POP . . . plus

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

POP . . . plus

Kenny Lattimore/Deborah Cox: There's strength in numbers as these two seasoned R&B/Pop vocalists share a summer tour and headline our annual "Sounds of R&B" show down by the river. Also on tap, noted Philly keyboardist/arranger Bill Jolly brings on his band Hard Drive and newcomer Kharisma McIlwaine does her thing. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, 3-9 p.m. tomorrow, 215-922-2FUN, www.delawareriverevents.com.

Blind Boys of Alabama/Ladysmith Black Mambazo: The cultural roots of these enduring harmony groups - in gospel blues and South African tribal-folk music - run deep and ultimately intertwine, suggests this musical meet. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $28-$58, 215-893-1999, www.mancenter.org.

Cheryl Wheeler: An icon of contemporary country/folk, this warm-voiced and ever-melodic singer/guitarist trades on her catalog and newbies (like the "Cat Trilogy") found on her just-out "Pointing at the Sun" album. With Vince Raimondo. Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert Series. Gazebo, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $10, children under 16 free, 866-468-7619, brynmawrtwilightconcerts.com.

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic: This electrifying experimental chamber-rock ensemble opens ears with pomp/psychedelic instrumentals. Roger Miller from Mission of Burma started the band as a side project in the '80s and flies with them still. Make a Rising opens. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Rise Against/Rancid: Punkers pile on the pier, and Billy Talent is the "special guest." Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Spring Garden Street, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $30. 877-598-8696, www.livenation.com

Charlie Wilson: Former lead singer for the Gap Band celebrates his long-overdue return to the charts. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $47.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Richard Shindell/Susan Werner: Two seasoned, distinctive singer/songwriters share this concert under the stars. Upper Merion Township Park, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, 7 p.m. Sunday, $10 adults, free for children 16 and under and adults 62 and older, 610-265-1071, www.uppermerionparkandrec.org.

Tannahill Weavers: Scottish traditional music is rarely this polished or rocking. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $19.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Chris Isaak: The rhinestone cowboy serves up brooding ballads and twang rockers from years past and his ironically titled newest "Mr. Lucky" album. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $49.50 & $65, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Raul Malo: Like Mr. Isaak, Malo is another noted Countrypolitan singer (longtime front man for the Mavericks) who owes a lot to Roy Orbison. Too bad local show bookers can't avoid such conflicts. Greta Gaines opens. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $39.50 & $50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Yes/Asia: Guitarist Steve Howe has his work cut out, playing lead in both bands. Benoit David, a graduate of the Yes tribute-band circuit, fills in for Jon Anderson on vocals and Oliver Wakeman occupies dad Rick's seat at the keyboards. And with Carl Palmer back on drums for Asia, you can be sure they'll be bombastic as ever, and tapping into King Crimson and ELP material, too. Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $33.75 (each in a four pack) to $95, 610-352-2887, www.livenation.com.

Mark Eitzel: The oft-dour soloist concentrates this time on better-known stuff from his American Music Club projects. Devin Greenwood warms the night. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $10-$12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Bobby Long: Song placement in a flick or TV show is often relevant in breaking an artist these days. So it's proving for this 22-year-old British singer-songwriter whose "Let Me Sign," sung by his friend Robert Pattinson in "Twilight," has made Long a suspect of interest. The droopy-haired look and dark, ruminating voice likewise lend to his tortured romantic persona. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

The Duhks: Pronounced "Ducks," this acoustic five-piece from Winnipeg deftly juggles elements of Celtic, bluegrass, gospel, Brazilian samba and more. Dena Marchiony opens. Norcross Dell, Haddon Lake Park, Park Drive and 13th Avenue, Haddon Heights, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, free, www.ccparks.com.

Neko Case: Smoke gets in your eyes (and ears) as this Canadian country/cabaret-crossover phenomena shares her sultry thing. Jason Lytle of Grandaddy opens. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $35, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Singer Karen O and her two buds strut their punky, rocking stuff like harder-nosed, stripped-down Pretenders. Amanda Blank opens. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, $25, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

RX Bandits/Dredge: A prescription for fun: happy ska and poppy alt rock. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $15-$17, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Fleet Foxes: Seattle's awesome folk-rockers noodle like acoustic Neil Young, purr like a new-gen Simon & Garfunkel. Local kindred spirits Espers also prowl hallowed musical ground. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $25, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Kailash Kher's Kailasa: World, lounge, new-age dance music and Sufi strains swirl in the exciting music of Kher, a star of Bollywood and celebrity judge on "Indian Idol." Global Grooves presentation clears the floor for your listening and dance-party pleasures. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $20, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Xavier Rudd: This master of many instruments offers breezy tunes from the land down under. Jeremy Fisher opens. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $21/$24, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

HIP-HOP, R&B

Microphone Madness: This huge underground hip-hop show features performances by Unique, Ill Mass, Firm Taqtics, Godhead the General, Doestackz, Legion of Wonder, Stilla-mode, Pico, Vel, Joe Caution and many more. At less than a dollar per act, it's a great value for indie-music fans looking to get their money's worth. Alexander's, 2080 Castor Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 18-plus, 610-850-5524, www.alexandersphilly.info.

Bodyrock: Illvibe Collective's seminal hip-hop, funk and soul party returns at a new venue. Arts Garage, 1533-35 Ridge Ave., 10 tonight, $5 (ladies free before 11 p.m.), 215-765-2702, www.theartsgarage.com.

Hip-Hop & Sushi: What may seem like a case of strange bedfellows has a pretty simple motivating factor: people like hip-hop, and people like sushi. If you fall into either category, come to enjoy free food and catch two of the city's best up-and-coming acts, Philadelphia Slick and Akilles. With DJ Phsh. Panda Bar, 201 S. 40th St., 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-222-0100.

Lydia Rene: New Jersey soul singer will be joined by Vent and Lloyd Alexander, for a night of soul music at this Temple-campus venue. Pub Webb, 1527 Cecil B Moore Ave., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 267-687-8256, www.pubwebb.com.

Plastic Little: Philly-based group takes hip-hop back to its roots with wild and raucous party music. They'll be joined by four-man electronic act Instamatic and DJs Star Eyes and Shawn Ryan. Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-634-7400, myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Jody Watley: Her achievements speak for themselves. With over 20 million records sold, 32 top 10 singles, 13 No. 1 hits and a host of awards, including a Grammy and a Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award, it's safe to say Watley is one of the most popular singers of this era. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $40 and $50, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Spectrum Funk: This live-art-meets-hip-hop show, brainchild of Amanda Diva, makes its Philly debut. It has packed New York venues in the past. With Hezekiah, 8thW1, Muja Messiah and the Diva herself. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Sëla EP Release Party at Superdope: A six-piece hip-hop crew takes over this weekly party for the release of their new EP. Partygoers can also look forward to a set from Akilles as well as free cans of PBR. DJ Phsh will keep attendees entertained between sets. O.N.E. @ Rittenhouse, 121 S. 19th St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $3, 21-plus, 215-563-1038, www.oneatrittenhouse.com.

Cage: This Def Jux MC recently had a shift in direction with his album "Depart From Me," but he hasn't stopped making the kind of introspective music that brought him fans during his Eastern Conference Days. He'll be joined by Weathermen member Yak Ballz and local rhymer LTC. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $13, all ages, 215-563-3980.

ALTERNATIVE

Lewis & Clarke: Avant chamber-pop group, last seen opening for Bat for Lashes, tops an intimate show with fellow Bat For Lashes cohort Caroline Weeks and Corridor. Side Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 tonight, $10, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

The Capitol Years: Fresh off the release of their latest, "You Can Stay There Single," they team up with another Philly great, the Photon Band, and newcomers Robes. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Turnaround Vs. Immediate: Gregg Foreman, the Bros Gieda and Russ Alexander spin nonstop soul all night long. The Barbary, Frankford and Delaware Avenues, 10 tonight, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Peek-A-Boo Revue: Phillys long-running neo-burlesque troupe debuts a new show that takes on everything from Britney Spears to "Transformers 2." World Caf Live, 3025 Walnut Street, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $23-25, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Black Moth Super Rainbow: Mind-blowing psych band returns with Parts & Labor's Dan Friel. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10-12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

New York Waste: The NYC music paper, which plans to distribute in Philadelphia soon, is throwing a CD-release party featuring New York and Philly bands such as Loafass and the Sex Slaves. Joining Loafass are the Bullys, Statues of Liberty and the Handsome Petes. El Bar, Front and Master Streets, 9p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-634-6430, www.newyorkwaste.com.

The Scene: The latest, hot queer dance party features DJs Just Jess, Klembott and Noe, best known for her punk-rock and riot-grrl nights at the Dive and the Khyber. Vesuvio, 8th and Fitzwater streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-922-8380, www.myspace.com/thescenephilly.

Plastic Little: Philly rappers play their first show in ages, previewing songs from their upcoming "Welcome to the Jang House." With Instamatic, Star Eyes and Hurrah DJ Shawn Ryan. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware Avenues, 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Dysrhythmia: Now in Brooklyn, this Philly arty-metal band has toured with everyone from Mastodon to Jucifer. Also: Orphan (featuring former members of Quix-o-tic), Malkuth and We Thieves. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

No! Go! Tell! The latest project featuring members of the Dead Milkmen, the Low Budgets and Butterfly Joe. Foreign Objects open. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 10 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Ladybug Transistor: Brooklyn psych-pop specialists return with Pains of Being Heart labelmates Crystal Stilts and Caves of Mercury. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Monday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Torche: Melodic yet heavy stoner-rock blows minds with experimental metal band Harvey Milk. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m Tuesday, $12, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Destroyer: Dan Bejar of New Pornographers plays solo and acoustic with Iran (featuring TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone). Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $13, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Singin It Lonesome: DJs Maximum Shine and Steven J spin country classics. Kung Fu Necktie Bar, 1248 N. Front Street, 9 p.m. Wednesday, free, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Cabaret Red Light: In their latest show, "Vanity," the vaudeville/burlesque troupe explores weaknesses of the flesh due to vanity, lust and every little sin in between. Letage, 624 S. 6th St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $15, 215-592-0656, www.cabaretredlight.com.

Mean Streets: Check out these former members of Cranked Up and Wars End doing some of the best new street punk around. They open for the Valley Arena and El Fuego. 941 Theater, 941 N. Front St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $8, all ages, 215-235-1385, www.941theater.com.

Mascher Space Co-op Funstival: This artist-run studio provides a home for Philadelphia-based movement artists and small companies to develop and perform their work. Rocking at the benefit are TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb, Agent Moosehead and numerous dance and performance acts. Barbary, Delaware and Frankford Avenues, 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, http://mascherdance.com.

BALLET

Ballet X: The impressive new company reprises Jorma Elo's "Scenes View 2" to music by Bach and co-founder Matthew Neenan's "Broke Apart." Also the premiere of "Le Baiser Inevitable" ("The Inevitable Kiss") choreographed by Jodie Gates and set to Ravel's "Bolero." Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, $30, 215-546-7824, www.balletx.org.

JAZZ

Norman Connors & Jean Carne: Drummer Connors has roots in both the jazz and R&B traditions of his native Philadelphia. Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, 738 S. Broad St., 8 & 10:30 tonight, $30-$35, 215-893-9912, www.clefclub.org.

Jazzheads: The quartet of guitarist Tim Motzer, drummer Ari Hoenig, saxophonist Chris Cuzme and bassist Ben Bocardo reunites to celebrate the re-release of its 1999 album "Avant Wot Not." Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 tonight, $15, and tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Burnt Sugar: Greg Tate's big band combines avant-garde jazz, funk, hip-hop and rock into a heady brew both electric and eclectic. Tritone, 1509 South St., 9:30 tonight, $10, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Earl Klugh: Guitarist Klugh makes his first area appearance in almost 10 years to support his Grammy-nominated album "The Spice of Life." Sellersville Theatre, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $35, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Tribute to Ruth Brown: TraneStop Resource Institute presents its 14th anual community jazz concert, featuring Sherry Butler and the Black and Blue Band, the Philadelphia Arts Heritage Ensemble with Fred Adams, and the Renaissance Messengers with Nasir Dickerson paying tribute to the late "Miss Rhythm." Felicia's Gardens, 500 E. Washington Lane, 2-6 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-438-3178.

Sci-Fi Philly: West Philly series presents Burlington, Vt., quintet Jazz Rehab, the duo of cornetist Todd Margasak and percussionist Toshi Makihara, and trumpeter Dustin Hurt and string player Jon Barrios engaging in a second round of "Bebop Battles." Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

CLASSICAL

Lenape Chamber Ensemble: The annual festival wraps with three classics of the chamber repertory played by some of the finest musicians in the region: Mozart's K.305 Violin Sonata, Dvorak's Op. 21 Piano Trio and Schoenberg's "Transfigured Night." Delaware Valley College, routes 202 and 611 in Doylestown, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $18, 610-294-9361, www.lenapechamberensemble.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Rossen Milanov conducts Giuseppe Verdi's Overture to "La forza del destino" followed by two of his great arias: "Ritorno vincitor" from "Aida" and "Tu, che la vanita" from "Don Carlo." The soprano is Angela Brown. After intermission, Milanov leads Rachmaninoff's soaring Second Symphony. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $30-$50, $10 for lawn tickets, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: The annual Tchaikovsky program, with finale fireworks above the lawn seats, will be led by Juanjo Mena. Juliette Kang gets a chance to shine in the beloved Violin Concerto. The bill also includes "Capriccio Italien," the evergreen "Romeo and Juliet" and the standard finale, the "1812 Overture." Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $30-$50, $10 for lawn tickets, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: The Orchestra wraps with local pianist Lang Lang and jazz legend Herbie Hancock teaming up in a once-in-a-lifetime event. They'll play a two-piano arrangement of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," the Concerto for Two Pianos by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Ravel's sublime "Mother Goose Suite." Their conductor is John Axelrod, who'll start with Dvorak's "Carnival" Overture. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Thursday, $30-$50, $10 for lawn tickets, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Ann Elise Smoot: She'll offer a program on the Fred J. Cooper organ with some standards: Bach's Passacaglia In C Minor and sections from works by Widor, Rheinberger and Langlais. She's also chosen a few unfamiliar pieces by Andre Raison and organist Lionel Rogg. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7 p.m. Thursday, 10, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org. *