Lupe Fiasco in Concert at Mr. Smalls; Bea Taco Town in Downtown and Banksville (Tues., 10/25/16)

1) “Kick, Push”—a zen-like, slow burner of a rap song about two skateboarders in love; also, the debut single off Lupe Fiasco’s 2006 debut album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor. It received two Grammy nominations, though no wins, and the song stalled at 78 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Still, people’s ears perked. Then “Superstar” exploded like a supernova. It made No. 10 on the Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy nomination. The song, which appears on 2007’s Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool, features singer-songwriter Matthew Santos, a Chicago native, like Fiasco. A conflict with Atlantic Records delayed the release of Fiasco’s third album, Lasers, but it would debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. This year, Fiasco has written via Twitter that he will release three albums before 2016’s end, allegedly his last three ever. Clock’s ticking, but in the meantime, fans can check out a music video for his new single, “Pick Up the Phone,” and his upcoming show at Mr. Smalls. Openers include The Boy Illinois, RXMN, Isaiah Small, and Mars Jackson. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

2) In the South Hills, the best Mexican food can be found in neighborhoods beginning with the letter “B.” Beechview and Brookline have each had a Las Palmas Carniceria y Supermercados for a few years now. Now Banksville has its own spot for authentic, reasonably priced Mexican food: the recently opened Bea Taco Town. And whereas Las Palmas is a grocery store and outdoor taco stand, Taco Town offers a sit-down restaurant, where patrons can leisurely munch on chips and salsa while sipping Jarritos (Mexican pop) before ordering their entreés. Customers can order traditional tacos or Americano tacos, the latter of which come with one’s choice of meat plus lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, and cheese. Burritos and enchiladas grace the menu, and there are plenty of meat and vegetarian options. Taco Town additionally has two downtown locations, both on Smithfield Street. The menus between the downtown and Banksville locations differ slightly, so be sure to check their website. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 2957 Banksville Rd., Banksville. (CM)

3) In an unusual animal mascot match up The Penguins play the Florida Panthers. Penguins are better on ice. 7 p.m. PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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