[ROCK] + FRI., DEC. 4
Even though Garland Jeffreys is a contemporary of the Velvet Underground — he attended Syracuse University at the same time as Lou Reed and played guitar on John Cale’s 1969 album, Vintage Violence — Jeffreys remains an underappreciated figure in rock history. His most famous single, “Wild in the Streets,” released in 1973, is an overlooked gem that brings to mind some of the best rock ’n’ roll of the time, from the aforementioned Reed to classic ’70s Stones to Young Americans-era Bowie. “Wild in the Streets” did garner attention in the ’80s skate community, having been covered by the Los Angeles hardcore-punk band Circle Jerks. Jeffreys is playing at Club Café tonight, with support from The Damaged Pies. Andrew Woehrel 7 p.m. 56 S. 12th St., South Side. $20. 412-431-4950 or www.clubcafelive.com
[BUBBLE GOTH] + FRI., DEC. 4
The genre name “bubble goth” may sound like some sort of spooky joke, but one can be assured that it is terrifyingly real. Perhaps inspired by Magnetic Fields’ Stephen Merritt’s side project The Gothic Archies, Pittsburgh’s own The Gothees is a band of seasoned locals who flirt with an unlikely combination of goth rock and bubblegum pop. Tonight, the group is playing at the Hollywood Theater, as the opening act for a showing of the 1974 musical/horror film Phantom of the Paradise, starring Paul Williams. The Gothees’ macabre yet buoyant style (which ends up sounding somewhat like The Cramps) will be a fitting accompaniment to the film’s campiness. AW 9:30 p.m. 1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont. $8. 412-563-0368 or www.thehollywooddormont.org
[DJ NIGHT] + FRI., DEC. 4
Remember what life was like in 2005? George W. Bush was president, YouTube had just been introduced, and the Brillobox was Pittsburgh’s hippest new bar. Also that year, Pete Spynda, a.k.a. Pandemic Pete, began hosting Pandemic at Brillobox. It was a dance night featuring a hybrid of traditional folk music and international contemporary dance music, ranging from Brazilian brass to Balkan beats to dancehall. A decade and some 300 live-music and DJ events later, Pandemic is still going strong: Tonight marks its 10th anniversary at Brillobox, which is still Pandemic’s home base. In addition to Pandemic Pete, the evening will feature Joro Boro, from the Balkans; Thornato, of the New York-based tropical bass group Cumba Mela; and other special guests. Margaret Welsh 9 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $6-10. 412-621-4900 or www.brillobox.net
[GARAGE PUNK] + SAT., DEC. 5
Formed in Boston in 1987, and now based in Columbus, Ohio, the garage-punk band Cheater Slicks is approaching its 30th anniversary. That’s a long time for any band, but especially one of such a snotty variety. The band’s three-man lineup has remained consistent through the years, with brothers Tom and Dave Shannon both playing guitar. The Cheater Slicks’ sound is reminiscent of fellow Ohioan garage-punkers like New Bomb Turks or even Pere Ubu, with the sometimes warbly vocals recalling Ubu frontman Dave Thomas. Tonight at Gooski’s, Cheater Slicks is playing with locals Expires and Chiller. AW 10 p.m. 3117 Brereton St., Polish Hill. $7. 412-681-1658
