This has been a week of first-time experiences for me.

First and foremost, this is the first time writing this column and, subsequently, in subjective first-person narrative style. So, please, bear with me as I tell the story of another great first I experienced just a few short days ago.

Earlier this week, my wife Julie and I had an opportunity add to our collective resumes as concertgoers – visiting Pittsburgh’s Mr. Smalls Theater for the first time, and a night we won’t soon forget.

The headliner for the evening was a band called The Both, a three-piece group led by the collaborative efforts of seasoned musicians Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, who attained notoriety as the frontman of slightly punk rock band Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Not only was this the first time Julie and I had gone to Pittsburgh for a concert, it was also our first experience seeing The Both live and in person as they toured the first leg of their first tour in support of their first album.

Mann and Leo joined musical forces as The Both in 2012 after being introduced to each other through a mutual friend in Scott Miller, a California musician who carved out his own niche in the underground jangle pop and alternative rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s while fronting bands such as Game Theory and The Loud Family. It was because of Julie’s love of Miller’s music, and her connection to his fanbase, that we first learned of The Both.

Unfortunately, Miller passed away unexpectedly last year – leaving behind vast amounts of devastated fans and unreleased music. In honor of his role in bringing Mann and Leo together, The Both released their self-titled debut album on April 15, which was the one-year anniversary of Miller’s death.

From the first drop of the needle (I’m a vinyl collector, so that’s a relevant reference), it’s apparent that Mann and Leo, diverse as their musical backgrounds are, have an innate musical chemistry that cannot be denied. Their lead single off the album, “Milwaukee,” serves as a clear illustration of the unique way in which their voices and musicianship blend to the point of near perfection.

On stage, their playful personalities made it all that much easier to be drawn into their music, in an already intimate venue, to the point where attendees could feel like a part of the band. Their witty banter between songs at times made me feel that I was at a comedy show rather than a rock concert.

Thankfully, Julie and I had had the foresight to “befriend” the merchandise guy, who was kind enough to bring the record we bought from him backstage to Mann and Leo for them to sign.

Things got even better after the show, after the majority of our fellow concertgoers had departed, when Leo came out of the dressing room to greet some acquaintances and take a photo with them. We happened to be in the right place at the right time. We were asked to take the aforementioned photo for them, and had the audacity to ask for one of our own in return. Leo acquiesced, and Julie then had a chance to briefly chat with him about Miller and the impact his music had had on both of them.

Later, as Mann and Leo were departing the building to board their tour bus, we had a chance to speak with them, grab a photo and again reminisce about Miller’s legacy. More than a few eyes teared up as we related to them as people rather than gushing fans.

As we began our long drive home, Julie and I reflected on how truly great our day had been, and we both came to the conclusion that our time spent with The Both was probably near the top of our concert-going experiences.

Now, as I look forward to fulfilling my new capacity here at The Post-Journal, I do so with the knowledge that first-time experiences can often reap rewards beyond comprehension. Seeing The Both was a truly amazing experience, and I hope to carry that energy forward as I engage my local arts community.

And now, here’s what you can expect to find in the area this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bluegrass Jam Is Today: The Lakewood American Legion Post 1286 will be hosting a Bluegrass Jam tonight from 7-10 p.m. The kitchen will be serving specials and a snack menu from 6-9 p.m.

The event is free, and open to both Legion members and guests.

The Lakewood American Legion Post 1286 is located at 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood. For more information, call 763-1286.

Hvile I Kaos To Perform Friday: Hvile I Kaos (Norwegian for “Rest In Chaos”) is set to perform at Infinity Arts Cafe at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Founded in 2011, the band was originally conceived as a cello-driven melodic black metal project by Chris Edward Brown, who goes by his stage name, “Kakophonix.” As of this year, Hvile I Kaos has ceased to be a strictly cello-based ensemble, with the addition of area native Cody Hiller on violin, Will Otto on acoustic guitar and Ralph Holtzhauser on keyboards and synthesizer.

The Infinity Arts Cafe is located at 115 W. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, call 664-0991 or visit infinityperformingarts.org/event.

“RENT” To Premiere Friday: The Spire Theater will premiere its production of the multi-award winning musical “RENT” Friday at 8 p.m.

Follow-up performances will be held Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as May 15 at 8 p.m., a special 9:30 p.m. showing on May 16 and May 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 presale, and $20 at the door.

The Spire Theater is located at 317 E. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, call 450-7357 or search “RENT” on Facebook.

Strange Allure Opens Saturday: The 3rd on 3rd Gallery will hold an opening reception Saturday for “Strange Allure” from 6-8 p.m.

The “Strange Allure” exhibition will feature the recent art and photography of 15 artists from throughout Western New York, a number of whom have not exhibited in Jamestown before.

The show will be curated by Fredonia artist Anthony Leone and Jamestown graphic artist Steve Lafreniere, who has curated two previous exhibitions including “These Are Days: 10,000 Maniacs 1981-2011” at 3rd On 3rd Gallery.

The reception is free and open to the public, and there will be soft drinks, juice, beer and wine on hand.

The 3rd On 3rd Gallery is located at 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown, on the 3rd floor of The Reg Lenna Center For The Arts. For more information, call 664-2465 or search for “Strange Allure” on Facebook.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email gpaterniti@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 243 by Monday.

Tonight

Drag and Stag Show and Food Drive: 6 p.m., Jamestown Community College, 525 Falconer St. in Jamestown.

Friday

Ryan Melquist: 9 p.m., Yesterday’s, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood.

Saturday

Biggest Redneck Party Ever: 1 p.m., Murdock’s, 104 E. Main St. in Sherman.

Ryan Melquist: 9 p.m., Steener’s Pub, 3022 Route 430 in Greenhurst.