Pittsburgh’s best hot spots for rock

Many students who come to a city college from a rural hometown do so simply because, well,… Many students who come to a city college from a rural hometown do so simply because, well, there’s just a lot more to do. Similarly, many students from urban homes do so because the thought of a tiny college town with little more to do than attend corn-hole tournaments fails to excite. If you fall into either of these categories, rest assured, Pitt is the city school of your dreams, with more to do than you could ever fit into four years (“So that’s why some students take five or six years to graduate?” you ask. Well, not quite).

At the forefront of the city’s possible activities is its vibrant music scene, with more than a few great clubs, concert venues and bar joints where you’ll be able to see some of the country’s biggest and most well-known acts as well as some of the smallest and most underground. But here’s the catch: None of them are in Oakland. “Not in Oakland!?” you gasp. Believe it or not, there is a wide world of entertaining opportunities just a few bus stops away, and they’ll likely be more fun than standing in line to get a plastic cup full of Natty Light at the local fraternity box social.

As most of your social activity will likely revolve around this neighborhood of Oakland that most of you will call home, it’s important to get out and see the rest of the city. This guide to Pittsburgh’s best music venues will lead the way. Here goes:

Mr. Smalls Funhouse, Millvale: This club, one of the cornerstones of Pittsburgh’s music scene, is quite literally a godsend. Converted to a concert hall from a church not so long ago, Mr. Smalls still holds all the aesthetics of a house of God, just minus the pews and, well, any crucifixes.

Located at the top of a hill in Millvale, just across the 40th Street Bridge (check Google maps), Mr. Smalls can fit up to 650 sweaty fans, making the club big enough to house wild dances and brutal mosh pits but small enough to maintain a truly intimate musical setting. In addition to a near-perfect atmosphere, Smalls also packs each week with enough varied and exciting shows that it’s hard not to find something that piques your interest. This year saw such varied acts as the Bouncing Souls, Citizen Cope, Dinosaur Jr., State Radio and Rusted Root (whose member Liz Berlin actually co-owns the club).

Check out www.mrsmalls.com for more details.

The Rex Theatre, South Side: This club fits in perfectly among the used record shops and quirky boutiques of the South Side, and it’s only a bus ride away. Hop on the 54C, ride down East Carson, and you’ll eventually see a classic-looking theater marquee: The Rex. Opened as a movie theater more than 90 years ago, The Rex is not only a place of rock but also history.

The 550-person wide-open space provides plenty of room to get down, and you’ll be amazed how much more of The Rex there is behind that tiny street-front ticket booth. A balcony provides some space for those who can’t take the heat, as the theater often brings some of the most hardcore acts around to town, as well as both indie and mainstream favorites. The Rex hosted acts like Aesop Rock and Sum 41 just this year. Check out www.rextheatre.com for more information.

Club Cafe, South Side: Strictly for the over-21 crowd, Club Cafe is a smaller venue on 12th Street in the South Side, just off of main road East Carson. Though the club doesn’t always bring the big names, it certainly always brings someone. Club Cafe often has live music every night of the week except Sunday and has featured artists like Matt Pond PA, Steven Kellogg and the Sixers and tons of local artist showcases. Just don’t try to get in if you look younger than 21 – it won’t happen. Check out www.clubcafelive.com for more info.

Diesel, South Side: Completing the trio of popular South Side venues, Diesel is new on the scene but certainly made an impact. Splitting its time as both a dance club and a rock club, Diesel boasts an impressive set up with flashing lights, an upstairs balcony and enough room to get down. Plus, it’s located directly across the street from The Rex, so you’re bound to find a show to check out. This year, Diesel brought in acts like Minus the Bear, Saves the Day and – get this – Coolio. Type in www.liveatdiesel.com for more info.

While these are the main venues around Pittsburgh, there are many other locations for live music in the city. The Palace Theater, Garfield Artworks, Mr. Roboto Project, The Andy Warhol Museum, Brillobox and the Shadow Lounge keep it real with hot indie acts, while Mellon Arena, Duquesne University’s A. J. Palumbo Center and even our own Petersen Events Center often house shows of the huge variety. For example, Kid Rock played at the Pete a few semesters back. Don’t you feel great about going to Pitt now?