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John Mayer is the kind of musician parents don't mind their kids listening to. His albums are in no danger of warranting a Parental Warning sticker. But underneath a veneer of squeaky-clean good looks and friendly pop hooks lurks the heart of a bluesman. Mayer, who performs at the Post-Gazette Pavilion in Burgettstown at 7 p.m. Friday, has recently struck up a friendship with the legendary Buddy Guy. As a guitarist, Mayer has almost subliminally inserted jazz and blues licks into his repertoire. Look for him to rip into a few wicked solos Friday.

Also on the bill are Maroon 5 and DJ Logic. Tickets are $35.50 and $45.50.

Details: (412) 323-1919 or www.cc.com.

-- Regis Behe

Jazz
A familiar face

Don Aliquo Jr. is back in town for a weekend display of the sax playing that made him a jazz stalwart in this area before he took off for Tennessee.

The sax player was a familiar figure with his own group, at jam sessions and as backup player for other jazz players until he left for a faculty position at Middle Tennessee State University.

Of course, the music scene in Nashville is lively enough to keep his chops in shape, so he won't be returning as an dry academician.

And it wouldn't be surprising to see his like-named father showing up at the gigs, helping to keep things in line.

The music starts at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Crawford Grill on the Square, Station Square, South Side. Admission is $5.

Details: (412) 281-2885.

-- Bob Karlovits

Theater
Enter, 'Stage Fright'

Self-proclaimed horror junkie Michael McGovern has "Stage Fright" on his mind.

That's the title of his one-man horror show, a collage of movie and reality-based monster moments that opens tonight at the Gemini Theater, 7501 Penn Ave., Point Breeze.

McGovern is the artistic director of Theater of the Night as well as the writer and sole performer of this gothic humor cabaret show. This latest offering is an evening of thrills, chills and laughs utilizing characters such as Hannibal Lecter and Charles Manson and vignettes such as "Rosemary's Rabies."

Performances run through Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Tickets are $10; $8 for students and senior citizens.

Details: (412) 243-5201.

-- Alice T. Carter

Art
All on Ellsworth

Music, dance, and, of course, art, will be lining Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside this weekend.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside will be alive with art, music and dance when the Ellsworth Music, Dance & Arts Showcase 2004 gets under way.

The showcase offers fine art and craft with a local flair to see and buy. It boasts a bevy of musical acts and performances by well known Pittsburgh performers such as Squonk Opera, Phat Man Dee and Sharon "Mama" Spell, among others, as well as a children's activities tent. So be sure to bring the kids along.

Show hours for the Ellsworth Music, Dance & Arts Showcase are noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Details: (412) 682-1298.

-- Kurt Shaw

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