[INDIE ROCK] + THU., JUNE 23
Despite 20 years on major labels, the Canadian band Sloan has never made a huge splash in the United States. The band marked its 20th anniversary this year with the release of Double Cross, its latest LP. The music takes its cues from modern indie, but its roots are all classic rock; Beatles fans could find plenty to like here. Sloan plays the Rex Theater tonight with tourmates Hotkid. Andy Mulkerin 7 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $12. All ages. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
[INDIE POP] + FRI., JUNE 24
The WYEP Summer Music Festival has become an annual tradition -- a warm night under the setting sun at Oakland's Schenley Plaza. This year's headliner is Eli "Paperboy" Reed, the young, pompadoured, Motown-style blue-eyed soul singer from Boston. The large ensemble Fitz and the Tantrums (also a soul-inflected pop outfit) plays as well, along with the Philly pop trio Jukebox the Ghost. Locals Big Hurry open; get there on time and cross your fingers for good weather. AM I Made It craft market opens at 4 p.m., music at 6 p.m. Schenley Drive, Oakland. Free. All ages. 412-381-9131 or www.wyep.org
[ALT-COUNTRY] + FRI., JUNE 24
"The Bloomfield Sound" was the term coined by The Beagle Brothers for the classic country coming from young locals who frequently play venues like Howlers and Thunderbird Café. Chet Vincent and the Big Bend is an outfit that stepped right into the genre: Tonight at Brillobox, the country songwriter and his honky-tonk band celebrate the release of their album, For Everyone. Expect original tales of country-style woe, warbled in a road-weary voice over simple strumming. With The Harlan Twins, Casey Hanner & Josh Verbanets and DJ Tony Everglades. AM 10 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. 412-621-4900 or www.brillobox.net
[DANCE POP] + TUE., JUNE 28
Yes, it's a silly band name. But Rubblebucket is doing some interesting stuff, so don't let it throw you off. Dancey beats, synths, horns, wonderful arrangements -- the eight-piece from Brooklyn is destined for success in the post-Animal-Collective-and-Dirty-Projectors world. The band's new LP, Omega La La, mixes the post-disco beats of Tom Tom Club with the laid-back pop of Stereolab and a bit of '70s smooth soul. Tonight Rubblebucket brings its imposing live show to the Rex Theater. AM 7 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $10. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
