Streaming exclusively at the bottom of the home page.
Runtime: 100 minutes
NSFW

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Happy New Year, everyone. I am amazed that this year is my 20th Anniversary of HughShows (!!!) and have a few things planned to celebrate, starting out with a brand new feature here, a streaming radio program at the bottom of my homepage featuring all things Pittsburgh music. As with everything I do, this is a DIY work in progress and as I go through the inevitable growing pains, I would love your participation and feedback.

First, if you are a local band/musician and feel like being a part of the show, send me an mp3 of new music, older music, demos, alternative takes, live versions, cover songs… any genre welcome. Indie, hip-hop, hard rock, metal, R&B, acoustic… you name it. I have an extensive library as it is but would love to round it out with anything you would like to feature.
Second, I also welcome comments, criticisms and any other suggestions. I find that so many people I have known in the music community these two decades are so helpful and willing to share their talents.
Email all correspondence and music to hugh@hughshows.com.

Thank so much as always and keep supporting Pittsburgh music.

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HughShows Radio EP 1 ‘Covering Pittsburgh’ Playlist
“Cats Prowl at Night” – Doors in the Labyrinth
“Ya Gotta Believe” – Bitter Whiskers
“Oh Pittsberg, My Pittsberg” – Suavity’s Mouthpiece
“Holiday in Pittsburgh” – Skeletonized
“Daughter of Rock N Roll” – Mourning People
“Genie 2.0” – 2020k

Above is the new music video from Pittsburgh based ethereal rock quartet Zinnia’s Garden.
The song “Purple Portal Dream” was officially released today by the band and being that it is December 31st,  they will be celebrating ringing in the new year tonight at Spirit along with livefromthecity & Urban Development, MINKA, Ames Harding & The Mirage, Forestry Division, Studio 412 Band & DJ Dini Daddy. Details here.

More on Zinnia’s Garden from their press:
“A band bringing you sublime, moody vibes, with all four members surging in and out of harmony across a rich multi-dimensional plane. We’re rounding out to our second album to release in 2024 with the hope of coming into this New Growth like a seed sprouting into spring.”
Groovy indeed!

 

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Song: “By the Light of the Moon”

Artist: Sun Ray, Shining Light

Album: Lullabies for Calliope

Year Released: 2023

Genre: Instrumental Post-Rock

Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2010

Did you know? Originally recorded in 2012, the EP was shelved due to band commitments, technology limitations and finally released after a decade in the vaults

 

 

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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HughShows welcomes back contributing music journalist Jill Berkin. A a UK-based writer and avid music enthusiast, she’s interested in shoegaze, rock, and alternative music. I couldn’t be more thrilled in highlighting her wonderful work on the blog.

 

Inspiration comes from many sources, and this is evident in a lot of music. Songwriters often find a muse to help them create a tune, but muses aren’t always people. Sometimes it’s a place and its distinct qualities.

Take influential rock classic California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas, for example. It exudes the yearning for a warm summer’s day in L.A. while the singer has to endure a biting winter in another city. The songwriters highlight the contrast by singing about gray skies and warm leaves, making California seem even cozier in comparison.

Along the same vein, intimate locations can also evoke such feelings as these big states. Singer-songwriter Bacon James captured the solace of being at the Sante Fe river after feelings of disillusionment in the big city with “Lost and Found (At the Sante Fe).” The song bagged first place at a local songwriting competition as it resonated with many other Floridians who felt the same.

This theme of conflicting feelings and falling in love with a place can also be seen in Sufjan Stevens’ Chicago. As Stevens conveys, some cities leave a mark so deep that you can capture its essence through song. Pittsburgh is one such city. With its tall skyscrapers and its vibrant community, it’s no wonder why so many have written about it. Here are some of the most notable.

 

 

“Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania” – Guy Mitchell

Pittsburgh is a bustling city, alive with many characters, but this song talks about how you can still feel lonely amongst the crowd. Guy Mitchell sings about how he lost his beloved to a man much richer than he. As he approaches the pawn shop at the corner, he realizes he has nothing left to sell to regain her love. The jolly tune of the song depicts a lively Pennsylvania, despite the increasing desperation of one man who just wants his girl back.

 

 

“Frick Park Market” – Mac Miller

As someone born and raised in Pennsylvania, Mac Miller often included references to his hometown in music. Frick Park Market is about Pittsburgh’s downtown market, where he usually hung out as a kid. As one of the tracks in his debut album, he uses his experiences growing up here as metaphors for his entrance into the rap genre. After Miller’s passing in 2018, fans have honored his legacy by creating a memorial here and leaving flowers around the city.

 

 

“I’m In Pittsburgh (And Its Raining)” – The Outcasts

Pittsburgh is known as a rainy city, making it the ideal background for angst and sad expressions. Punk band The Outcasts uses this as the background for their frenetic track, in which a man at a subway complains about how a girl has left him broken-hearted. Although very catchy, the Texas-based band was unaware that Pittsburgh didn’t have a subway system at the time of the song’s release.

 

 

“Black and Yellow” – Wiz Khalifa

Despite this song’s massive popularity in 2018, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, many were unaware of its link to Pittsburgh. The song is about pride in the city, with black and yellow being the colors of the city’s football team. The music video also features several of Pittsburgh’s tourist attractions, including the U.S. Steel Tower and the William Penn Hotel. To honor him, the Pittsburgh City Council officially declared December 12, 2012 as Wiz Khalifa Day.

 

 

“A Good Man Is Hard To Find (Pittsburgh)” – Bruce Springsteen

Maybe it’s the tall skyscrapers or the weather, but there’s something about Pittsburgh that elicits melancholy from singers. This song is often overlooked when talking about Bruce Springsteen, as it was an outtake in one of his albums, but it’s one of his most lyrically-rich creations. The song is about a widow mourning her soldier husband who perished in Saigon. It’s a lot to put in one song, but Springsteen weaves this tragic Pittsburgh tale beautifully with his voice that you can’t help but want to listen to it again once it’s over.

 

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city teeming with life, and it’s clear why so many musicians are inspired to sing about it.

 

Written for hughshows.com by Jill Birken

BusCrates’ latest album, Control Center, is a collection of funky, instrumental tracks that blur the lines between synth-pop, electro-funk, and hip-hop. The album is characterized by BusCrates’ smooth, soulful keyboard playing, infectious melodies, and driving rhythms.

The title track is an upbeat offering with a catchy melody and a smooth bassline. “Prisms” is another highlight, with its swirling synths and funky drumbeat. “Floating in the Wind” is a more laid-back song, with a smooth melody and a mellow vibe.

Control Center is an album full of infectious grooves. You’ll find yourself bobbing your head and tapping your feet along to the music that will make you want to get up and move. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a party or a night out with friends. If you’re looking for an album that will get you grooving, then you should check it out.

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The inaugural Northside Music Festival will take place July 14-16
within the heart of Historic Deutschtown on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The free, three-day event
will feature 65 bands, art vendors, and more than 30 food trucks. In addition to music, the festival will feature numerous art vendors, food, and free family-friendly activities.
More bands TBA

Friday, July 14, 2023

First National Bank Stage at Foreland (Foreland and Middle St.) All Ages
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM    The Regal Sweet
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM    Kenny Stockard
8:00 PM – 8:40PM     Black Ridge
9:00 PM – 9:40 PM    NASH.V.ILL
10 PM – 10:45 PM       Sweat

Park Stage (Allegheny Commons Park North) All Ages
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM    Allegheny Brass Band

Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 (400 Cedar Ave) 21+
8 PM – 8:40 PM               Miss Freddye’s Blues Band
9:05 PM – 9:50 PM         Between Two Rivers
10:15 PM – 11:00 PM      Different Places in Space

The Government Center (715 East St) All Ages
7:00 PM         Buscrates
8:00 PM         Gundy
9:00 PM         Mute Duo
10:00 PM       Crush Curl

HughShows Stage at YMR Club (631 Suismon St.) 21+
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM         Boy Wonders
8:40 PM – 9:25 PM        Natural Rat
9:50 PM – 10:35 PM      The Gotobeds
11:00 PM – 11:45 PM     Working Breed

91.3 WYEP Stage at Allegheny City Brewing (507 Foreland St) All Ages         
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM     LoRen
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM     Nick Guckert
8:00 PM – 8:40 PM    Paging Doctor Moon

Verdetto’s (814 Madison Ave) 21+
9 PM – 2 AM       DJ

Saturday, July 15, 2023

First National Bank Stage at Foreland (Foreland and Middle St.) All Ages
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM    Poster Child
3:10 PM – 3:55 PM     Mani Bahia & The Mob
4:20 PM – 5:05 PM     TBA
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM     Stone Throwers
6:40 PM – 7:25 PM    Ames Harding & The Mirage
7:50 PM – 8:35 PM    Good Looks (Austin, TX)
9:00 PM – 9:45 PM   Chet Vincent and the Music Industry
10:10 PM – 11PM       Cam Chambers
DJ FEMI in between sets

Park Stage (Allegheny Commons Park North) All Ages
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM  Gabriella Salvucci
1:10 PM – 1:55 PM       Halloway
2:20 PM – 3:05 PM     The Polkamaniacs
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM     Lee Robinson & ISKA
4:40 PM – 5:25 PM     Sadurn (Philadelphia, PA)
5:50 PM – 6:35 PM     The Weird Paul Rock Band
7:00 PM – 7:45 PM     Tiny Wars
8:10 PM – 8:55 PM     Bastard Bearded Irishmen

Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 (400 Cedar Ave) 21+
7:15 PM – 8 PM                Jack Swing
8:25 PM – 9:10 PM         Woodland Creatures
9:35 PM -10:20 PM        Lindsay Dragan + Her Band
10:45 PM – 11:30 PM      Forestry Division

The Government Center (715 East St) All Ages
4:00 PM          Emptier
5:00 PM          The Spectres
6:00 PM          Odno Okno
7:00 PM          Gina Gory
8:00 PM          Same
9:00 PM          The Zells
10:00 PM        Flower Crown

HughShows Stage at YMR Club (631 Suismon St.) 21+
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM           TBA
8:40 PM – 9:25 PM          Limousine Beach
9:50 PM – 10:35 PM        Astrology Now
11 PM – 11:45 PM             Fortune Teller
12:10 AM- 12:55 AM       TBA

91.3 WYEP Stage at Allegheny City Brewing (507 Foreland St) All Ages
4:00 PM             Ms. Tenaj
5:00 PM             Tony from Bowling
6:00 PM             Animal Scream
7:00 PM             Feralcat and the Wild
8:00 PM             Shelf Life String Band

East Street Beer (807 East St.) All Ages
4:00 PM           The Redlines
5:00 PM           Heinous Bienfang
6:00 PM           The Pump Fakes
7:00 PM            Tory Silver
8:00 PM           Melt

CHN Javor (805 East St) All Ages              
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM     Right On Warriors
5:40 PM – 6:25 PM    TBA
6:50 PM – 7:35 PM    TBA
8:00 PM – 8:45 PM   Grand Piano

Verdetto’s (814 Madison Ave) 21+
9 PM – 2 AM       DJ

 

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Park Stage (Allegheny Commons Park North) All Ages
10:00 AM Gospel Brunch with Allegheny Center Alliance Church

 

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Song: “White Winter Wolf”

Artist: The Wolf Tones

Album: Migration

Year Released: 2023

Genre: Bluegrass Jamz

Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2023

Did you know? The Wolf Tones are a ‘supergroup’ made up of members from Sweaty Already, Shelf Life String Band, and Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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Song: “Why Don ‘t You Call Me?”

Artist: The Telephone Line

Album: How’d We Get This Far?

Year Released: 2023

Genre: Bluegrass Rock/Pop/Soul

Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2013

Did you know? The Telephone Line have (sadly but amicably) decided to disband after 10 years together

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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Song: “Rt 30 Billboard Jesus”

Artist: D’Arc’s Family Jams

Album: D’Arc’s Family Jams

Year Released: 2023

Genre: Psychedelic Soul

Local Connection: Originally from Johnstown, PA

Did you know? D’Arc’s Family Jams is comprised of brothers Jake and Mike D’Arc who’s first band was Peanut Butter Lovesicle

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

Support D’Arc’s Family Jams
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Song: “Get Off the Train”

Album: Cheap & Used

Year Released: 2023

Genre: Rock & Roll

Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2020

Did you know? The Freeloaders debut album Cheap & Used was recorded and mixed by Jake Hanner (Donora, Meeting of Important People, Bad Custer) and mastered by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Studios London which recently named it one of their Mastering Highlights of the Week along with Peter Gabriel’s Panopticon.

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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We are The Argonauts sail the seven seas play funk a lot like a record get into the groove the things you hear about us well they got to be true

The Argonauts are a Pittsburgh funk blues rock band who released their self-titled debut album earlier this year and who have a couple members (Dale and Joe) who host an acoustic brunch open mic every third Sunday from 11:30-2pm at The Bridge Music Bar in East Liberty. This Sunday (December 18) features friends of the blog Carrie Collins and David Hipchen as featured performers. I want to thank Dale Mangold (Tenor Saxophone/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Toss-up between either Steve Miller Band’s Fly Like an Eagle or Beach Boys’ Greatest Hits. (My older sister made me, lol!)

Your last album bought?
The Chosen by Enterprise Earth.

Favorite album of all time?
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Van Halen III.

First concert attended?
Allman Brothers Band.

Last concert?
Enterprise Earth.

Favorite concert ever?
Many Who or Springsteen shows, but recently Here Come the Mummies.

Least favorite concert?
The Cars. Great music, boring live.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Great city, with a lot of history, under rated music scene, beautiful scenery, friendly.

Thanks, Dale. We definitely have something in common as my first album was by Steve Miller Band (Greatest Hits) and my least favorite concert ever were The Cars because, yes, they are a fantastic band but SOOOOOOO boring live!

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Blisters on my fingers who’d you burden me with this when will you come home?

Oliver Hufford is a solo artist from Pittsburgh PA, a multi-instrumentalist whose music incorporates different styles and genres that merge into one unique sound. At 17, he’s writing A-level songs, melodies, lyrics, hooks… he puts things in a way that aren’t so obvious to us until he shows us his unique and abstract descriptiveness, and they come across poignantly. Some of his musical inspirations include Bright Eyes, American Pleasure Club, and Tiny Moving Parts. His debut release, a limited ‘glow in the dark’ vinyl single of “Blisters”, the preview song from his upcoming full-length via Wake Up On Fire! (WUOF) Records. I want to thank Oliver (Guitar/Mandolin/Bass/Synth/Keys/Drums and Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
34th and 8th by O.A.R.

Your last album bought?
Stratosphere by Duster.

Favorite album of all time?
Tie between Sleep Well Beast and Trouble Will Find Me… both by The National.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The Rockville LP by O.A.R. (I much prefer their live recordings to their studio recorded ones.)

First concert attended?
Blue Man Group (when I was 6 or 7 I believe.)

Last concert?
I saw The National here in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall.

Favorite concert ever?
When I went and saw Hot Mulligan at the Rex Theatre.

Least favorite concert?
The Blue Man Group… but, mostly because I love all the shows I’ve been to, and it’s the one I remember the least, so I have to pick it as my least favorite. Not that it was subpar in any way.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I’ve lived in Squirrel Hill for most of my life. I moved here from North Carolina when I was 11, and before there, I was born in San Diego. Pittsburgh has been an amazing environment to live in and grow up in. I was always into music, and I first joined a band when I was just finishing middle school.  Because of that first band, I got to experience a lot of underground music… Some of which are still my favorite bands today. It’s been awesome to be able to get to know them after the show. Pittsburgh has a unique sense of community, especially when it comes to music! I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the bands and groups all around the city, and it’s been great to immerse myself in music to an extent I may not have elsewhere.

 

 

 

Thanks, Oliver. As always, I am so amazed at someone who can record a song all by themselves. Literally blows me away every time!

 

 

 

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Song: “Killing the Au Pair”

Artist: Sommelier

Album: Single Release

Year Released: 2022

Genre: Pop / Post-Punk

Local Connection: Band formed in Greensburg in Spring 2020 during quarantine

Did you know? Sommelier (pronounced suh-muhl-yei) is a wine seward, or highly trained wine professional who tests through four levels of knowledge: introductory, certified, advanced, and master

 

 

 

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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Song: “Termites”

Album: Hayday

Year Released: 2021

Genre: Fuzz Rock

Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2021

Did you know? feeble little horse has signed to Saddle Creek Records, who will re-issue their debut full-length on vinyl

 

 

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

Support feeble little horse
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Song: “Ahimsa”

Artist: Sapphirecut (w/ Jake Knights)

Album: Single Release

Year Released: 2018

Genre: Trance

Local Connection: Born and raised in Pittsburgh

Did you know? Sapphirecut (Megan Taylor) got her stage name when she realized that a sapphire needle is used to create a dub plate as she was helping physically balance a friend’s new dub plate press and learned that these were used as the original template of vinyls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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Song: “All I Want”

Artist: Cristina Black

Album: The Ditty Sessions

Year Released: 2010

Genre: Pop

Local Connection: Born and raised in Pittsburgh

Did you know? Cristina Black has written articles for various publications including The Village Voice, Nylon, Dazed and Confused, Time Out New York, and LA Weekly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

Support Cristina Black
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Song: “Pointless”

Artist: Thirty Years Later

Album: The Deep Now

Year Released: 2021

Genre: Rock

Local Connection: Band formed in Pittsburgh in 2013

Did you know? Thirty Years Later members Joe Hale (Guitar/Vocals) and Gary Burdelski started playing together in 1982 in the band Zero Factor. Subsequent bands included Quest, Blind Vengeance, Lone Rangers, Steel Henge, The Amazements, Half Pound Hot Dog and Javerblöö

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

Support Thirty Years Later
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Song: “Sangreal”

Artist: Horehound

Album: Horehound

Year Released: 2016

Genre: Heavy Metal

Local Connection: Formed in Pittsburgh in 2015

Did you know? Horehound vocalist Shy Kennedy runs the record label Blackseed as well as organizing the Descendents of Crom festival

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

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Song: “A Grand Nite for Swinging”

Artist: Mary Lou Williams

Album: Mary Lou Williams

Year Released: 1951

Genre: Jazz

Local Connection: Grew up in Pittsburgh

Did you know? She is one of three women to appear in the iconic photograph by Art Kane “A Great Day in Harlem” in 1958

PittSongs is a non-chronological history of Pittsburgh music

Support Mary Lou Williams
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