March Pittsburgh concerts

MUST-SEE SHOW:
3/2 Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Byham Theater
This showstopping Mexican instrumental guitar duo is worth whatever price the Byham is charging. Just go! The Alex Skolnick Trio will be opening, which is significant - Skolnick guests on "Atman," one of the best tracks on Rodrigo y Gabriela's new album, so chances are he'll come out to play on it during the show.

ALSO WORTH ATTENDING:
3/16 Jay-Z & Young Jeezy @ Mellon Arena
I got to see Jay-Z at last summer's All Points West music festival in New Jersey and his performance was so far above and beyond what you expect from a typical rap concert. He featured a talented live band, new arrangements of classic hits, and a number of surprises. Jay-Z is indeed the new Sinatra.

3/20 Portugal the Man @ Mr. Small's
Being from Wasilla, Alaska is enough to create a buzz this days, and moving to Portland, Oregon doesn't hurt either. The acclaimed, blogger-approved band Portugal the Man is touring behind its fifth studio album American Ghetto, to be released on March 2. The song "Dead Dog" is available as a free download from their website.

Others to keep in mind:
3/4 Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris & LMFAO @ Mellon Arena
3/5 Alkaline Trio & Cursive @ Club Zoo
3/5 Anti-Flag @ Mr. Small's
3/5 Harvey Milk @ Rex Theatre
3/7 Tally Hall & Jukebox the Ghost @ Mr, Small's
3/12 Megadeth @ Palace Theatre
3/12 John Hiatt @ Carnegie Music Hall (Oakland)
3/13 They Might Be Giants @ Andy Warhol Museum
3/13 Jo Dee Messina @ Carnegie Library Music Hall (Homestead)
3/13 Ekoostik Hookah @ Rex Theatre
3/14 One for the Team @ Garfield Artworks
3/19 Margot & the Nuclear So & So's @ Brillobox
3/25 Train & Butch Walker @ Carnegie Music Hall (Oakland)
3/30 David Gray @ Benedum Center
3/31 Henry Rollins @ New Hazlett Theatre
3/31 Bone Thugs N Harmony @ Mr. Small's