Live performances tonight and in the coming week

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

Slayer/Marilyn Manson: Looking for some hot fun in the summertime? Here's yer invitation to jump into the mash pit, get sweaty and take your shirt off (guys), as the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour lives up to its name with these heavyweight headliners. And there's lots more thunder thudding comin' from Killswitch Engage, God Forbid, Behemouth, Bullet for My Valentine, Trivium, Cannibal Corpse, Black Dahlia Murder, All That Remains, Mushroomhead, Job for a Cowboy and more. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 2:15 p.m. today, $26-$61.05, 856-365-1300, www.livenation.com.

Eagles of Death Metal: Inside every parodistic rock band (from Spinal Tap to Tenacious D and Louis XIV) there's a note (or 10) of sincerity and love of form. So it goes with these preening, struttin' L.A. rawkers, making you laugh along (and occasionally wince) through numbers like "(I Used To Couldn't Dance) Tight Pants" and "I'm Your Torpedo," both from their latest "Heart On" album. Getting the really big picture? Rival Schools vie for attention in the opening slot. TLA, 334 South St., 9 tonight, $21.50, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Carrie Rodriguez: Don't know which we like more, this sterling singer/fiddler's solo albums or her bristling collaborations with Chip Taylor. In either instance, listeners enjoy one of the richest, ripest strains of Texas/Americana. Kindred soul Mason Porter earns a shot as opener. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Old Crow Medicine Show: J. Garcia-like vocals and winking tunes like "Alabama High-Test" make this the bluegrass/string band that the Deadheads and Phish-faces now adore. And a great crop of alt-country support acts are helping to smoke out this "Big Surprise" tour: Dave Rawlings' Machine featuring Gillian Welch, Justin Townes Earle and the Felice Brothers. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 tonight, $31.50-$33, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

John Eddie: Seasoned talent reinforces the Philly-Asbury Park rock connections. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 10:30 p.m. $18, 928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Bonnie Raitt/Taj Mahal: Bonnie remains one of the most enduring and influential of blues/folk-tinged singer/guitar pickers, frequently name- (and song-) checked by up-and-comers and even "American Idol" wannabe's. And her good friend Taj Mahal lives up to his name as a towering edifice of roots music, not just down-home country blues and high-steppin' ragtime, but also balmy island fare. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $39.25-$79.25, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Bernie Worrell: Keyboard master from Parliament/Funkadelic (and later, Talking Heads) gets it on with members of Philly's Stinking Lizaveta and G. Calvin Weston. Funny, funky Black Landlord opens the doors. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $12, 215-739-9684, wwww.johnnybrendas.com.

Brave Combo: Innovative Texas polka rockers are crying "foul" 'cause the gang that doles out the Grammys has decided to eliminate the polka category. Practically a genre unto themselves, mixing that bouncy beat with tastes of zydeco, conjunto, salsa and more, the Combo's already scored two of those honors and been nominated seven times! And you can still award them with your presence. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15/$18, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Jason Mraz: Groovy crooner's in the driver's seat with the breeze rustling his hair. But we're more buzzed by the guys riding shotgun - hip-hop bluesters G. Love & Special Sauce (Yo, Philly!) and the riveting Afro-pop rapper K'Naan. Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Spring Garden Street, 7 p.m. Sunday, $45/$48, 877-598-8696, www.livenation.com.

Young Dubliners: What are Irishmen lost in L.A. to do but form a Celtic rock band? That's how these guys sparked their sound, accenting old-world impulses with pop-punky infusions that get listeners up and jigging. With the Paul Waltz Band. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Mark Burgess: Diehard Anglophiles will come out for this fervent, burning voice, known best for his on again/off-again stints fronting Chameleon U.K. Sharing the bill, the Lost Patrol and the Silence Kit. Blockley Pourhouse, 38th and Ludlow streets, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $8, 215-222-1234, www.villagegreenproductions.net.

The Noisettes: Shingai Shoniwa is the commanding, daredevil front woman of this much-buzzed-about U.K. trio. And yeah, she's got the music, too - a frothy, danceable, retro girlie pop-'n'-soul sound in the tradition of Grace Jones, Deborah Harry, Karen O (Yeah, Yeah Yeahs) and Amy Winehouse. Bolstered in concert by two backup singers, one reviewer has anointed Noisettes "the best live band in Britain." The intriguing psycha-tronic duo Phantogram opens. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $12, 267-687-1667, www.villagegreenproductions.net.

The Pretenders: Chrissie Hynde and company spark a celebration of female rock, shared with Cat Power and Juliette Lewis. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $49.50, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Creed: One of the '90s biggest acts reunite "With Arms Wide Open." Yeah, an alt-grunge band that the girls like, too. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $48.75-$80.75, 856-365-1300, www.livenation.com.

Words On Dance: With performances by dancers Kim Holmes and Keturah Caesar, poems by Ms. Wise and Lyrispect, as well as displays from visual artists Jonene Taddei and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, this mash-up showcase will be sure to keep your interest. It's part of this week's ongoing Ladies of Hip Hop Festival and will be hosted by Tweetie. Conwell Theater, 1801 N. Broad St., 7 tonight, $10, all ages, 215-204-1122

Lyrically Fit: Nico The Beast, Grease Monkey and Unique are just a few of the talented underground hip-hop acts for this edition of Center Stage Promotion's popular showcase. DJ Soulbuck will spin between sets. After the show, stick around for the open mic with beats by Trakk Professors. Hosted by Big O of Beat Garden Entertainment. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St., 9 tonight, $10, 21-plus, 215-922-5483, www.thetroc.com.

Snoop Dogg: Veteran MC is responsible for some of the best music to come from the West Coast in hip-hop history. With Stephen Marley, son of legendary musician Bob Marley, and San Diego-based band Slightly Stoopid, this looks to be one of the better shows in a packed weekend. Festival Pier, Columbus Boulevard & Spring Garden Street, 6 tonight, $39.50, 215-922-2386, www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com.

Women Minding Their BIZ! Continuing the Ladies of Hip-Hop is this panel discussion with Deesha Dyer, Jonene Taddei, Mecca Bey, Tanya "T-bone" Bonique and moderator Michele Byrd Mcphee before the premier of b-girl Rokafella's film "The Ladies All Say." Plus work by visual artists Antel Amey, Miss Saigon, Bonnie McCuen and Flygirrl. Conwell Theater, 1801 N. Broad St., 2 p.m. tomorrow, free, all ages, 215-204-1122.

Tastytreats Ladies of Hip-Hop Afterparty: Philly's premier weekly hip-hop party is the place to be, as Mike Nyce and special guest AfroDJiak spin hits into the early hours of the morning. Hosted by Yameen Allworld. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $7 (ladies free until 11 p.m.), 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

Philadelphyinz: Shawn Ryan and Gentle Giant join birthday boy Skinny Friedman for another installment of this monthly party. Hosted by Lexie. Medusa, 27 S. 21st St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, free, 21-plus, 215-557-1981, www.medusalounge.com.

Stop The Violence In Our City Benefit Show: Sandman, Scholar, 2ew Gunn Ciz and a host of other Philly based MCs will be coming together in the memory of David Sale, beaten to death last month outside the Phillies ballpark. The show will be hosted by Big O and features DJ No Phrillz spinning between sets. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St., 9 p.m. Sunday, $10, 21-plus, 215-922-5483, www.thetroc.com.

Mic Check! The grand finale for Ladies of Hip-Hop is an all-female MC showcase featuring Selina Carrera, Zarinah, Keziah, Tanzania Lateef and Angel Eye. Hosts for the evening will be Michele Byrd McPhee and Flygirrl with AfroDJiak on the ones and twos. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Sunday, $5, 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Muhsinah: Hailing from D.C., this talented singer, producer and recording engineer gave Silk City an incredible show only a few short months ago. She'll be returning for another engagement to promote her latest release, The Oscillations: Square, which Muhsinah released on her birthday as a gift to her fans. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Frankford Avenue First Friday at the Caterpillar: Benefit for the Kensington Food Co-Op with performances by the Spooks, Eric Carbonara, Lillie Ruth Bussey, Shot X Shot and Druid Circles. The Caterpillar, 2205 Frankford Ave., 6 tonight, $5 suggested donation, 215-427-0350, ext. 124, www.museumfire.com/events.

Joe Jack Talcum: Following the Dead Milkmen reunion show at last week's Christian Weber benefit, the DM co-frontman does an early all-ages show with Mischief Brew. The Fire, 412 E. Girard Ave., 6 tonight, $8, all ages, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com.

Love City: Local, organ-drenched psych/garage band celebrates the release of its new single, "I Can't Stop," with Customers, an Atlanta band featuring members of the Carbonas, Beat Beat Beat, and Heart Attacks. A cross between the Electric Prunes and the Animals, LC is a must-see live. Sailor Jerry, 116-118 S. 13th St., 6:30 tonight, free, all ages, 215-531-6380, www.myspace.com/certifiedpr.

Gang: A mash of the B-52s and hip-hop beats, the local girls play with crazy 8 bit New Yorkers Anamanaguchi as part of the Robotique party. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 tonight, $5, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Pattern is Movement: Philly's avant-rock rising stars head up at bill at Pi Lam with Whales and Cops, the Owl Stations and King Kong Ding Dong. Pi Lam, 3914 Spruce St., 8 tonight, $8, www.myspace.com/thepilam.

Sex Dwarf: The new-wave dance party, hosted by WXPN DJ Robert Drake and Marilyn Thomas, celebrates its sixth anniversary. Fluid, 613 S. 4th St., 9 tonight, free before 10 or $5 after, 215-629-3686, http://djrobertdrake

.com/SexDwarf.html.

Victor Victor Band: Local husband-and-wife garage/punk duo tops a bill of much of the same, but do check out the more power poppy Amerkulus. With Sinatrah, Chang Chang and Ruinit. The Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Hell Under The El: Eric 13 of the Sex Slaves plays a solo acoustic set with various guests such as Clashing Plaid, Maggie D. and the Cole Della Zucca Dancers. El Bar, Front and Master streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Jonah Matranga: onelinedrawing front man unplugs with special guests. Side Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 6 p.m. Sunday, sold out, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Get Bent: New dance party featuring DJ Fck Yeah, who used to spin riot grrrl, indie and punk at the Dive. Now dance, disco, rap and pretty much everything else are in the mix. Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St., 5 p.m. Monday, free, 215-840-3577, http://

www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108556409759.

Monday Night Club: Hosted by drag queen Needles Jones and booked by City Paper columnist AD Amorosi, this week's installment is a benefit for GLBT bookstore Giovannis Room with performances by Leda + the Swans, the Absinthe Drinkers, Hannah Tsapatoris, Heather Henderson and poets CA Conrad and Ish Klein. National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St., 9 p.m. Monday, free, 215-701-4883, http://

nationalmechanics.com.

The Warlocks: Psych-rockers return with the shoegazery Vandelles and Morning After Girls. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $12, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Franz Nicolay: Multi-instrumentalist with the Hold Steady and World Inferno Friendship Society does a solo show with West Philly's Diana Lee. Side Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $10, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

NOMO: A mix of Brian Eno and Miles Davis Down on the Corner. With Little Brown Chair. M Room, 15 W. Girard Avenue, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Marduk: Swedish death metal band plays their first Philly show. With Withered and Black Anvil. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $14, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Alex Bugnon: The Swiss-born pianist kicks off the 12th season of Penn's Landing's Smooth Jazz Summer Nights series with his blend of smooth, R&B, and funk sounds. Great Plaza, Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. at Market St., 7:30 tonight, Free, 215-922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com.

Venissa Santi: Second weekend of monthlong vocalist showcase features two local songstresses, beginning with Santi's Cuban-inflected sounds. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Meg Clifton: Chris' weekend of female Philly vocalists continues with Clifton's slightly skewed, fresh take on jazz and pop standards, accompanied by saxophonist Victor North and vibraphonist Tony Miceli. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Alash/Arkestra: One of the strangest musical pairings makes its semiannual stop at the Rotunda, as Tuvan throat-singing legends Alash Ensemble are joined by Philly's (and the galaxy's) own Sun Ra Arkestra - appearing in its entirety, as opposed to the smaller divisions that usually accompany their Tuvan collaborators. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, free, www.therotunda.org.

Matt Davis' Aerial Photograph: Summing up his "Philadelphia, 2008" project, guitarist Davis releases a 10-track compilation of music culled from the monthly compositions he created for his chamber-jazz ensemble. Each suite depicted a subset of the city, from immigrants to seniors to drug addicts. Tritone, 1509 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Ryan Meagher: Southern California-born, NYC-resident guitarist merges not only coasts but genres, bringing together jazz and indie rock in a compelling combination. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, $12, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Delaware Valley Opera Company: Puccini's evergreen "La Boheme" is always welcome. This production with piano accompaniment is conducted by Elise Auerbach and directed by Joyce Brommer. Cast as the Bohemians are Elisabeth Stevens, Doug Rowland, Melissa Angelo and Matt Brouillet, with Richard Shapp as Benoit and Alcindoro. Roxborough High School Theater, 6498 Ridge Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-725-4171, www.dvopera.org.

Baroque Ensemble: Sacred arias by Bach and Handel, Sonatas for recorder by Graupner and Handel plus sacred works by Buxtehude are on the program. The performers are soprano Jacqueline Smith, Priscilla Smith on alto recorder, violinist James Finegan, cellist Elena Smith and harpsichordist Kenneth Borrmann. Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Parkview and Lycoming avenues, Abington, 4 p.m. Sunday, free-will offering, 215-659-2642.

Young People's Concert: International Dance Voyage combines Spanish and African rhythms as Flamenco Ole! and the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble team up to inspire youngsters. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 11 a.m. Monday, free, 215-546-7900, www.manncenter.org.

Chelsea Chen: Juilliard graduate and Fulbright scholar performs an organ recital on the mighty Ocean Grove instrument. She's chosen works by Bach, Mulet, Durufle, Vierne and Schumann (his Six Pieces in Canonic Form), plus her own recent five-movement work, "Taiwan Tableaux." Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 7:30 Wednesday, free, 800-965-9324, www.oceangrove.org.