Mastodon Roams North Shore; Action Camp and Drowning Clowns at Mr. Smalls (CPs Fri., 5/9/14)

1) In 1909, a contractor working along the banks of the Allegheny River found a mastodon’s tusk. Tonight another Mastodon roams the banks of the Allegheny. Wandering north from Atlanta, Ga. (most other mastodons went south), this one is a progressive sludge metal band. Instead of ending up trapped in a tar pit, Mastodon can be found writhing  at the edge of a mosh pit. The band’s 2004 release, Leviathan, was based on the novel Moby Dick and named album of the year by several music publications. Touring in advance of their upcoming June 24 release, Once More ‘Round the Sun, the band will be in concert tonight at Stage AE. Special guest is Gojira and Kvelertak. 6:30 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

2) There’s a big local rock show tonight at Mr. Smalls Funhouse as Action Camp—a progressive, electric surf rock band fascinated by Pittsburgh and its rust-belt disaster stories—is holding a CD Release Revival Showcase with Drowning Clowns, Atlas, and Pet Clinic. Drowning Clowns is a self-described “psychedelic rock orchestra” and is composed of local all-star musicians, including Rusted Root member and Mr. Smalls owner Liz Berlin. Show starts at 7 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale.

3) Club Cafe hosts local up-and-coming singer/songwriter Benjamin Sweet, who fronts the solo project Southside American. Sweet, when diagnosed with Type I diabetes, was inspired to teach himself how to play the guitar and harmonica. His 2013 debut release, In Our Keystone State, has well-written songs dealing with topics ranging from the sad state of American civic life to the pride felt in being a father. Opening is Demos Papadimas Band, a hot Cleveland roots rock group. 7 p.m. 56 – 58 S. 12th St., South Side.

4) The Penguins continue to march towards the Stanley Cup finals, but first they must get past the New York Rangers. 7 p.m. Consol Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave, Uptown.

5) Good Fridays at the Warhol is a weekly party at the museum, featuring art exhibits, music, and cocktails in the high temple to Andy Warhol’s numerous talents. Half-price museum admission. 5 – 10 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., North Shore.

6) Pirates take on the St. Louis Cardinals in a 7:05 p.m. game that’s also a Free Shirt Friday (for the first 25,000 fans). 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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