Skip to content
Entertainment
Link copied to clipboard

Music this week

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

Kevin Hearn (center), of Barenaked Ladies fame, has gone solo after his recovery from leukemia.
Kevin Hearn (center), of Barenaked Ladies fame, has gone solo after his recovery from leukemia.Read more

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

POP . . . plus

Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears: Flashy and kinda fey, these keyboard-centric pomp rockers suggest time well spent listening to British musical hall headcases like the Beatles, ELO, XTC and Queen. It's still good for what ails 'ya, including nostalgia. Support bands: The Mural and the Mint, JJL. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 tonight, $10 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

"Grease:" Apart from the vibrant dancing and all those familiar tunes from both the Broadway and Valli-highed movie versions, the big deal of this teen-rock musical revival is the cameo appearance of "American Idol" Taylor Hicks as the Teen Angel. The man also gets to break character and sing one of his own tunes in the finale. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, 8 tonight, 2 p.m and 8 p.m. tomorrow, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, continues through July 19. $25-$100, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Dave Alvin: You'll have a Blaster of a night with this twangster and his latest backing band, the Guilty Women. Clarence Bucaro opens. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $25-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Barrington Levy: A Jamaican reggae/dancehall notable since his 1970s teen years, Levy has won more props in the States lately by sitting in with the remnants of Sublime, guesting with Shyne and Slightly Stoopid, and with soundtracking of his tune "Here I Come" on the notable video games "Grand Theft Auto San Andreas" and "Saints Row 2." Also hitting notes: Steppin' Razor and Three Legged Fox. The Note, 142 E. Market St., West Chester, 9 tonight, $25, 800-594-TIXX, www.thenotewc.com.

Nickelback: Horny boys play out their anthemic hard-rock fantasies on a bill with Papa Roach, Hinder and Saving Abel. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 6 p.m. tomorrow, $29.75-$82.85, 856-365-1300.

Steve Forbert: The thoughtful and gentle-natured rasper performs outdoors and real good for peanuts. Seve opens. Twilight Concert Series, Bryn Mawr Gazebo, Bryn Mawr, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 866-468-7619, www.ticketweb.com.

Josh Hoge: The earnest, blue-eyed soul-pop singer/songwriter counts One Republic's Ryan Teddar as a fan, and cites as influences the likes of John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Babyface and Shawn Stockman (Boys II Men). Hoge would have scored very well on "American Idol." And shares the bill with equally polished, heart-on-sleeve piano popster Andy Davis, Tim Brantley, Mikey Wax and Braxton Parker. North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

Jill Sobule: Musing these days (or at least on her new album) about quirky California lifestyles, Sobule is an ever-appealing, craft-conscious folk-popster. Lisa Bouchelle opens. King of Prussia Concerts Under the Stars, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, 7 p.m. Sunday, $10, free for ages 16 and under and 62 and older, 610-265-1071, www.uppermerionparksandrec.com.

Los Amigos Invisibles: Even if you don't comprehend the Spanish and Portuguese lyrics, these party starters from Venezuela will get you dancing with their funky, erotica grooves. Los Amigos' aptly named new album, "Commercial," juggles Prince-ly funk-rock with lotsa disco, Latin (natch) and the occasional Acid Jazz flashback. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Kevin Hearn: Multi-instrumental mainstay of Barenaked Ladies for 14 years, until felled by leukemia, Hearn has made a wonderous recovery after a bone marrow transplant from his brother.

Now he's out with his own band Thin Buckle, showcasing a distinctive tenor voice and artful, existential story songs ruminating on faith and science from his new "Havana Winter" album.

Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $13, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

King Sunny Ade: Afro pop doesn't come any sunnier than this Nigerian music-King's Juju brew. Plaintive, whispering vocals ride atop percolating "talking drum" percussion and chiming, interlocking guitars, sometimes wavering in a breezy, Hawaiian style. It's sure to get your body swaying under the stars. All hail the King! Wiggins Park, Mickle Blvd., Camden, 8 p.m. Tuesday, 856-541-7222.

Luba Mason: The languid, luscious, bossa nova-lovin' cabaret jazz singer lands in town with a star-studded backing band. Among them are her hubby Ruben Blades, on piano Dario Eskenazi (Paquito D'Rivera), and the Yellowjackets' Jimmy Haslip and Russell Ferrante. Shout out for "Xmas in July." World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $24-$29, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Stellastarr*: These darlings of the New York post-punk scene freak out for the equally devolved with stompers from their just out "Robot" album. Making this show doubly interesting is co-billed Wild Light a progressive Canadian contingent boasting a former member of Arcade Fire and likewise imbued in life's rich pageantry. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday $14, 215-739-9784.

Cucu Diamantes: You'll go nuts, too, for this firebrand talent, co-founder, singer and primary songwriter of Yerbabuena. Now she's proving an equally strong Latin fusionaire on her own, juggling elements of Nuyorican funk, Cuban rumba, Caribbean soca and more. Another great pick for the Global Grooves World Music Dance Party series. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $20 215-8903-1999.

HIP-HOP, R&B

Summer Series Concert: Young neo-soul songstress Leela James steps to the stage with Detroit-based producer/singer/songwriter Dwele for the first in a series of concerts presented by WDAS (105.3 FM). Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 tonight, $39.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

K'Naan: Somali-Canadian rapper/singer's making a stop here between dates for the Rock The Bells tour. His live show is one of the best in the business. He'll be joined by Paradise Movement. Chameleon Club, 223 N. Water St., Lancaster, Pa., 8 tonight, $12 in advance, $15 day of show, 717-393-7133, www.chameleonclub.net.

tU pHAce: From his clothes to his music, this young Philly rhymer is anything but ordinary - a breath of fresh air in a sometimes stagnant genre. Accompanying him will be Zoe Kravitz band, Elevator Fight, eletro-rockers Tigersapien and DJ Sammy Slice. TLA, 334 South St., 9 tonight, $15, 215-922-1011, www.theateroflivingarts.net.

The Zodiac - Cancer Edition: DJs Roxy and Nex Millen will be joined by DJ Akshun and special guest host Victorious for another edition of this monthly astrology inspired hip-hop jam. Medusa, 27 S. 21st St., 10 tonight, $5 (free for Cancers), 21-plus, 215-557-1981, www.medusalounge.com.

Fridays at the Blockley: DJ Apt One will be spinning hip-hop, funk, soul, house and more at a free party at this newly launched University City venue. Blockley Pourhouse, 3801 Chestnut St., 10 tonight, free 215-222-1234, www.theblockley.com.

Vitamin F: This talented Philly-based hip-hop band is the brainchild of freAKAnature and Howie Gordon and features a host of other great musical and vocal talent. They'll share the stage with Portland rhymer Braille, Virginia band Johnny 3 Legs and Jersey rapper/producer Solo For Dolo. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $7, 21-plus, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com/thefire.

Philadelphyinz: This edition of Skinny Friedman and Apt One's monthly party will welcome Boston's DJ Knife to town. Part of Boston's long running Fresh Produce party, Knife is known for his incredible DJ sets. Hosted by Lexie. Medusa, 27 S. 21st St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, free, 21-plus, 215-557-1981, www.medusalounge.com.

Tanya Morgan: With their latest release, "Brooklynati," already being declared by many as the front-runner for hip-hop album of the year, this New York-based three-man group is off to a great 2009. U.K.-born rhymer Che Grand and Illvibe's DJ Statik will join them. Hosting the event will be none other than Phonte, of North Carolina rap group, Little Brother. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Tuesday, $7 in advance, $10 day of show, 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

The New Age Crew: Electronic, techno-influenced hip-hop, aka "hiptonic electro hop," is the trademark of this Philadelphia-based group. If you're looking for something different and have fond memories of 16-bit-era video games, you'll definitely want to check them out. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $7, 21-plus, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com/thefire.

ALTERNATIVE

Positively Sick on South Street: Pete Santa Maria's rawk-'n-roll monthly features a mostly rockabilly bill with Jason and the Hellhounds, New York City's the Arkhams, Full Blown Cherry and Mr. Unloved. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 tonight, $6, 215–545–0475, www.myspace.com/positivelysickonsouthst.

Deep Sea Diver: The woman behind Deep Sea Diver is singer/songwriter Jessica Dobson, who was Beck's touring guitarist and co-wrote songs with Cold War Kids' Matt Wignall and Delta Spirit's Matt Vasquez. With the Successful Failures, Gentlemen Christ and Taggart. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Sorted: The original indie/Britpop dance party with Mike Z and Dave Pak. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware Avenue, 10 tonight, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Punk Rock Flea Market: Now extended to two days with different vendors on each one, this is the place to go for old records, clothes, art, music, food, bikes, stereo equipment, furniture and much more. Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. 9th St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. tomorrow, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, $3, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

The Hand Me Downs: This Detroit band's shouty anthems are frequently compared to the Bouncing Souls and Rancid. With Bossfight, the Prisoners and Decontrol. El Bar, Front and Master streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Grrrl Watch: The Official QFest! afterparty with DJs BeFree, JD and KiT spinning hip-hop, house, funk, crunk, Latin, reggaeton, electro and more. Marathon Grill, 10th and Walnut streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5 or free with Festival badge, 215-733-0311, www.qfest.com/grrrl-watch-party.cfm.

The Nite Lights: Local Americana/vaudeville-influenced band responsible for the provocative black and white posters around town is back, topping a super punk-rock bill with Kung Fury and Super Potent Death Baby. Kung Fu Necktie, Front and Thompson streets, 8 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Sarah Stolfa: The onetime member of the Delta 72 turned award-winning photographer shows her work from "The Regulars," a photo series of McGlinchey's patrons during her time working behind the bar. Gallery 339 at Joseph Fox Book Shop, 339 S. 21st St., 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, free, 215-731-1530, www.sarahstolfa.com.

Jucifer: The duo brings their wall of amps and bludgeoning sludge metal with Mount Vicious, Workhorse (ex Lisa Christ Superstar) and Hatchetface, Philadelphia's all-female dirt-doom band. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Cro Magnon: If you like Times New Viking, check out this like-minded, clattery noise-pop duo from Indiana. With Hot Guts, Mayor Daley and FNU Ronnies offshoot the Chickens. Kung Fu Necktie, Front and Thompson streets, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $7, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Lymbyc System: Based in Brooklyn and Austin, the duo's rock instrumentals are a mix of vintage electronic fuzz and dreamy electronica, fitting in perfectly with locals Arc in Round and Ravens & Vultures. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 9 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Abe Vigoda: Not to be confused with the actor, this Chino, Calif., band is part of the L.A. DIY punk scene that includes Mika Miko and No Age, who released its music on its Post Present Medium label. With Talbot Tagora. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, $12, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Capillary Action: Philly's jazzy, chaotic, avant-pop quintet joins more of the same with Oh! Pears (former members of Pattern is Movement) and the Captain Beefheart-like Whales and Cops. First Unitarian Church Chapel, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $10, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

TXT]JAZZ

Antfarm Quartet: Vocalist Paul Jost, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Tim Lekan and drummer Bob Shomo are a true band, bringing a skewed collective vision to the vocal jazz quartet. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Pkwy., 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $16, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.

Big Monday: Taking their name from their monthly workshops, which began at Tritone in 2007, saxophonist Tom Tallitsch and guitarist Victor Baker assembled a quintet that has grown into an intuitive working unit the old-fashioned way - by diligent gigging. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 p.m. tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Lucky Old Souls: The monthly jazz-and-beyond showcase at the former Robin's Books hosts a duo double feature: legendary drummer Edgar Bateman Jr. with altoist Julian Pressley, and poet/singer Yolanda Wisher, accompanied by bassist Mark Palacio. Moonstone Arts Center, 110 S. 13th St., 2nd Floor, 9 tonight, $10, www.myspace.com/luckyoldsouls.

Jump City Jazz Orchestra: The 18-piece Delaware Valley swing band will be augmented by one this weekend: tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Sci-Fi Philly: Three interestingly named bands this week: Inzinzac, guitarist Alban Bailly's avant-gypsy-jazz trio; Doylestown quartet Mi Head Ur Head; and bassist Dave Kaczorowski's Harmolodic Bastards. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

CLASSICAL

Delaware Valley Opera Company: Rossini's charming romp "La Cenerentola" ("Cinderella") receives a fully staged English-language production, with Timothy Ribchester at the piano. Mezzo Joanna Gates sings the title role, with tenor Timothy Oliver as Don Ramiro, soprano Elizabeth Oliver and mezzo Theresa Seri as the comic stepsisters, baritone Jeffrey Carr as Dandini, bass Milo Morris as Don Magnifico and bass David Perelman as Alidoro. Roxborough High School Theater, 6498 Ridge Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday and July 18, $15, 215-725-4171, www.dvopera.org.

Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin": The tragic Pushkin tale of lost love is one of opera's greatest outpouring of melody. This filmed production by Russia's famed Bolshoi Theatre was presented at the Paris National Opera, conducted by Alexander Vedernikov with sets and staging by Dmitri Tcherniakov. Russian soprano Tatiana Monogarova portrays the lovesick Tatyana, with Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien as Onegin. In Russian with English subtitles. Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 1 p.m. Sunday, $25, 610-527-4008, www.brynmawrfilm.org.

Choir Festival: Over 1,000 voices from dozens of national choral organizations come together for this 55th annual bash. Jason Tramm conducts the huge forces, with organist Gordon Turk, the Festive Brass, soprano Monica Ziglar, mezzo Elizabeth Kincaid, tenor Ronald Naldi and bass Richard Zuck. The bill includes Beethoven, Wagner, Parry and world premieres by Gwyneth Walker and Mario Lombardo. Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, free, but will accept offerings, 800-965-9324, www.oceangrove.org.

Stephen Beus: American pianist, winner of the Gina Bachauer Competition, performs the Liszt arrangement of Bach's A Minor Prelude, Sonatas by Mendelssohn (Op. 6) and Medtner (Op. 39.5), Griffes' "Barcarolle" and "The Night Winds" and the glorious Piano Sonata by Samuel Barber, Op. 26. Fine Hall, Washington Road, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., 8 p.m. Sunday, $25, 877-343-3434, www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Misha Dacic, Hector Del Curto and Jisoo Ok: Piano-bandoneon-cello trio brings life to the world of the tango. Works include six classics by the great Astor Piazzolla, plus many by other noted musicians like Pablo Ziegler, Fernando Otero, Eduardo Rovira, Quique Sinesi and Del Curto. Fine Hall, Washington Road at Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., 8 p.m. Monday, $25, 877-343-3434, www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Alan Morrison: Curtis Institute's esteemed organ department head, also affiliated with Westminster Choir College and Ursinus College, performs a recital on the Fred J. Cooper organ. He's chosen a few standards: Durufle's Opus 2 Scherzo, Franck's A Major Fantasy, Leo Sowerby's "Pageant" and Bach's F Major Toccata, BWV540. And there are also some delicious rarities: Jeanne Demessieux' declamatory Te Deum (1958), Anne Wilson's Toccata (2001) and three pieces by Harold Stover that Morrison has recorded: "Mountain Music," "At Evening" and "Quick Dance."

Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Maxim Anikushin: Moscow-born pianist Anikushin, winner of many prestigious awards and performer with several orchestras here and in Russia, has chosen an impressive program.

He'll play three Sonatas by Scarlatti, Bach's rhythmic English Suite no 3 and Beethoven's Op. 53 Sonata, the "Waldstein."

Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $13, 800-965-9324, www.oceangrove.org.

Yehudi Wyner and Patrick Connolly: Both pianists will perform music by 2006 Pulitzer Prize winner Wyner.

Fine Hall, Washington Road, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., 8 p.m. Thursday, $25, 877-343-3434, www.golandskyinstitute.org.