Schenley Plaza
July 25, August 29, September 26
7 p.m.
Live outdoor music will continue to provide your summer soundtrack throughout July, August and September, with concerts animating green spaces all around the city—from parks and patios, to gardens and street corners.
On July 25th, grab friends, co-workers or the entire family, pack a picnic and a blanket, and treat yourself to a concert under the stars in one of the city’s favorite urban oases, to help WYEP kick off its 2014 Final Fridays Series (and the weekend) in Schenley Plaza. Presenting concerts that pair local opening acts with national talent featured on the South Side-based station, WYEP’s Final Friday events take place on July 25th, August 29th and September 26th. This summer’s installment coincides with the WYEP’s 40th anniversary.
Headlining the July installment of the popular summer music series is orchestral folk pop band Lost in the Trees. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, the eclectic quintet released its newest album, Past Life, in February 2014 on Anti Records. Formed in 2007 by singer-guitarist Ari Picker, following his studies at Berklee College of Music, the dynamic group also features Emma Nadeau (french horn, vocals), Drew Anagnost (cello), Jenavieve Varga (violin) and Mark Daumen (tuba). The group’s 2012 album, A Church That Fits Our Needs, reached No. 9 on Billboard‘s Heatseeker’s Albums chart.
Getting the music started under the stars at 7 p.m. will be Pittsburgh-based band Grand Piano. Fresh off the heels of celebrating the June 17th release of its debut full-length album, Leap Year (Wild Kindness Records), the local rock band draws from a range of musical influences, including blues, folk, jazz and honky-tonk. Bringing a horn section and pedal steel guitar to their rock sensibility, Grand Piano features Zak Kane (vocals, guitar), Thomas Cipollone (guitar, pedal steel, baritone guitar, vocals), Nick DeAngelo (percussion), Wesley Conroy (bass), Ryan Booth (saxophone) and Bob Kircher (trumpet). Formed in 2011, the group’s members have been writing and playing music together for more than a decade.
New for this summer’s installment of Final Fridays is a WYEP happy hour event at The Porch at Schenley. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., on-air celebs from WYEP will be on hand to pour the station’s special new brew, The Dancer Man Pilsner. Created in partnership with local brewing company Rivertowne, the limited-edition 40th anniversary beer is available through September 2014 at local beer distributors, and on tap at various locations. Commemorating WYEP’s last 40 years, the beer features the station’s iconic red, white and black logo.
Free and open to all ages, WYEP’s Final Friday concerts have been known to draw up to 4,000 people. In August the series welcomes Tom Brosseau and Simone Felice, and in September the concert will feature the Nox Boys and Saintseneca. Past performers have included Bobby Long, Diego Garcia, David Wax Museum, Brett Dennen, JD McPherson, Sean Rowe and many more.
