Old 97’s Play Mr. Smalls; Club Cafe Hosts Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers; Milly at Stage AE (Sat., 12/15/18)

1)Critics classify the music of Old 97’s as alternative country-rock, although singer Rhett Miller has called it simply “loud folk.” Regardless of what to call it, the band has created music for over 20 years. The quartet released its first Christmas album, Love the Holidays, this year. Old 97’s play a “Holiday Extravaganza” at Mr. Smalls. CaseyMagic, a self-described “DIY punk rock magician,” and Rhett Miller himself, open. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

2) Pittsburgh rock royalty Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers have remained a constant on the Pittsburgh music scene as the city morphed from steel mills to high-tech foundry. Grushecky is a consummate singer/songwriter. Grushecky and The Houserockers have recently released their new, first-rate album, More Yesterdays than Tomorrows. There are many hot tracks on the release. As a holiday gift to their fans, with entry, they will receive the band’s CD, Down the Road A Piece. Grushecky and The Housrockers have many great songs to choose from including “East Carson Street.” 8 p.m. Club Cafe, 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (RH)

3) Rising Pittsburgh rock group Milly is composed of Seth Milberger (vocals, guitar) and Johnny Grushecky (guitar). Johnny’s last name may sound familiar as he is the son of one of Pittsburgh’s favorite rockers, Joe Grushecky, and like his father he is also a very talented guitarist. Milberger and Grushecky had previously worked together in the bands The Composure and The I Drive before forming Milly in 2014. Their debut album release was Place in My Mind, which they recorded with producer Jim Wirt who’s worked on recordings by Incubus, Fiona Apple, and Jack’s Mannequin. On songs like “Throw It Away,” Milly shows their melodic pop rock talent. Special guests are Caleb Kopta and Atlantic Wasteland. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Club at Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore.  (RH)

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