[POP] + FRI., OCT. 25
What better way to start your Halloween festivities than with a tribute to Michael Jackson's iconic album Thriller? Head over to Mr. Small's tonight for Thriller: A Tribute Show to catch The Ruckus Bros. — a 21-member supergroup of Pittsburgh musicians — covering the entire album. The group is composed of performers from tons of local bands, including Gypsy and his Band of Ghosts, Cait Cuneo, Jazzam, Wreckloose, Velvet Heat, Steel Town Soul, Gene the Werewolf, Tracksploitation and more. The show will feature a full dance crew, animation and light show, and prizes. Allison Cosby 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $15. All ages. 412-821-4447 or www.mrsmalls.com
[HIP HOP] + FRI., OCT. 25
Years ago, DJ Soy Sos was best known as a member of the lock funk-rock band Soma Mestizo, but all along, he's been an in-demand hip-hop producer. The artist — real name: Herman Pearl — has worked with myriad local MCs, and tonight at 720 Music, Clothing and Café, he celebrates the release of Encryption Cipher Pt. 1, a collection of tracks he produced with rappers from Beedie to Yah Lioness. Tonight's show features live performances from artists including Jon Quest, Hubbs and Shad Ali, and the public debut of the album. It's all presented by Tuff Sound Recording and Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Andy Mulkerin 8 p.m. 4405 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. All ages. 412-904-4592 or www.720records.com
[ELECTRONIC] + SAT., OCT. 26
British electronic duo Mount Kimbie returned this year with its first full-length since 2010's debut Crooks and Lovers. The new Cold Spring Fault Less Youth sprawls across musical idioms, with disco-like dance tracks up against ambient compositions and R&B tunes. Tonight, the band headlines Carnegie Mellon's annual Halloween party, with Gusto and Naeem of the local electronic collective Detour opening. AM 8 p.m. Rangos Ballroom, University Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Oakland. Free for CMU students; $10 for others. All ages. www.activitiesboard.org
[DOOM] + SUN., OCT. 27
There's not much sheen on The Body: It's two big guys with big drums and big amps making some of the biggest sounds you'll ever experience in person. The doom outfit, from Providence, R.I., has been pushing out brutal, sludgy metal for a decade, exploring dark territory with music that's less soundscape than aural chasm. Get grim tonight at The Shop, along with openers Wrought Iron and Resin. AM 7 p.m. 4314 Main St., Bloomfield. $6. 412-951-0622
[SOUL] + WED., OCT. 30
On the latest release from Lee Fields & The Expressions, soul singer Fields croons — with so much style it's hard to believe he even needs to say so —"I still got it, I still got it." The renowned soul singer has been recording and performing for 43 years and has toured with legends like Kool and the Gang and O.V. Wright. Now he plays with the Truth & Soul Records house band, The Expressions, and is defining contemporary soul music with his old-school style. Tonight, Fields and crew play Rex Theater along with local group Backstabbing Good People. AC 8 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side. $15-17. 412-381-6811 or www.rextheater.com
