John Maggio is a self-described fan of blues music who used to attend the annual San Francisco Blues Festival when he lived out west.

But never had he heard the genre played so well by someone so young as when he first heard Dormont's Brendan Neary.

"He blew me away," said Mr. Maggio, Dormont council president. He said he first saw Mr. Neary perform at a variety show at Keystone Oaks High School last year.

So when council was looking to fill out the musical lineup for the borough's upcoming street fair and blues festival, Mr. Maggio thought immediately of Mr. Neary and asked him to audition for council.

Mr. Neary, 18, will open the show for Shari Richards and headliner Billy Price at the street fair, which will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 11.

He said he started playing the guitar when he was about 8 years old and has focused primarily on blues for the past eight years.

A 2008 graduate of Keystone Oaks, Mr. Neary said he is taking courses at the Community College of Allegheny County and intends to transfer to Duquesne University to study music.

"I want to play professionally," he said.

In addition to the concerts, the second annual street fair will feature nearly 30 vendor tables, a classic car show and pumpkin painting for the kids.

Admission is free at the borough-sponsored event, and the show will go on rain or shine.

Mr. Neary said he has written some of his own music but will stick with some classics for the street fair. He will open the show with an hour set from 5 to 6 p.m.

But being the warm-up act for a local blues legend like Billy Price doesn't rattle Mr. Neary.

"I never get nervous when I'm performing," he said.

To mark October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Clairton boutique Selections by Genea and Eric will hold its fourth annual fashion show from 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Bradley House of Catering, 5239 Brownsville Road, Baldwin Borough.

Some of the proceeds benefit the UPMC Cancer Center at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

Hannah Webb, who opened the store in 1993 and named it after her children, lost a sister and her mother-in-law to the disease. A number of her customers are battling cancer, and she decided to hold the fashion show as a way to help raise money for breast cancer research.

"If you can do something to help someone dealing with this disease, it's worth the effort," Ms. Webb said. For individuals dealing with the psychological impacts of cancer treatment, the clothes they wear oftentimes can have a positive effect on their attitude.

The event features a sit-down luncheon, auctions and prizes.

Whitehall Councilwoman Linda Book, who is a licensed private pilot and the administrative assistant at Corporate Air at the County Airport, will get to experience another type of runway as a volunteer model for the show.

Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For more information, call 412-233-7242.