Straight No Chaser at Benedum; Stage AE Hosts The Cloud Nothings; Steve Earle Plays Jergel’s (Wed., 12/5/18)

1) A cappella singing has garnered a loyal audience with movies like Pitch Perfect and TV shows like “Glee” having had huge fan bases. See what all the buzz is about with Straight No Chaser at the Benedum Center. The group’s 2013 album, Under the Influence, features the likes of superstars Rob Thomas, Dolly Parton, and Phil Collins, among others. SNC’s 9 intertwining voices make for a rich, smooth sound, kind of like a fine bourbon (thus, the name). Don’t expect traditional alma mater tunes though. When covering songs like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” SNC shows us that a cappella is not only relevant but also worth seeing live. The group’s latest album is Holiday Spirits: 10th Anniversary Edition. 8 p.m. They will also be performing tomorrow night at 8 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (EC/RH)

2) Cloud Nothings are from up the road in Cleveland, Ohio. The quartet’s sound is reminiscent of ’90s alternative. If you missed them when they headlined WYEP’s Final Friday in Schenley Plaza in August 2016 or opening for Japandroids at Stage AE on Halloween 2017, catch them at the Club at Stage AE. Cloud Nothings released their fifth album, Last Building Burning, this year. Opening are The Courtneys, a Vancouver, British Columbia, trio whose sound is also similar to ’90s alternative bands such as Pavement, Sleater-Kinney, and of course Hole. After releasing their 2013 self-titled debut, The Courtneys toured much of the United States and Canada and opened for Tegan and Sara. The Courtneys’ latest release is 2017’s The Courtneys II. {arsonist} also opens. Doors open 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (CM)

3) Noted singer/songwriter Steve Earle was born near San Antonio and now lives in Nashville.  His musical genres include folk, country, rock, and Americana, with several different influences heard in some of his songs. He’s released 16 studio albums and won three Grammy awards, and many other artists have recorded and performed his songs. He may be best known for “Copperhead Road,” and will be performing that song and the others from the 1988 album of the same name.  Special guest is The Mastersons. 8 p.m. Sold out. Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. 

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