[ELECTRONIC] + THU., JAN. 14
Eschewing standard song formats for the experimental, local artist 0h85 crafts hour-long collages of EDM and hip hop. 0h85 is a dizzying journey through modern music, spanning drum and bass, piano-driven R&B and heavily sampled vocal tracks. You can experience this in person at Brillobox tonight, for free! 0h85 is putting out a new EP, Feel Cold, and special guests Naeem and DJ Babyteeth will also be attending this release party, presented by La Squadra records. Andrew Woehrel 9 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. 412-621-4900 or www.brillobox.net
[EXPERIMENTAL] + THU., JAN. 14
Described to us by “sonic curator” Brian Hecht as an experimental fusion of an “early-Renaissance free improv ensemble” and a jam band, locals In Arthur’s Court bring performance art, post-post-postmodern humor and antiquated classical scales to a public that just may not be ready. The group, which includes members of Radon Chong, KMFD and Slime Heads, encourages audience participation, and though the sound and vision can be baffling, it is handily saved by a genial sense of humor. In Arthur’s Court supports Microwaves tonight at Lava Lounge with Aaron Myers-Brooks and more. AW 10 p.m. 2204 E. Carson St., South Side. $5. 412-431-5282 or www.lavaloungepgh.com
[ROCK] + SAT., JAN. 16
What is there to say that hasn’t already been said about Bruce Springsteen? The Boss is embarking on a world tour where he will perform the entirety of his 1980 double album The River, coinciding with the release of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection, a massive box set that includes a documentary about the making of the album. An oft-overlooked gem in the oeuvre, The River tells stories of working Americans during a recession, a theme which Springsteen aims to show is as relevant today as it was more than 35 years ago, if not more so. Tonight, Bruce kicks off the tour at the Consol Energy Center. AW 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. $55-150. 412-642-1800
[HIP HOP] + SAT., JAN. 16
This weekend, local producer Stevie B joins up with Drusky Entertainment to present Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: MLK Weekend Takeover. Stevie B is by now well known to hip-hop fans for his work on recent tracks by Asco, Owey and Lua Proc. All three of those rappers perform tonight at the Rex Theater, along with Black Jay, Born Ready, G.I., Jimmy Wopo and Reese YoungN. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the city’s most buzz-garnering MCs, all in one place. Margaret Welsh 9 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $15-20. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
[INDIE ROCK] + TUE., JAN. 19
Even for someone under legal drinking age, Julien Baker is pretty new to the solo-artist game. Middle Tennessee State University took her away from Memphis and her shoegazy band Forrister, but the urge to make music remained. On her own, Baker is a precise and stark presence; her spare, guitar-driven record Sprained Ankle is full of both youthful angst and unflinching beyond-her-years insight. Tonight, she’ll appear at Club Café with locals Cold Weather. MW 8 p.m. 56 S. 12th St., South Side. $10. 412-431-4950 or www.clubcafelive.com
