Well Strung at Jergel’s; Semi-Supervillains at Club Cafe (CPs Thurs., 1/9/14)

1) There’s a bluegrass band out of Slippery Rock called Well Strung. No, they’re not the first to think of that pun; there are also bands of that name in Vermont and Upstate New York, but we imagine the kind of folks who play hoedowns with a bit of innuendo for a banner aren’t the types to sue over such things. While the Slippery Rock band’s name isn’t original, their tunes are. They write their own material and have so far filled three CDs with it, treading the usual themes of hard luck and rolling hills. Their show at Jergel’s today will hopefully be a long one. 8 p.m. 103 Slade Lane, Warrendale.

2) The Semi-Supervillains might be semi-super (or semi-villainous; we’re not sure), but they are fully rocktagious. The four guys—who formed the band at and recently graduated from Duquesne University—have a tight, garage rock-ish sound reminiscent of The Walkmen or White Stripes. They released their first album, Tricks, a few months ago and are gigging to support it. Tonight, they’re at Club Café in a bill that also includes rockabilly act The Allegheny Rhythm Rangers. 9 p.m. 56 – 58 S. 12th St., South Side.

3) Blues-and-soul-influenced singer/guitarist Sputzy Sparacino was one of Pittsburgh’s most prolific musicians in the ’70s and ’80s, performing with the bands Gigolo and Modern Man and contributing vocals to the soundtrack of the third in George A. Romero’s series of homegrown zombie movies. Local stalwarts never die; they just move out of the club circuit to classier venues, and today Sputzy is rocking Silks at the Meadows Casino with a repertoire that includes plenty of old-school FM radio classics. 7 p.m. 210 Racetrack Rd, Washington.

4) Also to augment your betting experience, pianist Scott Anderson, whose résumé includes tour stops with The Temptations and The Drifters, will be at the Rivers Casino. Look for him this evening at Levels, the lounge overlooking the gambling floor. 777 Casino Dr., North Shore.

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