Fall Out Boy, Paramore Play First Niagara; Beatlemania Magic at Rivers Casino (CPs Tues., 7/3/14)

1) Pop-punk veterans Fall Out Boy and Paramore visit First Niagara Pavilion on their Monumentour. The two bands have much in common. Both recently resurfaced to dominate Top 40 airwaves after spending what seemed like years in absentia; last year, it was impossible to avoid hearing Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up)” (especially if you’re a Pittsburgh Penguins fan). This year, Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” seems equally ubiquitous. Both acts are known for their recognizable and charismatic front (wo)men: Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz and Paramore’s Hayley Williams. And—perhaps most importantly—they’re both considered formative in the transition between two musical eras: In the early 2000s, they stood out among a largely stale genre and helped to usher in a new wave of pop-punk—one much more heavily influenced by emo music. Though these groups once might have drawn a tween-filled crowd, it’s fairly safe to assume that there’ll be a healthy turnout of 20-somethings at this show, people who grew up listening to these bands, people who—not unlike the music itself—came of age in the past decade. 7 p.m. 665 Rt. 18, Burgettstown.

2) Perhaps more geared for those who came of age in an earlier, slightly “groovier” decade (or wish they had), check out Beatles tribute band Beatlemania Magic at the Rivers Casino. As one might guess from their name, Beatlemania Magic consists of four men who aim to recreate the magic of the Beatles we know so well. Their catalog runs the gamut, from the Beatles’ early, relatively clean-cut days to their more experimental and psychedelic mid-to-late years; Beatlemania Magic has boiled those mop-topped Brits down to a science. They dress the part; they act the part; and, most importantly, they drum, sing, and strum the part. Beatlemania Magic features Bill Kropinak as John Lennon, Russ Saylor as Paul McCartney, Mark Baranski as George Harrison, and Burt Scheel as Ringo Starr. In a genre as saturated as tribute rock ‘n’ roll, Beatlemania Magic sells out shows from as far west as Illinois to our own tri-state area, as well as up and down the East Coast. 7 p.m. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

3) If you’re in the market for something darker or a bit more low-key, check out Swans at Rex Theater. This uncanny rock band formed in New York City, emerging from the experimental, anti-commercial “no-wave” scene of the late 70s and early 80s. They released their debut, Filth, in 1982, and for a solid 15 years simmered steadily with prolific determination. In spite of their output, Swans never quite took hold in the mainstream world of alternative rock—perhaps due to their anti-commercial roots or the fact that they broke up in 1997. Regardless, they re-formed in 2010, picking up right where they left off; since 2010, they’ve released four albums, including this year’s To Be Kind. Their music is hard to classify: It’s creepy, brooding, and at times disconcerting. It’s kind of like a bad trip condensed—in the best way possible. Joined by Xiu Xiu. 8:30 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side.

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