10,000 Maniacs Play Mr. Smalls w/Kelsey Friday and Paul Luc; The Thunderbird Hosts City Steps Release Party (Fri., 12/11/15)

1) When 10,000 Maniacs played their first show in 1981, lead singer Natalie Merchant was only 17 years old. (She’d replaced the original lead singer in the formative days of the group, when they called themselves Burn Victims.) Through the late 80’s and early 90’s, the band charted several hits, including their only number one, “These Are Days.” Although Merchant left in 1993 to pursue a solo career, the band continued to tour and has remained largely the same. Their current lineup features lead vocalist Mary Ramsey, guitarist Jeff Erickson, original bass player Steve Gustafson, original keyboardist Dennis Drew, and longtime drummer Jerry Augustyniak. Special guests are Kelsey Friday of Brownie Mary and Paul Luc. 8 p.m. The Maniacs are at Mr. Smalls, 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

2) Rising pop rockers City Steps—cool name—are throwing a release party at the Thunderbird Cafe to celebrate their new single “Change Your Mind.” Entertainment Central got a sneak listen to the new recording which is a catchy electronic dance pop tune with clear vocals, funky bass, top-notch drumming, and some very nice keyboard notes. Other tasty aural treats in the song are Wurlitzer and church organs, clavichord, synthesizers, and vocoder. The vocals reflect the lamenting of lost love and contemplates the possibility of happiness. City Steps is composed of Michael Lawton (vocals, guitar), Jesse Ley (keyboards), Ross Reilly (bass), and Joe Tarowsky (drums/percussion, backing vocals). “Change Your Mind” was produced by Jay Vega at The Wilderness Recording Studio, and also features contributions from members of local groups Delicious Pastries and Neighbours. City steps is planning to release a full-length LP in 2016. Also on the bill tonight are Andre Costello and the Cool Minors and Paddy The Wanderer. 9 p.m. 4023 Buter St., Lawrenceville.

3) The Pens are back in town from a West Coast road trip and take on the Los Angeles Kings in a 7 p.m. game tonight at the Consol Energy Center. Best wishes to Penguin player Pascal Dupuis who just retired due to recurring health issues. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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