Jergel’s Hosts Gin Blossoms; The Hold Steady at Mr. Smalls (CPs Tues., 2/4/14)

1) Jergel’s Rhythym Grille has really been bringing in some popular national talent to their North Hills venue. Tonight that stream of talent continues with the rock band Gin Blossoms,which rose to fame out of Tempe, Ariz. in the 90’s. The band is sure to play some of their big hits, including: “Hey Jealousy,” ” Allison Road,” and “Found Out About You.” 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

2) Brooklyn, N.Y., rock band The Hold Steady will be taking the exit to Mr. Smalls Funhouse tonight. Known for songs with a strong storytelling narrative, like “Your Little Hoodrat Friend” and “Stay Positive,” the band is touring in advance of their latest album, Teeth Dreams, to be released March 25. Special guest is Tim Barry. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale.

3) There are two sides to every story, and we get to hear the “other side” of one of the most well-known tales of all time in Wicked. Now playing at the Benedum, it’s the tale of the Emerald City we didn’t get to see in The Wizard of Oz. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the critically acclaimed musical follows Elphaba (before she got tagged as Wicked Witch of the West) and her extremely “Popular” roommate, Galinda (before she dropped the “a” to become simply Glinda). With music and lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Children of Eden), the show has taken Broadway by storm and has since won a Grammy and three Tony awards. Moving music like “Defying Gravity” and gripping plot lines will leave audiences cheering for a villain we never actually liked. 7:30 p.m. Runs through Feb. 9. 237 Seventh St., Cultural District.

4) Set on what would tragically be the final afternoon of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning play The Mountaintop features just two characters: Dr. King and Camae, a young African-American maid working at the now-infamous Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Directed by Peter Flynn, the play contains only dialogue between the two in a hotel room. Within their conversation, though, is a span of commentary about struggle, race relations, and uncertainty as King considers his legacy and Camae, one of the benefactors of his life’s work, contemplates some of the same issues. With Albert Jones and Bianca LaVerne Jones filling the two roles, City Theatre is putting on the play for a four-week run through Feb. 9. 7 p.m. 1300 Bingham St., South Side.

5) At Theater Square, keyboardist Kevin Howard is the featured performer for this Tuesday’s jazz series at Backstage Bar. No cover. 5 – 11 p.m. 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

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