“Seven Guitars” Playing at CMU; Altar Bar Hosts Carnival of Death (CPs Wed., 10/8/14)

1) The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama is producing Pittsburgh native August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. The action in Seven Guitars revolves around Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton and his buddies in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Barton, a (fictional) blues musician and ladies’ man, aims for the stars but is pulled in another direction—a recurring theme of Wilson’s plays, which veer from high comedy to epic tragedy as they depict people torn between lofty visions and low-down deeds and circumstances. Seven Guitars is a rousing piece with great music. Just keep an eye out for Hedley, the neighborhood’s self-anointed prophet whose hair-raising tirades drive the darker messages home. 8 p.m., through Oct. 11. The Philip Chosky Theater in the Purnell Center for the Arts, 5000 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

2) A true death metal celebration is how the promoters are describing Carnival of Death, happening tonight at Altar Bar. Suffocation and Kataklysm are headlining the event with openers Jungle Rot, Pyrexia, Internal Bleeding, No Reason to Live, and Victims of Contagion. Suffocation is a Long Island, N.Y., band that formed in 1990 who are noted for their epic debut release Effigy of the Forgotten. Kataklysm is a Canadian band who calls their sound “northern hyperblast.” The term refers to their frequently used drum patterns, which combine rapid snare drum strikes and slow bass drum hits along with metal trademarks of frenetic guitars and vocals. This is demonstrated on “Road to Devastation.” 6 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District.

3) Cappy’s Cafe in Shadyside is holding its Team Trivia contest tonight with Trivia Master John. 9 – 11 p.m. Trivia night Yuengling draft special is $3 for a 20 oz. brew. 5431 Walnut St.

4) For a look at what today’s Allegheny County RADical Days’ free events are, visit the RADical Days Website.

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