Carolina Chocolate Drops Sweeten Carnegie Library Music Hall; ‘American Odyssey’ Displayed at Frick (CPs Sun., 4/6/2014)

1) Music constantly evolves, but sometimes it’s nice to get back to the days before autotune and dubstep. That’s exactly what the Carolina Chocolate Drops accomplish with their folksy-meets-country sound. Making a stop locally at the Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead, the string quartet focuses on rich harmonies and soulful vocals done the way Southerners seem to do best. Their repertoire, including “Country Girl,” delivers a twang in the music and feel-good lyrics by vocalist Rhiannon Giddens. Grab your straw hat and take an evening to enjoy some Grammy Award-winning music. With special guests Birds of Chicago. 7 p.m. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall.

2) Take a lesson in American history without the textbook at the Frick Art and Historical Center with An American Odyssey: The Warner Collection of American Painting. This All-American installment features paintings from the colonial era through the twentieth century. The exhibition includes everything from landscape to still life to a locally iconic picture of George Washington crossing the Allegheny River. With 50 pieces to enjoy, it might be difficult to choose a favorite. Make it an afternoon with a trip to the café for cocktails, tea, sandwiches, or dessert (or all of the above). Admission to the exhibit is free, or gain a deeper understanding with a guided tour. Exhibit runs through May 1. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze.

3) We’re in the midst of Lent, preparing for Passover, and approaching Easter. Jerusalem is at the heart of this season, and you can see it as never before with Jerusalem in the Omnimax Theater at the Carnegie Science Center. This National Geographic film allows audiences to experience the city through residents of multiple faiths—including Islam—as they explain their home city’s historical and cultural impact on the world. See website for show times. 1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore.

4) Make a new friend (or four) with pop-punk band Awkward Friend Dave at its CD release party at the South Side’s Smiling Moose. After recording an EP in 2011, the West Virginia quartet took to the studio for a full album titled “Here’s to the Here and Now,” and they’re ready for the world to hear it. Influenced by the likes of Blink 182, Foo Fighters, and My Chemical Romance (among others), the band includes piano and synthesizer for an unexpected yet welcome addition to the traditional four-piece rock band we’ve come to know over the years. Opening acts include the local talents of Before You, Our Family Portrait, and Mount Royal. 6 p.m. 1306 E. Caron St., South Side.

5) The Pittsburgh Pirates take on the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park for an afternoon game. Enjoy the Family Fun Zone on Federal St. before the game, and, weather permitting, the little ones can run the bases after the last out. Play ball! 1:35 p.m. 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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