New Madrid in Concert at Club Cafe; Stage AE Hosts South African Group Kongos (CPs Tues., 2/24/15)

1) New Madrid follows a long line of great bands from Athens, Georgia (R.E.M., Neutral Milk Hotel, Drive-By Truckers). These musicians have already conquered their hometown; next, Club Cafe. The four-piece’s newest album, 2014’s Sunswimmer, sees them working with David Barbe, who engineered their last record as well as music by Deerhunter and R.E.M. Songs like “Manners” exemplify their melding of psychedelic with just the right amount of indie fuzz. Longer tracks, such as “Homesick,” are meant for the vinyl resurgence. The band suggests listening to the entire album in one sitting. Lou Reed suggested the same thing regarding his 1989 album, New York. New Madrid is nothing if not ambitious. The Heirs and Cape Cod open. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

2) Unrelated to the conga drum or to the Kongo people of Africa, the band name “Kongos” comes from the last name of all four band members, all of whom are brothers. And if you need further proof that music runs in the family, the brothers’ father is singer-songwriter John Kongos. The brothers are South African but have made Phoenix their home since 1996. Appropriately, the band blends alternative rock and kwaito—South African house music heavy on bass and drums. Singles from the band’s sophomore album, Lunatic, received heavy rotation in South Africa before jumping stateside late 2013. Perhaps you heard their single “Come with Me Now” in The Expendables 3. Tonight they play Stage AE. Sir Sly and Colony House open. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) As a sign of Pittsburgh’s growing cultural diversification, Nepali cuisine has been cropping up around the Steel City, with the North Side’s Subba generating some serious buzz among foodies. Quick geography primer: Nepal, home of Mt. Everest, is a country bordering India to the northeast. Unsurprisingly, then, Nepali food is reminiscent of Indian food. But, if you’re a Pittsburgher looking for something more familiar, something, say, pierogi-like, try momo—Nepalese dumplings filled with chicken and spices. Get them pan-fried or steamed. Other popular favorites include mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink) and a variety of meat and vegetarian dinner plates. Subba also serves Indian and Chinese dishes. Although the restaurant’s inside decor may be bare, it’s the food that’s bursting with color. 700 Cedar Ave., North Side.

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