Who better than Mogwai to score something as dramatic as Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise, the 2015 documentary exploring the horrors and strange beauty of the Atomic Age? The iconic, (mostly) instrumental outfit performs this ambitious score in full. Jan. 25. Carnegie Library of Homestead. Munhall. 412-462-3444 or librarymusichall.com
If you missed the soulful singer Ms. Lauryn Hill, formerly of The Fugees, on her stop in town last year, here’s your second chance. Her new show, titled The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling!, promises to “continue the theme of unity and celebration” from the 2016 shows. Jan. 31. Heinz Hall, Downtown. 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org
Celebrate the settling of last year’s Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra strike by taking in a program of classical music. Manfred Honeck conducts the orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty. In addition to that favorite, attendees will hear Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, Opus 25 (Symphony No. 1) and a percussion concerto, “Veni, Veni Emmanuel.” Feb. 10-12. Heinz Hall, Downtown. 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org
Just having George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic in the house pretty much guarantees a hip-shaking, foot-stompin’ party. But when it flies under the banner of Mardi Gras Madness, expect to double the funky-soul rhythms. Sure, Mardi Gras isn’t until Feb. 28, but no shame in getting ready early. Feb. 16. Stage AE, North Side. 412-229-5483 or www.stageae.com
Throwback to the Clinton era with Cleveland rappers Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, who will hopefully bring hits like “Tha Crossroads.” The harmonizing crew sold more than 50 million records; you probably got a CD stashed somewhere, so show up for an old-school night out. Feb. 26. Mr. Smalls Theatre, Millvale. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
sunn o))) has emerged as one of the most influential (and loudest) bands in drone metal since it debuted in the late 1990s. This winter, the group is touring — or “declaring new live actions,” to quote the press release — with Montreal’s less minimal but similarly forceful Big Brave. March 13. Rex Theater, South Side. 412-381-6811 or rextheater.com
Legendary DJ and turntable wizard Kid Koala sets his sights on a human-robot love story with Nufonia Must Fall, an interdisciplinary performance piece combing music, puppets and film. It comes to Pittsburgh as a part of The Warhol’s Sound Series program. March 16. Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland. 412-622-3131 or carnegiemuseums.org
She was a pop-country crossover sensation in the 1970s with hits like “Higher and Higher” and “We’re All Alone.” Catch up with Rita Coolidge, at Calliope’s 40th-anniversary fundraiser event and concert. March 18. Carnegie Lecture Hall, Oakland. 412-316-1915 or www.calliopehouse.org
