Who's performing in and around town this week
Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Shaun Brady, Tom Di Nardo, James Johnson, Sara Sherr and Jonathan Takiff.
Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Shaun Brady, Tom Di Nardo, James Johnson, Sara Sherr and Jonathan Takiff.
POP
Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt: No large band, no rocking group, just two excellent, country and rootsy rocking troubadours sitting on stools, trading quips, talking about their tunes and launching into them with voices and acoustic guitars. A chance to really get to know them. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 tonight, $40-$50, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.
3 Gals and (No) Buddy: Too bad this show is also happening tonight. Surely there's a bunch of overlapping fans. The femmes include (in decreasing levels of country rootsiness) Emmylou Harris, Patty Loveless and Shawn Colvin. Americana singer/composer/producer Buddy Miller was supposed to be on the show but was called away to perform at Sunday's Grammys. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 tonight, $55 & 65, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.
The Pretenders: Chrissy Hynde has new Pretenders backing her up. But she's still in charge with that enduring husky/howlin' voice and classic, Cleveland-style rock. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow Streets, 8:30 tonight, $35, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.
Donna the Buffalo: While steeped in mountain music, they really get their grooves on for the tie-dye set. Happy 20th anniversary! The Believers open with a rush of punked-up country. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
Valentine Doo Wop Spectacular: Hold hands and stop the clock, feeling "the still of the night" with Fred Parris & the Satins, Shirley Alston Reeves, Willie Winfield & the Harptones, Cleveland Still & the Dubs, Barbara Harris & the Toys, the Fireflies and Randy & the Rainbows. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $45.50 & $59.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.
Big Head Todd & The Monsters: Good-time Colorado rockers return to their favorite Philly haunt, live and in 3-D. Joan Jones, from the equally bright Sun 60 group, opens. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $18.74 (each, in four-pack purchases), $25 and $28, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.
The Cassidy Project: Female singer from the dismantled Antigone Rising prog-rock group steps out on her own. Vanida Gail opens. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.
Murder By Death: They aim to kill with artfully dark tales of sin and redemption in the wild, wild West. They're performing, in entirety, two albums from their Desert Series: "Red of Tooth and Claw" and "Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them." Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8:30 p.m. Sunday, $13, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.
The Submarines: Dive in with this harmonic, frothy, psych-pop trio. The Morning Benders and crafty Dawn Landes also play tricks with your head. Johnny Brendas, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m Monday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.
Brett Dennen: Into the groove pop of John Mayer and Jason Mraz? If so, you'll feel right at home. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $23-$33, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
Sonya Kitchell: Seasoned singer/songwriter's residency continues, this week with the eccentric (in a good way) Erin McKeown also featured, and Jesse Harper opening. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.
French Kicks: Take a walk on the wild side with this ever-evolving quartet, building on the traditions of feisty, tuneful, post-punk New York rock. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.
Gene Ween Band: Front man from the gleeful, anything-goes Ween makes good on his postponed December date. Stumble Bum Brass Band opens. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
HIP-HOP
The Bounce: Resident DJs Emynd and Bo Bliz do what they do best, playing eclectic blends of hip-hop along with anything else they like at this first Friday monthly. Special guest is DJ Lloydski from NYC. Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave., 10 tonight, $5, 21-plus, 215-634-7400, myspace.com/thenewbarbary.
Taster's Choice: DJ Kinetic starts the Art Garage's first Friday festivities with what looks to be one of the best happy hours a hip-hop fan could ask for. From 10 p.m. on, DJ Ambush of Phatman & Likkle Bwoy keeps the party going. Arts Garage, 1533-35 Ridge Ave., 5 tonight, $5 ($7 after 11), 21-plus, 215-765-2702, www.theartsgarage.com.
Step Your Game Up Showcase: Youtube legends Joey Jihad and Reed Dollaz have built reputations for demolishing opponents in freestyle battles. They're the featured acts for a showcase that could bring in a lot of talent from Philadelphia and beyond. There's a $1,000 cash prize. Tacony Billards, 6201 Keystone, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, 610-453-5517, www.foundationmag. com/concert.html.
Every First Saturday: Philadelphia hip-hop duo Outerspace's monthly jam with the self-explanatory name has DJ Cru-Cut in his usual place behind the wheels of steel. It's always one of the better monthly hip-hop jams. Bubble House, 3403 Sansom St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 21-plus, 215-243-0804, www.thebubblehouse.com.
The Reunion Tour: Philadelphia hip-hop pioneers DJ Too Tuff and the Tuff Crew are back like they never left. The price includes an open bar and buffet, so come thirsty and hungry. Paddy Whacks, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $35, 215-464-7544, www.paddywhackspub.com.
The Hereafter: Poor Righteous Teachers member Wise Intelligent brings his spoken word and hip-hop showcase to the Troc. The Trenton, N.J., native's politically aware lyrics should be a breath of fresh air for anyone bored with typical modern rap. Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $10, 21-plus, 215-922-5483, www.thetroc.com.
'The Seven': Will Power play updates "Seven Against Thebes" by Aeschylus for the hip-hop generation. Think of it as a theater remix of a 2,500-year-old classic. Tomlinson Theater, 1301 W. Norris St., 8 tonight and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, through Feb. 22, $20; $15 students, seniors, Temple employees and alumni; $5 Temple students, 215-204-1122, www.temple.edu/sct.
ALTERNATIVE
NEXUSRadio Closing Party: Since December, the Fishtown gallery has been broadcasting on 1650 AM. The send-off includes DJ sets from Pink Skull, DJ K-Tell (Dumpsta Players, Baby Loves Disco), Philly Rollergirl DJ Trishylicious and Mr. Shalimar. NEXUS Gallery, Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American St., Suite 102, 6-midnight tonight, $10, all ages, 215-684-1946, www.nexusphiladelphia.org.
Sex Dwarf: New-wave dance party hosted by WXPN's Robert Drake and Marilyn Thomas spotlights the music of Lene Lovich. Fluid, 613 S. 4th St., 9 tonight, free before 10, $5 after, 215-629-3686,
4AM One Year Anniversary Party: Jay Yo's party celebrates with a DJ set by DFA artists Holy Ghost. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 10 tonight, $5-10, 215-592-8838, www.myspace.com/phillysilkcity.
Vanefit: West Philly dance-punks Pony Pants band together to recover the costs of their stolen van. With Barking Spiders, Northern Liberties, Serpents of Wisdom, Bear is Driving, My Mind and Thin Hymns. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, all ages, www.myspace.com/dangerdangergallery.
Bardo Pond: Influential local psych-rock band does a free show. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 9 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-291-4945, www.kungfunecktie.com.
Hell Under The El: Punk-and-roll returns to the El Bar with Loaf-ss, Ray Gradys, the Boils, Clashing Plaid and Blood Bombers. El Bar, Front and Master streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215 634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.
Broken Prayers: Local goth Americana band is reminiscent of the Handsome Family, 16 Horsepower and Nick Cave. Tritone, 1508 South St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215–545–0475, www.tritonebar.com.
Brother JT: Philly's adopted psych-rock king plays with Wicked Hemlocks, Native Black, Empty Shapes and DJs Ian St. Laurent and Opal. North Star Bar, 8 p.m. Sunday, $8, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.
Japanther: Brooklyn lo-fi punk duo plays with Ninjasonik and Totally Michael. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-291-4945, www.kungfunecktie.com.
Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps: Minneapolis alt-country/folk group is a cross between Mirah and a more earthbound Joanna Newsom. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Monday Night Club: Needles Jones-hosted Love-Not-So-Much Pre-Valentine's Day Cabaret includes the chamber pop of Box 5, Gen Cab, Lisa Sunshine, members of the Azuka Theater previewing their "I Love You/I Hate You" event and paeans to ruined romance from Miss Jones. National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St., 9 p.m. Monday, free, 215-701-4883, www.nationalmechanics.com.
Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest: Annual event kicks off tonight with Andrew Lipke, Sisters 3 and other local singer-songwriters. Wednesday is Talking Heads tribute night with Victor Victor Band, Grammar Debate and tons more. The heavier Thursday night is Stinking Lizaveta, Surgeon and others. The Fire, 412 E. Girard Ave., 8 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 9 p.m. Thursday, $7-$8, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com.
Goblin C--k: Metallic side project from Pinback's Rob Crow plays with Warship and Wizard Eye. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.
Kurt Vile: War on Drugs leader plays with Espers side project Watery Love and Bogan Dust. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. Thursday, $5, 215-291-4945, www.kungfunecktie.com.
Easy Action: The latest punk-blues outlet for former members of the Laughing Hyenas and the Necros. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
JAZZ
Oscuro Quintet: Philly-based quintet draws its members from a broad swath of local scenes, from classical to jazz to experimental music, coming together for a skewed perspective on tango music. Here they perform with a singer and tango dancers. 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.
Jeff "Tain" Watts: Not exactly a self-titled release, the image of the (in)famous towers on the cover of his new CD, "Watts," proves he has a bit more than self-aggrandizement in mind. With an all-star line-up, the drummer offers a selection of forceful originals that wears its political agenda on its sleeve. Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St., 8 and 10 tonight, $20, reservations suggested, 215-922-1035, www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com.
Junior Jazz Festival: Please Touch Museum's month-long offering of jazz - attention-grabbing enough for kiddies and hip enough for their parents - continues with a pair of respected local acts: Vibraphonst Tony Miceli and his band tomorrow, and bassist Warren Oree's Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble on Sunday. Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park (4231 Avenue of the Republic), 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. tomorrow; 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, free with museum admission of $15, 215-581-3181, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Henry Grimes/Rashied Ali: Philly-born legends team up: bassist Grimes is six years into his remarkable comeback after a 30-year disappearance from the music business. Ali, best known as the drummer for John Coltrane's most expansive experimentations, has taken on a mentorship role with a group of much younger musicians. Both straddle the boundary between inside and outside jazz. Gordon Theater, Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, 3rd and Pearl streets, Camden, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $35, 856-225-2700, www.rutgerscamdenarts.org.
Underground River: Jack Ohly is an integral part of the local Balkan-flavored West Philadelphia Orchestra, but the vocalist/bassist/drummer's travels have taken him to a different locale: the central Bahia region of Brazil. His percussion-driven group Old Goats dedicates itself to the region's folk music. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $5-$10, www.therotunda.org.
Don Braden: There's nothing wrong with being old-fashioned. Each of tenor saxophonist Braden's releases sounds like an unearthed gem from the Blue Note archives. His latest, "Gentle Storm," is no exception. He'll bring the fine quartet from the CD - pianist George Colligan, bassist Joris Teepe and drummer Cecil Brooks III. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.
Jon Hassell & Maarifa Street: ECM Records is known for its airy, atmospheric sound, so it's surprising that trumpeter Hassell has taken 25 years between recordings for the label. His spacious fog of a sound, which combines Middle Eastern dynamics, dense electronic ambience and a beyond-minimalist restraint, is a perfect fit. The Memphis-born trumpeter is on his first U.S. tour in 20 years, so catch him while you can – just get caffeinated first. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $15, 215-222-1400, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.
Sci-Fi Philly: Weekly avant-jazz showcase hosts solo performances by Montreal-based trumpeter Gordon Allen and drummer Dante Bucci, and a duo gig by local saxophonists Elliott Levin and Terry Lawson. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.
Renee Rosnes: Marian McPartland, host of NPR's long-running "Piano Jazz," had a hand in this series' lineup, guaranteed to be high-caliber. Rosnes, most recently on the ivories for the all-star SFJazz Collective, kicks things off. Jazz Club at Longwood, Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $60, 215-893-1999, www.longwoodgardens.org.
Chance Trio: Philly's own fantastic acoustic trio features trumpeter Bart Miltenberg, guitarist Matt Davis and bassist Michael Taylor. They'll tackle Jimmy Giuffre's 1958 "Western Suite." The event also will feature a discussion with Penn professor and composer Jay Reise, who studied with Giuffre. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $10, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.
BALLET
Pennsylvania Ballet: "Love and Longing" is the perfect Valentine treat. The famous number is Twyla Tharp's now-legendary "Nine Sinatra Songs," expanded from the original created for Mikhail Baryshnikov. Peter Martins' "Fearful Symmetries" is a large and complex work based on John Adams' score. Plusthe world premiere of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's "Requiem for a Rose," set to the Adagio from Schubert's Quintet in C. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and Feb. 13-14, also 2 p.m. Feb. 14-15, $21.50-$126.50, 216-336-2000, www.paballet.org.
CLASSICAL
Orchestra 2001: Innovative ensemble presents the world premiere of "A Scandal In Bohemia," based on Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tale. The work by Swarthmore faculty members Thomas Whitman, the composer, and librettist Nathalie Anderson honors the college's retiring president, Al Bloom. Perelman Theatre, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 tonight, $32, 215-893-1999; and Lang Concert Hall, Swarthmore College, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-922-2190, www.orchestra2001.org.
Opera Delaware: Strauss' frothy favorite "Die Fledermaus" brings a vibrant classic of Viennese enjoyment to the stage. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del., 8 tonight and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, $25-$68, 800-37-GRAND, www.operade.org.
Lyric Fest: In "Music in the White House," Tracey Matisak narrates the development of song throughout the edifice's history. Superb vocal artists include sopranos Takesha Kizart, Sally Wolf and Randi Marrazzo; mezzos Suzanne DuPlantis and Emily Bullock; baritone John Packard; and bass Kevin Langan. Roberts Hall, Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15; and First Presbyterian Church, 21st and Walnut streets, 3 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-432-5946, www.lyricfest.org.
Camerata Ama Deus: The ensemble of Baroque instrument players celebrates the 250th anniversary of Handel's death with two Concerti Grossi, a Trumpet Suite and Concertos for oboe and for flute, led by Valentin Radu. St. Paul's, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow; and Thomas Great Hall, Bryn Mawr College, 256 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 4 p.m. Sunday, $25, 610-688-2800, www.voxamadeus.org.
Curtis Opera Theater: "Impressions of Pelleas" is the Peter Brook adaptation of Debussy's opera "Pelleas and Melisande," one of the most enigmatic creations in all music. It will be illuminated by the Curtis vocal artists led by Lisa Keller and staged by Elizabeth Stevens, accompanied by two pianos and sung in English. Curtis Opera Studio, 1726 Locust St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Feb. 14, plus 6 p.m. Feb. 15, $22, 215-893-1999, www.curtis.edu.
Curtis Opera Theater: Menotti's gripping "The Medium" is ideal for these young vocal artists. Music director Danielle Orlando leads the production, staged by Elizabeth Stevens. With piano accompaniment and sung in the original English. Curtis Opera Studio, 1726 Locust Street, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Feb. 13, plus 2:30 p.m. Feb. 15, $22, 215-893-1999, www.curtis.edu.
'Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District': Screening of Shostakovich's stark opera, filmed recently at Florence's Maggio Musicale, with soprano Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet as Katerina, tenor Vsevolod Grivnov as her husband and baritone Sergej Kunaev as her cruel lover. Bryn Mawr Theater, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $25, 610-527-4008, ext. 105, www.brynmawrfilm.org.