POP
Return with us now to the simpler, sweeter days when rock-'n'-rollers churned out jingle-janglin' Christmas songs that weren't sourball suckers dripping in irony. The Smithereens have always had a nostalgic bent for the winsome innocence and pure, chipper musical tones of the classic rock era. (Even their album covers offer visual cues to Fab Four long-players of the early- to mid-'60s.)POP
Return with us now to the simpler, sweeter days when rock-'n'-rollers churned out jingle-janglin' Christmas songs that weren't sourball suckers dripping in irony. The Smithereens have always had a nostalgic bent for the winsome innocence and pure, chipper musical tones of the classic rock era. (Even their album covers offer visual cues to Fab Four long-players of the early- to mid-'60s.)
POP
Return with us now to the simpler, sweeter days when rock-'n'-rollers churned out jingle-janglin' Christmas songs that weren't sourball suckers dripping in irony. The Smithereens have always had a nostalgic bent for the winsome innocence and pure, chipper musical tones of the classic rock era. (Even their album covers offer visual cues to Fab Four long-players of the early- to mid-'60s.)
On their new "Christmas With the Smithereens" album, which the Jersey boys will also feature here in live performances, they're harkening again to that mind-set (and the herald angels) with good-natured holiday fare done originally by the Beatles, the Who, Brian Wilson, the Ramones and Chuck Berry, whilst also adding a few like-minded originals to the oeuvre.
Get a free taste at a live, noontime concert today on WXPN (88.5 FM) from World Cafe Live. Or enjoy an extended dose at their gig there this evening.
World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $25-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
- Jonathan Takiff
ALTERNATIVE
Now in its twentieth year, Jon Solomon's Holiday Radio Show (heard on Princeton University's WPRB 103.3 FM) is for people who hate Christmas music, or those who want other choices besides Mariah Carey and Adam Sandler's "The Hanukkah Song." The 34-year-old Lawrenceville, N.J., native (right), got the slot as a teenager because he was a Jew who didn't mind working Christmas Eve. He approaches his show with boundless enthusiasm and curiosity. Anything goes: Blondie and Fab Five Freddy duets, metal band Venom, and local favorites like the Swimmers and Adam Arcuragi. And yes, he takes requests.
WPRB 103.3 FM, 6 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 609-258-1033 or 609-258-1233, www.wprb.com.
- Sara Sherr
CLASSICAL
The juicy reeds and saucy rhythms of Piffaro, the Renaissance Band, always provide a delightful journey into a sonic world of surprisingly pungent harmony. This group's exuberant playing on ancient instruments, combined with the majesty of the music, has always seemed ideal for the festive spirit of their annual holiday concerts.
This year, we travel to Bavaria for hymns, carols and motets by Martin Luther himself in "Es ist ein Ros (A Night of Caroling in Renaissance Bavaria)." Also on the bill: music by Luther contemporaries Johann Walther, Jacob Regnart and Michael Praetorius. Soprano Laura Heimes will also perform.
Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., 8 tonight; Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., 8 tomorrow; Sts. Andrew & Matthew Church, 8th and Shipley streets, Wilmington, Del., 4 p.m. Sunday. $24 and $30, $15 students, 215-235-8469, www.piffaro.com.
- Tom Di Nardo
JAZZ
Some people really get into celebrating Christmas. The trio of Tim Warfield, Terell Stafford and Joanna Pascale - locals all - is playing three holiday-themed jazz shows in two evenings. York-born Warfield (left) tops the marquee, and his soulful tenor sax is joined by trumpeter and Temple director of jazz studies Stafford, vocalist Pascale, bassist Madison Rast and drummer Chris Beck.
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $14, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org; Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St., 8 tonight and tomorrow, 215-922-1035, www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com.
- Shaun Brady
HIP-HOP
Urban crooner Trey Songz made an immediate impact when he burst upon the music scene via cameo spots on well-received albums by Kevin Lyttle and Trick Daddy. After winning local talent shows, the Virginia native moved to New Jersey, where he linked up with noted producer Troy Taylor. His smooth delivery and lyrical appeal to younger listeners have been featured in collaborations with Lil' Kim, Trina and Snoop Dogg, too.
House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $37-$39, 609-236-BLUE, www.hob.com.
- Damon C. Williams