So, did you happen to see that DJ Diesel is coming to town in 2023? OK, perhaps you know him by his real name, Shaquille O’Neal. Yeah, that guy. Believe it or not, the NBA Hall of Famer is coming to Piere’s on Saturday, March 18, to spin some records for us, not to sing ballads. 

To be honest, I’ve seen Shaq do some acting over the years, but had no clue he had a passion for music. Come to find out, at age 14 he saw Public Enemy for the first time and he quickly became fixated on DJ’ing. He cut his neighbor’s grass and walked dogs to earn money to buy his first set of turntables at a local pawn shop. 

Fast forward to 1993, O’Neal’s debut rap album Shaq Diesel sold more than a million copies and peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard 100, cementing him as the only pro athlete with a platinum-selling album. He went on to tour around the globe and graced the stages at such festivals as Tomorrowland, Lost Lands, and Life in Color, and even launched his own festival series, Shaq’s Fun House. 

If you are a fan of Shaq/DJ Diesel or just want to see what a 7-foot-1, 325-pound DJ looks like, then head on over to Piere’s. 

He will be joined that evening by Gil Grimm, Auzu, and Joesorf. This show is for ages 18 and over, with tickets available via etix.com or in person at any Wooden Nickel location and Neat Neat Neat Records. 

Local groups opening for Alanis tribute band

Speaking of Piere’s, if you have plans to attend Jagged Little Pill: The Alanis Morissette Tribute Band on Sunday, March 19, inside Stan’s Room, be sure to show up on time, because our very own 906 Band and The Illegals are set to open the show. 

This show will be unique, as Morissette tribute bands are pretty rare in the tribute world. That’s probably because it is almost impossible to match her voice and emotion. However, Chicago’s Jagged Little Pill is the go-to Morissette tribute, nailing all her biggest hits with a pounding rhythm section, rocking guitars, and spot-on vocals. Together, they keep audiences and fans engaged and singing along. 

Morissette has been considered a voice of a generation with one of the most successful albums of the ’90s. Jagged Little Pill, which sold more than 16 million copies. It’s time we celebrated her music, so come on out for this truly must-see show. 

Doors open are at 7 p.m., with show getting under way at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at etix.com.  

Ukulele, bass duo find selves in Trubble

Trubble Brewing will have Alfie Jean & Fella Jack performing Friday, Jan. 13, from 8-10 p.m. 

This local ukulele and upright bass duo are certain to take you back in time with their collection of Motown, doo-wop, jazz, and modern pop, plus some originals. In any event, it will be a perfect chance to throw back one of those tasty Trubble concoctions, dig into some good grub, and feast your eyes and ears on some superb music by Alfie Jean & Fella Jack. 

It will be a great show to start the new year.  

Learn to line dance at Knockin’ Boots

Attention all boot scooters: Knockin’ Boots Saloon is hosting Country Line Dancing every Friday from 7-9 p.m. with sign-up wrapping up at 6:30 p.m. 

Jake B will combine classic and new generation country line dancing each and every week. There will also be door prizes, 50/50 drawing, and bull riding and axe throwing competitions. 

For more info, go to knockinbootsfw.com.  

Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.