[CANADIAN FOLK] + THU., MARCH 29
If it's come into vogue to refer to music with roots in the American folk tradition as "Americana," can we call Genticorum's music "Canadiana"? Do everyone a favor and don't actually ask the Quebecois trio that question when they play as part of the Calliope series tonight at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The Juno-nominated group makes French-language music incorporating fiddles and accordions, putting a Canadian twist on the jig-and-reel set. Andy Mulkerin 7:30 p.m. 6300 Fifth Ave., Shadyside. $10-15. All ages. 412-361-1915 or www.calliopehouse.org
[POP] + THU., MARCH 29
J*DaVeY isn't necessarily a household name, but those who know the pop duo are often rabid about them. Frontwoman Jack Davey (real name: Briana Cartwright) drapes her sultry, often soft vocals over beats produced by bandmate Brook D'Leau. The pair's latest album, New Designer Drug, came out late last year; tonight the duo plays Shadow Lounge in support of it. AM 9 p.m. 5972 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. $10-15. 18 and over. 412-363-8277 or www.shadowlounge.net
[SOUL ROCK] + SAT., MAR. 31
Arleigh Kincheloe's voice has enough might to make a grown man tremble, so when her eight Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds bandmates join her onstage, they can deliver an earthquake of a live performance. The music of the rock-and-soul assemblage features a grit reminiscent of Janis Joplin and a groove comparable to that of Aretha Franklin. They perform at the Rex Theater tonight with special guest Jones For Revival. Nicole Chynoweth 9 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $12. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
[POST-PUNK} + SUN., APRIL 1
Houston's Balaclavas polishes up the old post-punk/no-wave sound (think The Fall, DNA) on its latest EP, Second Sight, released this week on Dull Knife. The echo-y trip (which follows up 2011's fuzzed-out Snake People) starts with a couple of upright-marching punk tunes and finishes out with the slithery "Moon Roof," an amalgamation of wandering guitar licks, reverberating vocals and samples. The band plays The Shop tonight; Kim Phuc and Gangwish open. AM 8 p.m. 4314 Main St., Bloomfield. $6. All ages. 412-951-0622
[INDIE POP] + TUE., APRIL 3
In 2009, David Baldi began utilizing his parents' basement for musical purposes, transforming it into a makeshift recording studio where he pieced together the melodies and harmonies of what eventually became Cloud Nothings. His fuzzy indie-pop creation has evolved from a one-man show into a full band featuring T.J. Duke, Jayson Gerycz and Joe Boyer. The band's latest release, Attack on Memory, reveals impressive technical and stylistic growth. Check the band out, along with A Classic Education and Pet Clinic, at Brillobox tonight. NC 9:30 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $8. 412-621-4900 or www.brillobox.net
