Austin Mahone Takes on Stage AE; Battle of the Bands at Rex Theater (CPs Sun., 3/9/14)

1) Ladies, relive your teenage fantasies with new pop sensation Austin Mahone at Stage AE. Deemed one of MTV’s Artists to Watch, Mahone gained popularity as an opening act for Taylor Swift’s Red tour in 2013. You may have heard his catchy “What About Love” dancing through the radio airwaves (did you catch that ‘N Sync reference in the lyrics?). Collaborations with big-time artists Pitbull and Flo Rida have helped Mahone to gain a wider fan base. Still early in his career, the 17-year-old gives off a boy-next-door vibe with his music and lyrics. He’s all the fun of a ’90s boy band without the matching outfits. Special guests include Becky G, Midnight Red, and W3 the Future. The show is sold out but tickets can still be found online. And, per Stage AE’s request, please do not begin lining up outside until after the Dropkick Murphys show on Saturday night. Doors 6 p.m. 400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore.

2) Enjoy raw talent at its finest with a Battle of the Bands at the Rex Theater. See the best the ‘Burgh has to offer while local musicians go head-to-head to prove they’ve got what it takes to make it big. Contestants include The Truth, Unbroken Soul, The Graham Brothers Band, Order of the Golden Kite, Kick Astronaut, Bridges Burned, Suite Mary, Kill Orion, The Incandescents, Cats in Congress, Stranger Convention, Blood Union, Hatred Rising, and Skyline Heartbeat. Winners of Battles go on to enjoy bigger venues, a larger fan base, and maybe even national festivals. Voting goes by ticket purchases, so you’ll want to buy in advance. If you can’t buy in advance, no big deal, but your vote only counts if you purchase by the cutoff time (2 p.m. Friday before the show). Even if you’ve never heard of the contestants, now’s the time to see them do what they do best. 4 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side.

3) You might work in the service industry if Sunday ends your work week. If you got slammed with tables, food orders, dishwashing, and bar orders this weekend (and let’s face it, you probably did if you work in a bar or restaurant), enjoy Service Industry Sunday at Club Café. Kick back and have a few laughs with the Race to the Coffin Comedy Tour while you enjoy being the customer for once with your service industry brethren. Host John Dick Winters along with John Evans, Jeff Konkle, and Ryan Walker all aim to tickle your funny bone in just the right place. Grab some lighthearted laughs and a few cocktails; you’ve earned them! 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

4) With Hollywood’s biggest night a mere memory, it’s comforting to know that your local movie theater is always there. If you’re up for something a little off the beaten path, catch a showing of The Grand Budapest Hotel in its opening weekend. In the years between WWI and WWII, we visit a hotel concierge and his growing friendship with a bellboy. It sounds innocent enough, but if movies have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is what it seems. Financial battles, theft, and the changes in Europe leading up to the Second World War all play a part in this dramedy film. The star-studded cast includes too many Hollywood A-Listers to name them all, but you’ll see appearances by Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum just to name a couple. Search the movie title + Pittsburgh for local theaters and show times.

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