A Random Weekend in Pittsburgh

Friday, August 8, 2008 | 12:09 PM

kiedis amer eagle.jpg

Since the rise and fall of the Rolling Rock Town Fair (which in retrospect was a little ahead of its time), my hometown of Pittsburgh hasn't had much to celebrate when it comes to throwing summer music festivals. This year, however, Pittsburgh snagged one. Though the specifics are a little confusing, I must say, I'm very intrigued.

The New American Music Union Festival is taking place at the South Side Works (a newly renovated outdoor lifestyle plaza) in Pittsburgh, PA. For anyone who has ever visited Pittsburgh's South Side, you should know that that's the place to be on a Pittsburgh weekend (lots of good bars and clubs). Good planning so far.

Here's where it gets a bit odd though. The concert--having a unique battle of the bands competition between 15 unsigned indie acts--is being sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters (a company that most people don't associate with "indie" music).

It gets even more random.

(above: Anthony Kiedis, will he be in Pittsburgh this weekend too?)

The line-up for this weekend's event was assembled by the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis. Some press releases have even said that Kiedes will be on hand to host the festivities. The festival is also giving out free t-shirts for each ticket purchase, kind of ironic, considering its curator is known for rarely wearing one at all.

Like many of the higher-profile music festivals this year, The New American Music Union has tapped some of the bigger names touring the summer circuit: Bob Dylan, The Raconteurs, Gnarls Barkley, The Roots, Spoon, and The Black Keys.

Since I was going home anyway, I'm planning on stopping by the festival this Friday night. In a weekend plagued with randomness, I won't be able to attend the second day of the festival because I'm competing in a golf/fishing/corn-hole triathlon.

Make sure you check back here this weekend for a Day #1 recap of the New American Music Union Festival.