Pittsburgh Ballet and Dance Theater of Harlem in Joint Production; Cold War Kids Play Stage AE

Dancers Ingrid Silva and Julia Erickson perform a number from their respective company’s’ joint production. photo: Duane Rieder.

1) Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is following up its productions of The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland with something new: a double-barreled evening of ballet presented in collaboration with Dance Theatre of Harlem. The bill includes pieces performed separately by the two companies along with a jointly produced centerpiece, the “Black Swan Pas de Deux” from Swan Lake. This promises to be a memorable occasion. Dance Theatre of Harlem, founded in 1969, was the first African-American classical ballet company and is world-renowned.  As for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, also founded in 1969—well, these folks are pretty good, too.  7 p.m.  Performances through Sunday. At the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. (MV)

2) There’s nothing childish about Cold War Kids. Just listen to the ache in singer Nathan Willet’s voice, the bluesy piano that recalls old school alternative groups like the Velvet Underground. The band received international attention for its first album, 2006’s Robbers & Cowards. “Hang Me Up to Dry,” one of their most popular singles, epitomizes their metaphorical lyrics and twitchy instrumentation. They have had a few lineup changes over the years, arguably the most notable of which was Joe Plummer, formerly of Modest Mouse, becoming the drummer in 2013. The group averages an LP or EP every year. Their last release was 2014’s Hold My Home, which featured the hit single “First.” They will play Stage AE to promote their forthcoming LP, L.A. Divine, to be released April 7, 2017. Middle Kids open. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

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