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Area musical events this week

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

Shunda K will perform at the M Room Sunday night.
Shunda K will perform at the M Room Sunday night.Read more

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

POP . . . plus

Battle of the Bands: Fund-raiser for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has area outfits Rocket 88, Soundhouse, Faced, Stand on Saturn, Letter 7, Fast Track Romance and Lead Foot Driver competing. Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown, 7 tonight, $15, battle4alex.webs.com.

The Underhills: Locals are building a buzz with their heartfelt, crisply strummy alt-rock. Worth the trip up 611. Puck, Printers Alley, 14 E. Court St., Doylestown, 8:30 tonight, $8, 215-348-9000, www.pucklive.com.

Celtic Woman: Chloe, Lisa, Alex, Lynn and Mairead skip and fiddle into town with their "Isle of Hope Tour" to get your Irish up. We've certainly got the right weather for 'em. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $49 and $69, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Def Leppard: Old-school rock fans won't need to pour sugar on this sweet lineup, as Britain's arena-rock titans hook up with Cheap Trick and Poison for a 40-stop tour that starts here. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 7 p.m. Tuesday, $10.80 (in a lawn-seat sixpack) to $122.25, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Björk's "Voltaic: The Volta Tour Live in Paris and Reykjavik," a concert film of the multi-media extravaganza featuring Iceland's quirkiest export. It's all part of her new DVD/CD/vinyl package coming out June 30 on Nonesuch Records. 941 Theater, 941 Front St., 8:00 p.m. tomorrow, $7, www.941theater.com.

Buckwheat Zydeco: Zydeco is on his 30th anniversary tour. The venue's Web site warns that "due to dancing . . . some portions of the first few rows will have limited visibility." To which we respond, why would you want to stay in your seat anyway? Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, 8 p.m. Monday, $21.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Patterson Hood & the Screwtopians: They're the spawn of Drive-By Truckers (John Neff and Brad Morgan). All we know is, we love that name. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $19 and $24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Fray: Denver-based alt-piano rockers ably acquit themselves in the Cold Play section of the record store. With Jack's Mannequin. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $19.50-$66.50, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Bettye Lavette: She wowed you at the Obama inaugural celebration, performing before an audience of thousands. Experience her big, soul-scorched pipes in this intimate, recently reopened setting. North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., sets at 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday, $25, 215-248-1000, www.nxnwphl.com.

"Murder Ballads, Shanties, and other Poe-etics": Advancing the October debut of "Haunted Poe," Brat Productions offers an appropriately offbeat evening featuring performer Dame Darcy with Ben Smiley; singer/songwriter/comedian Jessica Delfino; Drew Mills (of Blood Feathers); Helen McKenna-Uff, Poe impersonator and Poe House Ranger; Fern Night; Yellow Humphrey (members of National Eye); and previews of "Haunted." Latvian Society, 531 North 7th St. (at Spring Garden), 9 p.m. Thursday, $5, 1-800-838-3006.

Bio Ritmo: Salsa-alternative band that incorporates Caribbean and other Latin sounds performs here on first day of the four-day Philly Salsa Congress. Felton Supper Club, 4800 Rising Sun Ave., 10 p.m. Thursday. Ticket info, www.philasalsacongress.com.

HIP-HOP

School's Out Show: Capo, Untytled, E-Life, Biz M!ghty and DJ Thorobred will be celebrating the conclusion of another school year with a great night of indie hip-hop that will make you forget about that last report card. Liberties OCI, 11 Beaver St., Hulmeville, 9 tonight, $5, 21-plus, 215-752-9878, libertiesoldcolonial.com.

Akilles: When it comes to great live performances, few can match this Jersey-born rhymer. Fittingly, Akilles and his band, the OddiCY, were chosen to host and perform at the grand opening of University City's latest hot spot. With DJ Phsh and rocker Patty Crash, this is definitely an event you do not want to miss. Panda Bar, 200 S. 40th St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-222-0100.

Bridge the Gap Poetry Slam: Old meet young as Philadelphia Youth and Adult Poetry and New Jersey Youth and Adult Poetry teams take the stage. Hosted by Just Greg. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 6 p.m. tomorrow, $10 ($7 with food or clothing donation), 215-573-3234, www.therotunda.org.

Old School Father's Day Show: Treat your dad (or yourself) to hip-hop legends as golden-era rhymers Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane and Roxanne Shante make their way to Trenton. It'll definitely beat that tie you were going to get him. Patriots Theater, War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr., Trenton, N.J., 6 p.m. Sunday, $25-$40, 609-984-8400, www.state.nj.us/state/divisions/memorial.

Electric Soul: DJs Skipmode, Lil' Dave and Statik of the Illvibe Collective spin hip-hop, funk, house and all genres in between at this every third Sunday event. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Sunday, $5 (free before 11 p.m.), 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Anthony Hamilton: Charlotte, N.C., singer will be joined by the talented Chrisette Michele and Philadelphia's own Musiq Soulchild. This incredible lineup is definitely a must-see for fans of neo-soul. Tower Theater, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby, P.A., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $40 - $85, 610-352-2887, www.tower-theatre.com.

ALTERNATIVE

M.O.T.O: Otherwise known as Masters of the Obvious, the Chicago-based punk-pop legends, a cross between the Ramones and the Undertones, play their first Philly show. With Midnight Creeps and Jukebox Zeros. JR's, 2300 S. Croskey St. (22nd and Passyunk), 8 tonight, $5, 215-336-4020, www.myspace.com/sickchattelproductions.

Harlem Shakes: The Brooklyn garage-pop band joins Philly DFA signees Free Energy, who are more guitar rock jams than the dance-punk of their label. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 7 tonight, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

The Extraordinaires: This ambitious and theatrical local band celebrates the release of a CD and handcrafted book, "Electric and Benevolent." With Buffalo Stance, Kill You in the Face and Brown Mushroom. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m., $13, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Voodoo Economics: Sounding like the Yeah Yeah Yeah's backed by a carnival organ, the local art-rockers are one of the city's most unique bands. The good news is that they have a brand new digital release, "Nighttime Sabbaticals." The bad news is that this is their last show, as singer/keyboardist Alison Nosila is heading to McGill University in Montreal to take her PhD in music theory. With Make A Rising, Calmer, Mux Mool and others. Pi Lam, 3914 Spruce St., 8 tonight, $5-10, http://incitingaction.com.

Hell Under The El: A night of local punk and metal with Blackmass Mafia, Haley, Dead Gerber Babies and Tommy Griggs Band. Connie's Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St., 8 tonight, $10, all ages, www.conniesricrac.com.

Major Lazer: Dancehall collaboration between MIA producers Diplo and Switch promises zombie dancers. Also: A-Trak and Drop the Lime. Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., 9 tonight, free with registration: http://bacardibliveusa.bacardi.com/Bacardi/Default.aspx?event=15007.

Elvis Perkins in Dearland: Son of actor Anthony Perkins is a cross between Nick Drake and Van Morrison. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Little Joy: Side project for the Strokes' Fabrizio Moretti returns. With Dead Trees, Fang Fang and Edison Proposal. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $10, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Metric: Led by Emily Haines, the best Broken Social Scene side project reigns supreme with Sebastien Grainger. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 9 tonight, $21, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Night of the Dancing Dead Zombie Dance Party: Everyone loves zombies. Local indie-rockers Anders Manly host this fun night with Bee Team side project Conversations with Enemies, Bad Girlfriend, the Naked Heroes and DJ Captain Ridiculous. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 tonight, $7, 215–545–0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Art All Night Trenton: Jon Solomon and other WPRB-FM DJs are spinning all night long at this family-friendly outdoor arts festival. Museum of Contemporary Science. 675 S. Clinton Ave., Trenton, 3 p.m. tomorrow through 3 p.m. Sunday, free, all ages, www.artworkstrenton.org.

Nylon Summer Music Tour: Features flamboyant Patrick Wolf, rock-and-rollers Living Things, French girl-group Plasticines and Jaguar Love (members of Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves). North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $17-$20, all ages, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

Black Dice: These Brooklyn noise-rockers have morphed into a sonic blender of electronic, reggae, African-sounding guitars, and pretty much anything else they can get their hands on. It's loopy good fun, less abrasive than their earlier work With Awesome Color. Kung Fu Neck Tie, 1248 N. Front St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Kaiju Big Battel: The world's only live, fighting-monster spectacle takes over the Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $18.50, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Thunderheist: Electro-rap and disco from Canada and Nigeria meets Baltimore up-and-comer Rye Rye, who has just signed to M.I.A.'s new label, N.E.E.T. The Mad Decent DJs spin between sets. Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave. at Columbus Boulevard, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

POPPED! Fest After Party: With solid locals East Hundred, Adam & Dave's Bloodline and An American Chinese. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Harry and the Potters: For every installment of the popular junior wizard, there are probably dozens of punky tribute bands. With Remis Lupins and Whomping Wizards. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 5 p.m. Sunday, $10, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

The Van Pelt: This mid-'90s emo band included Chris Leo, brother of Ted, who later formed the Lapse with Blonde Redhead's Toko Yasuda, as well as Jets To Brazil's Brian Maryansky. With Blacklist and the Frontier. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Shunda K: Yo Majesty leader takes over with DJ Cassette, Count RockuLA, Josh Bloom and Brian Parnagian. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Camera Obscura: This little-band-that-could is finally blowing up. For the uninitiated, these Scots are a wistful mix of indie pop and girl-group sounds, with the occasional Sheena Easton cover thrown in for good measure. With Anni Rossi and the Foggy Notion DJs. Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Monday, $15-18, all ages, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Robes: Local Anglophiles throw a pre-EP-release party with Andy Pry of Throne of Blood NYC. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 9 p.m. Tuesday, $5, 215-592-8838, www.myspace.com/silkcity.

Dirty Diamond: The naughty Neil Diamond impersonator is so well-intentioned. As part of WMMR's Jaxon's Local Shots Live, if you say you are there to see him, a donation will be made to the Bluebond Education Fund. If that's not enough, the first 93 women who say they are there to see DD will get a free vibrator. Doc Watson's, 216 S. 11th St., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $5, 215-988-5300, http://www.docwatsons.com.

Pansy Division: After a documentary and a book, America's first queerpunk band returns with the Percocettes and Sgt. Sass. North Star Bar, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $12, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

The Lemonheads: Evan Dando and company are back with a set of covers by GG Allin, Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen and more. With It's A King Thing and Appomattox. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $20, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Tiny Vipers: Sub Pop's newest signee is Seattle singer/songwriter/fingerpicker Jesy Fortino. With Balmorhea and Goodnight Sir, Goodnight Air. Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $10, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Wooden Birds: New project for American Analog set's Andrew Kenny. With Other Lives, the Honey Brothers' Andrew Vladeck and Two White Horses. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 8 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

Weathervane Music Launch Party: Nonprofit local music network launched by producer/musician Brian McTear will showcase papertrigger and the Armchairs, plus session clips from Sunset and East Hundred at 2424 Studios, and commemorative posters by Mark Pernice. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Adam Arcuragi: The local singer/songwriter celebrates the release of "I Am Become Joy" with Gianmarco Cilli and Peasant. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

JAZZ

Melody Gardot: Tonight poses a dilemma for vocal jazz fanatics: three of today's most popular singers are taking local stages at almost the same moment, beginning with Philly's own Gardot, whose compelling story and new Verve debut are creating enormous buzz. But we'll make it a little easier: if you don't have tickets already, it's sold out (as is her Sunday gig at Sellersville Theatre). World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Diana Krall: Vocal option two is the modern standard-bearer. Krall's latest, "Quiet Nights" melds Brazilian sounds and West Coast cool for a breezy blend that should fit well in the Mann's open-air environs. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., 8 tonight, $49-$79, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Madeleine Peyroux: Rounding out the crooner triple-play is this one-time street performer whose latest, "Bare Bones," stakes a claim for full-on singer-songwriter status, giving the standards a momentary rest. Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 tonight, $29.50-$39.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Orrin Evans Trio: Philly pianist returns to the site where portions of his new DVD were filmed to celebrate its release, leading a trio with bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Justin Faulkner, along with special guests Craig Handy and Robin Eubanks. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $22, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Gary Burton Quartet Revisited: Nearly 35 years ago, vibes master Burton discovered a young guitarist, Pat Metheny, and planted the 19-year-old in his quartet alongside bassist Steve Swallow. The three are now revisiting that band along with drummer Antonio Sanchez, who has been working with the now-legendary-himself Metheny for a decade. Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $49.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

AlasNoAxis: One of the most exciting drummers in modern jazz, Jim Black, leads his long-running quartet that's equal parts post-rock grooves and avant-jazz roar. Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $12, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Kenny G: What can be said about the smooth jazz superstar that hasn't already? Those who mock him have all but given up; those who love him apparently can't be talked out of it. Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $59.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Classical

Philadelphia Orchestra: Berlioz' colossal Requiem wraps the season with a grand flourish. Conducting an expanded orchestra, large Philadelphia Singers Chorale, tenor Paul Groves and four brass choirs, Charles Dutoit brings a definitive insight into this monumental and rarely performed emotional thunderbolt. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 2 p.m. today and Sunday, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Delaware Chamber Music Festival: Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Barbara Govatos compiles this two-week festival in her hometown. Along with pianist Marcantonio Barone, clarinetist Igor Begelman, hornist Jeffrey Lang, cellist Clancy Newman and violist Burchard Tang, they'll perform Jeno Hubay's "Hejre Kati" and Brahms' "Hungarian Dance No. 5," both for violin and piano, plus the Sextet by Dohnanyi and Brahms' G Minor Piano Quartet. Wilmington Music School, 4101 Washington Street, Wilmington, 7:30 tonight, $22, 302-442-0572, www.dcmf.org.

Concert Operetta Theater: Oscar Strauss' "Ein Walzertraum" ("A Waltz Dream") wraps this enterprising ensemble's eighth season. This operetta, which made its America debut at Philadelphia's Chestnut Street Opera House in 1908, will be performed with its original British translation and piano accompaniment. Michele Scanlon makes her debut as music director, with local tenor Michael Gallant as the soldier who leaves a princess (Darlene Kelsey) on their wedding night to be with a Viennese female band conductor (Kemper Florin). Helen Corning Warden Theater, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St., 4 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, $25, 215-389-0648.

Delaware Valley Opera Company: Gounod's evergreen "Romeo and Juliet" kicks off the summer season, with Akiko Hosaki as piano accompanist and music director. Jay Anstee and Rebecca Fetrow sing the title roles, with Michael Dura as Friar Laurence. Roxborough High School Theater, 6498 Ridge Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday and June 27, $15, 215-725-4171, www.dvopera.org.

Rossini's "Il Viaggio a Reims": Rossini's comic masterpiece, about a group of foreign visitors on their way to an 1825 coronation, gets a rare performance in this recent production from Milan's fabled La Scala theater. Patrizia Ciofi and Daniela Barcellona star, with Ottavio Dantone on the podium. In this show designed by Gae Aulenti, screens inside and outside La Scala show a procession that travels across Milan and into the theater. Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 1 p.m. Sunday, $25, 610-527-4008, www.brynmawrfilm.org.

Delaware Chamber Music Festival: Violinist Barbara Govatos, pianist Marcantonio Barone, violist Burchard Tang and cellist Clancy Newman perform Messiaen's "Fantasie" for violin and piano, Debussy's gorgeous "Cello Sonata" and Faure's "G Minor Piano Quartet". Mezzo-soprano Carla Dirlikov sings the voice/piano version of Ravel's magnificent "Sheherazade" song cycle. Wilmington Music School, 4101 Washington Street, Wilmington, 3 p.m. Sunday, $22, 302-442-0572, www.dcmf.org.

Wagner's "Das Rheingold": The first opera in the colossal four-evening "Ring" cycle offers a super-modernized staging by the Barcelona-based theater group La Fura dels Baus, who have integrated dance, acrobatics and computer projections to depict the epic legend. This production from Milan's La Scala opera house was led by Zubin Mehta, with Peter Seiffert, Petra-Maria Schnitzer and Matti Salminen in the large cast. Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 7 p.m. Wednesday and 1 p.m. June 28, $25, 610-527-4008, www.brynmawrfilm.org.

Buxtehude Consort: This newly formed chamber ensemble will perform five Cantatas by the German-Danish Baroque composer Dietrich Buxtehude, most famed as the organist Bach walked 250 miles to hear. The forces include baritone (and artistic director) John Fowler, soprano Molly Quinn, mezzo Jenifer Smith, Daniel Elyar and Daniela Giulia Pierson on Baroque violins and violas, cellist Katie Rietman and keyboard accompaniment by Joshua Stafford. St. Mark's, 1625 Locust Street, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $20, 215-715-0180, www.buxtehudeconsort.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Rossen Milanov leads a "Best Of Baroque" program, with excerpts from Bach and Handel, as well as Pachelbel's Canon. Now-famed Academy of Vocal Arts soprano alumna Angela Meade sings two arias from Handel's "Julius Caesar," and concertmaster David Kim solos in the "Summer" movement from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $25.50-$44.25, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Orchestral excerpts from Classical-era masterworks make up conductor Rossen Milanov's next "Best Of" program. Besides Overtures by Mozart ("Don Giovanni") and Beethoven ("Egmont"), the bill includes symphonic movements from Haydn's No. 101 (subtitled "The Clock"), Mozart's No. 38, the "Prague," and Beethoven's surging No. 7. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 7 p.m. Thursday, $33-$58, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.