The Toasters Pop Up at Club Cafe; ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Continues Work at CLO Cabaret (Thurs., 1/12/17)

1) Formed by a bunch of New York City comic book store employees in 1981, The Toasters may have done more than anyone to transform ska from the Jamaican-ized take on American R&B of the ’60s into the fierce, jumpy punk subgenre it is today. They did this not just through their own discography but from the swell of bands that signed with their Moon Ska Records, the first U.S. label specializing in ska. Their last album was 2007’s One More Bullet. Club Cafe has the honor of hosting The Toasters as the marquee act, with iNCO fIDO and No Person supporting. 8 p.m. 56 – 58 South 12th St., South Side. (EC/RH)

Climate-change skeptics beware: The Toxic Avenger (Evan Ruggiero) will not be denied. photo: Archie Carpenter.

2) For those who enjoy mutations, a cult horror-comedy movie from 1984 has been turned into a stage musical. The Toxic Avenger tells the story of a pollution-fighting nerd named Melvin Ferd the Third who is transformed to a slimy superhero after being soaked in toxic waste. Using his newfound superpowers, mutant Melvin wins the love of a blind librarian, and together they wage war on the nefarious characters responsible for corrupting the environment. The musical, which premiered off-Broadway in 2009, has a rock score with songs like “All Men Are Freaks” and “Who Will Save New Jersey?” 7:30 p.m. Continues through January 15. Pittsburgh CLO is performing The Toxic Avenger in the friendly confines of the Cabaret at Theater Square. (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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