Best Places To See Local Musicians In Pittsburgh
With so many big-name touring acts coming to Pittsburgh this summer hitting larger venues, one can easily forget the crop of local talent we have--as well as the venues that showcase it. Pittsburgh's clubs and venues have plenty of local acts to see, whether they're opening for a well-known artist at a popular venue or are just getting their start at an open-mic night. Here are five of the best venues to check out local musicians.
Club Cafe
56-58 S. 12th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 431-4950
clubcafelive.com
Located on Pittsburgh's South Side, Club Cafe features music nightly, including both touring acts and local musicians. They highlight new local talent every week with their Open Stage Mondays, a free open-mic night from 7-11 with "starving artist" food and drink specials and a different local host each week. Musicians get about 10 minutes of stage time. It's one of the city's longest-running open mics, and it's the perfect opportunity to discover your new favorite local artist or to get out there and perform yourself.
The Smiling Moose
1306 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 431-4668
www.smiling-moose.com
Another South Side bar, The Smiling Moose features regular shows in their upstairs bar, often hosting local bands. The Smiling Moose is especially great for punk and metal fans, as the bulk of their shows are focused in those genres. Ticket prices vary depending on the band. While you're there, be sure to try some of their great food and take advantage of drink specials.
The Rex Theater
1602 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-6811
www.rex.greyareaprod.com
The Rex is one of the city's coolest concert venues, having originally opened in 1905 as a vaudeville theater. As a result, it still has a great lounge vibe and has a movie-theater-like marquee out front. And though that marquee typically sports the names of popular touring bands, the Rex also hosts local bands and shows sponsored by local radio stations.
Related: Ask A Pittsburgh Expert: Best Ways To Discover New Music
Mr. Smalls Theatre
400 Lincoln Ave.
Millvale, PA 15209
(412) 821-4447
www.mrsmalls.com
While Mr. Smalls is known for hosting well-known touring acts, you might also catch some great local openers at a show. Promo company Opus One Productions occasionally books local acts to open for national tours. Housed in a former Catholic church, Smalls also has its own skate park, recording studio, and newly opened restaurant. While most shows are standing-room only, spending a little more money can get you balcony seating.
Stage AE
400 North Shore Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 229-5483
promowestlive.com
Like Mr. Smalls, Stage AE also hosts some bigger names, but that doesn't mean you won't find local musicians performing here. The venue's very first show was done by local DJ Girl Talk, and local rock band The Clarks plays there about once a year. Like other venues, Stage AE also occasionally turns to local musicians to open national tours. Stage AE is also the only venue in the city with a dedicated outdoor stage, so from May until September, you can enjoy the warm weather with an outdoor concert.
Related: Best Up-And-Coming Pittsburgh Bands To Check Out In 2016
Janelle Sheetz is a 20-something closed-captioner by day, writer by night, just outside of Pittsburgh. She also regularly contributes to AXS.com and Examiner.com, and her writing has also been featured on The Billfold and Neutrons Protons.
