[HIP HOP] + FRI., DEC. 28
Shadyside's urban-clothing and local-music store, Timebomb Shop, hosts its annual holiday party tonight at Ava Lounge. Highlighting the night's bill is DJ Green Lantern, who will be providing hip-hop vibes for the night. This internationally known DJ gained recognition over the past decade on the mixtape circuit and as a radio host, most notably on Sirius XM's Shade 45. Once signed to Eminem's Shady Records label, Green Lantern has toured with the prominent rapper, and worked with Jay-Z and Nas, among others. Rory D. Webb 10 p.m. 126 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. $5. 412-363-8277 or www.shadowlounge.net
[INDIE ROCK] + FRI., DEC. 28
Locals Instead of Sleeping are definitely a name to look out for in 2013. The band has evolved over the last few years into its own solid, melodic indie-rock sound. Since releasing its second full-length album, The Reds, The Blacks, The Grays, in October, the quartet has been keeping busy playing shows throughout the tri-state area and recording new music, including new single "Two Chords." Catch Instead of Sleeping tonight at Mr. Small's with Maid Myriad, Amplifiers, Nevada Mountains and With No Disguise. Amanda Wishner 7 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $10. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
[SAX] + SAT., DEC. 29
Forget the weird name; Moon Hooch is just a straight-up weird band. But in a pretty good way. The three-piece features a drummer and two saxophonists — not a particularly traditional set-up. But it works. The band's full-length, The Moon Hooch Album, is a mix of epic and dancey stuff, more interesting than you might expect from two sax guys. Tonight, Moon Hooch opens for Lotus at Mr. Small's. Andy Mulkerin 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $22.50-50. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
[GLAM ROCK] + MON., DEC. 31
Foxy Shazam can best be described as extravagant. From the band's Queen-esque, theatrical rock sound to vocalist Eric Nally's strange habit of eating cigarettes and climbing stages, it seems that nothing is off limits for the Ohio natives. They recently released their fourth studio album, The Church of Rock and Roll, earlier this year and have been touring almost non-stop ever since. Kick off the new year with Foxy Shazam tonight at Mr. Small's; There There and The Semi-Supervillains open. AW 9 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $25-50. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
