[POP-PUNK] + FRI., DEC. 21
For a little band from Pittsburgh, The SpacePimps aren't doing too badly for themselves. The trio was chosen to open for Sum 41 on the Pittsburgh stop of the Does This Look Infected? Anniversary Tour last month and even recently had a song featured on MTV's The Challenge. No big deal. If you're into no-frills, back-to-basics pop-punk, check out The SpacePimps tonight at the Altar Bar for their XXX-Mas Show with The Switch Kids, My Cardboard Spaceship Adventure, Trophies and Dash City Skyline, and celebrate the end of the world in style. Amanda Wishner 7:30 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District. $10-12. All ages. 412-206-9719 or www.thealtarbar.com
[ELECTRONIC] + FRI., DEC. 21
If you're into electronic dance music, keep your eye on Krewella. Although it might be a new name to most, the trio first got its start back in 2007 when EDM producer Kris Trindl, alias Rain Man, joined forces with sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf. Since then, the Chicago natives have continued to turn heads with their slick vocals and innovative mix of electro, house and dubstep. The band recently released the hard-hitting Play Hard EP, its debut, over the summer. Catch Krewella tonight at the Rex Theater; N3AKO and Witness open. AW 10 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $20. 17 and over. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
[INDIE ROCK] + FRI., DEC. 21
Chestnuts? Check. Open fire? Check. Egg nog? Check. Ugly Sweater Show featuring School of Athens and Triggers? Shit! Almost missed the annual tradition — fortunately, there's still time to make it to Shadow Lounge tonight for the eighth installment, with The Yellers (formerly the Paul Luc Band) playing as well. The all-local bill is traditionally a fun one, and Triggers are coming off a banner year, with the release of their long-awaited album Forcing a Smile. Don we now our Cosby specials! Andy Mulkerin 8:30 p.m. 5972 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. $6. 412-363-8277 or www.shadowlounge.net
[HOLIDAY-ISH] + SAT., DEC. 22
It's the most wonderful time of the year for Garfield Artworks proprietor and local promoter Manny Theiner: Each of the past eight years, he's put together the Festivus show, based on the made-up holiday from Seinfeld. This year it's back at Howlers in Bloomfield, and stars, as it often does, Endless Mike and the Beagle Club, the big ol' folk ensemble from Johnstown. Also playing: Shana Falana (from New York City) and locals Will Simmons and the Babka Bunch and Christopher Ray. Rounding out the evening will be Seinfeld trivia, presumably with some very Manny prizes. AM 9 p.m. 4509 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. $6. 412-682-0320 or www.howlerscoyotecafe.com
