Live music & other performances on local stages tonight & 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.

POP . . . plus

Rhett Miller: His work with Old '97s has pegged him as one of the leading voices in alt-country/Americana. But the stuff Miller saves for his solo albums and performances reveals a more urbane, polished songcrafter in a power-pop vein - kinda like Elvis Costello but with a less poisonous brand of irony. Sample lyric: "I love the things we can never afford, like love." World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8:30 tonight, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

Loggins & Messina: Remember "House at Pooh Corner"? "Celebrate Me Home"? "Vahevala"? These stars of the '70s are sharing them again. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 tonight, $69.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Needtobreathe: Melodic rockers espouse a "life is what you make it" code, spiritual if you care and at their core. With Serena Ryder and Green River Ordinance. The Note, 142 E. Market St., West Chester, 9 tonight, $10-$15, 800-594-8499, www.thenotewc.com.

Rusted Root: Pittsburgh polyrhythmic rockers' show has been moved from the Electric Factory to South Street's more intimate showplace. Opening the bill, the Kin. TLA, 334 South St. 8:30 tonight, $28, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Dave Matthews: Another sign of the times, tickets remain available for the second of two shows here by the usually red-hot Mr. M. Sacred steel jam master Robert Randolph and the Family Band heat things up first. Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, 7 p.m. tomorrow (sold out) and Sunday, $75 and $40, 877-598-8696, www.livenation.com.

The Sounds: "No one sleeps when I'm awake" sings/brags Maja Ivarsson, blond-tressed, languid-voiced lead singer of the Sounds. And the party is definitely on for this synth-scorched Swedish pop rock group, now in sync with the '80s New Wave (or is that Old Wave?) revival on their Worldwide Fall Tour. If you loved Blondie and Missing Persons, these sounds are for you. Opening the night: Foxy Shazam and JessOkay. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $20/$22, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Ruder Than You: Philly-style ska-rockers are truer than most to Caribbean jump and reggae traditions. Help 'em celebrate their 20th anniversary and new CD. Wareika Hill, Case of the Mondays and Philly Reggae Girls DJs are likewise on tap. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. 8 p.m. tomorrow, $13-$15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Weakerthans: Aptly named, these underrated, slightly nerdy Canadian indie rockers stand up for the little guys in uber-catchy, bemused and amusing story songs. Sample subjects: bus drivers, failed stock brokers, medical oddities and the poor schlub who ran into Bigfoot and dared tell the tale. Opening act Rock Plaza Central is worth your ears, too. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Moby: Sometimes he's spinning the disco ball. But on his breakout "Play" and new "Wait for Me" album, the artist who samples life as Moby reveals a grandly downcast, indie rock/cinematic pop sensibility that begs "take me seriously." So we're expecting more of the latter, less of the former, this time around on stage. With Kelli Scarr. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday $30/$35, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Joan Osborne: Bluesy interpreter shares a bill with the like-minded (and voiced) Sharon Little and MaryBeth Hammer at this Concert for a Cure benefit. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 4 p.m. Sunday, $29.50-$44.50, 215-572-7650, keswicktheatre.com.

The Walkmen: There's an edgy, shimmering, primitive charm (the wheezy vintage keyboards and recording gear help) to this New York band that's quite appealing. It's as if they're just starting out in the garage, but full of heady ideas, fears and ambition. With Here We Go Magic and War on Drugs. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $16/$19, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Bell X1: What is it about Ireland that produces such gloriously anthemic music? Here's an apt case in point, a Dublin band blessed with tunes that come off like a fusion of Talking Heads (check out "The Great Defector"), Keane and Snow Patrol. And they're "massive" at home, don'tcha know. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Monday, $22-$32, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Rifles: Another resounding British rock band in the Clash/Jam tradition, the Rifles have real tunes to propel their blasts. The Jam's Paul Weller likes 'em so much, he's taken them on tour as his opening act. Kung fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Charlie Robison: When you got lemons, make lemonade, suggests this seasoned Texas twang rocker. On his new "Beautiful Day" album, he's making the best of his breakup with longtime wife Emily (one of the Dixie Chicks) with songs that split the difference - sweetly tuneful, hard at the core. Sunny Sweeney opens. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday $13, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Rick Estrin & the Nightcats: With Little Charlie Baty newly retired, the Nightcats' longtime harmonica wailer/singer/songwriter Estrin finally gets top billing in the band. And how deserved is that? Estrin is a first-rate blues craftsman, with a bothered but bemused slant that's highly entertaining. (Think Willie Dixon, Mose Allison.) As sampled on his first Alligator album as leader ("Twisted"), this hipster will surely get you dancing and grinning. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $17.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

She Wants Revenge: California-based but British-influenced duo serves up a keyboard-centric, post-punk variant dubbed "Darkwave." Expect lots of tales of hot chicks and steamy nights. With Kill Hannah, New Medicine, Six O'Clock Saints. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $18.50/$20 (all ages). 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

HIP-HOP, R&B

John Forte: Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and MC makes his second stop in Philly since his 2008 release (President Bush pardoned the convicted drug trafficker). If you missed his July performance, make sure you catch this one. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 11 tonight, $15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Dutty Chutney: The sounds of India and the West Indies meet at this reggae bhangra sound clash. Featuring DJs Mandip, M-Ski, Aseem and special guest Cosmo Baker. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 10 tonight, free before 11 p.m., $5 after, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

Basement Soul: DJs Junior and Lil' Dave take turns on the wheels of steel, spinning hip-hop, soul and broken beat at one of the city's best weekly events. Xochitl, 408 S. 2nd St., 10 tonight, free, 215-238-7280, www.xochitlphilly.com.

Akilles: One of the hardest working underground acts in the city returns to one of Philly's hottest new venues. Joining him on the journey will be DJ Phsh. Panda Bar, 201 S. 40th St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $7, ladies free before 10 p.m., 21-plus, 215-222-0100.

Back 2 Basics: Philly's legendary producer King Britt offers up this jam session/party with partners Ron Clark and Dozia every week. Featuring a live band, great DJ sets and an ever-changing lineup of special guests, this is one event you can count on to offer a great time. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-592-8838, silkcityphilly.com.

Ladies Night with Dot.|maTic: Philly-based producer/soul artist and DJ offers up Afrobeat, dub reggae and house hits all night at this free weekly party. Vango Lounge and Skybar, 116 S. 18th St., 10 p.m. Tuesday, 215-568-1020, vangoloungeandskybar.com.

Afton Live Hip-Hop Showcase: T-Zuk, BreadMan, Red Baron, Brass Knux and LoYaL are just a few of the more than 16 acts scheduled for this indie hip-hop showcase. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $9 in advance, $12 at the door, 215-629-3686, fluidnightclub.com.

Fuzed Funk: Enjoy the soulful side of drum and bass as presented by DJs Armen and Jason Magin with MCs Armanni, Sharpness and Mis-Ty. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $5 before 10:30 p.m., $10 after, 215-629-3686, fluidnightclub.com.

ALTERNATIVE

Grrrl's Night Out: An evening of female-fronted punk bands with Brat Bangs, the Percocettes, Stark, Das Kickboy and the Rumblers. Connie's Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St., 8 tonight, $10, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Barred for Life: Group of Black Flag fans wants to document other fanatics bearing the band's bars logo as a tattoo. Benefit features Snack Flag, which is live-band karaoke, plus the Danzig Brick, a tribute to the Misfits' early years. Tritone, 1508 South St., 10 tonight, $6, 215–545–0475, www.barredforlife.net.

Click: Making Time's Dave P and Julian S Process' monthly dance party. The Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 10 tonight, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Woodstock Vs. Altamont: The junior rockers of the Paul Green School of Rock pay tribute to two very different music festivals that book-ended 1969. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 1:30 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Northern Liberties Music Festival: Rescheduled raindate with BC Camplight, Foxycontin, the Lara & Joe Show and more. Liberty Lands, 3rd Street between Wildey and Poplar Streets, 3 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, free.

Jefferson Square Park Music Festival: All-day event boasts Electric 6's Dick Valentine, plus tons of local bands (Wes Mattheu & the New Way Down, Pepi Ginsberg, Victor Victor Band) and a rock-and-roll flea market. Jefferson Square Park, between 3rd and 4th streets and Washington Avenue and Federal Street, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., free, 215-592-3459, http://jeffersonsquarepark.org.

Reading Rainbow: Philly duo, who are recommended to fans of Wavves or the Vivian Girls, do two shows this week in celebration of their "Mystical Participation" release. Pi Lam, 3914 Spruce St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, www.myspace.com/thepilam, and Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Monday, $3, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Gildon Works CD Release: Beloved Philly band also does the record release thing for "Artful Rifle," with Pattern Is Movement and Arc in Round. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

Sunn 0))): Drone-metal giants return with Eagle Twin. Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $16, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, r5productions.com.

Fanfarlo: NPR-approved UK band in the vein of Beirut and Arcade Fire makes its Philly debut with the Extraordinaires. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-291-4919, kungfunecktie.com.

Monday Night Club: This week is a zombie fall spectacular with Toxic Life, Conversations with the Enemies, Chemistry Music, death knell drink specials and, of course, hostess Needles Jones. National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St., 10 p.m. Monday, free, 215-701-4883, www.nationalmechanics.com.

Chain & the Gang: The latest outlet for Ian Svenious of the Make-Up, and it surely won't be dull. Philly's pysch-pop band Drink Up Buttercup opens. Space 1026, 1026 Arch St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $8, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

The Rifles: Paul Weller-approved Britpop band plays its first Philly show. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Lynnee Breedlove: Best known for fronting '90s queerpunk band Tribe 8, Breedlove is now an author and engaging spoken-word performer who takes on issues of gender and sexual politics with a healthy dose of humor. With Tiny Dirty Dancer in the Dark and Leda & the Swans. The Balcony, 10th and Arch streets, 9 p.m. Wednesday, $8-10, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Spires That in the Sunset Rise: Chicago all-female, free-folk band has recorded with the Espers' Greg Weeks and has varied instrumentation that includes spike fiddle, cello, percussion, and yelps and cackles. With Samara Lubelski, Joshua Burkett and Ghost Ship. 941 Theater, 941 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-235-1385, 941theater.com.

KMFDM: Veteran industrial band turns 25 with tons of music available, from their latest, "Blitz," to recent back-catalog reissues. Angelspit opens. Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $25-$28, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

JAZZ

Denise King with the Philly 5: King's Sarah Vaughan-inspired vocals are backed by trumpeter John Swana, tenor saxophonist Chris Farr, vibist Tony Miceli, bassist Madison Rast and drummer Dan Monaghan. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $16, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.

Peppe Merolla Quartet: Based in Yardley, drummer Merolla hails from a family of Italian singers and has backed jazz greats including Russell Ferrante, Vincent Herring and Frank Lacy. He'll lead a group featuring saxophonist Adam Brenner. Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St., 8 tonight, $10, 215-922-1035, www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com.

Seth Meicht and the Big Sound Ensemble: A few years after leaving for New York, saxophonist Meicht returns home to Philly to record a new CD with a stellar eight-piece ensemble. Caplan Center for the Performing Arts, 211 S. Broad St., 17th floor, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, www.bowerbird.org.

Rumba Club: With alumni of bands led by Latin jazz greats from Tito Puente to Andy Gonzalez, the NY/Baltimore ensemble explores sounds from Cuba to the Caribbean. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

The Waitiki 7: The 50th state recently turned the big 5-0 and to celebrate, Hawaiian bassist Randy Wong assembled this septet to revive the exotica sound most associated with the islands. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. Monday, $9, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Keith Javors/Oleg Kireyev: Russian saxophonist Kireyev, whose group Orlan mixed Russian folk music with jazz, joins pianist Javors' trio. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Aaron Irwin Group: Alto saxophonist recently relocated from New York to Philly and will lead a fine quintet featuring saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Thomson Kneeland, guitarist Sebastian Noelle and drummer Ferenc Nemeth. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 9:45 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.

Gunter Hampel European Trio: Vibraphonist and clarinetist was involved in the 1960s European free jazz movement and has performed and recorded with many of its legends, from Anthony Braxton to John McLaughlin. Philly's own vibes pioneer Khan Jamal opens. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $12, 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

CLASSICAL

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra: Founder and conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson leads the inaugural concert by this 30-member ensemble, whose mission is audience inclusion and musical diversity. The orchestra will play Venezuelan Aldemaro Romero's "Fuga con Pajarillo" and Argentine Astor Piazzolla's "Contemplacion y Danza." To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Johnson has also programmed Javier Alvarez' depiction of a Mexico City subway station, "Metro Chabacano," performed by the Latino musicians known as the Dali String Quartet. The program begins with "Danzas de Panama" by American giant William Grant Still and ends with Beethoven's monumental Fifth Symphony. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, free but tickets must be reserved at 215-893-1999, www.blackpearlco.org.

Alexander Markov: Russian-born violinist, who plays a special black instrument with glowing bow, was the winner of the gold medal at the Paganini Competition. For his recital, with Aurelia Mika Chang as piano accompanist, he'll perform Tartini's fearsome "Devil's Trill," Beethoven's Op. 47 Sonata, known as the "Kreutzer," the Meditation and Waltz-Scherzo by Tchaikovsky plus a sample of the 24 challenging solo Caprices by Paganini. Cape May First United Methodist Church, 625 Washington St., Cape May, N.J., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 609-465-3963, accesstoart.org.

Vox Ama Deus: The ensemble's costumed Renaissance Consort, comprising 16 singers and instrumental players, perform sacred anthems and dance tunes from half a millennium ago. Baptist Church in the Great Valley, 945 Valley Forge Road, Devon, 4 p.m. Sunday, free, 610-688-2800, www.voxamadeus.org.

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia: Music director Ignat Solzhenitsyn begins the orchestra's season with works by Joseph Haydn, including his rousing Symphonies Nos. 16 and 49 (the latter nicknamed "La Passione"). In between, esteemed Curtis Institute alumna Wendy Warner solos in Haydn's delightful Cello Concerto in D Major. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Monday, $24-$81, 215-893-1999, www.chamberorchestra.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Season begins with a grand, Gallic flourish as conductor Charles Dutoit continues this year's celebration of Hector Berlioz. The composer's early "Resurrexit" and his flaming "Te Deum" for organ, tenor John Tessier and the Philadelphia Singers are the mighty bookends. In between, Dutoit has scheduled Saint-Saens exultant Third Symphony, subtitled "The Organ" for its surging, concerto-like keyboard role. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Thursday and Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Sept. 25, $10-$120, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.