[INDIE] + FRI., FEB. 3
Since the early 2000s, Johnstown natives Endless Mike and the Beagle Club have created a folk-punk spectacle at venues nationwide, seeking positivity in an unjust world by layering lyrics of hope and conviction with captivating melodies. The collaboration, whose membership varies from 15 musicians to just ringleader Mike Miller, takes its chaotic repertoire to the Mr. Roboto Project tonight. Snails will perform, and art by Olivia Locher and a zine release by the My Idea of Fun Collective will be featured as well. Nicole Chynoweth 7 p.m. 5106 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. All ages. www.therobotoproject.org
[ROCK] + SAT., FEB. 4
Songstress Kathleen Edwards juxtaposes soft vocals, airy piano riffs and gritty guitar rhythms to create her distinctive version of rock 'n' roll. Hailing from Canada, Edwards has been touring with fellow musician Hannah Georgas to promote the release of her new album, Voyageur, which she co-produced with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. She recently performed the album's upbeat yet melancholy "Change the Sheets" on Late Night with David Letterman. Edwards can be seen at the Rex Theater tonight with Hannah Georgas as the opener. NC 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $25-30. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
[POP] + TUE., FEB. 7
While Jenny Owen Youngs has made a name for herself with simple guitar-pop tunes and a razor-sharp wit, her latest, An Unwavering Band of Light, sees the Brooklyn songstress stepping up her game with regard to orchestration. Strings, horns, backing vocals — it's a next-level pop sound that befits the talented songwriter. She couldn't bring the orchestra with her, but she'll have a rhythm section in tow when she plays Brillobox tonight; New Empire opens. Andy Mulkerin 9 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $12. 412-621-4900 or www.brillobox.net
[SOUL] + TUE., FEB. 7
Meklit Hadero's soulful jazz-folk is informed by world music; the San Francisco-based songwriter was born in Ethiopia and spent time growing up in an array of U.S. cities. While she's clearly working in a Western pop idiom, the nods she gives to her native country aren't limited to musical flourishes; Hadero also works to promote the music and art of Ethiopian artists. And to top it all off, in 2009 she was named a global fellow with TED, the nonprofit venture dedicated to spreading new ideas and solutions. Tonight she appears at Shadow Lounge. AM 8 p.m. 5972 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. $8-10. 18 and over. 412-363-8277 or www.shadowlounge.net
