Reel Big Fish and Pittsburgh’s Anti-Flag Play Stage AE; ‘Real Magic’ at New Hazlett (Wed., 1/11/17)

Justin Sane and Chris #2 of Anti-Flag jam together at the 2006 Vans warped tour. photo: returnofburno and Wikipedia.

1) The distinct ska sounds of trumpets, trombones, and electric riffs make for the fun sound of Reel Big Fish. The band is currently touring the 20th anniversary of Turn the Radio Off  and will be playing every song from both sides of the platter. Reel Big Fish hit the mainstream with their aptly titled 1996 single, “Sell Out.” Tired of selling out, the band began its own record label in 2006 to do what it does best — rock out. With no signs of slowing down, the band puts on a high energy show that includes old favorites like “She’s Got a Girlfriend Now” as well as songs from their 2012 album, Candy Coated Fury, such as “I Dare You To Break My Heart.” Dig out your chain wallet and get ready to mosh!

Reel Big Fish are teaming up on this tour with Pittsburgh-based, internationally known punk rockers Anti-Flag, who will be playing songs from their first album, 1996’s Die for the Government. Today, Anti-Flag still enjoy performing, protesting, and recording music. Their latest album, American Spring, was released in 2015. The band is touring in advance of the January 20th drop date for a live album, which they recorded over three nights at the noted Troubadour club in Los Angeles. It’s called Live Vol. 1 and covers their entire catalog up to this date. Ballyhoo! and Direct Hit! open. Doors open 6 p.m. Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (EC/RH)

2) The British theater company Forced Entertainment, a highly regarded experimental group, is visiting Pittsburgh for a pair of back-to-back one-night shows. Tonight is the next production of the two night series, a new show (premiered just a couple of months ago), Real Magic. This one features actors dressed in chicken costumes pretending to attempt a mind-reading trick. The company members describe Real Magic on their website as “a hallucinatory journey, creating a compelling performance about optimism, individual agency, and the desire for change.” 8 p.m. Forced Entertainment is brought to town by the Andy Warhol Museum in conjunction with the New Hazlett Theater and Carnegie Nexus. Both shows are at the New Hazlett, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. (MV)

3) It’s Pittsburgh Restaurant Week! Why is this important to you? More than 50 Pittsburgh restaurants are offering extra special deals through Jan. 15—either multi-course fixed price meals or dining options totaling $20.17. To view participating restaurants and for more information, visit Pittsburghrestaurantweek.com. Let’s get out there and support our great local restaurants!

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