2 Chainz Brings the Beat to the Benedum; Grouplove ‘Spreading Rumours’ at Stage AE (CPs Sun., 3/23/2014)

1) Niccolo Machiavelli once said that “Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.” Atlanta-based rapper 2 Chainz understands and uses the author’s words to his advantage while promoting his 2 Good To Be T.R.U. Tour, and he’ll be in Pittsburgh tonight at Benedum Center. After starting out as half of Playaz Circle, 2 Chainz broke out on his own in 2011 and hasn’t looked back. Collaborating with big names in hip hop like Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa helped him push into the mainstream and appeal to a broader audience. The rapper gained an even larger fan base with the song “We Own It,” featured in 2013’s Fast and Furious 6. Special guest DMX (seriously, the same DMX  you used to blare in your car or dorm in the early ’00s) makes an appearance as well, and this cool picker is crossing fingers and toes in hopes of an on-stage collaboration. 7:30 p.m. 237 Seventh St., Cultural District.

2) Indie pop band Grouplove spreads its upbeat rhythms at Stage AE. Promoting its latest album, Spreading Rumours, the band creates a fusion of indie pop, rock, and electronica for a unique yet radio-friendly take on alternative music. Songs like “Ways to Go” and “Shark Attack” pull from multiple genres to appeal to a wide array of listeners. Lead singer Hannah Hooper’s sweet voice coupled with guitarist Christian Zucconi’s rock riffs create a pair as unlikely and appealing as the maple bacon donut. Alex Winston warms up the crowd, so get there early. Doorsopen at  6 p.m. 400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) Put some twang in your life with country blues singer Rory Block at Club Café. Entertaining the masses since 1975, Block’s sultry voice is a little bit Stevie Nicks and a little bit Bonnie Raitt. Heavy guitar chords and ample use of her slider make Block’s music teem with the quintessential blues seemingly lost in the modern genre. Songs like “Crossroad Blues” demonstrate her soulful voice along with her seasoned guitar skills to show the younger generations how it’s really done. With special guest Dhruva Krishna. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

4) If you can’t make it into the Cultural District as much as you’d like, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is heading to Greensburg to The Palace Theatre for PBT at The Palace. Accompanied by the Westmoreland Symphony, the afternoon performance features select scenes from Tchaikovsky’s classic Swan Lake, including the famous Black Swan Pas de Deux, as well as Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Take in an afternoon of culture and lose yourself in the music and dance of these refined artists. 3 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg.

5) Get your groove on with No Bad JuJu to celebrate the band’s CD release at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. Singer Sabrina de Matteo’s sizzling vocals combine with powerhouse rhythm and horn sections to create a big band feel without the big band size. The new album, No Covers, features 11 original songs with fun-loving beats like “Life of the Party” and “Hell Yeah.” Tonight’s performance also features local artists The Lava Game and Rick Witkowski. Stop in early for a good seat, a good brew, and some good food before the great music starts. 7:30 p.m. 103 Slade Ln., Warrendale.

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