They Might Be Giants in Concert at Mr. Smalls; Cattivo Hosts Can’t Swim (Sun., 4/15/18)

1) They Might Be Giants started in 1982 with two guys named John, who lived in Brooklyn and recorded energetic rock songs with zany lyrics (like this one). The next 30 years or so breaks down like this: 20 studio albums, the big crossover radio hit (“Birdhouse in Your Soul”), themes for shows like “Malcolm in the Middle,” a new generation of young fans following a slew of children’s albums, Grammys, and platinum sales. Whew! 2018 offers little in the way of a breather. The duo released a new album, I Like Fun, which features contributions from the group’s live lineup. The lineup is also touring, including a stop at Mr. Smalls Theatre, immortalized by none other than They Might Be Giants (with a shout-out to defunct Pittsburgh music venue Electric Banana). Although they have performed kids’ shows in the past to promote their children’s albums, this concert will be 14 and over. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

2) Most of us know of the classic Jersey sound of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, but there are other seaside sounds and scenes as well. Emo/alternative-rock band Can’t Swim is one such coastal New Jersey player. Hailing from the northeastern New Jersey town of Keansburg, the band is composed of: Chris LoPorto (vocals and guitar), Mike Sanchez (guitar), Greg McDevitt (bass), Danny Rico (guitar), and Andrea Morgan (drums). Can’t Swim generates a fast-paced, polished sound with solid guitars and drums that provide a solid rock foundation for their strong vocals. LoPorto chronicles his upbringing on the Jersey Shore, close to New York City, and how Can’t Swim came together in a minidoucmentary. The band was founded in 2015 and is touring behind their debut album release, Fail You Again, which dropped in March. Chase Huglin and Choir Vandals open. 6:30 p.m. Cattivo, 146 44th St., Lawrenceville.

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