Bob Mould Plays Mr. Smalls; Jergel’s Host Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears (Tues., 9/21/21)

1) Bob Mould will perform at Mr. Smalls in support of his latest solo album, 2020’s Blue Hearts. Mould sang, played guitar, and wrote songs in Hüsker Dü, one of the great ’80s underground rock bands, right up there with R.E.M. and the Replacements. Hüsker Dü formed in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1979. Key entries into the trio’s discography include 1984’s punk rock opera Zen Arcade and 1985’s New Day Rising. (Mould sings in a lower, more jagged timbre, such as on “Celebrated Summer.” The late Grant Hart, who played drums and also wrote songs in Hüsker Dü, sang in a higher, more melodic register.) Hüsker Dü broke up in 1988 amid drug use, creative differences, and the suicide of the band’s manager. Mould released his first solo album, Workbook, in 1989. He later formed another trio, Sugar, in 1992. Special guest is Kestrels. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (C.M.)

2) The unflappably cool city of Austin loves anything vintage, and that is one reason why, shortly after the band formed in 2007, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears became the toast of the town. With the mighty Honeybear horn section and Lewis’ chili-pepper-hot vocals, they are the sonic picture of James Brown and the Famous Flames, circa 1971. With hints of Howlin’ Wolf and Sly and the Family Stone also in their musical DNA, they are set to light Jergel’s on fire tonight. Lewis’s most recent album is 2018’s, The Difference Between Me & You. 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (E.C., R.H.)

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