Music critics' picks
POP Don't let Grizzly Bear's name confuse you. There's nothing vicious about this buzz-worthy band, though drummer Christopher's last name, coincidentally, is Bear. Haunting, choir-boy vocals by band founder Edward Droste and Daniel Rossen, and delicately orc
POP
Don't let Grizzly Bear's name confuse you. There's nothing vicious about this buzz-worthy band, though drummer Christopher's last name, coincidentally, is Bear. Haunting, choir-boy vocals by band founder Edward Droste and Daniel Rossen, and delicately orchestrated, chamber pop melodies (think Rufus Wainwright meets Polyphonic Spree at Philip Glass' house), have an otherworldly, experimental aura. And as the guys underscore with one song on their new "Veckatimest" album, this is meant as "Foreground" music, not just more of that heady ambient stuff, with lyrics that get you focused on a state of mind and place in time. Truth is, this Grizzly Bear should be on display at a sit-down concert hall rather than a rock club. Here We Go Magic opens.
Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $18/$20 (all ages), 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
- Jonathan Takiff
ALTERNATIVE
The ladies behind the Northern Liberties shop Art Star found 100 of the coolest vendors from the indie craft scene from all over the country and are bringing them outdoors for two days for the annual Art Star Craft Bazaar. Shoppers can expect clothing, jewelry, prints, accessories, bags, dolls, hats, craft supplies, housewares, stationary, sculpture, fine art, ceramics, glass, baby items, and more. While you shop, you can hear some of Philly's best local bands with The Photon Band, Like A Fox, Gildon Works, The Mural and the Mint, and others.
Penn's Landing Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard between Chestnut and Walnut streets, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, free, 215-238-1557, www.artstarcraftbazaar.com
- Sara Sherr
HIP-HOP
Superproducer 9th Wonder will be the guest of honor when he and fellow True School DJ Ultraviolet take over tomorrow's Tastytreats. 9th has worked with an extremely wide range of talent, from relatively unknown but skilled indie rappers like Wale to some of the biggest names in the game, such as Jay-Z. 9th broke onto the scene with North Carolina collective Little Brother, and their 2001 single, "Speed." Tastytreats has been rocking since 2001, as well. A collaboration between local artist/promoter Stacey "Flygirrl" Wislon, DJ Mike Nyce and Roots drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson, the event has had some of hip-hops icons as guest DJs - and it shows no sign of slowing down. As usual, the party will be hosted by Yameen Allworld and won't stop until 2 a.m.
Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St.,
10 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.
- James Johnson
JAZZ
Guitar-playing virtuosity often implies dazzling, lightning-fast runs, but, as Montco axeman Pete Smyser's latest CD shows, with experience often comes the luxury of being able to relax. "Opportunity Knocks," a trio and quartet with an all-star Philly cast, spotlights a sense of confident swing, with Smyser evoking influences from Wes Montgomery to Jim Hall without ever succumbing to the temptation to show off. He'll celebrate the disc's release at Chris' with pianist Sid Simmons, bassist Mike Boone, and drummer Doug Hirlinger.
Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St.,
8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.
- Shaun Brady
CLASSICAL
Charles Dutoit returns to finish out the Philadelphia Orchestra's final four season weekends. He's chosen Beethoven's "Coriolan" Overture and the Third Symphony by his Swiss countryman Arthur Honegger, subtitled the "Liturgical." Composed right after World War II, its three movements teem with rage and intensity, finally resolving into a resplendent peace.
Dutoit's soloist is German-born violinist Isabelle Faust, who has distinguished herself through some superb CDs, as well as in advocating for works by contemporary composers. (She's replacing another young and brilliant German artist, Julia Fischer, who had to cancel). Performing on a 1702 instrument, nicknamed the "Sleeping Beauty" Stradivarius, she'll solo in the rhythmic and moving Brahms Violin Concerto.
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center,
8 tonight and tomorrow plus 2 p.m. Sunday, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.
- Tom Di Nardo