Jordan York- Pittsburgh Park Tour

I love nothing more than connecting with local Pittsburgh artists. Jordan York was born in Miami but raised in the 412 is not only a local rapper and musician but an all around entertainer.

We talked about my goal to get the music scene in Pittsburgh on a bigger level and he is one step ahead of me. This summer Jordan York will be doing a tour where he is going to all of the big parks in Pittsburgh including his last stop at Pittsburgh Pirate's home at PNC Park.

"I think this summer tour will be different and the people of Pittsburgh will like it because it's free and outdoors. It's a way for me to gain more fans and connect with my city," said Jordan.

Check out Jordan York where you can find links to his Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels where his singles have been released. Also on his YouTube page are videos of him entertaining the people of the steel city. I recommend checking out his "It's always sunny in Pittsburgh" spoof.

"I just feel you gotta go out and have fun with what you do and that's why I'm always out and about in Pittsburgh."

I was impressed by his sound. He's biggest influence growing up was his father.
"He always listened to The Temptations and Boyz II Men around me."

You can definitely tell his lyrical talent when listening to his song "Girl Tomorrow."

York also remixed Lorde's "Royals" and added a twist of his signature hip hop sound to it.

He was recently nominated for best pop artist and best live performance for the Pittsburgh Underground Music Awards. Check out Jordan York and then VOTE FOR HIM before this Saturday May 31st at midnight.


And don't forget to stop by and enjoy some of his shows absolutely free in the city this summer. Bring a blanket, some snacks and check out this upcoming star out of the Steel City.

"Forever Young"- Rod Stewart

After Santana's amazing performance, another world-wide best-selling musician got on stage; Rod Stewart.

The vibe of the show transcended from a beach party to a Las Vegas style performance. The stage had a beautiful silver curtain and glossy floors adorned with a gold harp, silver piano, and beautiful colored lights.

The stage was lined with performers decked out in blue sequined dresses, shiny suits and polished instruments. Out walked Rod Stewart in his metallic blue blazer, black cropped dress pants, yellow socks sticking out of his shined dress shoes and his unmistakable hair-do.

(Rod Stewart- Consol Energy Center 5/27/14)

In his perfect stage presence Rod made a joke about the weather in Pittsburgh.

"I'm having a bad hair day. Is it this humidity here in Pittsburgh?"

Yes, it sure was. May 27th was an 80 degree day with scattered thunderstorms that can make anyone's hair an unruly mess.

He played classics like "Infatuation" and "Twistin' the Night Away" and had some really great dance moves.

It was really special for me to be there with my grandmother and see her sing along to songs like "Tonight's the Night."

He played a song off his new album "Time" called "You Can't Stop Me Now" and had a slideshow of pictures of him throughout the years.

(Rod Stewart- Consol Energy Center 5/27/14)

Just like Santana is the face of his band, Rod is also the main act but he appreciates and lets his other band mates have a moment to shine.

He acknowledged everyone on the stage including his drummer who has been the backbone of the band for 43 years.

Each of the backup singers had a chance to have a solo that really showcased their powerful voices.

The saxophone players, harp, trombone, violinist and more each had solo opportunities as well.

Then, Carlos Santana got back on stage and they performed a few songs together.

After Santana's final appearance on stage, it was time for a costume change. Out of the cool blue shiny outfits into sexy leopard print and red for the women and a gold suit with matching gold shoes for Rod.

Females from the Pittsburgh Orchestra were brought on stage to help accompany "First Cut is the Deepest" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?"

One more costume change turned the women on stage into flappers and Rod Stewart into tight red pants with a loose and unbuttoned floral shirt. 

He got the crowd into gear by kicking and tossing personally signed soccer balls into the crowd during "Hot Legs."

The show ended with the popular "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?"

His new album is called "Time" and it is available for iTunes download now.

"Trade the gun for the drum."- Carlos Santana

Tuesday May 27th at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA I got to experience a performance that was once in a lifetime. I was a few hundred feet away from one of the world's greatest guitar players and I was there with my grandmother and mother who also appreciate great music.

Carlos Santana. He was born in Mexico in 1947 and learned to play his guitar at the age of 8. When he was in middle school he and his family moved to California and he continued to play different instruments but continued his passion for the guitar.

Santana got his start on the stage by playing some gigs at local bars and restaurants. Santana soon formed the Santana Blues Band and they got immediate recognition. Their big break was at Woodstock in 1969 which led them to signing a contract with Columbia records.

45 years later he is still one of the world's biggest guitar heroes. His has collaborated with memorable artists over the years such as Rob Thomas, Gloria Estefan, Steven Tyler, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton and many more.

(Carlos Santana- Consol Energy Center 5/27/14)

While listening to their set you feel as if you're on the beach somewhere exotic. Santana's music seriously takes you away. With a mixture of jazz, blues, rock, African rhythms and Latin American sounds all you're missing is a tropical drink in your hand and sand under your feet.

"I want my music to make you feel juicy, sexy and good," Santana told the crowd.

Not only does the crowd dance along and enjoy his music but every person on the stage playing along with him is smiling and having the time of their lives.

Santana may be the face of the band but each member played an important role and he was sure to spotlight each of them. He has singers, dancers, bongo and drummers, trombones and saxophones, trumpets and tambourines all keeping the beat of his music.

"I'm having a flashback," Santana said in his Latino accent. "I was here in Pittsburgh in 1970 with Janis Joplin. It's been a beautiful ride with beautiful memories and I'm glad to share them with you."

He shred his guitar on classics like "Black Magic Woman" and "Maria Maria" and had the entire crowd up and dancing.

The crowd was as diverse as the members of the band on the stage. Different ages and races and backgrounds all here to appreciate good music.

"We come from a different generation, Rod Stewart and I," Santana said. "There's no lip syncing. We don't do that shit, man. We don't know virtual, we know FOR REAL!"

I really love when I see an artist and they pass on their good will and messages about peace and love to the crowd because that is what this is about. Music is about bonding, loving and appreciating what we have around us. There is nothing more peaceful than seeing your favorite music live. No matter what genre. Music gets people through the toughest times of their life and most people can relate to their lyrics or the messages the artist sends.

"I need you all to end two things: Fear and anger. You and I need to be reminded that we have the capacity to transcend and untwist a crooked mind. Stop being twisted and hurting other people."

Santana went on to say to the crowd before his encore,

"If you remember one thing from Santana, remember that it is your choice to make every day the best day of your life."

I can vouch for a few people in the crowd and say that last night was definitely one of the best nights of my life because I got to experience his music live.

Santana closed the show with the familiar song "Smooth" that Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20 collaborated with him in the 90's.

His new album, "Corazon" is out now.

Next up- Rod Stewart.