Critics' Picks: July 10 - 16 | Music | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper

Critics' Picks: July 10 - 16

Local shows by ... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Mac Martin, and Baauer and R.L. Grime, plus Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble opens its season

[ROCK] + FRI., JULY 12

... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead has shifted styles, musicians and record labels since its formation in 1994, but one thing that has always been consistent is the punk-rock enthusiasm and combative attitude toward the apathy of mainstream music. Touring behind its new EP, Tao of the Dead Part III, Trail of Dead plays the Rex Theater tonight; this is the band's first visit to Pittsburgh in more than eight years. Kira Scammell 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $18-20. All ages. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com

[NEW MUSIC] + FRI., JULY 12

It's not outside, and it doesn't involve cooking out or getting wet, but it's as much a sign of summer as anything around these parts: the return of Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. The new-music group, under the direction of Kevin Noe, takes over the City Theatre space on the South Side each July, presenting a series of concerts featuring works by well-known contemporary composers (like John Adams, featured in this weekend's program) as well as world premieres (like a piece by Matthew Rosenblum, during the July 19-20 program). In addition to four weekends of works, there's a special show Wed., July 24, featuring ensemble flutist Lindsey Goodman. Andy Mulkerin 8 p.m. Continues Fri.-Sat. through Aug. 3. 1300 Bingham St., South Side. $20-35. All ages. 412-889-7231 or www.pnme.org

[FOLK] + SAT., JULY 13

There's little that could make a Pittsburgh music fan prouder than watching the success of our native son Mac. No, no, not that Mac — Mac Martin, the 88-year-old bluegrass player who's long been the leader of the Dixie Travelers. Tonight, the original Mac plays at Hambone's along with another purveyor of traditional music, albeit of a different type: Muzička, a Czech folk ensemble. The varied night of tunes is rounded out by local faves Shelf Life String Band; it should be an evening like few others. AM 8 p.m. 4207 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $12-15. 412-681-4318 or www.hambonespittsburgh.com

[ELECTRONIC] + TUE., JULY 16

Teaming up for their Infinite Daps Tour, producer Baauer, known internationally for "Harlem Shake," and producer R.L. Grime, who broke into the electronic-music scene as trap music caught fire last summer, bring bass that will resonate down to the bone this Tuesday at Mr. Small's. Remix crafters Jim-E Stack and Ryan Hemsworth, both known for their reworks of popular artists such as Frank Ocean and Grimes, will also perform. KS 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $20. All ages. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com