THIS WEEK IN MUSIC
Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Tom Di Nardo, Shaun Brady, Sara Sherr, Jonathan Takiff and Damon C. Williams.
Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Tom Di Nardo, Shaun Brady, Sara Sherr, Jonathan Takiff and Damon C. Williams.
POP
Son Volt/High Strung: Tart, twangy Americana and rootsy, garage-oiled rock find common ground in these two bands, one legendary, the younger now getting a very good (and deserving) buzz. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7 tonight, $21, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
Dan Bern: He's the only singer-songwriter ever "banned" from the Philadelphia Folk Festival for rude onstage behavior. Bern is a devilish, deviant wiseass who cuts through the bull and makes you laugh like hell. Carry on, you wayward son! Nicole Reynolds opens. Puck Live, One Printers Alley, Doylestown, 7 and 10 tonight, $22, 215-348-9000, pucklive.com.
Harper: Even in the scenic coastal town of Perth, Australia, a musician can get the blues. Proving the point is this one-named talent, a master (no surprise) of the "harp" (aka harmonica) and also of the indigenous Aussie wind instrument, the didgeridoo. Harper applies them, and his soulful vocals, to deep-groove originals combining blues, soul, rock and world music. Warmdaddy's, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd., 8, 9:30 and 11 tonight and tomorrow, $15, 215-462-2000, www.warmdaddys.com.
Rufus Wainwright: We doubt he's bringing along the huge orchestra that saws away on his terrific new album, "Release the Stars." But it still will be special to see Rufus up close — and for free at this intimate album-signing and performance. Borders Books and Music, 1149 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Elvis Costello: He's out flogging two new career retrospectives ("The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years" and "Rock and Roll Music"). With the Imposters. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, $49.50 and $55, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.
Poco/Firefall: Once upon a time, rock-and-roll radio stations weren't afraid to throw some harmony-laden, country-flavored bands like these into the music mix. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $29.50-$35, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.
Angelique Kidjo: Worldwide, she's one of the best-known and most-admired of contemporary African artists. She can put an Afro-pop spin on a reggae tune, embrace elements of funk or jazz, even connect with a rocker like "Gimme Shelter." Drive a little, and enjoy her a lot. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, 7 p.m. Sunday, $25.50-$29.50, 800-37-GRAND, grandopera.org.
WMMR-B-Q: Rock and grill with Velvet Revolver, Evanescence, Buckcherry, Exxies and Fuel. Tweeter Center, 1 Harbor Blvd., Camden, 1 p.m. Sunday, $49.50 and $148.50 (four-ticket "lawn pack"), 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.
Bacon Brothers/Toby Lightman: Contemporary, adult-rock double bill offers homegrown talents. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $37.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.
Johnette Napolitano: We aren't privy to the details, but this dark songstress (formerly of Concrete Blonde) sure sounds like she's hurtin' on her experimental new solo album, "Scarred." Even the folk stuff ( "My Diane" and "Crazy Tonight") is freaked out. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $14-$16, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.
Storyhill: In from Montana, this robust, acoustic-pop duo impresses with vibrant harmonies and solid songcraft. They'll focus on material from a self-titled Red House album produced by Dan Wilson (of Semisonic, Trip Shakespeare and Dixie Chicks fame). Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8:30 p.m. Monday, $10, 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.
The Rapture: Under the umbrella "Free Yr Radio," Urban Outfitters and Toyota have united to spotlight non-commercial radio stations across the country with free concerts and other activities. Here, pumped-up dance/punk dudes the Rapture give their all for the cause of Y Rock on WXPN. Urban Outfitters, 1627 Walnut St., 6 p.m. Monday, e-tickets at www.freeyrradio.com.
Skidmore Fountain: Edgy indie rockers stretch the parameters with tremulous vocals, off-kilter tunes and an interesting band set-up featuring five-string electric cello. In another age, these guys would be getting a major label push, but hey, times are tough. Grape Street Philadelphia, 4100 Main St., 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, $5, 215-483-7084, grapestreet.com.
10 Years After: Veteran British blues rock band is missing front man Alvin Lee but still includes original bassist Leo Lyons, keyboardist Chick Churchill and drummer Ric Lee. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Wedneday, $25, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.
Porcupine Tree: Are you a fan of high-toned, "progressive rock" bands like Yes and Genesis? Let Porcupine Tree take you to the zone in their own special way. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, $23.50, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.
Damien Rice: The Mann Center is back as a popular-music venue this summer, getting off to a classy start with this brooding, poetic songwriter and stylist from Ireland, the leading figure in the "chamber folk" movement. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. Thursday, $39.50 and $42.50, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.
Fairport Convention: Masters at updating traditional English folk with the drive and electricity of rock 'n' roll, the current version of this veteran British group (still fronted by a couple of original members) is on its 40th anniversary tour. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $25, 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.
HIP-HOP
Fishscale Fridays: Turntablism is on display when legendary DJ J-Smoke joins fellow spinners Moe Choi and I.M. J-Smoke has won numerous international turntable battles, including the 2000 Technics/DMC East Coast DJ championship, and he was the 1999 ITF Team World Champion. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 8 tonight, 21+, $7, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.
Collie Buddz: Rising dancehall star has penned a string of massive hits, including "Finally the Herbs Come Around," "Mamacita" and "Let Me Know." With Roger Culture, Marlon Hype and Marvin T. Pinnacle Nightclub, 720 Arch St., 10 tonight, 21+, $20, 215-413-7720.
Do You Remember the Times? Veteran DJ Gary-O recalls nightclubs like After Midnight and Gotham with his unique blendings of old-school hip-hop and R&B. With DJs Jazzy Joe and Mike O. North By Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., 10 tonight, $15, 215-248-1000, www.nxnwphl.com.
AWOL One: Prolific but little-known Bay-area emcee has issued a slew of releases, including this year's "Splitsville." With DJ Hoppa, Mine And Us and Josh Martinez. Fire, 412 Girard Ave., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 267-671-9298.
ALTERNATIVE
Mastodon: Monsters of metal rock the Electric Factory with an eclectic bill of Against Me and Cursive. Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., 7 tonight, $23, 215-627-1332, livenation.com.
Gate: Monthly experimental- and electronic-music series includes performances by Myo, Cars Will Burn, Goodnight Stars Goodnight Air and Lalilulelo. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 tonight, free, all ages, 215-573-3234, foundationarts.org
Fior Fiero: San Francisco duo, formerly known as Dark Side of the Cop, once recorded an album that would sync up perfectly with "Beverly Hills Cop," a la "Dark Side of the Moon" and "The Wizard of Oz." Their music is more like Brian Wilson over synth-pop beats. Also, Prowler, an electro-pop band with a former member of An Albatross, and Like Moving Insects side project Caves of Mercury. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Mando Diao: Introduced to the world by Swedish compatriots the Hives, Mando Diao is now three albums into some excellent garage and Britpop sounds. With Pop Levi and the Films. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 tonight, $12, 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.
Sex Dwarf '80s Prom: Miss your prom or wish you had? Pull out your best Madonna or Duran Duran costume for the monthly new-wave dance party hosted by WXPN's Robert Drake and Marilyn Thomas. Come early so a photographer can immortalize your asymmetrical haircut; stay late for the Sex Dwarf Prom King and Queen contest. Fluid, 613 S. 4th St., 9 tonight, free before 10, $5 after, 215-629-3686, myspace.com/phillysexdwarf.
Paul Green School of Rock: Pint-size rock students pay tribute to music of the '90s. For once, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" will be sung by a teen. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 3 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, $10, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.
Punk Rock BBQ: Doubles as a record-release party for the New York Dolls-inspired Blessed Muthas. With FOD, Son of a Gun and Trained Attack Dogs. El Bar, 1356 N. Front St., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $6, all ages, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.
Unsane: New York noise-rock kingpins came out of the same scene as the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Helmet. With 440 and the Mouth of Architect. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Fuse: Monthly dance party for women, benefits Mountain Meadow, an overnight camp for children and teens with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered parents, and for teens who are LGBT themselves. Upstairs at Sal's on 12th, 200 S. 12th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-731-9930, www.myspace.com/phillyfuse.
Monday Night Club: Needles Jones-hosted weekly series features the sketch comedy debut of Peek-A-Boo Revue's Christa D'Aggar and Davey Cassanova and the record re-release party for Radio Eris' "Monkey Island." Balcony Bar, 10th and Arch streets, 10 p.m. Monday, free, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
The Soft People: Band formerly known as the Doctor & Philip plays two acoustic sets by members of two beloved Philly groups — the Spinto Band's Nick Krill and the Teeth's Aaron MoDavis. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Meow Meow: John Cameron Mitchell ("Hedwig and the Angry Inch") describes the international singing sensation as the missing link between Marlene Dietrich and Kiki & Herb's Justin Bond. L'Etage, 624 Bainbridge St., 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-592-0656, directfromnyc.com.
JAZZ
Rachel Z: It's hard to know how to categorize Rachel Z — a classically trained pianist with trad-jazz leanings and goth-chick image who has accompanied a host of smooth-jazz luminaries. Dept. of Good and Evil, Z's group (with drummer Bobbie Rae and Maeve Royce) offers piano-trio takes on goth and indie-rock artists like Joy Division, Death Cab for Cutie and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, alongside jazz standards and original tunes. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $12, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.
Diaspora Series: Experimental world music series presents "A Taste of Eastern Europe," featuring the Oud Blues Quintet, integrating the Arab lute into a more traditionally jazz-instrumental band; Michael Winograd's Infection, an unusual quartet led by the klezmer-oriented clarinetist; and the EL Ensemble, the duo of Philly sax mainstay Elliott Levin and pianist Brian Marsella. Fuel Collection, 3rd and Arch streets, 7 tonight, free, myspace.com/diasporaseries.
Northwest Jazz and Arts Festival: Daylong outdoor festival of music, drama, poetry, art and food, featuring a host of local jazz artists in a historic setting. Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Ave., 1-7 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-848-1777, www.cliveden.org.
Skip Heller: Philly-born, L.A.-based guitarist has been reviving the organ trio sound of his early bar days. Of course it always sounds best in a Philly bar. Tritone, 1508 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.
Interplay: Every Sunday this month, Tritone is paying tribute to the late Rick D., venerable Philly concert promoter and the bar's co-owner. This week, saxophonist Elliott Levin's band, which had a long-running monthly residency here, takes the stage with special guests. Tritone, 1508 South St., 10 p.m. Sunday, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.
CLASSICAL
Music Group of Philadelphia: Kirke Mechem's "Winging Wildly" and "Israfel" by Robert Convery, both previously commissioned for the group, share the bill with Aaron Copland's "In the Beginning." Sean Diebler conducts, with soprano Janice Fiore and oboist Terence Belzer. Trinity Center, 2212 Spruce St., 8 tonight, and St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Louella Avenue and Lancaster Pike, Wayne, 3 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-587-0291, www.mgphila.org.
Lyric Fest: Fourth annual family concert, with five guest soloists and a costumed program of songs about magic and folklore. Actors, dancers and the motet choir of the Pennsylvania Girlchoir are along for the "Once Upon a Time" show. St. Thomas Church, Bethlehem Church and Camp Hill Road, Whitemarsh, 3 p.m. tomorrow; and First Presbyterian Church, 21st and Walnut streets, 3 p.m. Sunday; $15, 215-432-5946, lyricfest.org.
Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale: The choir's 39th annual celebration features music from Tanzania and Australia, excerpts from Requiems by Verdi, Mozart and Lloyd Webber, and a Richard Rodgers medley. Philadelphia Cathedral, 38th and Chestnut streets, 7 p.m. tomorrow; and St. Rose of Lima, 300 Kings Highway, Haddon Heights, N.J., 3 p.m. Sunday, $35-$45, 215-222-3500.
Quidditas: Six gifted vocalists and performers on Renaissance instruments celebrate springtime music of birds, shepherds and shepherdesses. Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse, 100 E. Mermaid Lane, 8 p.m. tomorrow; and Byberry Friends Meetinghouse, 3001 Byberry Road, 3 p.m. Sunday; free, 215-725-0350, angelfire.com/music5/quidditas.
Delaware Valley Opera Company: For the second annual Paul D. Osimo memorial concert, celebrating the group's guiding spirit, a host of the company's principal singers, its chorus and pianist Doris Coleman offer arias from six famous operas. Hermitage Mansion, Henry Avenue at Hermit Lane, 3 p.m. Sunday, free-will donation, 215-725-4171, dvopera.org.
Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra: For their 12th annual festival concert, Louis Scaglione has programmed Rossini's Overture to "La Cenerentola" and Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony (No. 4). Philadelphia Youth Orchestra concertmaster Francesca dePasquale solos in the Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5, the "Turkish." Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $10-$18, 215-893-1999.
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players: Schubert's B-Flat String Trio, Beethoven's E-Flat Septet and the Serenata-Invano by Nielsen fill this program by performers on priceless Italian string instruments. Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Drive at Stockton Place, Cape May, N.J., 8 p.m. Sunday, $22, 609-884-5404, capemaymac.org.
Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia: Ignat Solzhenitsyn conducts an all-Brahms program, climaxing with the Op. 11 Serenade No. 1. Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia Chorus joins in for two masterpieces: "Begrabnisgesang" ("Burial Song") and "Schicksalslied" ("Song of Destiny"). Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday, $24-$63, 215-893-1709, www.chamberorchestra.org. *