Pittsburgh is known as the city of bridges – and believe you me, it is very aptly named. I had a great road trip there this past April to see The Black Keys perform at the Consol Energy Center.

We had 2 extra tickets for friends who couldn’t make it so we left an empty seat on each side of our group of 4. It was remarkable how many different people came and sat in them throughout the concert. I was especially surprised because we were in the balcony furthest away from the stage.

The opening act was The Flaming Lips. They didn’t catch my attention musically, but the lighting effects were the coolest I have ever seen. I regret leaving my cell phone at the hotel because I don’t have a picture of it. There were long strands of lights extending down and out from the singer’s microphone and it looked like there were pulses of energy flowing out of him.

The Black Keys were solid. This was my second time seeing them live. They totally rocked it both times. There is something about their music that is very satisfying to hear in a concert setting. It’s not that they have stadium songs or a lot of sing-alongs but it is fun music that just kind of makes you feel cool.