Apache Relay Runs into Pittsburgh; “A Streetcar Named Desire” Stops at barebones (CPs Sun., 11/23/14)

1) Nashville’s The Apache Relay is one of those relentlessly touring bands, and the members’ hard work ethic, coupled with a captivating live show, has paid off. In 2012, they opened for Young the Giant at Stage AE. They would also open for Mumford & Sons and hit up festivals like Bonnaroo and Voodoo Music Experience. The band’s indie folk sound has caught on—the musicians have since headlined “The Club” at Stage AE, and they play Club Cafe tonight. This year, they released their third album, The Apache Relay, and did the whole successful SXSW appearance. Publications including Esquire and The Huffington Post have also taken note of the band, whose sound goes beyond guitars, bass, and drums to include the mandolin and the fiddle. Brothers and band members Michael Ford, Jr. and Ben Ford make the whole thing a bit of a family affair, as well. Good Thing opens. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

2) If the only version of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams that you have seen is the vintage film with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, it’s certainly one for the ages, but the power of a live performance is something else. If you are a fan of barebones productions—the upstart theater company that did another tainted-love sizzler last year, Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherfucker With the Hat—then maybe this Streetcar is the ride you’ve waited for. Barebones will spice the steamy New Orleans tale with touches of Steel City flavor. Tami Dixon, creator of the one-woman show South Side Stories, plays the pivotal role of Blanche DuBois, and Pittsburgh music legends Joe Grushecky and John Gresh will play live blues. 2 p.m. Runs through Dec. 6. New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd4DBq8a2y0

3) Time Bandits—Terry Gilliam’s comedy about a troupe of little people hop-skipping their way through history—features an all-star cast of John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Michael Palin, and Ralph Richardson. This wacky hit of the 1981 movie season plays tonight at 8:45 p.m. at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. 4115 Butler St.

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