Music critics' picks

As the Spectrum's days dwindle, three of Philadelphia's most popular musicians - Daryl Hall & John Oates, the Hooters and Todd Rundgren - will perform together at "The Last Call," part of the farewell concert series. In a nod to the venue's rich history, tickets are the same price that they were for the first Spectrum show, the 1967 Quaker City Jazz Festival. Then, play one-on-one with Oates tomorrow as he conducts a songwriting workshop for students from his alma mater, North Penn School District, followed by a 7:30 p.m. performance at the Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts, 311 W. Main St. Tix are $75; 215-361-1296 or www.lansdalecpa.org.

"Last Call," Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., 8 tonight, $4, $5 and $6, 800-298-4200, ComcastTIX.com.

Jay-Z, who reigns atop hip-hop as arguably its biggest and most influential star, headlines one of the biggest shows of the season, Power House. Being the main event for the second year in a row is just another in a long list of accomplishments for the multiplatinum rapper. Highlights include holding the record for the most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 by a solo artist, an impressive eight Grammys and more than 30 million records sold. He'll be joined by a virtual who's who of mainstream urban recording artists, including singers Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Pleasure P, Mario, Jeremiah and Day 26. Rappers won't be taking a back seat for this one, either; besides Jay-Z, there's also Jadakiss and Philly's own Meek Mill.

Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.,

6 tonight, $9.99-$250, 800-298-4200, www.wachoviacenter.com.

- James Johnson

The Zombeatles combine two of America's biggest loves right now: the Fab Four and the undead. Describing themselves as the Fab Gore, the macabre Wisconsin Beatles tribute band renamed themselves Pall, Jaw, Dingo and Gorge. Creepily reworked song titles include "I Wanna Eat Your Hand," "Ate Brains A Week" and "Hey Food." And there's even a documentary, "All You Need Is Brains." The live show should be a total scream.

Tritone, 1508 South St., 9:30 p.m. Thursday, $12, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

- Sara Sherr

Rashied Ali maintained ties to his native Philadelphia throughout his life, even as he spent most of his time in New York. He also traveled internationally and, with John Coltrane, into "Interstellar Space." Family, friends and fellow musicians gather this weekend to remember the late drummer, who passed away on Aug. 12 at the age of 76. Hosted by J. Michael Harrison of WRTI (90.1 FM), the memorial will kick off with a performance by Ali's brother and fellow drummer Muhammad Ali, and will continue with performances by contemporaries, including Dave Burrell, James "Blood" Ulmer, Ronnie Burrage and G. Calvin Weston. The four-hour show will also feature an open jam session.

Clef Club of Jazz, 738 S. Broad St., 3 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-893-9912, www.lifelinemusiccoalition.com.

- Shaun Brady

Since his last guest appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestra 16 seasons ago, Italian conductor Daniele Gatti has greatly enlarged his scope and reputation through some superb CDs and a great Verdi "Simon Boccanegra" DVD, plus posts in Paris and at the Zurich Opera. Between concerts here, Gatti is also leading the Saturday matinee of "Aida" at the Met in New York, so let's hope there are no major tie-ups on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Here, he's chosen a meat-and-potatoes program of: Rossini's glittering Overture to "The Barber of Seville," Mendelssohn's Fourth Symphony, aka "The Italian," and the monumental First Symphony of Brahms.

Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 tonight and tomorrow, $10-$120, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

- Tom Di Nardo