The Mountain Goats Play at Mr. Smalls; Club Cafe Hosts Strand of Oaks; DMX at Foxtail (Tues., 5/7/19)

1) The Mountain Goats pair narratives to lo-fi folk, such as on “Fall of the Star High School Running Back.” Singer-songwriter John Darnielle was able to transfer his talent for storytelling to the printed page in Wolf in White Van, his first novel, which was published in 2014. It was nominated for the 2014 National Book Award. 2017’s Universal Harvester is his second novel. Darnielle formed the band in 1991 in Claremont, California. Peter Hughes is its longtime bassist. Drummer Jon Wurster also plays in Superchunk, and multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas rounds out the current line-up of the Mountain Goats, who are now based in Durham, North Carolina. The Bright Mountain Choir, a female ensemble, have contributed to albums. In League with Dragons, the Mountain Goats’ 17th studio album and one inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, was released this year. They will perform at Mr. Smalls Theatre. Shana Cleveland opens. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

2) Timothy Showalter is Strands of Oaks. A native Hoosier, he is an adopted Pennsylvanian, as he is now based in Philadelphia. His sixth album is titled Eraserland, which was released this year. Watch his performance of “Ruby” on “the Late Show with Stephen Colbert” closely. You’ll spot Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, and members of My Morning Jacket. If you appreciate that, he performs at Club Cafe. Apex Manor opens. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. (CM)

3) DMX has had his share of hits, like “Party Up (Up in Here),” as well as run-ins with the law. He plays a sold-out concert at the Foxtail. The show is part of his It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot 20th Anniversary tour. The album, his debut, was released in 2018. 9 p.m. 1601 E. Carson St., South Side. (CM)

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