Culture
Comes a Time When the Music Comes Home
By: Natalie Colarossi
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Pittsburgh’s outdoor music pavilion has regularly changed its name throughout my entire life.
From Star Lake, to the Post-Gazette, to First Niagra, and now, Key Bank, it seems as if its identity is destined for impermanence. Yet, each time I see a show there it feels exactly the same.
Located in Burgettstown, about 15 miles outside of the city, the land is hilly and tree ridden, with lovely views of sunset and a vast and elevated lawn space for dancing, drinking, and watching the band. Its atmosphere is scenic and relaxing, and the space itself was often the primary reason I visited the pavilion in my summers growing up.
The bands that performed there weren’t always great- mostly just the commercial names in pop, country, and Indie rock. Nothing that ever really excited me, but still I would go, for the soothing and romantic idea of laying in the summer grass and listening to music with friends. Such was my memory of the pavilion, until a list of heroes and legends travelled to Pittsburgh for the 2017 annual Farm Aid festival.
Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews, outside, playing music at my pavilion the weekend of September 16, 2017.
Finally, I was able to fully enjoy the experience of listening to great music in the summer sun with friends. Finally, this space became more than just a space; and this time, the experience was much more romantic. The headliners kicked off with an acoustic set from Dave Matthews, and with beautifully soothing chord progressions, the mood was set for a fun and laid back environment. Next was John Mellencamp who got the crowd up and dancing, rocking both old and new “dittiess.”
Most excitingly, I couldn’t believe I was about to see Neil Young on a stage so close to my home. It was almost too surreal. At 71, his distinct, high-pitched octave was just about fully intact, and his guitar playing was exactly how it’s always been. It was the Neil Young sound I know and love, and to hear it in my home town, just miles from my childhood room, where I spent countless days/nights repetitively listening to his albums, was certainly emotional. Willie Nelson took the stage right after, and with his old beat up guitar, and long braids blowing in the wind, I felt like I was hearing a part of musical history. Being in the presence of these guys was, as cheesy as it sounds, unbelievable.
With my dad, boyfriend, and sister at my side, together, experiencing the music we were raised on, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe and nostalgia. There is a spiritual element to our favorite music, and to hear some of mine being played in such a familiar place, was a truly elevating experience.