[PUNK] + FRI., JULY 6
The former Misfits vocalist is back, this time performing under his own moniker. After fronting the iconic horror-punk band, Michale Graves ventured to other projects, such as his eponymous band Graves, and Gotham Road. Finally settling on a solo project, Graves has released two albums as well as a collaboration with Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three, two live albums and a collection of rare demos. Michale Graves plays Altar Bar tonight with The Cheats, Fist Fight in the Parking Lot and Children of October. The show also marks the release of The Cheats' third full-length, Pussyfootin'. Gregg Harrington 7 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District. $12-14. 412-206-9719 or www.thealtarbar.com
[INDIE POP] + SAT., JULY 7
Bethlehem two-piece Slingshot Dakota is well-versed in the craft of writing catchy pop songs, as well as being a pair of do-it-yourself veterans. Although the band started as a three-piece featuring former Latterman member Pat Schramm, it stripped down its membership to Carly Comando and Tom Patterson in 2006 and never looked back. With their sophomore release on Topshelf Records, 2012's Dark Hearts, Comando and Patterson refine their take on keyboard-driven emo-pop. Slingshot Dakota plays at the Mr. Roboto Project this afternoon with Crooked Teeth and False Madrid. There's also a pre-show vegetarian/vegan potluck. GH 3 p.m. 5106 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $5-6. All ages. www.therobotoproject.org
[OUTLAW COUNTRY] + SAT., JULY 7
David Allan Coe is arguably the most outlaw of the outlaw country set: From his early days singing and swapping stories about prison to his controversial and profane '80s work (especially 1982's Underground Album) and later collaborations with heavy-metal artists, he's never compromised, and never rested on his laurels. Tonight, Coe pulls into the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse for a dinner show with support from Lumber-n-Steel. Andy Mulkerin 5:30 p.m. 565 Route 18, Burgettstown. $35-55 (includes dinner). 724-947-1900 or www.pepsiroadhouse.com
[GENRE-MIXING] + SAT., JULY 7
It's a set-up for something — maybe something beautiful, or maybe something disastrous. But nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Dream Job's David Neuhart put together tonight's offering at Shadow Lounge: Crosspolynation, a show that pairs a series of local bands with either a DJ or an MC. Weird pairings like Triggers with Keeb$, and The Long Time Darlings with Yah Lioness, will hopefully breed something great. There's only one way to find out, right? AM 10 p.m. 5872 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. $8. 412-363-8277 or www.shadowlounge.net
[INDIE ROCK] + TUE., JULY 10
Seattle has been known as the breeding ground for grunge rock since the late '80s, and has since developed the same reputation for indie-rock bands. Beat Connection has validated that claim. The band's blend of catchy indie pop and electronic dance beats on its debut album The Palace Garden is as infectious as it is unique. Self-labeled as a tropical psychedelic pop band, the band's suggestion doesn't sound too far off. Beat Connection plays Brillobox tonight with White Arrows and Teen Daze. GH 9 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $8. www.brillobox.net
