When TABLE Magazine hosts an event, music is never an afterthought. James Scoglietti, master at reading the room and setting the perfect vibe, has been a go-to. Scoglietti, better know to Pittsburgh as Selecta, has been a pioneer of the Pittsburgh DJ and hip hop scene since the late 80’s. His energy and style foster unforgettable experiences. We have turned to Selecta once again — not for an event, but for his expertise. We asked Selecta to share his top Pittsburgh concert picks for Fall 2025. And, as expected, his list does not disappoint.
Selecta’s Fall Concert Picks
Soul Show 30th Anniversary Feat. Water Seed
August 30th
Pittsburgh Winery
The locally produced “Soul Show” is celebrating 30 years of providing a terrestrial radio outlet for quality Soul, Funk, and R&B in our fair city. One such group that spawned from the current host Mike Canton’s playlist is Water Seed. I’ve borne witness to their seamless fusion of the aforementioned genres over the years. They continue to get tighter and groovier.
Barrington Levy
September 2
Pittsburgh Winery
I was introduced to the work of Barrington via his distinctive vocal prowess being sampled on numerous Hip-Hop records of my youth. His “Broader Than Broadway” being the most notable example of said lifting of Barrington’s voice to enhance a pre-existing groove. Witnessing his huge presence in such an intimate setting is sure to be an experience.
Alabama Shakes
September 9
Stage AE
From the very first time I received the aural blessings of this powerhouse of a vocalist that is Brittany Howard, I was transfixed. Her group transcends any sort of record industry category or classification, just pure lush arrangements from this three piece band of musical virtuosos. A must see!
Tower Of Power
September 12
Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead
One of the handful of groups that were responsible for birthing the “Jazz-Fusion” movement of the early 70s alongside like-minded outfits such as Weather Report and Return To Forever. Their current roster consists of founding members Emilio Castillo and Stephen “Doc” Kupka on dueling saxophones. Enough motivation to make it out to check out this iteration of the TOP.
David Byrne
September 15
Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
Where is my beautiful wife? Probably burning down the house. My god what have I done?
See what I did there? LOL! David is so much more than his Talking Heads origins but these tunes will forever be engrained in our collective “I Want My MTV” psyche. The Benedum is an apropos backdrop for Byrne’s whimsical, broadway-esque stage show.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Sept 18-21
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
I must admit that I may be a bit biased with this one, as I’ve been honored to DJ the Jazz Fest since its inception almost 15 years ago. Our International Jazz Festival rivals other long-standing productions in significantly larger cities…perphaps even more focused and varied than others. We can thank Janis Burley and the amazing staff at the AWAACC for that. Did I mention that it’s free? Let me rattle off some names from this year’s stelar lineup….Bilal, Eric Benet, Jazzmeia Horn, Dee-Dee Bridgewater, Branford Marsalis, Kandace Springs, and a tribute to our Hill District hero George Benson! (Drops Mic)
Raphael Saadiq
October 7
Roxian Theatre
Ray (As Saadiq is affectionately known) rarely embarks on a one man tour. That alone is a selling point for me. With the recent passing of his Tony! Toni! Toné! Bandmate Dwayne Wiggins, it’s likely we will be treated to a melody of the Three T’s vast discography coupled with Saadiq’s infectious solo selections.
Thomas Dolby
October 26
Roxian Theatre
Poetry In Motion! The 80s brought us an era of Synth-Pop. Catchy tunes that shunned the traditional elements of a band to incorporate those instruments of an electronic nature. Drums machine, synthesizer and computer-aided musical interfaces. Europe was at the forefront of this and Thomas struck red hot with “She Blinded Me With Science.” Firing on all fronts!
Chicago
November 5
UPMC Events Center
Chicago embarked on a massive tour with Earth, Wind & Fire last year. On the surface it seemed to be an odd pairing. Digging deeper into this Windy City band’s discography and inspiration, it totally made sense. Groovy is an understatement! This time they are out on their own. With OG vocalist/keyboardist Robert Lamm turning 81 in a few months, this may be the last time you get to catch the band with their lead mastermind at the helm
Boz Scaggs
November 25
The Palace Theatre
Blue Eyed Soul. You hear that descriptor tossed around quite often. Even sometimes jointly thrown in with the semi-newfound “Yacht Rock” stamp. Whatever Boz may be to you, he encompasses all that surrounded him in the musically ambiguous melting pot of the south. “Lowdown” is that jam that unites us all in perfect harmony. Exquisite on myriad fronts. At 81, this may also be one of the last hurrahs as he winds down from a storied career.
Story by James Scoglietti, Selecta
Photography by Cody Baker
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