Relying on the strength of one single from a self-released album is one path to successfully garnering a major-label record deal, but it certainly isn’t the easiest. Then again, most singles aren’t as arresting as “Anna Sun” from Cincinnati quartet Walk the Moon, nor are most videos quite so eye grabbing as the track’s accompanying viral visual aid. The success of the band’s self-titled label debut has propelled it to major supporting gigs across the country, and now to its own headlining shows. Employing an ebullient pop-punk sound, the band’s anthemic guitar riffs and sing-a-long choruses lend an attractive aura to shows, where the band members’ practice of painting their faces has become a tradition. They happen to bring along enough to share with the crowd, too. Pacific Air also plays. Walk the Moon plays Wednesday, January 23, 8 p.m. at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N. Water St. $18-$20. Waterstreetmusic.com.

Lecture: The inaugural lecture of the University of Rochester’s Institute for Popular Music takes place tonight at 7 p.m. in the Rush Rhees Library of the school’s River Campus. Jocelyn Neal will deliver a free talk, titled "Ladies Love Country Boys: Gendered Narratives and the Meaning of Country Music." A reception will follow. For more information, call 275-9397.

Music: Get down to the fingerpicking style of guitar music tonight with Daniel Bachman and his self-described brand of “psychedelic Appalachia” tonight at the Bop Shop (1460 Monroe Ave., bopshop.com). Drummer and guitarist Ian McColm will also be there, music starts at 8 p.m., $10 donation requested.

Music: Atlanta’s Gringo Star will be coming to town tonight at the Bug Jar (219 Monroe Ave., bugjar.com), with local groups Fowls, and The Branch Davidians opening up. Music starts at 9 p.m., cover costs $7-$9, and as always, TeenSet 45 Dance party follows the band at midnight for those of you that want the party to never, ever end.