Neko Case in Concert at Roxian; Rivers Casino Hosts Joe Grushecky & Houserockers; INEZ Headlines at Thunderbird Cafe (Sat., 1/28/23)

1) “Country noir”—that’s the genre Neko Case classifies herself as. It’s a genre that was years in the making. She’s contributed lead and backing vocals to numerous songs by indie rock band The New Pornographers while also displaying a decided twang on her alt country solo records. The “noir,” meanwhile, comes from her sometimes macabre lyrics, such as on “Star Witness.” That track is off 2006’s critically acclaimed album Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Her 2013 release The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You, was met with similar acclaim (Check out the bitingly ironic “Man.”) It was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. Her latest solo release is 2018’s Hell-on, which peaked at no. 4 on Billboard’s U.S. Indies chart. Special guest is Indigo Sparke. 7 p.m. Roxian Theatre, (C.M., R.H.)

2) Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers are very popular in every part of this region (and country) and tonight they’ll be heatin’ up the ‘Burgh. Joe Grushecky’s latest album is 2018’s More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows. There is also a recently 25th Anniversary edition reissue of Grushecky and The Houserockers’ classic, American Babylon, which was produced by Bruce Springsteen. Hear Grushecky classics and newer tunes tonight at Rivers Casino. 9 p.m. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore. (R.H.)

3) The last few years have been very good for Pittsburgh R&B/Soul performer/writer/producer/drummer/etc., INEZ, the self-proclaimed FireShorty™️ Her website sums it up rather nicely, “Pittsburgh Music Artist of the Year” for 2020 by Pittsburgh’s WYEP 91.3 FM and was selected as a SCALE Fellow; a fellowship supporting the advancement of Black women and femmes in music. INEZ helped kick off the 2021 NFL season, singing the “Star Spangled Banner ” at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Game in Canton, OH. In December, The Heinz Endowments, The Pittsburgh Foundation and Opportunity Fund awarded INEZ the Carol R. Brown Achievement Award as an Emerging Artist.” And to cap off 2022, INEZ was the headliner at the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh celebrations. You can catch her at the Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall this month. The show is billed as From INEZ with Love Presents: For the Love of You. Also on the bill are Simone Davis, Anqwenique, and Dejah Monae. Doors open at 7 p.m. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. (R.H.)

INEZ, a multi-talented performer from Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood, performs at the Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall this month. (Photo: Raymond Aidoo)

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