ShowTime: Spring 2015

The Official Entertainment Guide of CONSOL Energy Center

SPRING | 2015

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New NKOTB Tour to Perform June Concert in Pittsburgh

21

CONSOL Energy Center Concessions

23

Ed Sheeran to Headline in Pittsburgh for First Time

32

Imagine Dragons’ Smoke + Mirrors Tour to Come with Guests — Metric, Halsey

42

“Connor the Crusher” Receives WWE’s First Warrior Award

50

Performers with Regional Ties to Appear in Nitro Circus Live

60

Academic All-Stars Honored by U. S. Steel & Penguins

65

Garth Brooks, Fans Enjoy “Festival” in Pittsburgh

73

Cold February Night Warmed by Generosity at New Fundraiser

Ben Watts

SPRING 2015 EDITION IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar of Events Building Information CONSOL Energy Center Seating Chart

Show Time is published quarterly for free distribution on a first-come, first-served basis to fans and guests at CONSOL Energy Center events, First Niagara Bank branch locations, the Cambria Suites Pittsburgh and the Marriott City Center hotels. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of CONSOL Energy Center is prohibited. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in Show Time, please email info@pittsburghpenguins.com and we will contact you to discuss available opportunities.

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©2015 CONSOL Energy Center

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NEW NKOTB TOUR TO PERFORM JUNE CONCERT IN PITTSBURGH By: Pam Thompson

THE MAIN EVENT, New Kids On The Block’s 2015 tour, comes to Pittsburgh this June.

It will be the third appearance at CONSOL Energy Center for Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, and Jonathan and Jordan Knight, who started making music together more than 30 years ago.

They will be joined on this year’s tour by special guests, the GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-platinum selling artists, TLC and Nelly.

The girl group, TLC, five-time GRAMMY Award winners for its R&B music and performances, plans to release a new album in September. The band members, T-Boz and Chili, say that it will be their fifth and final album. They financed the project through a Kickstarter campaign which got them to their target goal in less than 48 hours.

Continued on page 4

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GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-platinum selling artists join the tour.

Continued from page 3

Nelly – rapper, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and actor — joined Diana Espir in her music video “Tomboy” released earlier this year. He is known for his solo and group rap performances, and for his part in the reality TV show, Nellyville, which features him with his family.

When the line-up was announced in January on Good Morning America, New Kids on the Block hinted at possible collaborations and other exciting possibilities while on the road this summer.

“We always have something special up our sleeves,” says NKOTB’s Wahlberg.

The 10-week tour kicks off May 1 and will deliver nearly 50 performances before wrapping up in early July.

“Our fans keep asking us to come back out on the road, and we want to keep giving them what they want. We wanted to make sure it was something new and fresh and fun and totally worthwhile for all of our supporters year after year. This year, we are making it THE MAIN EVENT. And we promise, it will be the ticket of the summer,” Wahlberg says.

With all-new, top-notch production elements, the band promises that this tour will be the ultimate summer concert ticket. A newly designed stage with no obstructions will offer the audience optimal viewing.

The band promises “it will be the ticket of the summer”

Continued on page 6

|4|

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NKOTB was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last October.

Continued from page 4

Chili and T-Boz of TLC issued a statement saying, “We are thrilled to be able to join pop icons NKTOB and Nelly on tour. We are equally excited to be back on the road connecting with our fans in such huge arenas.”

In October, NKOTB will sail aboard Carnival Victory for the band’s seventh cruise with a boatload of its fans. An annual event, this year’s four-day Caribbean cruise departs from the Port of Miami for a NKOTB beach party on Grand Turk Island in the Bahamas.

After announcing THE MAIN EVENT on Good Morning America, NKOTB took over the LIVE! with Kelly and Michael set, playing a mix of super hits and new fan favorites throughout the entire hour-long show.

A NKOTB and TLC news conference which followed at Madison Square Garden’s Chase Plaza was filled with fans, as well as journalists, and NKOTB says the social media have been abuzz ever since the official announcement.

NKOTB members continued to appear in television productions at the beginning of the year, including Pop’s premiere of Rock This Boat: New Kids On The Block; Wahlburgers, and Donnie Loves Jenny, both on A&E, and The Amazing Race premiere on CBS.

Our fans keep asking us to come back . . . and we want to give them what they want.

Continued on page 9

|6|

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Continued from page 6

Last October, New Kids On The Block was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Producer Maurice Starr brought together the quintet in 1984. Their first album, New Kids On The Block, was released in 1986.

NKOTB’S second album, Hangin’ Tough came out 1988 and ever so slowly worked its way to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, going platinum eight times.

Hangin’ Tough’s first single, “Please Don’t Go Girl” struggled for play time initially and then peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 to become the group’s first hit.

The album’s second single, “You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff)” went into the Top 5 early in 1989.

By the middle of the year, the next single, “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” put NKOTB at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. It was followed into the Top 5 by “Hangin’ Tough” and “Cover Girl.”

When “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind),” a cover of the Delfonics’ hit was rereleased, it went to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ironically, as a track on New Kids On The Block’s debut album, it had been overlooked by listeners.

NKOTB became the first teen group to record five Top 10 hits on a single album.

The band’s third album, “Merry, Merry Christmas” was released in the fall of 1989, and its single, “This One’s for the Children” became a Top 10 hit and went double platinum in the U.S. Continued on page 10

New Kids On The Block has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

|9|

Continued from page 9

With “This One’s for the Children,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind),” and “Cover Girl,” NKOTB had three singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, and each of the singles was from a different album.

By early 1990, NKOTB was among the most popular bands in the U.S. when their fourth album, Step by Step was released. The album went triple platinum with nearly 20 million copies selling around the globe.

The title track, “Step by Step” went directly to No. 1 on the Hot 100, becoming the group’s top selling song. When “Tonight” made the Top 10, it was NKOTB’s ninth consecutive single to do so.

NKOTB released its fourth album, Face the Music, early in 1994. Nearly all of its songs were written or produced by the band. The song, “Dirty Dawg” peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Never Let You Go” reached No. 42 on the U.K. chart and No. 18 on the Canadian chart.

NKOTB then disbanded and efforts to reunite the group were Social media has unsuccessful until 2008.

After a 14-year void, The been abuzz ever Block was released and made its since the official debut at No. 1 on the Billboard tour announcement. Top Pop Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Released in September 2008, it was certified gold in Canada a month later.

New Kids On The Block: Live, the reunion tour also began in September 2008.

The first concert cruise sailed in the spring of 2009, the same year of the group’s Service Tour.

In November 2010 after months of conjecture, New Kids On the Block and Backstreet Boys announced a joint tour for 2011, including a concert at CONSOL Energy Center.

The day before the tour began, a compilation album, NKOTBSB, was released. It included two new songs performed by the combined group, “All in My Head” and “Don’t Turn Out the Lights,” as well as five hits from each band.

In April 2013, New Kids On The Block released their newest album, 10. It made its debut at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, marking the band’s fifth Top 10 studio album.

A North American tour with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men launched that summer, and in 2014, the band did a one-month spring tour of Europe.

New Kids On The Block has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

In their early years, the group shattered concert box office records playing an estimated 200 concerts a year, in sold-out stadiums throughout the world. To date, they still hold some of these records.

New Kids On The Block members were Forbes highest paid entertainers of 1990, beating out performers like Michael Jackson and Madonna. | 10 |

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SHRINE CIRCUS

April 2 - 4 — 5 Shows

NEIL DIAMOND

April 7 — 8:00 PM

ED SHEERAN

May 12 — 7:30 PM

NITRO CIRCUS

May 17 — 5:00 PM

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK WITH NELLY AND TLC

June 14 — 7:00 PM

IMAGINE DRAGONS

June 19 — 7:30 PM

SHANIA TWAIN

July 10 — 7:30 PM

WWE LIVE

July 11 — 7:30 PM

For all upcoming CONSOL Energy Center events visit consolenergycenter.com.

| 13 |

FULL FLAVOR. ONLY

CALORIES.

BUILDING INFORMATION CONSOL ENERGY CENTER ACCESSIBLE PARKING/SEATING

LOST AND FOUND

Accessible spaces are available in the parking garage adjacent to CONSOL Energy Center. Parking is first-come, first-served and spaces are limited. An early arrival is strongly recommended.

Accessible seating is available on all levels for all events at CONSOL Energy Center.

If an item is lost or found during an event please see the Guest Services office located outside section 104 or call 412.804.7903 after the event.

ATM MACHINES For the convenience of our fans, ATMs are available in CONSOL Energy Center: First Niagara Bank - Outside section 119 and 230, and in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate PNC Bank on PNC Legends Level - Outside of party suite 44 and suite 13

BANNERS AND SIGNS Banners and signs are permitted for most events, providing they are appropriate, as deemed by building management.

CREDIT CARDS VISA, Discover, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted at all merchandise and concession stands.

ENTRANCES AND EXITS There are four (4) points of entry into CONSOL Energy Center: American Eagle Gate (Fifth Avenue and Washington Place), Trib Total Media Gate (Centre Avenue Lower Entrance), Verizon Gate (Centre Avenue Upper Entrance), and a private parking garage entrance for suite ticket holders.

FIRST AID There are two (2) UPMC First Aid Stations, one on each level of CONSOL Energy Center. UPMC First Aid is located adjacent to the Guest Services office outside section 104 and behind the concession stand at section 232.

PROHIBITED ITEMS Bags, back packs, air horns, coolers (hard/ soft sided), thermoses, large purses, cans, bottles, flasks, alcoholic beverages, laser pointers, video or audio recording devices, professional cameras/lens, tripods, banners or signs on poles, weapons or any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate are strictly prohibited.

Small purses, camera cases, binocular cases and diaper bags will be permitted, however, all items that do not pass security must be returned to vehicles.

QUESTIONS For general questions, please call 412.642.1800 or e-mail info@consolenergycenter.com.

RE-ENTRY POLICY Exit and re-entry is not permitted at CONSOL Energy Center.

SECURITY In the interest of guests and staff safety, a search process is required for all events in order to prevent guests from bringing unauthorized and prohibited items into the arena.

SMOKING POLICY Smoking is not permitted inside CONSOL Energy Center.

Continued on page 17

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WORKS WELL

on the boards, between the pipes and laying the lumber.

Continued from page 15

SOLICITATION The distribution of promotional items, handbills, flyers, pamphlets, printed materials, as well as the solicitation of signatures, is not permitted on CONSOL Energy Center property without proper authorization from management.

TAG-A-KID In the event a parent and child might be separated at a CONSOL Energy Center event, parents can register their child with the Tag-A-Kid program. A wristband with the parent’s seat location and contact number will be given to the child. Registration is available at the Guest Services office located outside section 104.

VIDEO CAMERAS Use of video or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. CONSOL Energy Center reserves the right to confiscate any tape or film and remove the patron from the building.

WHEELCHAIRS A limited number of wheelchairs are available for transporting guests that are disabled to their seating location. Guests can be transported from the gates to their seats. If a wheelchair is needed for the duration of the event, guests must supply their own wheelchairs. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance. Upon arrival, guests can arrange for a wheelchair at any entrance of CONSOL Energy Center. Please see a CONSOL Energy Center employee to assist with wheelchair transportation.

WILL CALL Tickets ordered or prepaid can be picked up at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office, located in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate. Will Call windows open one (1) hour prior to events and patrons must present valid photo identification and the credit card of record when picking up tickets.

SEATING CHART

CONSOL ENERGY CENTER

A P

217

216 215

15

20

21

22

224 38

39

40

111

116 117

DOUBLE ATTACK

118

208

P

120 103

102

101 122

121

5

207

C

8 5 B 8 A 7 6 5

B

A

7

6

3

UPMC FIRST AID (Lower Level)

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

4

52 4 53 59 58 57 56 55 54

51

205

204

203 202 201

234

229

48 49 50

8

206

228

47

104 105 8

9

227 10

119

10

10

226

PARTY

106

115

46

15 14

11

210

114

PARTY

211

107

113

45

108

12

112

225 41 42 43

PARTY

13

9

223

23

110

14

17 16

209

34 35 36 37

19

18

13 12 11

7

222

44

212

33

6

16

109

20 19

221

PARTY

P

32

D

23 22 21 P

213

D

219 220

27 28 29 30 31 25 26 25 B F 17 18 E 24 A

214

GATE

218

230

9

231

232

233

B UPMC FIRST AID

11 12

1

2

P

(Upper Concourse)

GATE

P

C

GATE

CLUB LOGE BOXES

PNC LEGENDS LEVEL SUITES

FEDEX LEVEL SEATING

LOGE BOXES

CLUB SUITES

84 LUMBER LEVEL SEATING

JIM BEAM® MAKE HISTORY™ PARTY SUITES

CLUB SEATING

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

A

GARAGE ENTRY

B

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS GATE

C

TRIB TOTAL MEDIA GATE

D

VERIZON GATE

P P P P

PENSGEAR STORES

FIRST NIAGARA ATM

MEN’S RESTROOMS

TRIB TOTAL MEDIA GATE

1

TRIB TOTAL MEDIA ALL-TIME TEAM ZONE AND INTERACTIVE STANLEY CUP DISPLAY

2

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS BOX OFFICE AND WILL CALL

FEDEX LEVEL

3

FIRST NIAGARA CLUB

4

BAYER MS SCIENCE & SPORTS EXHIBITS

5

GUEST SERVICES

6

HIGHMARK WALL OF CHAMPIONS AND HIGHMARK KIDS ZONE

7

CAPTAIN MORGAN CLUB

WOMEN’S RESTROOMS

FAMILY RESTROOMS

| 18 |

UPMC FIRST AID

PNC LEGENDS LEVEL

8

LEXUS CLUB

9

CAL U CONFERENCE CENTER

10

JIM BEAM® MAKE HISTORY™ PARTY SUITES

PNC ATM

84 LUMBER LEVEL

11

MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE

12

SMOKEHOUSE/BURGATORY

UPMC FIRST AID

Because every moment matters.

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CONCESSIONS

CONSOL Energy Center The CONSOL Energy Center menu includes options for every type of fan and event attendee. First stop is a great selection from one of our partners – Pizza Hut® Pizza. Moving forward, a visit is less than complete without trying fan favorites such as our Angus Cheeseburger, Grilled Chicken Ciabatta, Cheese Steak Dippers, Smoked Turkey Wrap, Italian or Vegetarian Panini, and Pretzel Stick with Bacon Cheddar Dip. Traditional favorites such as Nachos Grande, Smith’s Hot Dogs, Caesar Salad, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Fan Favorite Snacks, and a nice selection of Dr. Pepper/Snapple Products are also offered. To those that want the ever-changing option, our Chef’s Carved Sandwich of the day would be the overwhelming choice. Please join us for an experience you won’t easily forget!

PIZZA HUT®

Pizza Singles 9” Sections: 107, 120, 212, 232

SMITH’S®

Hotdogs Sections: 101, 107, 109, 111, 116, 121, 212, 218, 223, 225, 231, 232

NAKAMA

Sushi Sections: 101, 105 Captain Morgan Club 111

DUNKIN’ DONUTS Specialty Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Teas and Donuts Sections: 109, 118, 212

SMOKEHOUSE

Beef Brisket, Chicken & Pulled Pork Sandwiches Sections: 115, 205

MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE Section: 206

BURGATORY Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes Section: 206

DAIRY QUEEN

Dilly Bar, Buster Bar, Stars & Stripes Starkiss Sections: 105, 234

PRIMANTI BROS. Sandwiches

Section: 119

Menu items subject to change, please visit pittsburghpenguins.com/diningguide for up-to-date information. | 21 |

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ED SHEERAN TO HEADLINE IN PITTSBURGH FOR FIRST TIME By: Pam Thompson

Taking a cue from the simply stated titles of Ed Sheeran’s albums — x (pronounced “multiply”) and + (pronounced “plus”) — there is only one thing to say about him appearing in Pittsburgh this spring — !!! (pronounced “exciting”).

Sheeran, 24, an award-winning British singer-songwriter, who fascinates his fans with his musical talents, as well as his persona as an ordinary ginger guy, performs at CONSOL Energy Center this spring as part of the North American leg of his highly successful worldwide tour in support of his hit album, x.

His international tour will culminate with three sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Stadium in July.

The tour of U.S. and Canadian venues kicks off in May and continues through early July, stopping in nearly 40 cities. It follows a celebrated start to the year for Sheeran.

Continued on page 24

Sheeran’s album x is pronounced “multiply”. || 23 23 |

Continued from page 23

The concert trail took him to the Middle East, Asia, Down Under and South America early this year. His shows in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Columbia and Argentina sold out.

“Ginger Spice,” “Red Hot,” “Ginger God,” and “Redheaded Cutie” are all references made to Sheeran.

Coming across in interviews as unassuming, frank and friendly, the musician doesn’t seem to take himself or anything else too seriously. One possible – the highest exception is his music. opening sales figures In the lyrics to “Take It for a debut male Back” from x, Sheeran sings: “I’m a singer you never solo artist ever. wanna see shirtless.

And I accept the fact that someone’s got to win worst dressed….”

In two of his videos, “Lego House” and “Sing,” Sheeran takes secondary roles to characters that are seemingly his alter egos.

The main character in “Lego House” is another well known ginger, actor Rupert Grint best known for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series. In the video, Grint’s character looks like a stunt double for Sheeran.

In the “Sing” video, a marionette strongly resembling Sheeran is the primary character.

This year’s Brit Awards presentation in London was a big night for Sheeran.

Nominated for four awards, he performed his new single, “Bloodstream” and came away with the honors for Best Brit Male Solo Artist and Brit Album of the Year for x. “Thinking Out Loud” received two nominations for top song and video honors.

Sheeran is a six-time GRAMMY Award nominee, and his many awards include: o An Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for “The A Team in 2012 o MTV Video Music Award Best Male Video for “Sing,” featuring Pharrell Williams in 2014 o People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Album for x in 2015 His friends and collaborators include Taylor Swift, Williams and Sir Elton John.

Sheeran made his debut at the GRAMMY Awards in 2013, performing “The A Team” accompanied by John.

He went on to a main supporting role on Swift’s highly successful RED Tour after which he performed three sold-out headline shows at Madison Square Garden.

His debut album entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 1

| 24 |

Continued on page 27

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Sheeran: unassuming, frank and friendly.

Continued from page 24

Besides being featured on “Sing,” the multi-GRAMMY Award winning Williams is on the list of top producers working with Sheeran.

At this year’s 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Sheeran was nominated for three honors: o Album of the Year for his RIAA platinum-certified album, x o Best Pop Vocal Album o Best Song Written for Visual Media for “I See Fire” from the feature film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Sheeran received one of the biggest ovations of the night from the Continued on page 28

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Continued from page 27

GRAMMY Awards audience for his performance of his RIAA-certified platinum single “Thinking Out Loud,” where he was joined by GRAMMY winners Herbie Hancock, John Mayer, and Questlove. He returned to the stage to perform with the legendary Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Both x and “Thinking Sheeran won the People’s Out Loud” shot to No. 1 on iTunes immediately Choice Awards for following his appearance.

Favorite Male Artist Proving to be one of the biggest songs of the and Favorite Album year, “Thinking Out Loud” for x in 2015. has climbed to No. 1 on the Hot Adult Contemporary radio chart and No. 2 on the Top 40.

Written by Sheeran and Amy Wadge, it is Sheeran’s highest charting single in North America to date, peaking at No. 2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100.

“Thinking Out Loud” is the third single from x following the back-to-back RIAA-certified platinum singles, “Sing” and “Don’t.”

A global smash, “Thinking Out Loud” has already gone to No. 1 in nine countries around the world, including Sheeran’s native U.K. The performer introduced “Thinking Out Loud” in the U.S. with high profile performances on CBS’ Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the season finale of NBC’s The Voice in December.

The single’s companion music video, directed by Sheeran’s longtime collaborator Emil Nava, already has amassed more than 215 million views.

In the style of Dancing With the Stars, the video features Sheeran in a romantic ballroom dance with his partner.

Sheeran, who is not a trained dancer, says he proposed the idea of dancing in the video.

He learned the challenging choreography in intensive, five-hour training sessions over the course of 10 days during the North American leg of his first worldwide arena tour.

Immediately after this year’s GRAMMY Awards, Sheeran performed “Thinking Out Loud” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and he was in the starstudded lineup performing on CBS’ Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life – An All-Star GRAMMY Salute.

The critically acclaimed x has earned Sheeran cover stories in Billboard, Parade and the New York Times’ Sunday Arts & Leisure section, as well as feature profiles in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Time.

Launching x with a breakout performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Sheeran followed with national television appearances including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Toyota Summer Concert Series in Rockefeller Plaza on Today.

Continued on page 31

| 28 |

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x was nominated for Album of the Year.

Continued from page 28

His 2012 breakthrough debut album, +, entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 1 with the highest opening sales figures for a debut male solo artist ever and is now certified 6 times platinum. + also made a record-breaking chart debut in the U.S., entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at No. 5 to become the highest ranked debut for a U.K. solo artist’s first full-length album, since 2009.

Fueled by international hit singles like “The A Team” and “Lego House,” + has enjoyed multi-platinum, platinum, and gold sales in nine countries around the world.

In the U.S., “The A Team” earned double platinum certification from the RIAA as well as a GRAMMY Award nomination for Song of the Year.

Sheeran also performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and as the youngest entertainer in the star-studded lineup on CBS’ special, The Beatles: The Night That Changed America – A GRAMMY® Salute.

Sheeran teamed with his childhood friend, artist Phillip Butah, on Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey. The book is a first-person account of how he became an internationally recognized singer-songwriter.

Butah, who produces artwork for Sheeran’s releases, illustrated the book, which covers Sheeran’s early musical experiences, influences and his time recording and touring up to the release of x last year. | 31 |

IMAGINE DRAGONS’ SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR TO COME WITH GUESTS — METRIC, HALSEY By: Pam Thompson

The GRAMMY Award winning rock band, Imagine Dragons brings its SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR to Pittsburgh in June for a first-time concert at CONSOL Energy Center.

The Pittsburgh concert is part of Imagine Dragons two-month campaign through North America in support of its second album, Smoke + Mirrors which made its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in February.

Based in Las Vegas, the hometown of its founder and front man, Dan Reynolds, Imagine Dragons includes guitarist Wayne Sermon of American Fork, Utah, bassist Ben McKee of Forestville, Calif., and drummer Daniel Platzman of Atlanta.

Continued on page 34

2014 Pollstar Concert Industry Award for Best New Touring Artist

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The alternative rock band, Metric will be the special guest on the SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR, and recording artist, Halsey also will join the tour line-up.

Imagine Dragons along with Metric announced the SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR at a surprise performance in Los Angeles at the Mayan Theatre for hundreds of fans and for viewers worldwide via a Yahoo! live stream in early February.

Kicking off June 3 in Portland, Ore., the tour will visit about 40 cities throughout the United States and Canada before wrapping up on Aug. 1 in Boise, Idaho. An Imagine Dragons tour including about 30 concerts throughout Europe will follow in October.

SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR tickets went on sale the same day that Smoke + Mirrors was released (Feb. 17).

Fans pushed Smoke + Mirrors to the top of the chart by purchasing 195,000 units in its first week, according to Billboard. That number includes 172,000 album sales. It was the only album in the top 10 making its debut that week, and it also topped the charts in the U.K. and Canada.

“I Bet My Life,” the first single of the new album reached No. 3 on the Alternative chart. It also went into the Top 5 at Modern Rock radio and has more than 11 million views on Vevo.

The Smoke + Mirrors debut initially superseded Imagine Dragons’ first album, Night Visions, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

However, the double platinum Night Visions has sold more than 2.5 million copies and has charted on the Billboard 200 for more than two years since its release. In that time frame, there were only two weeks that the album was not ranked in the top 100. It became the No. 1 album on Spotify Worldwide for 2013 and tallied more than 24 million track sales globally.

Three Night Visions tracks made it as top 20 singles on the Billboard 100 chart. “It’s Time” peaked at No. 15, “Radioactive” at No. 3, and “Demons” at No. 6.

The 9-time platinum “Radioactive” also topped the Alternative Songs airplay chart and stayed on top of the list for 13 weeks, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Rock chart and earned the band a 2014 GRAMMY for “Best Rock Performance.” It became the bestselling rock song in U.S. digital history.

The third single, “Demons,” hit No. 1 at Alternative and Top 40 radio, and has sold 3.9 million copies in the U.S. Imagine Dragons won Favorite Alternative Rock Artist in the 2013 and 2014 American Music Awards. Also in 2014, the band won Billboard Music Awards for Top Duo/Group, Top Hot 100 Artist and Top Rock Artist, as well as Top Rock

“Radioactive” earned the band a 2014 GRAMMY for “Best Rock Performance.”

Continued on page 37

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Continued from page 34

Album for Night Visions. In the same year, the band’s “Radioactive” won the Billboard Music Award for Top Streaming Song, and the band received the Pollstar Concert Industry Award for Best New Touring Artist.

Smoke + Mirrors is the first product out of Imagine Dragons new self-built home studio.

“Working in a rented studio usually ends up with the creative process being somewhat rushed, so this was the best way to make something at our own pace,” says Reynolds.

According to the bandsmen, Smoke + Mirrors uses “the frenetic energy of life on the road to infuse their music with both raw tension and intense vulnerability.”

As on Night Visions, the band says that Smoke + Mirrors “works with sharply crafted beats and grooves to dream up rhythm-driven rock music that’s artful yet visceral.”

Early this year, Imagine Dragons appeared as the musical guest on SNL with Melissa McCarthy, and to support the release of Smoke + Mirrors, the band performed on “Good Morning America,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Formed in 2009, Imagine Dragons earned a grassroots following by touring extensively and independently releasing a series of extended plays.

The band made its major label debut after signing to KIDinaKORNER/ Interscope Records, with the release of its 2012 EP, Continued Silence, featuring the two-time platinum breakthrough single “It’s Time.”

After the release of Night Visions, Imagine Dragons spent nearly two years delivering its alt-rock sounds to arenas around the world.

Continued on page 38

| 37 |

Continued from page 37

The band members say that to deal with the chaos of a touring schedule that included 130 headline dates and 50 festivals across the globe, they threw themselves into creating material for their next album.

Reynolds says, “So many things were changing for us so quickly, the only way to feel some kind of stability was to keep writing. Going up to my hotel room to work on new songs became something I looked forward to every night on tour.”

He adds, “There were definitely a few times when the person next door’s banging on the wall because it’s 4 a.m., and they’re trying to sleep and I’m in there belting out some song I just wrote.”

“One of the goals in making this album was to capture the extremes of the past couple years,” says Reynolds. “There were times on the road where I was on the highest high, like after playing in Brazil in front of 80,000 people, and there were other times when I was really feeling how difficult and lonely it was to be away from my family for so long.”

Favoring soulfulness over technical correctness for the sound of Smoke + Mirrors, Reynolds says, “A lot of the vocals on the album were ones that I recorded into my laptop or a cheap USB mike in my hotel room, because those were the takes that really had the spirit of the moment when the song was written.”

Reynolds, who recalls sneaking onto his older brother’s computer at the age of 13 to record songs about his early adolescent heartache and frustrations, says that Imagine Dragons always strives to create music that is honest and adventurous.

These characteristics pervade in the songs on Smoke + Mirrors, which is considered Reynolds’ most daringly candid songwriting experience to date.

In “I Bet My Life” Reynolds sings: “ I’ve been around the world but never in my wildest dreams Would I come running home to you I’ve told a million lies But now I tell a single truth There’s you in everything I do Now remember when I told you that’s the last you’ll see of me Remember when I broke you down to tears I know I took the path that you would never want for me I gave you hell through all the years.”

Continued on page 41

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Continued from page 38

“At times it’s really scary to think about so many people hearing what I’m talking about in the lyrics on this album, but I know that for better for worse it’s completely authentic and genuine and true to who we are as a band,” says Reynolds. “And that’s the most important thing you can ever do as an artist, and also the most magical.

Forget about everyone Formed in 2009, and everything else for Imagine Dragons the moment, and just earned a grassroots create whatever’s most meaningful to you.” following.

Smoke + Mirrors Limited Edition and Deluxe Artwork Fan Pack include 13 lithograph prints inspired by each song on the album. Tim Cantor, the album artist, designed the prints. The CD, album booklet and lithograph prints are packaged in a collectible box.

Metric, the indie rock band out of Canada, will perform new songs for the SMOKE + MIRRORS TOUR, as well as a list of favorites suggested by its fans.

Metric members — Emily Haines, Jimmy Shaw, Joshua Winstead and Joules Scott Key – plan to headline their own tour following the Imagine Dragons tour.

It is anticipated that Halsey, New Jersey native Ashley Frangipane, will perform her first single, “Ghost,” which was released last summer. | 41 |

“CONNOR THE CRUSHER” RECEIVES WWE’S FIRST WARRIOR AWARD By: Pam Thompson

A WWE drama – perhaps its best ever – continues to play out.

It is the real-life story of a courageous little boy from Pittsburgh – “Connor the Crusher” and his love affair with WWE. Connor Michalek, a passionate WWE fan who passed away last spring from a rare cancer, is the first-ever recipient of The Warrior Award, which will be presented each year at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The Warrior Award, created in memory of WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior, recognizes someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of its namesake.

“Connor Michalek had a profound impact on so many people,” says Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “His spirit and love of life were so strong, you would have never known he was sick. I can think of no better way to honor Connor, than by recognizing him with our highest honor, the first fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, as a Warrior.”

Continued on page 45

Connor charmed everyone he met.

| 42 |

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The Ultimate Warrior’s widow, Dana Warrior says, “Connor displayed all of the positive traits that Warrior stood for, and he is the perfect recipient for this inaugural award. I am sure that Warrior is smiling today, knowing that this award is being given to a true warrior.”

Diagnosed at age 3, Connor had endured an 8-hour surgery, months of hospitalization, radiation and chemotherapy by age 5. His parents had been told that following surgery, Connor most likely would have trouble speaking, walking, interacting socially, and using hand and eye coordination. His family also was told that Connor would only have a year to live.

Far exceeding the prognosis, Connor triumphed. Always introducing himself by his ring name, Connor the Crusher walked, talked, and with his engaging personality charmed everyone who met him.

Often too weak for anything more than watching television, Connor loved WWE action and became an enthusiastic fan, according to his dad. Connor’s favorite Superstar was Daniel Bryan.

Bryan was the first among many WWE personalities to meet Connor. Bryan says, “If you talked to Connor, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him.”

Connor’s spirit inspired McMahon and her husband, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events & Creative, Paul “Triple H” Levesque to launch Connor’s Cure, in the little boy’s memory. The fund is dedicated to finding a cure for pediatric brain and spinal cancer to ensure that other children and their families do not endure Connor’s fate.

Steve Michalek, Connor’s dad, says, “My family is forever grateful for the

Connor Michalek had a profound impact on so many people.

Continued on page 46

| 45 |

“ If you talked to Connor, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him.”

Continued from page 45

gift that WWE, its Superstars, Divas and executives gave to Connor. They made him smile and encouraged him to continue fighting. His visits backstage, and his time in the ring with Daniel Bryan, brought Connor true joy and undoubtedly extended his life, giving us more time with him. Now, with this award and Connor’s Cure, Connor’s legacy will live on.”

McMahon says of Connor, “He had a light and anybody that was around him could feel it and is the better for it.”

In an on-going campaign, more than $200,000 has been raised for Connor’s Cure through the sale of Connor’s Cure bracelets, as well as private donations.

The bracelet campaign was inspired by a gift that Connor made by himself to thank McMahon for inviting him to WrestleMania.

While Connor’s condition challenged him to use his fine motor skills, he was determined to string a necklace of beads for McMahon, says his dad.

McMahon wore the necklace with the message, “Luv Connor Stephanie,” and it inspired her to base Connor’s Cure bracelets on the gift.

Instead of producing a generic rubber bracelet, McMahon based the colorful, beaded Connor’s Cure bracelets on the necklace that Connor had painstakingly made for her.

WWE began offering Connor’s Cure bracelets last November at its events Continued on page 48

| 46 |

The bracelet design was inspired by this necklace made by Connor.

Continued from page 46

and on its website. All proceeds from the bracelets support the charity.

Bracelets may be purchased at – http://shop.wwe.com/Connorscure — and at more than 250 WWE domestic live events each year.

Donations to Connor’s Cure can be made at www.givetochildrens.org/ CONNORSCURE, by phone at 412-692-3900 or 1-877-CHP-GIVE (247-4483) or by mail: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, One Children’s Hospital Drive, Central Plant, Floor 3, 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

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PERFORMERS WITH REGIONAL TIES TO APPEAR IN NITRO CIRCUS LIVE By: Pam Thompson

When Nitro Circus Live 2015 blows into CONSOL Energy Center this spring – it will be the first time that the stars of the hit MTV show and 3D film perform in Pittsburgh.

Along with extreme sports legend and Nitro Circus Live ring master, Travis Pastrana, will be two performers with regional ties – FMXer Adam Jones who grew up in Warrendale, Pa., and BMXer Chad Kagy who lives and trains in State College, Pa. Nitro Circus – which sold out its first North American tour last year – features 40 extreme athletes, performing record-breaking tricks in FMX, BMX and skate. They also launch things that were never meant to be airborne off a 50-foot high “Gigant-A-Ramp.”

Kagy says, “Travis and I have been friends for a long time so I know the type of shenanigans he likes to get everyone involved in. I enjoy presenting BMX on a large scale to fans around the world and Nitro Circus allows us to perform in front of thousands of people every night.”

Continued on page 52

Nitro Circus brings ‘extreme’ to Pittsburgh. | 50 |

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Jones, a favorite among fans and his fellow performers, says, “My role in the show is to be the most fantastic FMX rider I can be.”

He has a collection of X Games medals to prove his expertise. He was the 2007 Transworld motocross rider of the year, the 2008 AST Dew tour overall champion, and has four Dew Tour wins and an X Fighters win.

Jones invented tricks, such as the Cordova backflip, stripper backflip, Shaolin backflip and the dead body backflip. He also is known for his amazing extension on the classics.

In addition to performing, Kagy helps to organize the BMXers on the Gigant-A-Ramp side and keep their energy high through the show.

The most decorated X Games athlete on the Gigant-A-Ramp, Kagy has won 15 X Games medals including four gold since he started competing in the X Games in 1998.

Jones says, “My favorite part about performing in Pittsburgh is being able to perform in my hometown in front of tons of family and friends.”

Likewise, Kagy’s contingent of friends and family at the Pittsburgh show will be led by his wife and two children.

Wheelz is the world’s first extreme wheelchair athlete.

| 52 |

Kagy has won 15 X Games medals.

Kagy is the most decorated X Games athlete on the Gigant-A-Ramp.

“I have a few solo parts in the show where I’m performing some of my hardest tricks, but I’m not going to give it away just yet,” Jones says.

A part of the show that always gets a huge audience reaction is Wheelz’ performance, Jones and Kagy agree.

“Wheelz” is Aaron Fotheringham, the only person in the world to take on Nitro’s famous Gigant-A-Ramp in a wheelchair.

Wheelchair bound with spina bifida since age 7, Wheelz, now 21, is the world’s first extreme wheelchair athlete. He inspires action sports lovers around the globe with his world-first wheelchair tricks, including the backflip, double backflip, and front flip.

Wheelz started riding skate parks at age eight when his older brother encouraged him to drop into a quarter pipe. From that point on, he was hooked.

Asked about his favorite part of the show, Jones says, “The whole show is my favorite part. I’ve honestly never rode a tour that I was so excited about being a part of. The entire show is so killer that even when I’m not riding, I’m sitting at the edge of the tunnel watching all the other guys go big at every show. That’s how good it is.”

Continued on page 54

| 53 |

Continued from page 53

Don’t call Jones a “professional daredevil.” He says, “Professional daredevil is definitely not the title I go by. I’m a freestyle motocross rider.”

Not many people aspire to hurtling through the air while performing gymnastic-style maneuvers with a motorcycle, bicycle or other transport.

Why do Jones and Kagy do it?

“Because I love it,” Jones says.

“I’ve always loved riding motorcycles and wanted to make a career out of it, so being able to do that is a dream come true.”

Kagy concurs, “I love what I do. Some people make a career out of something that they’re good at regardless of whether they like what they’re doing. I get to ride my bike, push my abilities, “Because entertain I love it,” fans, travel the Jones says. world, and most of all be passionate about what I do on a daily basis.”

He says, “I get asked if I do what I do because I’m crazy but those people don’t understand what it takes to get to where I am in my career. I never stopped riding my bike so this is normal to me.”

Kagy adds, “In an industry where being content with what you’re doing and not progressing means that you will lose competitions in a year. Progression in vital. Creativity is necessary.”

Describing his FMX career path, Jones says, “I started out racing when I was younger, and doing tricks was Continued on page 56

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A lot of practice goes into performances.

Continued from page 54

just such a thrill to me. I loved doing it. So when my racing adventure started winding down, I started taking the ‘freestyle’ part seriously. Some doors opened for me and I ended up being able to make a career out of it.”

Kagy says that at 17, he “turned professional by accident.”

“I arrived to a competition too late to enter the amateur event and wanted to ride so badly that I entered the professional Don’t call Jones a level competition,” Kagy “professional daredevil says. After placing sixth, he was offered his first big . . . I’m a freestyle sponsorship. motocross rider.”

A lot of practice goes into performances.

Jones says, “When I’m not on tour, I ride a few hours a day about four days a week. It may not seem like a lot but those few hours a day four days a week are spent jumping a ramp over and over again, doing, and redoing tricks, trying to make them absolutely perfect. It takes so much concentration to make sure you do everything exactly the same every time. It can really end up being pretty draining.”

Continued on page 58 | 57 |

Continued from page 57

Kagy agrees, “Everything I do is calculated. I consider Nitro Circus to be calculated chaos.”

He adds, “A lot of practice, training, rehearsing the shows goes into what we do. We also wear protective gear like helmets, gloves, elbow and knee pads, shin pads, ankle guards, and more.”

Kagy says that “consistent practice” is necessary to keep his skills sharp. He also works out, keeps his endurance up by taking cycle classes and maximizes his flexibility by practicing yoga.

Reflecting on what ensures that he’s able to perform at his best — in addition to developing and practicing his stunts — Jones says, “The most important part is being confident on your bike and knowing that your tricks are all sharp and comfortable, but keeping your body in tune by exercising is also helpful. The better you feel, the better you ride.”

Sharing advice with aspiring BMX riders, Kagy says, “Some of the advice I start with is to always wear your protective gear. The people in our sports are always pushing their abilities to the limits all the time, so I advise them to push their abilities slowly and to think through the next trick they want to do. Once they can visualize how to do the new trick then it’s time to work up to it.”

Jones advises anyone interested in following a career path similar to his, “Stay in school, go to college, get a real job.” | 58 |

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ACADEMIC ALL-STARS HONORED BY U. S. STEEL & PITTSBURGH PENGUINS By: Pam Thompson

Academic All-Stars, presented by U. S. Steel in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins honors the achievements of area high school students, and this year marked the third anniversary of the program, bringing the total number of teen scholars recognized to 30.

U. S. Steel’s Courtney A. Boone, Director of External Communications and Community Affairs, says, “U. S. Steel is proud to partner with the Pittsburgh Penguins to present the Academic All-Stars to the region. This program highlights academic excellence of our students, showing the incredible future of the Pittsburgh area.”

Dave Soltesz, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation President and Pittsburgh Penguins Interim Senior Vice President of Sales, says, “The Pittsburgh Penguins salute U. S. Steel for their commitment to the Academic All-Stars program. We are proud to partner and host some of the brightest and best in the region.

This is yet another example of U. S. Steel being a great partner and community leader.”

Academic All-Stars hosted at the most recent award presentation program are: o Nathanial Buettner, a senior at West Mifflin Area High School o Alexis Cox, a junior at Clairton High School o Jhsia Miles, a junior at Clairton High School o Hannah Rauenzahn, a junior at Woodland Hills High School o Vanessa Yushinski, a junior at Woodland Hills High School Continued on page 62

The presentations were made in March during a luncheon in Suite 66.

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Each high school scholar receives a trophy and a check for $250.

Continued from page 61

Buettner plans to pursue an engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to achieving his own excellent academic standing, Buettner tutors fellow students and participates in sports.

Cox is interested in pursuing a career in a medical field, and both Rauenzahn and Yushinski are considering engineering degrees.

Miles plays for the Clairton Bears Football Team and proudly wears a championship ring for his sport. Set on a career as an automobile designer, Miles is the captain of his school’s Robotics Team.

Academic All-Stars are well positioned for success, according to Boone who cites Miranda Johnston as an example of a former All-Star’s continuing success.

Johnston graduated from Woodland Hill High School in 2014. In addition to being an excellent student, she was a member of her high school’s rifle and soccer teams, band and Interact. Boone says that Johnston now attends the University of Dayton where she is in the Honors College and ROTC program.

Completing the roster of Academic All-Stars are: o Clairton students: Tyreike Hammonds, Irelynn Jones, Zach Loera, Joe McLachlan, Israel Melvin, Aubrey Sanders, Garrett Santoline, Crystal Simpson and Eliza Sopko o West Mifflin Area students: Aaron Adams, Natalie Butko, Paige M. Flore, Deon Fontaine, Jr., Tamara Hawk, Tim Hinkle, Abigail Kulhanek, Ryan Maha and India Smith o Woodland Hills students: Janae Fletcher, Ming Guo, Miranda Johnston, Justin Newman, Kai Oshimo, Laura Valenti and Zane Vorhes-Gripp | 62 |

The program highlights Academic All-Stars receive their awards as the special guests academic excellence of the Pittsburgh Penguins and U. of Pittsburgh area S. Steel at luncheon presentations students. held twice a year in Suite 66 at CONSOL Energy Center.

Each high school scholar receives a trophy and a check for $250, as well as a commemorative presentation photo from U. S. Steel and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

At the most recent presentations, Nick Harper, Controller at U. S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works presented trophies, and Lori Wineland of the Pittsburgh Penguins presented checks to the honorees.

Individual All-Stars are recorded in video shoots as they receive their trophies, and the voice over accompanying each in-game video states, “At U. S. Steel, we believe that excellence in education strengthens the next generation, shapes tomorrow’s leaders, and builds a better future.”

Academic All-Stars are selected by their high schools in communities with U. S. Steel operations.

Recent congratulatory videos are available online at http://video. penguins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=831&cmpid=navbar.

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GARTH BROOKS, FANS ENJOY “FESTIVAL” IN PITTSBURGH By: Pam Thompson

Garth Brooks’ four-day, six-concert visit to Pittsburgh was a veritable festival.

Bring a talented performer demonstrating his fondness for the city together with his welcoming Pittsburgh fans and it all flows together as harmoniously as the Mon and Allegheny into the Ohio.

“It was a special week in Pittsburgh, and the feedback we got from all involved, including Garth himself, was tremendous,” says Tim Hassett, General Manager of CONSOL Energy Center for AEG. As if Brooks’ fans didn’t already adore the artist, his professed love for Pittsburgh, its people, and the Black and Gold combined with his birthday and interaction in the community made his time here a mid-winter celebration that many will recall for a long time.

“I am in my city,” Brooks told reporters in a pre-concert news conference.

“Love this town. Love the people in it.”

Continued on page 66

“Love this town.

Love the people in it.”

Continued on page 72

| 65 |

At the second birthday show, Ben Roethlisberger and a group of his teammates rushed out from backstage in mid-song.

Continued from page 65

He says that as a youngster he became a fan of the Black and Gold because there were no professional sports teams in his home state, Oklahoma.

Pirates’ great, Roberto Clemente was Brooks’ boyhood hero. When Clemente lost his life trying to help children, it was the inspiration that led Brooks to co-founding Teammates for Kids in 1999.

Brooks says he couldn’t pick a better place, than Pittsburgh, to spend his birthday.

It was the entertainer’s first Pennsylvania appearance on his World Tour with Trisha Yearwood, his wife, and his first time performing in Pittsburgh in more than 17 years. The tour supports his new album, Man Against Machine, which was released in November.

Fueling the excitement, Brooks’ nomination for Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year was announced just days before he opened in Pittsburgh.

When Brooks, Yearwood and their team arrived at CONSOL Energy Center, they were welcomed with special decorations in the back stage areas of the arena that combined Brooks and Pittsburgh themes including the star’s stylized “g” logos.

Scott Zimmerman, Director of Booking at CONSOL Energy Center for AEG and the primary liaison for promoters and agents booking events, doesn’t recall any other individual artist doing six consecutive shows at CONSOL Energy Center since its opening in 2010.

Zimmerman says that he was fortunate to work at the box office in Mellon Arena in 1997, when Garth Brooks came to perform.

Ranking the Brooks shows among the top events of his career, he says, “Having gone through this in ’97 and this year, there are events that take place that you will never forget. I would place this at the top.”

Brooks connects with crowds, says Zimmerman adding, “Even if you aren’t a fan, you cannot help but say that was a great show.”

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Ruth Ann Hoffman, a fan, agrees. She attended the first show on Brooks’ birthday with her husband, son and daughter-in-law.

“You can’t go wrong with a Garth Brooks concert,” says Hoffman. “We all enjoyed it.”

Fans starving to see Brooks’ in concert filled CONSOL Energy Center. Hoffman, says, “I don’t know where else they would have put people.”

A long-time fan she notes, “It says a lot that he can take a 17-year break and come back.”

In addition to the music, some of her favorite parts of the show were Brooks’ entrance, and his interaction with the audience.

“He gets to every section; he acknowledges everybody,” she says.

Hoffman witnessed Brooks accepting flowers from a little girl watching the show from an adult’s shoulders and reciprocating the kindness by giving the child a guitar pick as a souvenir.

Brooks says that some of his audience members “weren’t even born” the last time he toured. He says that 43 to 48 percent of people buying his tickets now were 10 or younger when he last toured.

Brooks honors his veteran fans, too. While singing “That Summer,” he spotted a senior fan standing at the edge of the stage. He put down his guitar, got on his knees, crawled toward her, and went onto his belly to give her a little smooch – all the while continuing to sing.

Hoffman says that the crowd also gave an enthusiastic hometown welcome to Brooks’ drummer, Mike Palmer, who hails from nearby Beaver Falls, Pa. Palmer answered by sending his drumsticks as mementos into waiting hands in the audience.

While in Pittsburgh, Brooks and Teammates for Kids presented a youth sports camp for about 100 youngsters from the local Boys and Girls Club.

Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger and Brett Keisel participated in the camp fulfilling football fantasies of the young athletes, and Brooks and Yearwood stopped by the camp before their evening concert to cheer on the participants.

Brooks, a co-founder of Teammates for Kids and a Teammate since 1999, serves on its Board of Directors. Teammate athletes and Brooks are partnering to hold ProCamps in every city on his World Tour. The athletes volunteer to coach youth in football, basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer.

Getting to see Brooks in concert was a dream come true for a local firefighter seriously injured in the line of duty just days before the singer arrived in town.

Alex Scripp, 19, a lieutenant with the Munhall Volunteer Fire Co., had concert tickets to see Brooks. After suffering multiple fractures in a fall from an | 68 |

icy ladder while battling a house fire, Scripp was hospitalized and his dream was gone. Scripp says that missing the concert was the first thing that he thought of when the mishap occurred.

That’s when Jamie’s Dream Team, a local charity, went to work. The nonprofit organization interceded arranging for Scripp to attend the concert via ambulance, get into a seat where he wouldn’t be jostled – and to meet Brooks and Yearwood backstage.

Zimmerman says that Brooks and Yearwood were presented with gifts on behalf of CONSOL Energy Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins and AEG to celebrate each of the four days that they performed in Pittsburgh: o Day one brought personalized Penguins jerseys – No. 7 for Brooks and No. 19 for Yearwood. o Day two’s gift was a custom Wendell August Forge creation. The plaque, fashioned into Brook’s “g” logo, was made from stainless steel from the roof of the Civic Arena. o Day three marked Brooks’ birthday with a special Dutch chocolate cake and decorated custom cookies cut into the shapes of a guitar, saxophone, keyboard, western hat, concert ticket and Oklahoma State University logo. o Day four’s present commemorated Brooks’ six-show run in a framed print presented by Zimmerman and Hassett.

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The Official Chocolate

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Continued from page 69

The two concerts on Brooks’ birthday, Feb. 7, included some surprises for the star of the show.

Swinging Terrible Towels and sporting their Brooks says he couldn’t Black and Gold and cowboy pick a better place, hats, Steelers Pro Football than Pittsburgh, to Hall of Famers, Mel Blount and Lynn Swann, along with spend his birthday.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin came on stage to add to Brooks’ birthday celebration during the first concert of the evening.

The Steelers were not done with Brooks. At the second birthday show, Ben Roethlisberger and a group of his teammates, including Troy Polamalu, Keisel, and others, rushed out from backstage in mid-song. While the players shot confetti guns and rocked to the music, the Steelers quarterback took off his No. 7 jersey and presented it to Brooks who immediately put it on over his clothes.

Before leaving the stage, the other Steelers took off their jerseys and tossed them into the crowd.

Zimmerman says of Brooks, “He is one of the most down to earth artists that I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet.”

He adds, “That quality permeates his entire crew. We could not have had a better experience when he was in town.”

“From a show standpoint, you cannot help but caught up in the show,” Zimmerman says.

Zimmerman also notes the efforts of the CONSOL Energy Center employees. “The experience was so positive. The staff did a fantastic job. We received great positive feedback.”

He says, “The level of service at CONSOL Energy Center is second to none.”

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, Brooks became a Country Music Hall of Famer in 2012.

Brooks is the highest certified solo artist in music history, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. RIAA also named him the Male Solo Artist of the 20th Century.

Brooks owns 17 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, and two GRAMMY Awards in addition to Academy of Country Music and People’s Choice awards.

Hassett reports that Brooks’ six concerts generated more than $650,000 in taxes and fees for the city. This figure does not include taxes or business generated at restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues.

Following his last show, Brooks posted on his Facebook page –

“BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!! Birthday Weekend #GarthInPittsburgh love, g”. | 70 |

Executive Chef Steven Rechtorik

PRE & POST EVENT HEADQUARTERS

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To reserve your luncheon or dinner table please call:

412.471.4000 PITTSBURGH MARRIOTT CITY CENTER PITTSBURGH CITY CENTER

Continued on page 68

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COLD FEBRUARY NIGHT WARMED BY GENEROSITY AT NEW FUNDRAISER By: Pam Thompson

A cold night in February was warmed by the generosity of guests at a firsttime casino fundraiser presented by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Trib Total Media to benefit three local charities.

Aces & Ice Casino Night, presented

by Trib Total Media, gave Penguins fans an opportunity to go all in with the team while raising funds for good causes: o The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation o The Mario Lemieux Foundation o The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania Along with Trib Total Media, individuals and companies supported the fundraiser by purchasing tickets and donating prizes, services and merchandise.

Lucky Raffle Bash ticket holders won the Viva Las Vegas! grand prize trip for two donated by AAA Travel, the Five-Star Getaway package for a luxury weekend for two at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, courtesy of the resort, and a one-of-a-kind painting created during the event by artist George Williams.

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The silent auction is a popular fundraiser.

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Making a splash!

Of all the coatings, paints and stains we’ve made in our 130-year history, two colors stand out among the rest: Black and Gold. Our Pittsburgh roots run deep, and so does our commitment to giving back to the place we call home.

And because we bring innovative coatings and glass products to CONSOL Energy Center, we’re proud to be a part of every game. To see what other winning color formulas we’re bringing to the surface, visit ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and Bringing innovation to the surface are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Evgeni Malkin enjoying Aces & Ice casino night.

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Penguins’ team members left their jerseys and sticks in the locker room and appeared on the transformed arena floor, in the uniform of the evening, crisp gray vests and ties with red boutonnieres.

The players manned their stations, dealing blackjack, socializing at the roulette wheel and craps table, and accommodating requests for photos and autographs.

Penguins coaches, executives, and members of the Pittsburgh Penguins Wives Association were all on hand for the benefit.

Iceburgh, the team mascot wore tails and female members of the Ice Crew left their skates at home and went stylish for casino night in little black dresses.

An army of servers, bartenders, and staff ensured that all guests were treated like high rollers.

The Penguins home ice was transformed into a lively casino. Crystal chandeliers hung over the converted ice rink. Brightly flashing slots and games of chance anchored one end of the space, and Silent Auction and Lucky Draw items were displayed for bidders to peruse at the opposite end of the floor.

A huge stage and screen at mid-arena provided a platform for emcee Larry Richert of KDKA Radio & TV, as well as entertainers portraying Vegas legends, Dean Martin (Bob Morelli) and Frank Sinatra (Guy Malone).

The performers in Rat Pack style treated guests to classics including “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” “Volare,” “Strangers in the Night,” and “The Way You Look Tonight,” as well as other standards.

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An internationally themed dinner menu paid tribute to the cuisine from the players’ and coaches’ homelands. Dinner stations represented foods from six nations including Canada, Finland and Sweden, Germany, Russia and the United States.

Traditional foods of each country received gourmet twists from CONSOL Energy Center chefs: o Russian offerings included Siberian dumplings and “Borscht Martinis” — a combination of roasted beets, apples, walnuts and micro cabbage in dill vinaigrette served in martini glasses. o The Scandinavian smoked salmon flatbread was finished with capers, arugula, sour cream and lemon oil, and the Swedish meatball flatbread was complemented with sautéed mushrooms and sherry cream. o Grilled cheese at the American table consisted of oil cured tomatoes, house mozzarella and basil, and the beef slider included bacon jam and goat cheese. o A Canadian poutine bar served house-cut fries with cheddar cheese curds, pork belly, grilled kielbasa and pepper gravy, as well as French Canadian meat pies. o Grilled bratwurst sandwiches on the German menu were topped with braised red cabbage and spicy mustard and paired with potato pancakes accompanied by apple sauce and sour cream.

The international casino theme was evident at the dessert table which included cookies fashioned as casino chips, playing cards, Maple leafs and the flags of the home nations of team members, as well as petite fours decorated as dice.

The only ice in sight – besides cubes clinking in glasses — was a carving at one of the beverage stations. The sculpture – the team logo perched atop a swirling, frozen wave – lent to the party decor.

Brightly colored cocktails received an extra chilling as a bartender poured them into the icy logo. Guests could see their colorful concoctions flow through a sluice in the icy design and into their waiting glasses. | 76 |

WHO WILL YOU BE?

OFFICIAL SPORTING GOODS RETAILER OF THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS速 AND FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE CONSOL Energy Center速 DICKS.COM

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