Weekend Calendar (Jan. 2 to Jan. 5)

"So this is the new year/And I have no resolutions/For self assigned penance/For problems with easy solutions" -- Death Cab for Cutie, "The New Year".

Kendrew's Lounge, Aliquippa, 9 p.m. Jan. 4, Christian Beck Band, $4.

Kendrew's Lounge, Aliquippa, 9 p.m. Jan. 3, Dan Bubien, $3.

Luanne's Route 68, Industry, 9:30 p.m. Jan. 4, Iron Skillet, no cover.

Luanne's Route 68, Industry, 9:30 p.m. Jan. 3, Karaoke with Perry, no cover.

Lil Duvall at The Improv at the Waterfront at Homestead,  8 and 10:15 p.m. Jan. 3; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Jan. 4; 7 p.m. Jan. 5.  $22 and a two-item minimum. pittsburghimprov.com.

Improv O'Ramagazna 3: The Prisoner of Improv, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11, Comtra Theatre, off Route 19, Cranberry Township. $10. 724-591-8727 or comtraplayers.com.

Larry the Cable Guy, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 11, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. $39 to $129.

Amy Schumer, 8 p.m. March 11, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. $37.50 to $45.

Jim Gaffigan, 7 p.m. March 27, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. $40.50 and $50.50.

Salute to Vienna, 8 p.m. Jan. 3, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. European singers and dancers celebrate Strauss waltzes and polkas. $46.25 to $65.75. 412-456-6666 or trustarts.org.

Mozart & Brahms: Clarinet Quintet presented by the Saturn String Quartet of the Roanoke Symphony, 8 p.m. Jan. 10, The Strand Theater, 119 North Main St., Zelienople. Reserved seating, $17 and $22. 724-742-0400 or www.thestrandtheater.org.

Elvis tribute artist Robert Dale, 4 p.m. Jan. 11, Center at the Mall, at the Beaver Valley Mall. Includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. $10. Information: centeratthemall.com

The Music of John Williams presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Jan. 23 to 26, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Lawrence Loh conducts. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23; 8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25, and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 26. $21 to $99. 412-392-4900 or trustarts.org.

"It's Witchcraft" the Music of Cy Coleman performed by Broadway's James Mellon and cast of local stars including Mary Ann Mangini and Heidi Friese, 8 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, Strand Theater, 119 North Main St., Zelienople. Broadway Concert Series. Reserved seating, $25 and $25. 724-742-0400 or www.thestrandtheater.org. 

B.E. Taylor and his band acoustic Valentine's concerts, 8 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15, Strand Theater, 110 North Main St., Zelienople. $35. 724-742-0400 or thestrandtheater.org.

Building 429 and Family Force 5 with Hawk Nelson, Christian rock bands, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Metheny Fieldhouse, Geneva College. $21; high school students, $15 with registration through Geneva's Building 429 Block Party; VIP tickets, $51; student discount tickets, $10, available through Students Program Office. Tickets available at www.geneva.edu/building429.

Josh Turner with opening act Rachel Bradshaw, daughter of former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, 8 p.m. Jan. 18, Stambaugh Auditorium, Youngstown, Ohio. $21 to $51.

Jay Z, 8 p.m. Jan. 21, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. $42.90 to $143.20.

The Pixies, 8 p.m. Jan. 25, Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh. $47 to $70.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, Byham Theater, Pittsburgh. $19 to $44. 

Elton John, 8 p.m. Feb. 1, Covelli Centre, Youngstown. $26 to $136.

Joe Nichols and Uncle Kracker, 7 p.m. Feb. 6, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. Benefits Pressley Ridge. $35 and $38; VIP reserved seating $65.

G. Love & Special Sauce, 9 p.m. Feb. 8, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. $20 and $25.

Billy Joel, 8 p.m. Feb. 21, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. $52 to $125.

Avett Brothersand Old Crow Medicine Show, 7:30 p.m. March 1, Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh. $61.60 and $67.75.

Richard Thompson, 8 p.m. March 1, Byham Theater, Pittsburgh. $34.50 to $44.50.

Flogging Molly, 8 p.m. March 1, Stage AE. $28.50 and $30.

Dropkick Murphys, 7 p.m. March 8, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. $36.35.

Austin Mahone, 7 p.m. March 9, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. $29.50.

Arcade Fire, 7:30 p.m. March 12, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. $39 to $73.

"Experience Hendrix" tour with guitarists Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson and more, March 20, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. $62.

WinterJam starring Newsboys and Lecrae, 7 p.m. March 21, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. $10 at door. No tickets required.

Grouplove, 8 p.m. March 23, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. $25.

Neutral Milk Honey, 8 p.m. March 26, Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, Pittsburgh. $35.

Cher, 7:30 p.m. April 2, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. $26.75 to $137.50.

Dream Theater, 8 p.m. April 2, Palace Theatre, Greensburg. $40 to $62.

St. Vincent, April 11, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. $22 and $25.

Lady Gaga, 8 p.m. May 8, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. $35 to $200. 

John Prine, 8 p.m. May 16, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. $49.50 to $59.50.

Happy Together features Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels and Mark Farner, 7:30 p.m. June 23, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. $49 to $99.

Journey and Steve Miller Band, 6:45 p.m. June 27, First Niagara Pavilion, Burgettstown. $46.50 to $167.

Vans Warped Tour, 11 a.m. July 15, First Niagara Pavilion, Burgettstown. $23.50.

Plaid Tidings presented by the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret, through Jan. 12, Cabaret at Theater Square, downtown Pittsburgh. Performances, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $34.75 and $39.75. 412-456-6666 or trustarts.org.

"Ghost," the musical's first national tour, through Jan. 5, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Adapted from the hit film. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 1 and 2; 8 p.m. Jan. 3; 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 4 and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5. $20 to $62. 412-392-4900 or online at trustarts.org.

"The Chief" presented by Pittsburgh Public Theater, 8 p.m. Jan. 2 and 3; 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 4, and 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 5. Tom Atkins portrays Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney. $48 to $65; students and youth, age 26 and younger, $15.75 with valid ID. 412-456-6666 or ppt.org. 

"Stuck" presented by Pittsburgh Children's International Theater, 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Byham Theater, Pittsburgh, and 7 p.m. Jan. 17, Moon Area High School. Tickets: in advance, $9.50; at door, if available, $11. 412-456-6666 or trustarts.org.

South Side Stories presented by City Theatre, Jan. 8 through 26, at 1300 Bingham St., Pittsburgh's South Side. Performances at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. $15 to $35. South Side residents receive $10 discount with ID. 412-431-2489 or citytheatrecompany.org.

Sesame Street Live "Can't Stop Singing," 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10; 10:30 a.m. 2 and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11 and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. Tickets: $16 and $26; gold circle, $42. Opening night all seats, $14; Kids' matinee at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 10, $9.50. 412-642-1800 or ticketmaster.com.

Broadway's "Wicked," Jan. 15 through Feb. 9, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. $39 to $149. 412-456-4800 or trustarts.org.

Premiere of "Before Pride," a new play created and performed by the Dreams of Hope youth theater ensemble, 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25, Alloy Studios, 5530 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh. Storyline discusses personal and historical journeys taken by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Admission is pay-what-you-can. Seating is limited, and seats can be reserved at beforepride.eventbrite.com.

"Dark Sisters" by Nico Muhly presented by the Resident Artists of the Pittsburgh Opera, 8 p.m. Jan. 25 and 31; 7 p.m. Jan. 28 and 2 p.m. Feb. 2, at CAPA Theater, Pittsburgh. Glenn Lewis conducts; Daniel Rigazzi directs. $50.75. 412-456-6666 or pittsburghopera.org.

Compagnie Kafig, innovative hip-hop ensemble from Brazil, 8 p.m. Feb. 1, Byham Theater, Pittsburgh. $19 to $55. 412-456-6666 or trustarts.org.

"Mamma Mia," presented by Broadway Across America, Feb. 11 to 16, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 12 and 13; 8 p.m. Feb. 14; 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 15 and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16. $29 to $68. 412-392-4900 or trustarts.org.

Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai," March 27 to 30 at the Petersen Events Center, Oakland. Performances at 7:30 p.m. March 27 and 28; 4 and 7:30 p.m. March 29 and 1:30 and 5 p.m. March 30. Tickets: adults, $40 to $100; children, ages 12 and younger, $32 to $81;  seniors, military, students, $36 to $85.50.

For R-ACT Theatre Productions' "Murder at the Movies," 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 6, at the R-ACT office, 158 Brighton Ave., Rochester. The cast will consist of four men and four women. Those who audition will be asked to read from the script, written and directed by R-ACT member Larry Spinnenweber. The story will be performed as dinner-theatre on March 1 at The Venue at Harmony Ridge in Harmony Township. More information at 724-775-6844.

Auditions for the Bobcat Players 2014 season are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 and 18, and from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 16 in the Ed Schaughency Theater at Beaver High School, Beaver. Plays include: "Present Laughter," "Be My Baby," "Born Yesterday," and "Bench in the Sun." For information and appointments, call 412-953-0237 or email bobcatplayers07@yahoo.com.

Auditions for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's "Ring of Fire," the Johnny Cash musical, 3 to 11 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy, 130 Academy Ave., downtown Pittsburgh. Seeking adult singing actors and actresses. Need to proficiently play guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, harmonica and/or various percussion. Bring instrument and prepare two contrasting songs. Principals  must be available from May 5 through Aug. 17. Applications available at www.pittsburghclo.org/pages/clo_auditions. Appointment requests with a preferred time should be emailed to CabaretAuditions@pittsburghclo.org or by phone at 412-281-3973, ext. 234.

Clinton Christmas Light-Up Celebration, a one-mile drive through Clinton Park in Findlay Township, 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 5. Donation: $10 per car. Proceeds benefit area charities, families with health or financial needs, and student scholarships. Open holidays. Scheduled carolers performances; hayrides available at 724-899-3159.

Clayton Holiday Tour: A Pittsburgh Christmas at Clayton, the historical home of Henry Clay Frick, 7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh's Point Breeze neighborhood through Jan. 5. Tours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission: adults, $12; seniors, students and active military, $10; children, age 16 and younger, $6. Reservations suggested. 412-371-0600 or thefrickpittsburgh.org.

Ohio Valley Lines Model Railroad open house, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 5, at the organization's library and museum, 1225 Merchant St., Ambridge. HO gauge train layout set in late 50s and 60s. Adults, $5; children, $1. 724-266-4787 or ohiovalleylines.org.

The Ridings Family Christmas Model Train Display, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 5, Greersburg Academy, 710 Market St., Darlington. Trains run on multiple tracks, refreshments. Tours available. Free. Information: 724-843-4361.

Holiday Light & Music Show produced by Pittsburgh Technical Institute's Electronics Engineering Technology and Oil & Gas Electronics students and faculty, 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 3 on the PTI campus off McKee Road in North Fayette Township. Free. Open every evening including holidays. 800-784-9675.

Holiday programs at Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood: Carnegie Trees 2013: Embracing the Art of Play, unique decorations inspired by 2013 Carnegie International through Jan. 12; Neapolitan presepio, Nativity scene handcrafted between 1700 and 1830 at the Museum of Art, through Jan. 9. 412-622-3131 or carnegiemuseums.org.

Final weekend for Pennsylvania Civil War exhibit at the Sen. John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh's Strip District.Also: "Poptastic! The Art of Burton Morris" through Feb. 23; a 3,000-square foot, 50-work exhibit that's the first retrospective of nationally known Pittsburgh pop artist Morris, who has Aliquippa family ties. Center hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: adults, $15; seniors, 62 and older, $13; students with ID and children ages 6 to 17, $6; children younger than 5 and members, free. heinzhistorycenter.org.

"Pittsburgh je t'aime," a collection of iPhone photos by Hilary Robinson presented by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, through Feb. 21 at Filmmakers Galleries, 477 Melwood Ave., Oakland. Robinson is dean of the School of Art and Design and professor of visual culture at Middlesex University in London. Closing reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7, free; public welcome. Gallery hours: noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; noon to 6 p.m. Fridays and during screenings in the Melwood Screening Room. Holiday hours vary; check online at pittsburgharts.org.

Winter flower show and outdoor winter light garden at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Schenley Park, Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. Extended evening hours through Jan. 12. Flower show features work of artists Matthew McCormack and Jenn Figg; garden railroad returns. Holiday activities include: Candlelight evenings through Jan. 12; brunch in bloom, Jan. 5. Hours: Winter flower show: 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily; winter light garden, 5 to 11 p.m. Admission: adults, $15; seniors and students, $14; children, ages 2 to 18, $11; members and children younger than 2, free. 412-622-6915 or phipps.conservatory.org. 

Mattress Factory's 35th Anniversary Celebration's three new exhibits, 500 Sampsonia Way, Pittsburgh. Works by contemporary artist Janine Antoni through March 10 and Detroit-based artists through May 25. Also: Chiharu Shiota: Trace of Memory exhibit in museum's new space at 516 Sampsonia Way. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays. Admission: adults, $15; seniors and full-time students, $10; members and children younger than 6, free; half-price admission Tuesdays.

Little Beaver Historical Complex includes Greersburg Academy, Little Beaver Museum, McCarl Industrial and Agricultural Museum, Hamilton Forge and Foundry and Sweeney Log Cabin. Hours: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays and by appointment. Free. 724-843-4361. 

Expression of Courage, black and white photographs, which celebrates the spirit of individuals facing chronic illness and/or disability through Jan. 3 at Jameson Health Center's North Campus, New Castle. 724-652-2882, ext. 14.

ENOUGH Violence: Artists Speak Out, through March 27 at the Society for Contemporary Craft, 2100 Smallman St., Pittsburgh's Strip District. Features works by 14 contemporary artists investigating the impact of violence on lives and roles the arts can play. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 412-261-7003 or contemporarycraft.org.

Unconquered: History Meets Hollywood exhibit at Fort Pitt Museum, Point State Park, Pittsburgh. Explores story behind the siege of Pittsburgh and commemorates 250th anniversary of Pontiac's Rebellion. Features periodic screenings of "Unconquered," director Cecil B.DeMille's 1947 film about the siege, with original movie props, photos, costumes, artifacts. Screenings on select weekends. Continues through Aug. 3. Admission: adults, $6; seniors, $5; children, ages 6 to 17, students and military, $3; free for history center members and children younger than age 5. heinzhistorycenter.org.

Civil War Era Drawings from the Becker Collection, through Jan. 12 at the Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds St. Pittsburgh's Point Breeze neighborhood. Features more than 100 drawings from artists working for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper during the Civil War. Admission: free for museum, art center and carriage museum. Tours of Clayton, adults, $12; seniors, students, active military, $10; children 16 and younger, $6. 412-371-0600 or TheFrickPittsburgh.org.

Yasumasa Morimura: Theater of the Self at the Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh's North Side. The Japanese artist is renowned for this photographic reprisals of iconic images from art history and popular culture. Continues through Jan. 12. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays. Museum at 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh's North Side. Admission: adults, $20; children and students, $10. 412-237-8300 or warhol.org.

Baby African penguins, hatched last month now available to see at the National Aviary, Pittsburgh's North Side. African Penguins are endangered in the wild, and the residents of the National Aviary’s Penguin Point are part of an important breeding program for their species. Aviary hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adults, $13; children, $11; seniors, $12; additional show, $5; two shows, $9, all-day pass, adults, $25, children, $23, seniors, $24. 412-323-7235 or aviary.org.

2013 Carnegie International, presented every four to five years, through March 16, Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Surprising, playful multifaceted exhibit with global reach. Other exhibits: "20/20: Celebrating Two Decades of the Architectural Center," engages public throughout year about significance of architecture in their lives, and "Japan is the Key...Collecting Prints and Ivories, 1900-1920." Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission: (includes Carnegie Museum of Natural History): Adults, $17.95; seniors, 65 and older, $14.95; students and children, ages 3 to 18, $11.94 children, age 3 and younger and members, free. Discounted admission after 4 p.m. Thursdays, adults and seniors, $10; students and children, $5. 412-622-3131 or cmoa.org.

Dinosaurs in their Time permanent exhibition, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission: (includes Carnegie Museum of Art): adults, $17.94; seniors, 65 and older, $14.95; students and children, ages 3 to 18, $11.95; children, age 3 and younger and members, free. 412-622-3131 or carnegiemuseums.org.

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience, Jan. 12, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. Caputo, a psychic medium, stars in the TV show "Long Island Medium." $43.50 to $73.50. 412-456-6666 or trustarts.org.

Jase Robertson of A&E Channel's "Duck Dynasty,'' 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, New Castle. Kickoff of Beaver County Christian School's Listen Up speaker series. Family-friendly comedy show, silent auction and music precedes Robertson's speech. Tickets: $31 to $51; VIP tickets from $200 to $5,000 (includes 10 guests). 412-392-4900 or www.bccslistenup.org.

Alton Brown, celebrity chef and Food Network personality, 8 p.m. Feb. 23, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. $32.50 to $127.

Gillian Michaels, from NBC's "The Biggest Loser," in her "Maximize Your Life" speaking tour 8 p.m. March 19, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. $27.25 to $152.25.

"Girl Rising," 2 p.m. Jan. 11 in Rea auditorium, Sewickley Academy, Edgeworth. First film in academy's Silk Screen Films series. Free. www.sewickley.org/silkscreen.

Beaver County Snow Shovel Riding Championship, Jan. 11 (weather permitting), Old Economy Park, 5 Forcey Drive, Economy. Registration from 11 am. to noon; races start at 12:30 p.m. Fastest snow shovel riders win prizes. Ages 5 and older (17 and younger need parental consent.) Information: 724-770-2060. If insufficient snow, the race will be moved to the following Saturday.

Beaver County Polar Bear Plunge, 1 p.m. Jan. 11, Bridgewater Landings Marina, 400 Brkich Way, Bridgewater. Benefits Special Olympians in Beaver County. Participants must raise a minimum of $50. Information: 724-775-0743 or plungepa.org

Chillin' in the Park, winter festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25, Hopewell Community Park, Hopewell Township. Includes a "You Build It, You Push It" sled contest, "Jump in the Lake" for charity, games for snow (or no snow) and live entertainment. Hot lunch served at noon. Sled race at 1 p.m.; lake jump at 2 p.m. Prizes awarded. Rules and entry forms at hopewelltwp.com. Ages 17 and under need parental consent to race or jump.

WWE Royal Rumble professional wrestling, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh. Features 30 wrestling stars including John Cena, Randy Orton, the Big Show and The Miz. Pay-per view match. Tickets: $25 to $500 (front-row ringside).