest appearances, family activities, local food and drink and more.<\/p>\n Ashley Gavin:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> \u201cSometimes I feel a little bit more like a guy, socially,\u201d comedian Ashley Gavin said in a Comedy Central performance. \u201cWomen will break up with their friends \u2026 You\u2019ve never heard a man be like, \u2018With Dave, I just give and I give and I give.\u2019\u201d Gavin, a viral sensation for her acerbic crowd work, will appear at the Pittsburgh Improv for five shows this Thursday through Saturday.<\/p>\n Steelers Home Opener:<\/strong><\/span><\/a> Heading to Acrisure Stadium for the Pittsburgh Steelers home opener? Stop by the Hall of Honor, where a new exhibit celebrates the 20th anniversary of the team\u2019s 2005 Super Bowl victory. And, of course, get to the North Shore early: A sellout crowd is expected to see the 1-0 Steelers host the 0-1 Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.<\/p>\n Looking for more things to do? Check out our complete list of events in Pittsburgh<\/a><\/span> for today, tomorrow and the weeks ahead.<\/em>\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n