Bill Deasy at Club Cafe; Bill Crawford at Improv (CPs Thu., 12/26/13)

1) Bill Deasy’s musical career began in earnest in a Grove City apartment when he and a few locals got together for a jam session. Those guys, The Gathering Field, became the ’90s-era regional favorite. Since that humble beginning, Deasy has stacked up a résumé that would help him “make it” in a place like New York and LA—He’s had a contract with Atlantic Records, opened for Springsteen and Dylan, and his “Good Things Are Happening” was a theme song for “Good Morning America” video. Yet he’s remained rooted in Pittsburgh. Today, he’s back for his annual Boxing Day show at Club Café and, as a special treat, is playing with some former Gathering Field bandmates. Good things are indeed happening! 8 p.m. 56-58 South 12th St., South Side.

2) Speaking of homegrown success stories, Bill Crawford forged a path to the top of the local comedy scene that didn’t really exist until he helped define it. In 2004, the funnyman started giving his sarcastic spiel about life as a cash-strapped everyman in dive bars and pool halls. The work paid off, and he got opening slots at the Improv and eventually a steady gig as morning co-host on WDVE, where he shows off his talent impersonating local sports stars. He returns to his first love, standup, for a three-day stint at the Improv that starts tonight. 8 p.m. 166 E. Bridge St., Homestead.

3) As that classic whistled version of “Sweet Georgia Brown” filters through the overhead speakers, the star-spangled Harlem Globetrotters will take to the Consol Energy Center tonight to show off their incredibly well-coordinated, stylish b-ball tricks. The Globetrotters currently have a record of about 13,000 to six against their rivals, the Washington Generals, so bets are on them tonight. 7 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

4) In spite of current trends in electronic music, Pittsburgh’s own Buku apparently doesn’t believe the genre should be playful or pop-ish. This DJ’s work has thudding beats, thick layers of sound, samples that wail like sirens, and an overall dark and epic feel that recalls the underground DJs of the ’90s. Check him out today at the Rex Theatre when he holds a release show for his new EP. Also on the bill: Le Moti, Torvvo, and Robbie Rockso. 9 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side.

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