So many shows, so little time

By RACHAEL DIZARD

Creative Life Support Art and Music Expedition at Mr. Small’s

Through May 2

Mr. Small’s… Creative Life Support Art and Music Expedition at Mr. Small’s

Through May 2

Mr. Small’s Theater

(800) 594-TIXX

www.mrsmalls.musictoday.com

Mr. Small’s Theater refused to stay small for long.

Starting tonight, the Creative Life Support Art and Music Expedition kicks off the first of seven shows at the theater/recording studio/skatepark featuring artists from all realms.

The series will not only feature a wide variety of musical guests, but non-musical art installations as well. Art in a variety of media will be shown throughout the theater, on stage, on the inner walls and in the adjoining gallery.

The Jazz Mandolin Project and The Slip, two New England jazz bands, are the featured guests for April 9, beginning the series with some smooth, creative tunes. Mustard Plug with Big B, The Kids Table, and The Distorted Penguins will all grace the stage on April 10, providing a passionate night of ska music for all who attend.

A hip-hop battle, presented by Access Magazine, will entertain on Saturday, April 12, as Pittsburgh’s best rhymers take to the stage to compete for studio time at Mr. Small’s, cash, and one prestigious title.

Thursday, April 24, will feature the crazy, jazzy, funky Schleigho and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey for a night of freestyle fusion jamming.

That weekend, April 25 and 26, a strange mix of many of Pittsburgh’s varied sounds will come together to perform for an eclectic weekend. Squonk Opera, Hearts and Science, Sugar Daddy and the Big Boned Girls, and Kevin Finn will all hit the stage on Saturday. On Sunday, Squonk Opera as well as Hearts and Science will perform again, in addition to Local Honey and The Last Town Chorus.

On Friday, May 2, Mr. Small’s will teach its audience about musical unity, bringing together a diverse group of performers from many Pittsburgh musical communities. Unity through music will be taught by Strict Flow, Sporadic, Submachine, and other to be announced artists.

All of this artistic fun culminates in two intimate evenings with moe. on May 7 and 8. Moe. is famous for their jam band sound and their obvious rock ‘n’ roll and influence.

Prices for the series range from $9 to $25, and tickets are available by phone at (800) 594-TIXX or locally at Tela Ropa and History in Oakland, The Culture Shop and Dave’s Music Mine on the South Side, Paul’s CD’s in Bloomfield, and Attic records in Millvale. Advance tickets are usually available at a reduced price, and there will be an open bar with ID for the series.