Critics’ Picks, Nov. 17-23

[DOOMGAZE] + THU., NOV. 17
True Widow has mastered the art of blending shoegaze, doom and drone into a palatable and infectious rapture of rock. It’s the kind of sound that surrounds you, softly consumes you and whisks you away from the real world. The Austin-based trio brings its carefully crafted new-gaze to Cattivo with support from Mary Lattimore, an engaging and mystifying harpist with a gift for carefully crafting universes within the sounds of her harp. Stoner-metal act Old Man Rob will hold it down for the 412 with its grooving and noisy rock. Meg Fair 7 p.m. 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $10-12. 412-687-2157 or www.cattivopgh.com


[HIP HOP] + FRI., NOV. 18
Atmosphere is a Minneapolis-based hip-hop duo formed in the early ’90s. Rapper Slug and DJ/producer Ant work together to create bright music, and positivity and warmth radiate from each beat. Joining the pair is fellow Minnesotan Brother Ali, a rapper committed to social justice whose track “Uncle Sam Goddamn” attracted the not-so-admiring attention of the Department of Homeland Security. Dem Atlas, Plain Ole Bill and Last Word also appear. MF 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $24.99-30. All ages. 412-229-5483 or www.stageae.com

[ROCK] + SAT., NOV. 19
Tonight, the Michigan rockers of Outside bring that hard-but-dreamy guitar rock to the Polish Literary Music Society (PLMS). Outside blends the heaviness of Cloakroom with the catchy crafting of melody of Hum. Switching between gentle cooing and gritty vocals, the band manages to play with emotion in a way that pulls at the heart and makes you involuntary bang your dang head. Joining in on the fun is YRS, Same, The Umbrella Corporation and Curse Words. MF 7 p.m. 600 Constitution Blvd., New Kensington. $6. 724-339-0808

[JAZZ] + SAT., NOV. 19
The Manchester Craftstmens’ Guild is in the business of preserving and promoting the legacy of jazz, and what better way to do it than with Ramsey Lewis and Ann Hampton Callaway? Lewis is a three-time Grammy winner who has released a mere 80 albums as a jazz composer and pianist, and is known for chart-toppers like “Hang on, Sloopy” and “The ‘In’ Crowd.” Tony-nominated composer, pianist, lyricist and singer Ann Hampton Callaway will bring her swinging jazz feel, soothing the soul with her husky, warm vocals. MF 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. 1815 Metropolitan St., North Side. Sold out. 412-322-0800 or www.mcgjazz.org

[PUNK] + WED., NOV. 23
Tonight, Cattivo hosts two punk outfits with decades of history. The Dickies and The Queers have been road-doggin’ since the late ’70s and early ’80s, respectively. The Dickies’ goofy spirit, niche sense of humor and love for bad horror films has helped them live on in the punk canon. The members crafted a catchy sound that didn’t rely on offensive gags and instead leaned on silly hooks. The Queers, on the other hand, still ruffle feathers without apology (thank God). Joining the lineup are locals the Scratch n Sniffs and Weapons of Choice. MF 8 p.m. 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $18-20. 412-687-2157 or www.cattivopgh.com