The top 3 Lehigh Valley-area concerts this week bring three very different acts to the area, offering up a little something for everyone. First is a country blues band that almost never existed when the band leader was told he’d never play guitar again, but after a surgery was able to not only return to playing, but was also featured in Vintage Guitar magazine’s January 2020 issue.
Next is a legendary classic rock act who began topping the charts with the release of their debut album, rolling through town for two nights on their farewell tour. And last, an alt rock band comprised of two well-known Lehigh Valley solo artists who have joined forces to do something a little outside the box.
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville
How much: $22.50
Tickets: www.st94.com/ 215-257-5808
Musical style: Blues, country blues, blues rock
Known for hits like: “Something for Nothing,” “Pot Roast and Kisses,” “Devils Look Like Angels,” “Raise a Little Hell,” and, “Clap Your Hands.”
Meet the band: The band’s first album for SideOneDummy records, “The Whole Fam Damily,” released in 2008, entered the Billboard Blues Chart at number four. Their 2017 album, “The Front Porch Sessions” debuted at number one on the iTunes Blues chart, and number two on the Billboard Blues chart, while their 2021 album, “Dance Songs for Hard Times” debuted at number one on both the Billboard and iTunes charts. Early on, Reverend Peyton was told he’d never be able to play guitar again after he experienced severe pain in his fretting hand after a performance he gave at a party. He had all but given up on guitar until he decided to seek another opinion, subsequently receiving surgery on his hand that allowed him the flexibility to play guitar again.
Check them out if you like: B.B. King, Bloodshot Bill, Bukka White, Muddy Waters, RL Burnside, Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Avett Brothers
Foreigner
When: 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday
Where: Wind Creek Event Center, 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem
How much: $59.50-$89.50
Tickets: ticketmaster.com 610-297-7414
Musical style: Classic rock, soft rock, hard rock
Known for hits like: “I Want to Know What Love is,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Cold as Ice,” “Juke Box Hero,” and, “Hot Blooded.”
Meet the band: Formed in New York City in 1976, Foreigner has sold over 80 million records worldwide. Their first four albums were all certified 5X platinum in the U.S., and produced numerous chart-topping hits. Following the album “4,” they released a greatest hits record that sold 7 million copies. With nine official albums to their name, and three Grammy nominations, Foreigner is on their farewell tour playing all the classic hits that made them a household name.
Check them out if you like: Styx, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar, Night Ranger, Rick Springfield
Hot4Robot (Acoustic)
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
How much: $22.50-$27.50
Tickets: godfreydaniels.org/ 610-867-2390
Musical style: Indie rock, art rock, alternative
Known for hits like: “Made with Guns,” “Just Human,” “Binary World,” “Blue Screen,” and, “Your Chemical.”
Meet the band: Hot4Robot is an alt rock band featuring Alex Radus and Dave Cahill combining their unique talents to create something entirely different from what each does as a solo artist. Utilizing catchy hooks, memorable melodies, and lyric-driven compositions, the band explores new wave, indie, and experimental sounds that have led to a conceptual rock album full of surprises.
Check them out if you like: The Cure, Radiohead, The Pixies, Weezer, The Smiths, Muse, David Bowie
Jay Honstetter is a freelance writer.
