Brendza’s beat: Outkast, Don’t Panic! and support the PSO

brendza'sbeatBy: Zach Brendza | Features Editor

Outkast Reunion

Alright now readers? Yeeeaah. Who do you wanna see  reunite in 2014? Outkast! I can’t hear you? Out-Kast.

The dynamic duo is making a comeback in the New Year, after six years of going their separate ways. The first confirmed date for their return is Coachella in Indio, Calif., playing Friday April 11 and 18. As of Tuesday, they are also confirmed for playing Firefly Music Festival in Dover, DE.

OutKast has said they will play 40 dates, festivals and others, to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, their debut album released way back in 1994.

With the closest venue being in Delaware, hopefully OutKast will announce more dates closer to Pittsburgh. Now that would be ice cold.

Panic! The Musical

In a world where everything is becoming a musical, here’s another to add to the list: PANIC! The Musical. Yes, boys and girls, the music of Panic! At The Disco will now be used in a musical, including songs like “I Write Sins, Not Tragedies,” “Lying is the Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off,” “Ready to Go,” “This Is Gospel,”and so many more. That is if the project gets the funds.

Like many bands, restaurants and other projects, the musical has reached out to fan for funds, starting an indiegogo that will end Feb. 28, with a goal of $20,000. While the musical only has $550 donated as of Wednesday, there are still 44 days left. The other good news is that indiegogo projects receive any funds raised, as opposed to Kickstarter where all the funds must be raised to receive them.

If you’re a fan of Panic! and the theater, help them out if you’d like. But if I may chime in, haven’t you people ever heard of funding your own project?

Kickstart the Symphony

Everyone is trying to raise money for their causes or projects these days. It’s an easy way to get things done if you have willing backers.

This time, The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra needs your help.
The PSO is traveling to New York’s famed Carnegie Hall to perform and needs to cover the costs of travel for their estimated 117 musicians, their instruments, food and two days hotel stay while they’re there. The grand total: $30,000.

While this is a lofty amount, supporting the symphony and their performance at a historic venue might be worth a few dollars. Even if it’s just a small amount.

What’s Out This Week

Bring Springsteen – High Hopes
Switchfoot – Fading West
You Blew It! – Keep Doing What You’re Doing

On The Horizon

1/20 The World Is A Beautiful Place and I’m No Longer Afraid To Die w/ Adventures, Run Forever, Legs Like Tree Trunks and Lilith @ Mr. Roboto Project
1/25 Pixies w/ Fidlar @ Carnegie Library Music Hall Oakland

Just Announced

3/25 Heart @ Carnegie Music Hall Oakland
3/31 Stick To Your Guns w/ Terror, Hundredth, Counterparts and Expire @ Altar Bar
4/6 Carolina Chocolate Drops @ Carnegie Library Music Hall Homestead
4/21 Toadies w/ Supersuckers and Battleme @ Altar Bar