Dan Bern

Tonight, 10 p.m.

Rosebud Cafe, $15

21+

1650 Smallman St.

(412) 261-2221… Dan Bern

Tonight, 10 p.m.

Rosebud Cafe, $15

21+

1650 Smallman St.

(412) 261-2221

Interested in politics? What about space aliens, Britney Spears, Jewish heritage, racial inequality or talking with God? Perhaps you’re more interested in listening to the Messiah play guitar?

All of these are topics are found in the lyrics of Dan Bern, known by some as Bernstein, or when with his band, Bernstein and the International Jewish Banking Conspiracy. Some may bristle with insult at this stereotype, but that is what much of Bern’s music is like. Few topics are safe from his biting, somewhat cynical but often comical, commentary – not even the Jewish community to which he belongs. Through his music he challenges listeners to critically examine their world.

Compared often in musical style and content to Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Arlo Guthrie, Bern follows in their footsteps as a truly American folk-rocker for the everyman. With a voice most comparable to that of Guthrie, Bern has established himself as a gifted songwriter and performer in the folk music scene, releasing five albums since he began recording in 1996.

His latest full album, New American Language, released in 2001, diverges slightly from his early, more acoustic solo works, featuring the International Jewish Banking Conspiracy on more songs. Nov. 12, Dan Bern also released The Swastika EP, an abbreviated collection of five songs that starts out with “Talkin’ Al Kida Blues” a witty and comical – or wholly inappropriate depending on how you see it – look at America’s anti-terrorism policy and the poor fate of a man from Cleveland who is unlucky enough to have the last name Kida.

Bern will appear at Rosebud Cafe Friday. The concert is for anyone who can appreciate the absurdity of the modern age, has a bone to pick with society, or has even pondered how the world would be different if Marilyn Monroe had married writer Henry Miller rather than playwright Arthur Miller. Doors open at 7 p.m. with Josh Joplin opening.