We recently had the chance to check out Mr. Smalls Theatre in pursuit of one of our favorite recent bands, Low Cut Connie during this leg of their US tour. This energetic band has garnered a large and faithful following with their unconventional and unrelenting style that is good enough to have attracted the attention of Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and President Obama. Their music has a depth that has not been seen in the industry for many years. Countless music reviewers have named the band as the best touring act in the country, no small feat to achieve. Their music is old-time rock with heavy influence from 50s rock, mixed with blues, soul, punk, and more. The crowd interaction and energy of this band is practically unparalleled. The intimate layout of Mr. Smalls Theatre certainly aids in making this band even better. This is easily one of the most entertaining concerts I have ever attended. Mr. Smalls has become the premier concert facility and home to the music scene in the Pittsburgh region.
Mr. Smalls Theatre is located within the former St. Ann's Catholic Church in Millvale, just across the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh proper. Building it was a labor of love and the results of which are perfect. We arrived about an hour before the concert and opted to grab some food in their cafe. They have a decent food, drink, and coffee selection. Their gourmet coffee is especially excellent.
Here is a view looking back upon the space. The lower level is general admission and standing room only. It also has two bars. There are two balconies that offer club seating and another restaurant and bar area. The seating up there is available as an upgrade with any ticket for between 20 and 30 dollars, depending upon the show. The upgrade is directly deductible off of food and drink tabs, which is certainly a great value. We are huge fans of the band though and wanted to be right at the stage.
They had two excellent opening bands, with one decent rock/rap band in &More. This Philly based band has an excellent mix of rock and hip-hop in their style, with an uplifting and positive message. Their performance was very enjoyable and it should be exciting to watch their growth.
The second opening act, Ruby Boots, was definitely pretty unique. They are certainly rock driven, with a folk and country music influence. Their lead singer immigrated to Nashville from Australia and they certainly have an enjoyable vibe to them that feels like a more spirited incarnation of Bonnie Raitt. Her voice really carries the band and it will be great to see them progress.
Now for Low Cut Connie
These guys are just great. Pure energy and excitement with every song.
(This picture is from 2016 at Musikfest)
We first saw and heard them at Bethlehem's Musikfest in 2016, closing out the night at Volksplatz, and we were hooked.
The best artists to compare them to are Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry, meets the raw energy of Motley Crue. There is no other band that is quite like them and they are really amazing and strange. A combination that makes their live shows simply incredible.
Their stage presence is simply incredible. Throughout the entire show, Adam danced on every part of his piano, and throughout most of the entire venue, and really played his heart out and probably interacted with just about everyone in the room. His band was awesome as well. The interaction this band has with the audience really takes advantage of the intimate setting of Mr. Smalls Theatre. Overall, we highly recommend checking out this excellent venue.
For more information on upcoming shows, eating at their cafe, using their recording studio, and more, check out their website at https://mrsmalls.com Nearby in Millvale, we highly recommend stopping to try out the Grist House Craft Brewery, which offers some of the finest brews in the Pittsburgh area.
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