What's on tap musically in the area this week

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

POP

Ben Kweller: His new album, "Changing Horses," is a happy throwback to earlier musical eras and forms, from vaudeville song and dance to folksy gospel shoutouts to pining pedal-steel country. It all fits perfectly to his weathered, knowing voice. With Watson Twins and Jones Street Station. TLA, 334 South St., 9 tonight. $15 (each in a four pack) to $23. 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Kris Kristofferson: For the good times, let Kris help you make it through the night, so you can meet up with me and Bobby McGee. McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton, N.J., 8 tonight, $35-$42, 609-258-ARTS, www.mccarter.org.

Jason Isbell: A Drive-By Trucker takes the wheel, with the 400 Unit and Deer Tick. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Ian McLagan: Unlike former bandmate Rod Stewart, this good-natured, down-to-earth singer and keyboardist is still cranking out that boisterous, bluesy style British garage rock we usta love when he was in Small Faces and, later, Faces. Working with the Bump Band, McLagan's sure to preview treats from next month's new release "Never Say Never." Seasoned local thrashers Richard Bush & the Peace Creeps open. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $25, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Thievery Corporation: International conspiracy freshens their contemporary club aura with splashes of reggae, rock, Indian and South American music supplied by live players and DJs alike. Spinner Rob Paine (Solomonic Sound and Worship Recordings) warms up the night. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, $35, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Blitzen Trapper: One of the quirky, ambitious, new folk-rock bands worth paying attention to. Abela Diane shares the bill. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $12, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet: Keep the Mardis Gras party going with these tradition-minded Louisiana zydeco masters. Philly's fine father and son blues duo Beaucoup Blue open. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Juana Molina: Gifted Argentinian sound-scaper has been making arty, ambient, world-o-music albums all on her own, with intricately layered, looping vocals serving as core instrumental sounds. (She also plays guitar.) For this tour, she's got a live band, replete with bass and drums. Japanese multi-tracker Oorutaichi opens, solo. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Mariza: World music devotees have a tough call to make on Sunday, with this Portuguese talent as the other "must see" to consider. Mariza is more the traditionalist - queen of the quivering, melodramatic, heart-bleeding ballad style called fado (think a South American Marlene Dietrich), though her new album finds the artist also exploring uptempo styles for varied and entertaining effects. Opener Ivan Lins is off the bill due to visa problems. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $35-$56, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Tyrone Wells/Pat McGee: Able tunesmiths give you something to hum about in their soloing, small room turns. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $13-$15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Click Five: Pop rock is rarely this cheery, youthful and bubblicious. And it won't give you cavities! It's the Click Five's first weekly installment of their month-long March residency, so help start the buzz. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $5, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Tindersticks: Smoky soul and lounge jazz-tinged Brits find beauty in the sorrow. If you revel in the darkness with Morrisey and Nick Cave, let Tindersticks light your fire, too. Dawn Landes shares the stage. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $23-$25, 21'5-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Bird and The Bee: Greg Kurstin (keyboards) and Inara George (vocals) comprise this delightfully airborn, alt-pop duo, coming through on the wings of a perversely spaced out new vehicle, "Ray Guns Are Not the Future." Subject matter ranges from "Diamond Dave" (aka David Lee Roth) to their "Love Letter to Japan." Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $22, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Missy Higgins: Persistent touring seems key for this wise and winsome Australian singer/songwriter. Her year-old album and single, "Where I Stood," just enjoyed their best sales week to date. Justin Nozuka is in the "also featured" slot. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $16.90 (in four pack) to $22.50, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

HIP-HOP

?uestlove: Grammy-winning musician, and member of Philadelphia based hip-hop band The Roots, will be on hand as guest DJ for the seven-year anniversary of 32º Luxe Lounge. Resident DJ Kevin Kong will be on hand too. 32 Degrees, 16 S. 2nd St., 10 tonight, free, 215-627-3132.

Fresh Produce: Monthly producer showcase celebrates the life and legacy of legendary producer J Dilla. Featured producers are Y?Arcka, Sir Froderick, Ellipsis, Denski and Fatnice, with DJ Fox Boogie spinning. Although he passed away in 2006, "Dilla lives forever." Tritone, 1508 South St., 10 tonight, $5, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Sabrina Cuie: Singer celebrates release of her latest mix CD with a party show also featuring rap group Triple Nickels, with DJ Jim Redz spinning and Beat Garden's Big O hosting. Liquid Charm, 1207 Race St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $7, 21-plus, myspace.com/liquidcharms.

Dres: Black Sheep member, know for the 1992 hip-hop classic "The Choice Is Yours," plus Philly rapper/producer Zilla Rocca. You should get with this. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 21-plus, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Art History 101: Local clothing label throws a party with Jersey rhymer Money Carsin and DJ Bo Bliz. Tacony Billiards, 6201 Keystone St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 21-plus, 215-338-4733.

Candyland: Stacey "Flygrrl" Wilson brings her phenomenal fusion of games, candy and good music to Silk City. Play classic games like Connect Four and Uno while enjoying music from one of Philadelphia's premier DJs, Mike Nyce. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Sunday, $5, 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

ALTERNATIVE

Elevator Parade: Leader/guitarist Rocco Renzetti is sort of a guitarist's guitarist in Philly indie rock circles. Countless members of other bands have joined his ever-rotating lineup, which has been an 11-member orchestra and a trio. Opener Native Black is worth checking out too. Also: Dark Horse & the Carousels. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Click: Dave P's popular dance party returns with Pink Skull's Julian S Process. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 10 tonight, $5, 215-592-8838, www.myspace.com/phillysilkcity.

Madonna Michael Prince: Three great '80s tastes that taste great together. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 10 tonight, $8, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Emilyn Brodsky: 22-year-old punk ukulele player plays an intimate show with Spoonboy (acoustic anarcho folk) and Ukebox (Philly's Justin Bender). Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $8, all ages, www.r5productions.com.

Hell Under The El: Sioux City Pete & the Beggars bring their killer punk-blues from Seattle, along with Flesh Engine, Filthy Rotten Sex Machine and Dead Gerber Babies. Connie's Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, all ages, 215-279-7587 www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Mr. Philly Drag King: Hosted by the Liberty City Drag Kings, this rescheduled date benefits the Philadelphia Dyke March. William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., 8-11 p.m. tomorrow, 215-732-2220, $5 in drag or $10, myspace.com/libertycitykings.

Melora Creager: Leader of the all-female Victorian cellist group does a solo show with Contramano, Dejesus, Trevor Exter and Sparta Philharmonic. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $12, 215-684-0808, northstarbar.com.

Snak Pak: Chrissy Tashjian of Bee Team and Dangerous Ponies debuts her new monthly queer and femme-centric music showcase. Along with DP are Endless Mike, Beagle Club, Pat The Bunny and Emit & Mary. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Arbouretum: David Heumann's songwriting vehicle tops a freak-folk bill that includes our own Meg Baird and 12-string fingerpicker James Blackshaw. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-291-4945, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Park Ranger: Ataris side project plays with Parms (from Japan), Bad Veronika and Subtle Hints. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Plants & Animals: If you like Blitzen Trapper, check out these indie rockers from Montreal. The Carolynne McNeel-led Rarebirds open. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Monday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Black Gold: Brooklyn duo's experimental electronics will appeal to fans of MGMT. They open for the soaring emo/indie of Arizona's Lydia. Also: All Day Holiday. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, $12, all ages, www.r5productions.com.

Lights: Toronto synthy emo-pop buzz band does an early all-ages show. Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $10, all ages, r5productions.com.

Gil Mantera's Party Dream: Aptly-named high-energy dance-rock duo returns with our own Gang and Pfunkt. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $12, 215-684-0808, northstarbar.com.

Music Tapes: Former members of Neutral Milk Hotel join another NMH offshoot, Nana Grizol, along with They Might Be Giants collaborator Brian Dewan. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $12, all ages, r5productions.com.

The Homosexuals: Re-formed post-punk band hits Philly on its second tour with Davila 666, the Tough Sh-ts and Casual Viking. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

The Bye Byes: Local indie-pop supergroup opens for Anathallo and Sam Amidon. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10-12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

JAZZ

Neil Leonard: Saxophonist and electronic musician is a true multimedia artist, combining electronic and acoustic sounds with visual arts - which should make him right at home here. 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, philamuseum.org.

Sean Jones: Last year, trumpeter Jones put on an emotional performance at the art museum, bringing the audience to its feet. Jones calls his new CD, "The Search Within," "a spiritual and sonic journey," so expect more soul-searching. Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St., 8 and 10 tonight, $20, reservations suggested, 215-922-1035, ortliebsjazzhaus.com.

Julian Lage: San Francisco-born guitarist is just 21 but already a veteran, having been the subject of an Oscar-nominated documentary at age 8. Picked up by vibist and guitar hero-mentor Gary Burton (he discovered Pat Metheny, John Scofield and Larry Coryell) for his Next generation Quintet, Lage is poised to release his debut CD. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Junior Jazz Festival: Please Touch Museum's month-long offering concludes with a repeat appearance by vibes hero Tony Miceli. 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.

John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble: Drummer returns for the first of two performances to culminate the Big Ears project, a residency which next week will see the debut of a 12-piece ensemble of local musicians. First, Hollenbeck's own 19-piece group debuts a new work penned for the occasion. Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 7 & 9 p.m. tomorrow, $25, 215-925-9914, paintedbride.org.

Matt Wilson: Playful, in-demand drummer brings his Arts and Crafts ensemble, a long-running quartet, here for a multi-media project incorporating the poetry of Carl Sandburg. Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $22, 215-641-6300, www.mc3.edu.

Adam Rogers: Chris Potter's electric Underground group is one of the hottest tickets in jazz right now, due in no small part to Rogers' scintillating guitar work. He concludes the second annual guitar week with his trio, featuring bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Marcus Gilmore. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Sci-Fi Philly: Weekly avant-jazz showcase hosts local trombonist Dan Blacksberg's Quartet, Blast Off!!, a synth/guitar/drums trio, and saxophonist Dave Sayers' Quartet. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

Stebmo: Seattle-based trombonist/keyboardist Steven Moore leads a trio that deftly blends jazz, indie rock and heavier sounds grafted from the arena of ambient metal, with bassist Todd Sickafoose and drummer Kenny Wolleson. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 8 p.m. Monday, $10, arsnovaworkshop.com.

CLASSICAL

Opera Company of Philadelphia: Puccini's exotically scored "Turandot" is a big success in this splashy gem with immense sets and cast. With tenor Francesco Hong, soprano Ermonela Jaho and soprano Francesca Patane. Mauricio Barbacini returns to the podium in this stunner, with production/direction by Canadians Renald Doucet and Andre Barbe. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. March 6, $10-$139, 215-893-1999, www.operaphilly.com.

Cecile Licad: Marvelous Philippine-born pianist came out of the gate with the Levintritt gold medal and appearances with all the major orchestras, including ours. She'll play Liszt's two portraits of St. Francis, the restless Fifth and Tenth Sonatas of Scriabin and the four dazzling Scherzi by Chopin. American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. tonight, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Prism Saxophone Quartet: Before concerts in New York and D.C., these excellent players join Music From China for a program you won't hear again, including the Septet for Erhu, Pipa, Percussion and saxophone by Chen Yi; "Antiphony" for Erhu, Darian (a kind of bass guitar); percussion and saxes by Zhou Long; Songs for Huqin (a two-string instrument) and saxes by Wang Guowei; and "Chinatown" by Ming-Hsiu Yen. The Asian ensemble will play Tan Dun's early "Tableau," and the Prism group will perform Lei Liang's new work, "Yuan." Settlement Music School, 416 Queen St., 8 tonight, $20, 215-438-5282, www.prism.

Dolce Suono: Flutist Mimi Stillman's guests include Philadelphia Orchestra cellist Yumi Kendall and Temple-based pianist Charles Abramovic, beginning the program with Haydn's G Major Trio. Mezzo-soprano Donna Morein joins in Ravel's "Chansons madecasses" and "La Flute Enchantee" from his "Sheherazade," plus the commissioned premiere of Jeremy Gill's "Ode: A Dramatic Cantata." First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 tonight, free, 215-252-1803, www.dolcesuono.com.

Vox Ama Deus: Valentin Radu leads his Baroque instrument orchestra in Handel's oratorio "Judas Maccabeus," with tenor Timothy Bantch, bass Ed Bara and soprano Andrea Lauren Brown, plus the Bryn Mawr boy- and girl-choir. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 8 tonight, $20-$50, 215-893-1999, vocamadeus.org.

Suzanne DuPlantis & Randall Scarlata: Busy mezzo and baritone, accompanied by the exceptional Laura Ward, perform Leonard Bernstein's "Arias and Barcarolles" amidst art work by Arcadia University students. Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., 8 tonight, $5, 215-247-8855, chestnuthillpres.org.

Academy of Vocal Arts: Donizetti's earthy comedy "Don Pasquale" is an ideal vehicle for these great future vocal stars. Superb musician and voice coach Richard Raub conducts, overseeing David Gately's production with chorus relocated to the Wild West of 1880s Arizona. Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and Tuesday; Walter Gordon Theater at Rutgers, 3rd and Pearl streets, Camden, 7:30 p.m. March 9; $48-$83, 215-735-1685, www.avaopera.com.

Bang On A Can: Now-famous ensemble lives up to the Fresh Ink category, with a work by Michael Gordon not even titled yet. Composer/percussionist Glenn Kotche (of Wilco) joins the seven musicians in two of his works, plus his arrangement of Steve Reich's "Clapping Music Variations." Reich's "Music for Pieces of Wood," Julia Wolfe's "Big Beautiful Dark and Scary" and David Lang's "Sunray" fill out a wild and explosive bill. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $19-$32, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Jonathan Biss & Miriam Fried: Virtuoso pianist Biss and noted recitalist and violinist Fried play a bold program of three Sonatas. Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, 7:45 p.m. tomorrow, $35 ($45 with dinner), 215-887-8700, kenesethisrael.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra chamber players: Ensemble musicians and pianists Charles Abramovic and Susan Nowicki perform Schumann's Piano Trio No. 1, Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 4 and "Five Parts of the Dance" by contemporary composer George Fenton. Plus Franz Hasenohrl's reduction of Richard Strauss' orchestral romp "Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks" to a mere five players. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 3 p.m. Sunday, $18-$27, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Brentano String Quartet: Award-winning ensemble performs Haydn's Op. 21/3 Quartet and, with guest violist Hsin Yun Huang, Mendelssohn's Op. 97 Quintet. Plus the local premiere of Lee Hyla's "Howl," featuring a taped Allen Ginsberg reading his 1956 poem. Independence Seaport Museum, Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street, 3 p.m. Sunday, $23, 215-569-8080, pcmsconcerts.org.

I Palpiti: International chamber orchestra, in residence at Temple, performs under the baton of Eduard Schmieder. The unusual program consists of George Enescu's Prelude to "L'unisson," "Musica Dolorosa" by Peteris Vasks and Schmieder's transcription of the Grieg Serenade for Strings for chamber orchestra. Norwegian Catharina Chen and Romanian Alexandru Tomescu solo in Malcolm Arnold's Concerto for Two Violins. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 7:30 p.m. Monday, $20-$35, 215-893-1999, temple.edu/boyer.

Marja Kaisla & Hugh Sung: The museum and Germantown Piano Company present pianists in Rachmaninoff's First Suite for two pianos, then, with Academy of Vocal Arts tenor Joseph Demarest, Schumann's "Dichterliebe." Violinist Nina Beate and cellist Jesus Morales collaborate with Kaisla as the Trio Excelsior, playing Paul Schoenfield's "Café Music." Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $20, 215-247-0476.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Returning from a successful European tour, the orchestra hosts Russian-born guest conductor Vladimir Jurowski, a favorite. He's chosen a knockout program - Alban Berg's stunning Three Pieces, Op. 6 - plus Mahler's emotional "Die Klagende Lied" ("The plaintive song") featuring soprano Twyla Robinson, mezzo Iris Vermillion and tenor Michael Hendrick, along with the Philadelphia Singers Chorale and projected English translations. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Thursday and March 7 and March 10; also 2 p.m. March 6 and 8, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.