Categories: Archives

Dan Bern brings his folky style to Rosebud

Dan Bern

Tonight, 10 p.m.

Rosebud Cafe, $15

21+

1650 Smallman St.

(412) 261-2221… Dan Bern

Tonight, 10 p.m.

Rosebud Cafe, $15

21+

1650 Smallman St.

(412) 261-2221

Interested in politics? What about space aliens, Britney Spears, Jewish heritage, racial inequality or talking with God? Perhaps you’re more interested in listening to the Messiah play guitar?

All of these are topics are found in the lyrics of Dan Bern, known by some as Bernstein, or when with his band, Bernstein and the International Jewish Banking Conspiracy. Some may bristle with insult at this stereotype, but that is what much of Bern’s music is like. Few topics are safe from his biting, somewhat cynical but often comical, commentary – not even the Jewish community to which he belongs. Through his music he challenges listeners to critically examine their world.

Compared often in musical style and content to Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Arlo Guthrie, Bern follows in their footsteps as a truly American folk-rocker for the everyman. With a voice most comparable to that of Guthrie, Bern has established himself as a gifted songwriter and performer in the folk music scene, releasing five albums since he began recording in 1996.

His latest full album, New American Language, released in 2001, diverges slightly from his early, more acoustic solo works, featuring the International Jewish Banking Conspiracy on more songs. Nov. 12, Dan Bern also released The Swastika EP, an abbreviated collection of five songs that starts out with “Talkin’ Al Kida Blues” a witty and comical – or wholly inappropriate depending on how you see it – look at America’s anti-terrorism policy and the poor fate of a man from Cleveland who is unlucky enough to have the last name Kida.

Bern will appear at Rosebud Cafe Friday. The concert is for anyone who can appreciate the absurdity of the modern age, has a bone to pick with society, or has even pondered how the world would be different if Marilyn Monroe had married writer Henry Miller rather than playwright Arthur Miller. Doors open at 7 p.m. with Josh Joplin opening.

Pitt News Staff

Share
Published by
Pitt News Staff

Recent Posts

Students gear up, get excited for Thanksgiving break plans 

From hosting a “kiki” to relaxing in rural Indiana, students share a wide scope of…

13 hours ago

Photos: Pitt Women’s Basketball v. Delaware State

Pitt women’s basketball defeats Delaware State 80-45 in the Petersen Events Center on Wednesday, Nov.…

14 hours ago

Opinion | Democrats should be concerned with shifts in blue strongholds

Recent election results in such states have raised eyebrows nationwide, suggesting a deeper shift in…

23 hours ago

Editorial | Trump’s cabinet picks could not be worse

Over the past week, President-elect Donald Trump began announcing his nominations for Cabinet secretaries —…

23 hours ago

What Trump’s win means for the future of reproductive rights 

Pitt professors give their opinions on what future reproductive health care will look like for…

1 day ago

Police blotter: Nov. 8 – Nov. 20

Pitt police reported one warrant arrest for indecent exposure at Forbes and Bouquet, the theft…

1 day ago