Music this week

Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Tom Di Nardo, Shaun Brady, Sara Sherr, Jonathan Takiff and Damon C. Williams.

POP

"Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n Roll": While not a concert, rock music's role as an international, revolutionary force is a primary theme of this historic Stoppard drama. Pink Floyd especially reigns supreme in the show scoring and dramatic discussion, aptly timed given the passing this week of Floyd's landscape-painting keyboardist Rick Wright. Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. Previews continue 8 tonight and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, opens 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, runs through Oct. 26, $44-$60, 215-546-7824, www.wilmatheater.org.

Slo-Mo's Steel Guitar Summit: Get your buzz on with these string meisters - funky blues dude Slo-Mo (Mike Brenner), sacred steel stylists the Campbell Bros., world music embracer Susan Alcorn and Texas swing strummer Jim Cohen. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Alanis Morissette: Iconic, ironic singer songwriter is all grown up but hasn't lost her edge. Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 8 tonight. $9.57 to $65, 215-336-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.

Bell XI: Love and kisses to this Irish band - grandly melodic, emotive, change-up hitters who evoke (but never dwell too long) on influences from Talking Heads to Pink Floyd. Canadian indie popsters Stars share the bill. Trocadero, 10th and Arch Sts., 8 tonight, $18, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

George Stanford: Former front man of Townhall, this local singer/songwriter's new EP leaves us hungry for more. Get it here. Chris Casper shares the bill. Johnny Brenda's, Frankford and Girard avenues, 9:30 tonight, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Motorhead: Get revved again with Lemmy and the gang, a truly legendary band of British heavy metal rockers. Valient Thorr, Year Long Disaster and ASG support. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 tonight, $32.50, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Horse The Band: Playful California metal band has deployed low-resolution video-game technology to achieve a sound dubbed (what else?) Nintendocore. With Heavy Heavy Low Low, So Many Dynamos and John Fonda. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 tonight, $12, 868-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Steve Forbert: Sure, that raspy, vulnerable voice is an acquired taste, but so distinctive and right for his heartening material. With Caroline Herring. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $30-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Dandy Warhols: Get stoked with these tuneful rockers, exploring the spacey ways and means of psychedelic music in concert and on their new "Earth to Dandy Warhols" album. Darker My Love opens. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $20, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Hammel On Trial: Scathingly funny musician/ranter takes no prisoners. Michelle Lewis opens. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 10:30 p.m. tomorrow, $12, 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.

Solas: Irish superband returns to showcase Mairead Phelan, their new vocalist from Kilkenny, and material from a fine new album, "For Love and Laughter." It reaches from reinvented traditional fare to unexpected new directions, like a cover of Rickie Lee Jones. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $30-$45, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Bouncing Souls: Well-named Jersey punk rockers could get you hopping on your imaginary pogo stick. With Grey Area, Everybody Out and the Hotspots. Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. 9th Street. 6 p.m. tomorrow, $16, 866-4687619, www.r5productions.com.

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers: Tempe, Arizona's gift to the rousing, alt-country-rock scene is a present that Springsteen and Mellencamp fans will enjoy. With the Cheaters. J.C. Dobbs, 304 South Street, 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, $15, www.jcdobbslive.com.

Leela James: One reviewer has characterized this vibrant soul singer as "Chaka Khan meets Mahalia Jackson." Got the picture? World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Monday, $27-$37. 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Loudon Wainwright III: His new album, "Recovery," finds Loudon revisiting some of the best material from his early years, with amazing then-vs.-now resonance for musings on callow youth, sloth and seduction. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $30, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Donna Jean and the Tricksters: No one captures and carries on the Grateful Dead's musical ethos quite as well as this jam band, thanks in large measure to the presence of one who walked and worked among the Dead - singer/songwriter Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay. Yeah, they cover some GD classics, but the band's country-tinged, blues-rocking originals are equally "in the pocket." World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Do You Remember The Times? Veteran DJ Gary-O wants to remind folks what it was like back in the days of clubs like Gotham, Footwork and After Midnight through his unique blend of old-school hip-hop and R&B classics. Look for cronies Jazzy Joe and Mike O to spin a set as well. North By Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., 9 tonight, $15, 25+, 215-248-1000,

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Filo's Reunion Part II: Second in an ongoing series, this reggae fest features a trifecta of producers and sound systems. Kenny Meez, Federation Sound and Stereo King Sound will join in this classic soundclash. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $5, 21+, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

Toots and the Maytals: Any group credited for first usage of the word "reggae" must be worth checking out. Look for them to perform songs from their '60s inception all the way to their latest album, last year's "Light Your Light." TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

ALTERNATIVE

Mogwai: Scottish sonic pioneers continue to fuse blissed-out shoegaze with the aggression of metal on "The Hawk is Howling." Fellow countrymen F--k Buttons open. Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. 9th St., 8 tonight, $20, all ages, 267-765-5210, www.r5productions.com.

Stars: Literate indie-pop from the Feist/Broken Social Scene camp releases a new EP, "Sad Robots." Ireland's Bell X1 opens. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 8 tonight, $18, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

North Lawrence Midnight Singers: Former members of Cordalene and Elevator Parade release their debut, "And That Old Time Living Room Sound," a rootsy nod to Dylan, the Dead and George Harrison. With Hezekiah Jones, Ken Kweder and the Josh Olmstead Band. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

The Action Design: California punk-pop band splits the difference between the Dollyrots and the Veronicas. With Moscow Girls, Killola and the Lopez. Millcreek Tavern, 4200 Chester Ave., 9 tonight, $7, 215-222-1255, www.millcreektavern.com.

The Wreckhouse: There's a new promoter in town booking cool rockabilly and punk-rock shows. Tonight is JD Thompson and the Lone Gunmen with Mr. Unloved. El Bar, Front and Master streets, 8:30 p.m. tonight, $5, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/thewreckhouse.

Turnaround Vs Immediate: Cat Power's Gregg Foreman, the Brothers Gieda and Russ Alexander spin nothing but hot-buttered soul all night long. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 10 tonight, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Clark Park Fall Equinox Fest: West Philly's longest-running outdoor music festival features former Dead Milkman Joe Jack Talcum, Dr. Ketchup, the Bee Team, Humanasaur, Bernie Bernie Headflap and tons of vendors. Clark Park, 43rd Street and Chester Avenue, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. tomorrow, free, all ages, http://clarkparkfest.org.

Built to Spill: In an ongoing trend of alt bands performing their classics, the band does a live rendition of "Perfect From Now On," with the Meat Puppets opening. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, $22-24, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Eat Skull: If you like Times New Viking and Home Blitz, check out this Portland quartet. Also: Psychedelic Horses--t and Little Claw. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $5, all ages, www.myspace.com/dangerdangergallery.

P-ssed Jeans: Awesome sludge rock band from Bethlehem returns with Australia's the Ooga Boogas and Cutter. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, $8-10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Fuse: Monthly queer party for women features rap duo KIN. X.O. Lounge, 1418 Rodman St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5-7, 215-735-7351, www.myspace.com/phillyfuse.

Vivian Girls: A mix of '60s girl-group sounds, punk and shoegaze (a lot like the Aisler's Set) joins FNU Ronnies, UK punk rockers Black Time, and L.A. garage rockers Static Static. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $8, all ages, 267-765-5210, www.r5productions.com.

Nathaniel Popkin Book Launch/Salon: City Paper columnist and Philly Skyline contributor celebrates the release of "The Possible City." Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Pink Skull: Like Dave P's Snacks at Woody's, this DJ duo has started a weekly series called Ugly Disko with various guests each week. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 10 p.m. Sundays, free, 215-592-8838, www.myspace.com/phillysilkcity.

'Empire Records': Celebrate the days of the record store as a social hub and not a music industry graveyard with a young Liv Tyler, Renee Zellweger, and tons of Gin Blossoms. The Balcony, 10th and Arch streets, 7:30 p.m., $3, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Hell Awaits: Heavy-metal trivia from the classic to current. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Monday, free, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Monday Night Club: Hosted by drag queen Needles Jones, this special goth edition features prince of darkness David E. Williams and Jon Canady/Angels of Decay. Balcony, 10 p.m. Monday, free, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Pleaseeasaur: As seen on Adult Swim, the twisted, multimedia comedy duo is made up of performer JP Hasson and projectionist/costume designer Thomas Hurley III. Typical song titles: "Randy Normal Jeans," "These Cobras Are Cool." Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Ignite Philly: Come meet some of Philly's most innovative and ambitious minds on topics such as Philly Bike Share, new media, new-age candy and shoes made out of recycled bubble gum Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 7 p.m. Tuesday, free, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

PWRFL Power: A cross between Kimya Dawson and Nick Drake, the singer-songwriter returns, with Grampall Jookabox, the latest signing to Sufjan Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty label, plus JS Prouty & Upholstery and electro-pop from Stephen Bluhm. Green Line Café, 4426 Locust Street, 7 p.m. Thursday, 215-222-0799, www.shermanarts.org.

Badmaster Records: Enjoy this total noise-fest at West Philly's coolest record and comic-book store: White Suns, Satanized, Memes and Drums Like Machine Guns. The Marvelous Music, 208 S. 40th St., 8:30 p.m. Thursday, free, all ages, 215-386-6110, www.myspace.com/themarvelousmusic.

JAZZ

Meg & the ClifTones: Philly-based singer Meg Clifton is only 30, but she has a classic voice well suited for standards. With this project, she takes on pop tunes more associated with her own generation, dating from the '60s and '70s. 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.

Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette & Gary Peacock: Known as the Standards Trio (though its members would never use the name), group led by pianist Jarrett is celebrating 25 years together, evidenced by the intuitive rapport and complex improvisations they can generate together. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 8 tonight, $36-$79, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Gary Smulyan: Baritone saxophonist regularly tops DownBeat magazine's Critics Poll on his instrument and is a veteran of big bands, from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra to the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. He'll join the organ quartet led by trumpeter John Swana and saxophonist Bootsie Barnes to pay tribute to the 1960s Blue Note Records sound. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra: Pianist O'Farrill began his 18-piece ensemble under the auspices of Jazz at Lincoln Center, but his ambitions outgrew the institution and he broke away last year. The big band will kick off the Painted Bride's season in high style. Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 7 & 9 p.m. tomorrow, $25, 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog: Having led a number of style-fusing bands, from punk-jazz to Cubano-rock, Ribot set out to form a flat-out rock band with this new trio. Of course, the guitarist, who has served with John Zorn, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, among others, never does anything simple, and the resultant group ropes in a mish-mash of influences. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $12, 215-387-5125, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Paradox Trio featuring Bojan Z: Led by saxophonist Matt Darriau, the trio is a New York-based quartet (the paradox?) playing Balkan music. Here, they'll be supplemented by Serb-French pianist Bojan Zulfikarpasic. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $12, 215-387-5125, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Sci-Fi Philly: Two solo guitarists, Philly's Alban Bailly and New York's Ben Miller, round out a bill headlined by local trio Equis x Equis x Equis at this edition of the weekly avant-jazz series. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

Elliott Levin and the El Ensemble: No tribute to the saxophone in Philly would be complete without Levin, whose bearded, dreadlocked presence is a constant on the local jazz scene. His ensemble will begin the final week of Chris' month-long Saxophone Extravaganza. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Dan Blacksberg's Synthesis Music: Trombonist Blacksberg leads this new quartet, a fantastic line-up with violinist Carlos Santiago, bassist Leon Boykins and drummer Dave Flaherty. Also on the bill: a solo set by percussionist Toshi Makihara and the trio of saxophonist Bryan Rogers, bassist Matt Stein and drummer Pete Angevine. Circle of Hope, 1125 S. Broad St., 2nd Floor, 8 p.m. Wednesday, www.myspace.com/DanBlacksbergmusic.

Matt Davis' Aerial Photograph: Guitarist Davis continues his monthly showcase of new music for his 11-piece chamber-jazz ensemble based on his interviews with various Philly communities. This month's is focused on volunteerism in the city. Tritone, 1509 South St., 10 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

CLASSICAL

Xiao-Fu Zhou & Samuel Hsu: Violinist/violist Zhou and pianist Hsu are frequent concert collaborators and can boast a superb CD on the Eury label. Last fall, they had the thrill of a lifetime, playing a recital in their hometown of Shanghai, China. This time they're closer to home, a benefit for the Main Line Youth Orchestra, of which Zhou is the conductor. They've chosen Beethoven's Op. 96 Violin Sonata, with Zhou switching to viola for the Brahms F Minor Viola Sonata. Dvorak's Four Romantic Pieces, Fritz Kreisler's transcriptions of Rimsky-Korsakov favorites and Rachmaninoff's moving Vocalise in the viola version fill out a program by a highly gifted duo. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $20-$35, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Before the season kicks off, Rossen Milanov offers a special free program for college students. They'll hear Tchaikovsky's tone poem "The Tempest," Haydn's Sinfonia concertante and the Concerto for Orchestra by Polish master Witold Lutoslawski. 7 p.m. Thursday, free, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.