Ghost to Hold Services at Stage AE; Country-Fried Concerts at Casinos, Thunderbird Cafe (CPs Fri., 4/18/14)

1) A hot Swedish band that wears innovative outfits is hitting the burg tonight, and it isn’t ABBA, that’s for sure. Ghost is a heavy metal band with a dark message to match their black hooded outfits, as is apparent in the song “Secular Haze.” There is an aura of secrecy about the band, whose members are not named publicly and referred to only as nameless souls. The lead singer, Papa Emeritus, wears skull make up  and a pope hat. Their 2013 album Infestissumam was recorded in Nashville, went to Number 1 on the Swedish charts, and received critical acclaim worldwide. Special guest is King Dude. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

2) Country is one of the hottest music formats, and Pittsburgh is a good market for country acts. Tonight, there are two very good regional country performers playing our casinos:

Former fiddle player of the popular PovertyNeck Hillbillies Chris Highbee, who ventured out on his own several years ago, plays the Wheelhouse Bar and Grill at Rivers Casino. 10 p.m. No cover. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

3) The alt-country, Appalachian-roots band The Armadillos started in Butler in 2007 but have since relocated to Pittsburgh. They round out our picks for a country-fried Friday. 9 p.m. Thunderbird Cafe, 4023 Butler St., Lawrenceville

4) Fathertime, a classic rock dance band that’s a favorite at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, is  set for a big Friday night show. Also on the bill is The Brighton Boys. 9 p.m. 285 Norhtgate Dr., Warrendale.

5) The Pirates take on the Milwaukee Brewers in a Free Shirt Friday game that starts at 7:05 p.m. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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