Shen Yun Dazzles the Benedum; Nick Waterhorse Performs at Club Café (CPs Wed., 2/19/2014)

1) Experience Chinese dance and music without a passport with Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Benedum Center. This impressive combination of music, dance, and visual effects explores 5,000 years of Chinese culture. The costumes’ flowing fabric combined with exceptional dancing provide an optical delight, while traditional music takes the audience back to the rich heritages of long ago. The performance captivates audiences with ancient and modern tales through remarkable backdrops and a musical score to match. This dazzling performance is only in Pittsburgh tonight and tomorrow. 7:30 p.m. 237 Seventh St., Cultural District.

2) What do you get when you combine Motown, R&B, pop, blues, and contemporary sounds? Nick Waterhouse performing at Club Café. Seeming to time-travel from the 1950s, Waterhouse takes a classic approach to recording, from the equipment he uses to the genres he performs. You can hear snippets of many styles from this singer/songwriter: from The Temptations to Amy Winehouse and many in between. In a song like “Some Place,” Waterhouse takes the classic blues riff and twists it around to achieve an oxymoronic “modern vintage” sound that reminds audiences why they fell in love with music in the first place. Special guest Las Rosas warms up the crowd for this performance. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side.

3) Get your jam on with a performance by reggae fusion band Tropidelic at the Thunderbird Café. Influenced by bands like 311 and Sublime, Tropidelic combines reggae, funk, and alternative rock for a sound of the islands with a kick. A figurative musical Sriracha sauce, the band adds a new spice to the familiar fusion genre in songs like “Only Rider” and “Cleveland Stylee.” They are joined by Stationary Pebbles tonight. Get there early for a good seat and some grub before the show. 8 p.m. 4023 Butler St., Lawrenceville.

4) Whether you’re searching for a venue to host a sassy night out with the girls or a romantic setting for two, Blue is one of the North Hills’ best kept secrets. Nestled in the Duncan Manor shopping center, Blue specializes in martinis and fine dining. Enjoy happy hour at the bar with the house-made hummus and warm pita or the perfectly fried calamari. Friendly bartenders can mix up the perfect martini for your mood, from the champagne-laced Flirtini to the decadent Milky Way. If you’re more of a purist, you’ll feel right at home whether you prefer dry, with a twist, or dirty. If it’s date night, slip into a booth and browse the expansive wine list, most of which are available by the bottle for around $40. While all the entrees are equally mouth-watering, especially good are the filet mignon and the lobster linguini. Save room for a dessert cocktail like Blueberry Cream or Key Lime Pie. (They’re cocktails—really!)  After experiencing a great evening at Blue you may want to return again the next night too! 1701 Duncan Ave., Allison Park.

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