Music critics' picks

Johnny A.'s last name (of Greek origin) was so hard to pronounce, the guitarist shortened it. And does it ever fit the man's understated, neat-freak approach to guitar showmanship, newly displayed on the "One November Night" concert CD and DVD, and at two area shows. Worthy of comparison to Jeff Beck, Pat Martino and the late, lamented Les Paul, Johnny A. juggles rock, jazz and blues in his ever tastefully groovin', all-instrumental band. His originals are sweet 'n' sultry, and his covers find new truths. Need more evidence of the man's prowess and prestige? Gibson has created a Johnny A. Signature Edition guitar.

Kennett Flash, 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 8 tonight, $30, 484-732-8295, kennettflash.org. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $27-$40, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

- Jonathan Takiff

Led by singer Stokley Williams, R&B quintet Mint Condition has crafted a unique blend of soul, jazz and funk since 1989. The group's hit single "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)" made it a household name. All this, plus a reputation for excellent performances, has made it one of the longest lasting groups from that era. Also performing is Ledisi, a New Orleans native who debuted in 2000 with "Soulsinger: The Revival." Her 2009 release, "Turn Me Loose," earned the singer two Grammy nominations and had her working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the same producers who discovered Mint Condition.

Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 tonight, $44 and $54, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

- James Johnson

If you can make this super-early show, you'll get to see two bands with totally different sounds for the young and the young at heart. Japandroids is a Vancouver, British Columbia, guitar/drums duo whose noise is bigger than the both of them. Last year the pair released "Post Nothing" to lots of critical praise due to its punk energy and sharp melodies filled with youthful restlessness and yearning. A singles collection of the pair's earlier work is due out in May. Sweden's Love Is All has released three albums of arty post-punk, new-wave pop like Bow Wow Wow and indie pop that evokes something completely unique and powerful. Either way, you won't stop dancing.

The Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 7 p.m. Tuesday, $10, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

- Sara Sherr

The output of saxophonist Chris Potter's electric quartet Underground represents a tiny blip in the timeline of jazz. But don't take the group's mere four years of existence and three CDs as evidence that they're underachievers. Where Potter and company log their hours is on the road, and they're probably the best working group in the music today. Potter, guitarist Adam Rogers, keyboardist Craig Taborn and drummer Nate Smith are each powerhouses, but like all great ensembles, they combine into something even more formidable.

Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow, $25, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

- Shaun Brady

For its 75th anniversary, the famed Academy of Vocal Arts will celebrate with a "BrAVA Philadelphia!" vocal extravaganza featuring four luminaries associated with the Metropolitan Opera: sopranos Indra Thomas and Angela Meade (Renee Fleming's understudy in the Met's "Armida"), and tenors Michael Fabiano and James Valenti (who makes his Met debut in "La Traviata" Monday). Other warmly remembered alumni include sopranos Eglise Gutierrez and Latonia Moore, plus baritone Luis Ledesma. Music director Christofer Macatsoris will lead the academy's Opera Orchestra. The stunning BrAVA comes only every five years, so don't miss it.

Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $48-$83, 215-735-1685, www.avaopera.com.

- Tom Di Nardo