Here's the lineup on Philadelphia-area 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.

The Blind Boys of Alabama: Membership has shifted. Still, this old-school, Southern-gospel troupe continues to rouse and inspire. Sure to be featuring seasonal fare like "Go Tell It On the Mountain." The rootsy and most worthy Ruthie Foster shares the night. Keswick Theater, Easton Road and Keswick Ave., Glenside. 8 tonight, $36, $46, $52, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

The Roches: Quirky folkies Maggi, Suzzy and Terre Roche serve the season with "A Holiday Twist" - putting their bell-bright, complex harmonies to the likes of "Hallelujah Chorus" and "We Three Kings." Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple Sts., Sellersville, 8 tonight, $33-$45, 215-257-5808 www.st94.com.

Better Than Ezra: Beating another holiday rush, these New Orleans-based modern rockers are already on their "Road To Mardis Gras" tour, with Big Sam's Funky Nation also on board. TLA, 334 South St., 9 tonight, $25, $16.50 (4-pack individually), 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

Dimmu Borgir: Symphonic black metal band from Norway holds court with Enslaved, Blood Red Throne, Dawn of Ashes and Throne. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow Sts., 7:30 tonight, $21, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info.

Joe Satriani: Alert the fire department. The ever incendiary Satch is back, and burning up the fret board. Ned Evett and Triple Double also make trouble. Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow Sts., 8 tonight, $39.50-$49.50, 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

Leo Kottke: Another guitar master - he of the acoustic picking variety - lets it fly and sometimes opens his fog-bound voice, too. Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, 8 tonight, $24.50-$38.50, 610-917-1228, www. thecolonialtheatre.com.

Crooked Fingers: Eric Bachman, former frontman of Archers of Loaf, points the Fingers to the bottom of the emotional barrel with dark, fatalistic, baroque folk/rock. With Cotton Jones and Strand of Oaks. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

The Heavy Pets: Good-groovin', reggae-tinged and otherwise florid in tone, these Florida rockers have opened for the likes of Little Feat, Umphrey's McGee, Soulive and Tea Leaf Green. Seeing a pattern? With Hamburger Hunt, Duo Decibel System. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

John Grant: Freed from The Czars, this commanding vocalist has earned attention with the sweeping airs and candy-coated imagery of his solo debut, "Queen of Denmark." Lots seems tailor-made for movie soundtrack use. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 10 tonight, $19, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver: Jesus, even the twang gang is singing your praises at this "Bluegrass Christmas" show. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple Sts., Sellerville, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $33, 215-257-5805, www.st94.com.

Railroad Earth: This "country and swing" jam band now generates more comparisons to Wilco and Tom Petty than to their initial, gotta sing/gotta play inspirations (the New Riders of the Purple Sage and Grateful Dead.) Kindred spirits the Hackensaw Boys open the gates. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $25-$35 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Old '97s: Roots and routes are also showing with these Americana rockers, and special guest Hayes Carll. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $22/$25 and $16.50 (4-pack individually),800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

Keren Ann: Pop chanteuse stands apart with multi-lingual material and multi-instrumental prowess, the former reflecting her migrations from Israel to the Netherlands, France and the U.S. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Get the Led Out: Zep it up, good. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow Sts., 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, $30.10, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info.

Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison: Talented Texas alt-country couple return on their now-annual holiday music-themed mini-tour. Maybe their kids would enjoy finding souvenir Liberty Bells under the tree? Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St.,10 p.m. tomorrow, $22, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Freelance Whales: Haunting, humming harmonies and jingly instrument flourishes sometimes suggest the sounds of humpback whales. Their sensitive-guy lyrics are definitely of this earth. With Miniature Tigers. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, sold out, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Rufus Wainwright: We hear the Ru's performing his mournful, ambitious song cycle "All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu" in full diva drag as first half of this show, then channeling Judy (Garland) again and serving poppier originals in the second half. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $35-$48, 302-652-5777, www.thegrandwilmington.org.

S.Carey: While he hasn't gotten props from Kanye West like Bon Iver front man/alter ego Justin Vernon, B.I.'s drummer, keyboardist and backup singer Sean Carey should still find a welcome audience for his new solo material, all artfully layered and dreamy. With White Hinterland, Grand Nationals. Chapel at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St. 7 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 215-821-7575, www.r5productions.com.

Insane Clown Posse: Put up or shut up with these put-on artists. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow Sts., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $30.65, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info.

Good For the Jews: David Fagin and Rob Tannenbaum gotta sing, gotta sthick, gotta rally and ridicule their own. Fans of Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart and Tannenbaum's former partner in rhyme, Sean Altman (aka Jewmongous, here next weekend), should lap it up like latkes. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple Sts. Sellersville, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $18-$30, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Carbon Leaf: Virginia-based Celtic and bluegrass-tinged rockers settle in for three nights of "Home for the Holidays" music done their way. Suzanna Choffel opens. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd Street, 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and next Friday, $18, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Usher: Singing, dancing, soul-pop supa-star is on the prowl with that new "Versus" album and his gasp-inducing "OMG" stage production, also spotlighting BET's 2010 Best Male R&B Artist, Trey Songz. Plus, newcomer Miguel. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $29.50, $49.50, $88, $128, 800-298-4200, www.comcasttix.com.

Justin Townes Earle: We've raved about this second-gen singer-songwriter's recent album "Harlem River Blues," which postulates it's hard to be a saint (or a country artist) in the city, though he does both well. Jessica Lee Mayfield is the compatible show mate. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $13, 215-821-7575, www.r5productions.com.

Ghostland Observatory: Sizzlin', synthesized dance pop and funk collide with these party-hearty devolutionaries. With Mux Mool & Dirty South Joe. Trocadero, 10th and Arch Sts., 9 p.m. Thursday, $20/$22 (18 plus), 215-922-6888, www.thetroc.com.

Liz Phair: While never one to be shy, Phair's new sonic hodgepodge of an album "Funstyle" is so weird, harsh, in your face and (at times) self-demeaning, it almost deserves psycho-analysis. Fans, do your best! TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $32.75, 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

Badfish - A Tribute To Sublime: Feels like these ska punk clones come round more often than Sublime ever did. The same guys also open in non-tribute band personas as Scotty Don't, along with Private Stock and Dephonic. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow Sts., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $21, 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.info.

Chuck Van Zyl: The host of WXPN's "Star's End" and coordinator of The Gatherings at the Rotunda, Van Zyl is an electronic artist in his own right. He performs at Germ Books and Gallery tonight with Scott Norman, accompanied by owner David E. Williams, Jon Allen and Adrina Marie. Germ Books and Gallery, 2005 Frankford Avenue, 7 tonight, free, all ages, 215-423-5002, www.germbooks.com.

The Fleshtones: The Brooklyn garage rock vets play two sets: one from "Stocking Stuffer" and the other from its "Greatest Hits." Record Collector, 358 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, 7:30 tonight, $18, all ages, 609-324-0880, www.the-record-collector.com.

Dirty Diamond's 4th Annual Vagina Jam: The obscene Neil Diamond impersonator is joined by Handsome Petes, Screaming Rattler, Benny Michaels and others. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar Streets, 9 tonight, $10, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

Talk Normal: This must-see Brooklyn female post-punk duo uses spellbinding call-and-response vocals and tribal rhythms. They open for Buke & Gass, a duo that uses homemade instruments. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 7:30 tonight, $8, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

England Belongs To Twee: This month's edition, "Twoi to the World," features an oi! and a twee band performing Christmas songs: Combat 215 and The Soft Pretzels. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 10 tonight, $3, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

The Magic Message: Robotique's Billy Werner guests, with resident DJ's Toney M, Jeffrey Bouchard and Shearn. Medusa Lounge, 27 S. 21st St., 10 tonight, free, or $5 after 11, www.medusalounge.com.

The Punk Rock Flea Market: R5's biannual anti-mall experience has more than 250 vendors selling everything from vegan cookies to old records to vintage clothes to iPads and laptops. The Punk Rock Flea Market Dome, across the street from the Starlight Ballroom, 461 N. 9th Street, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, $3, all ages, 215-821-7575, www.r5productions.com.

Harry and the Potters: Headlining Yule Ball 2010, and an afternoon of Harry Potter inspired bands: The Whomping Willows, Justin Finch-Fletchley and the Sugar Quills, MC Kreacher, The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt and Rich Aucion. Part of the proceeds go to The Harry Potter Alliance, which fights the Dark Arts in the real world by using parallels from Harry Potter. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 5 p.m. tomorrow, $15, all ages, 215-821-7575, www.r5productions.com.

Holiday Hangover 2: This Christmas party marks the return of Philly punk label Black Hole records, celebrating the release of "Cashin In For Christmas 2." Bands include The Tulanes, who are former members of Thee Minks, Mondo Topless and the Sickidz doing obscure covers from the 50s to the present. Also: Punk-rock Christmas band The Missiletoads, Boston's The Revilers, Mean Streets and Delaware's The Keefs. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 4 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Hell Under the El XXXmas: Clashing Plaid, Loaf-ss, Sex Slaves' Eric 13 and Blessed Muthas also do the punk Christmas thing at The El Bar, Front and Master Streets, 8 to 11:30 p.m. tomorrow, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/clashingplaid.

The Shalitas: The fabulous Philly-Brooklyn '60s-style Girl Group returns with The Midnight Beat. M Room, 15 W. Girard Avenue, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Turning Points For Children Benefit: The local organization helps families with children who are struggling against difficult economic and environmental odds. On hand to help are Sharon Little, The Swimmers' Steve and Krista Yutzy-Burkey, Raccoon Fighter and Toy Soldiers. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Reading Rainbow: The cute-as-a-button husband-and-wife duo and Virginia transplants have been Philly faves for their lo-fi, '60s inspired pop, but their latest, "Prism Eyes," earned them rave reviews on Pitchfork. This record-release party also includes Coasting, a Vivian Girls side project that just released a split single with Reading Rainbow, and excellent reverb-laden rockers Moon Women. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Thursday, $7, all ages, www.myspace.com/dangerdangergallery.

Deli Christmas Show: The local music blog celebrates the holidays with punk-instrumentalists The Notekillers, the Mazzy Starr-ish Creepoid and New York's Electric Tickle Machine. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $8, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Joey DeFrancesco: The Philly-born organ master pays tribute to Michael Jackson, as on his latest CD, "Never Can Say Goodbye." Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 tonight and tomorrow, $25, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band: The New Orleans institution offers "A Creole Christmas," swinging takes on holiday tunes sure to turn any White Christmas red hot. Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 8 tonight, $20-$50, 215-898-3900, www.annenbergcenter.org.

Lucky Old Souls: The monthly jazz showcase presents a CD-release celebration for versatile drummer Joe Truglio and his trio, and the "Afro-futuristic creative super-group" Sonic Liberation Front, which blends avant-garde jazz and African rhythms. Moonstone Arts Center, 110 S. 13th St., 2nd Floor, 9 tonight, $8-$10, www.luckyoldsouls.com.

Justin Faulkner's Jazz Jam: The local drum prodigy, who started gigging with Branford Marsalis at 18 years old, begins a two-week, holiday-season stint leading Chris' Friday late-night jam session. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 11:30 tonight, $10 ($5 for musicians w/ instruments), 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Mario Pavone's Orange Double Tenor: The great bassist/composer celebrates his 70th birthday with a suite of music for a new sextet, named for the powerful frontline of tenor saxophonists Tony Malaby and Marty Ehrlich. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $12, 215-387-5125, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Avant Ascension: This month's program features guitarist Jef Lee Johnson and saxophonist Dave Lackner's electronically-enhanced project ARQ/44. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $5, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

The Manhattan Transfer: The well-known vocal quartet, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary (more than 30 with the current line-up), offers a selection of classics and holiday tunes. Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $38-$48, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Tomas Fujiwara & The Hook-Up: Drummer Fujiwara, a vital part of New York's new experimental-jazz scene, leads his quintet comprised of fellow rising stars, including trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson and guitarist Mary Halvorson. Steve Lacy repertory band Ideal Bread opens. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Thursday, Free, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Philadanco: The accomplished company's signature "Xmas Philes" combines its trademark technical virtuosity with a spirit of fun. The bill, set against 17 traditional and contemporary Christmas classics, has been expanded to make the tradition even hipper.Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets, 7:30 tonight and tomorrow, 2:30 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, $34-$46, 215-893-1999, www.philadanco.org.

Pennsylvania Ballet: Tchaikovsky's perennial "The Nutcracker" ballet is always a colorful emblem of the season, with its redesigned, resplendent production an annual must for many families. In its 42nd year, this magnificent staging by George Balanchine features full orchestra and the Pennsylvania Boys Choir, the battle with the Mouse King and the famous specialty dances of the finale. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. tomorrow and 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, with 16 more performances through Dec. 31, $30-$139, 215-893-1999, www.paballet.org.

Brandywine Ballet: The company's 31st production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" ballet is presented in a production by founding artistic director, Donna Muzio, with Jae Hoon Lim as guest artist. Asplundh Concert Hall in the Philips Memorial Building at West Chester University, 701 S. High Street in West Chester, 2 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, 2 p.m. Dec. 18 and 6 p.m. Dec. 19, $22-$37, 610-696-2711, www.brandywineballet.com.

Mummenschanz: The much-praised Swiss troupe, which combines shapes, creatures and humorous characters to tell its stories, returns after 10 years to perform "3 x 11," a work that combines many of its signature characters with new material. The five-member company, which blends dance, mask-play, theatre and puppetry, gives a show that's hard to describe, but easy to enthrall. Zellerbach Theatre at the Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street, 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 p.m. Dec. 19; $24-$48, 215-898-3900, www.annenbergcenter.org.

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops: Nero is going all out for his annual holiday program. Besides his hot band, he'll also host Broadway actress/singer Rachel York, Wanamaker organist Peter Richard Conte, the Pops Festival Chorus, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir and the Philadelphia Boys Choir. The audience will be doing its singalong with nearly all 300 guests on stage at the finale. Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets, 8 tonight, Sunday and Wednesday; 3 p.m. tomorrow; plus four more performances through Dec. 22, $25-$110, 215-893-1999, www.phillypops.org.

Tempesta di Mare: The eight-member Baroque ensemble performs a concert of music by Francois Couperin, which was played for the King of France in 1650. These morsels are all delicious, especially the undulating paradox of "Les barricades mysterieuses." St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 St, Martin's Lane, 8 p.m. tonight and Old St. Joseph's Church, 321 Willings Alley, 8:15 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-755-8776, www.tempestadimare.org.

Relache: This contemporary ensemble performs Turkish-American composer Kamran Ince's "Strange Stone" and Cypriot composer Sophia Serghi's "Pleiades." Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. tonight, free with $16 museum admission, 215-574-8248, www.relache.org.

Vox Ama Deus: The uncut 1749 Covent Garden version of Handel's "Messiah," performed with Baroque instruments, will be conducted by Valentin Radu. Holy Trinity Church, 1904 Walnut Street, 7 p.m. tonight; Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, in Conshohocken, 7 p.m. tomorrow; Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, in Paoli, 4 p.m. Sunday; and St. Katharine of Siena Church, Lancaster Avenue and Aberdeen Avenue, in Wayne, 4 p.m. Dec. 19; $25, 610-688-2800, www.voxamadeus.org.

Center City Opera Theater: Eleven of the company's apprentice and studio artists, with Daveth Clark at the piano, offer an hour and a half of favorite operatic arias and duets. Market and Shops at Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard, 8:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, 5 p.m. Sunday, $19-$29, 215-238-1555, www.operatheater.org.

Tuba Christmas: Over 100 regional tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players annually combine to fill the huge Plaza space with holiday anthems. Plaza at the Kimmel Center, 1 p.m. Saturday, free, 215-893-1999, www.tubachristmas.com.

Symphony in C: Rossen Milanov leads the orchestra in Vivaldi's Op. 3/10 Concerto for four violins and cello and Paul Moravec's "Brandenburg Gate," inspired by Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Soprano Sarah Moulton Faux and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo solo in Pergolesi's ravishing "Stabat Mater." Gordon Theater, Third and Cooper Streets in Camden, NJ, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $18-$45, 856-429-1880, www.symphonyinc.org.

Philadelphia Singers: One of the longest-lasting holiday traditions is this acclaimed chorus' "Christmas On Logan Square" program, beginning with a candlelight procession. Led by David Hayes, the bill includes Davis Shapiro's "Et incarnates est," Judith Weir's "Illimanare, Jerusalem," "The Shepherd's Carol" by King's Singers alumnus Robert Chilcott, plus works by Biebl, Holst and Abbie Betinis' "The Babe of Bethlehem." The major work is Britten's moving "A Ceremony Of Carols," with the Philadelphia Orchestra's principal harpist, Elizabeth Hainen, playing tomorrow night and Coline-Marie Orliac playing the other two performances. Wanamaker organist Peter Richard Conte performs tomorrow and next Saturday, with Michael Stairs taking over the console this Sunday. St. Clement's Church, 20th and Cherry Streets, 5 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 18, and the Church of the Good Samaritan, 212 W. Lancaster Avenue in Paoli, 4 p.m. Sunday, $25-$43, 215-751-9494, www.philadelphiasingers.org.

Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia: Alan Harler leads the chorus in its annual "Feast Of Carols," music that has evoked the season for centuries, with music by Donald St. Pierre. 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., St. Paul's Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., $25, 215-735-9922, www.mcchorus.org.

Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale: Jeffrey R. Smith leads the 80 young voices, men's choral and full orchestra in seasonal music. The program will feature an arrangement of "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," written 150 years ago at Holy Trinity Church, where tomorrow's concert will be given. Holy Trinity Church, 1904 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow; Church of St. Isaac Jogues, 3 Lord Place, Marlton, NJ, 8 p.m. Dec. 17; and Proclamation Presbyterian Church, 278 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue, in Bryn Mawr, 8 p.m. Dec. 18; $40, 215-222-3500, x200, www.phillyboyschoir.org.

Verdi's "Don Carlo:" Our Orchestra's new music director-designate, Yannick Nezet-Seguin, returns to the Metropolitan Opera to lead Verdi's huge five-act drama. Roberto Alagna will sing the conflicted title character, Marina Poplavskaya will portray Elisabeth of Valois, Anna Smirnova is the "fatal beauty" Princess Eboli, Simon Keenlyside is the revolutionary Rodrigo and Ferruccio Furlanetto sings the tyrannical King Philip II. At eight area movie theaters, 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, $22, www.fathomevents.com.

Tune Up Philly: This children's orchestra, initiated by the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, emulates Venezuela's wildly successful La Sistema program. It gives kids who normally wouldn't have an opportunity to play or sing a chance to experience a new world. Christmas songs, the theme from "Jaws," carols, folk tunes and more will give these children a chance to shine. St. Francis de Sales School, 917 S. 47th Street, 2 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-545-0502, www.pyos.org.

Germantown Friends Orchestra and Choruses: Mozart's "Regina Coeli" and "Alleluja," plus Adam's "Cantique de Noel" are on the bill, plus the Bacchanale from Saint-Saens' "Samson and Delilah," the Evening Prayer from Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" and Sibelius' stirring "Finlandia." Loeb Performing Arts Center, Greene Street and School House Lane, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $8215-951-2300, www.germantownfriends.org.

Verdi's "Aida:" From the floating stage over Lake Constance at Austria's Bregenz Festival, Verdi's masterpiece is presented in HD. Carlo Rizzi is on the podium, with direction by Felix Breisach and a set that includes a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Soprano Tatiana Serjan plays the title role of the Ethiopian slave girl, tenor Rubens Pelizzari is the Egyptian warrior Radames, Iano Tamar is Amneris and Kevin Short is the Egyptian king. Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Avenue, in Bryn Mawr, 1 p.m. Sunday, $25, 610-527-4008, www.brynmawrfilm.org.

Mikael Eliasen 25th anniversary concert: The longtime artistic director of Curtis Opera Theatre will be royally honored by a host of friends and students, with Eliasen and Danielle Orlando accompanying at the piano. Guest alumni include Curtis prez and violist Roberto Diaz, violinist Pamela Frank, baritone Elliot Madore and soprano Layla Claire in Berg's Seven Songs, Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes, four Strauss songs, Ned Rorem's "Aftermath" and Richard Danielpour's "Come Up From The Fields, Father." Field Concert Hall at Curtis Institute, 1726 Locust Street, 3 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-893-7902, www.curtis.edu.

Parker String Quartet: This ensemble, which came together in Boston and is named after the famed Parker House hotel, makes its local debut in Quartets by Haydn (Op. 74/3 (the famous "Rider") and Hindemith's Fourth. Violist Kim Kashkashian joins the group for the finale, Brahms' dense and soaring Op. 11 String Quintet. American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut Street, 3 p.m. Sunday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Duo Parisienne: Violinist/violist Nancy Bean and harpist Anne Sullivan comprise this duo, who will perform Corelli's Sonata in D Minor, Three Pieces by Faure, Bach/Gounod's Ave Maria and Schubert's "Arpeggione" Sonata. Bean will be playing some works on her Pelligrina viola, based on a highly-prized new design. German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden Street, 3 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-627-2332, www.germansociety.org.

"Unsilent Night:" This annual caroling procession, with revelers sporting boomboxes playing Phil Kline's music, has become a cult affair for 19 years, and now in 19 U.S. cities, plus Hong Kong and Britain. It's something you have to experience, at least once. Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, 7 p.m. Monday, free, 215-574-8248, www.relache.org.

Alisa Weilerstein: This American cellist, who has soloed and recorded with the Philadelphia Orchestra, returns in recital with pianist Inan Barnatan. Her program includes Cello Sonatas by Beethoven (Op. 5/2), Britten (Op. 65) and Rcahmaninoff's Op. 19, plus Stravinsky's "Suite Italienne," drawn from his ballet "Pulcinella." Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Monday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Academy of Vocal Arts: The annual evening of Russian romances has been expanded to two nights, with the lovely Warden Theater decorated for the season. Ghenady Meirson acts as music director and pianist for the resident artists, who will delve into the vast Russian repertoire of art songs. Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, $25, 215-735-1685, www.avaopera.org.

Cynthia Raim, Ida Levin and Peter Stumpf: Acclaimed pianist Raim and violinist Levin, plus cellist Stumpf (now principal with the Los Angeles Philharmonic) join forces for the early Beethoven Op. 3/1 Trio and an arrangement of Ravel's mercurial "Le Tombeau de Couperin." In between, Levin and Stumpf play the Duo for violin and cello by Erwin Schulhoff. Independence Seaport Museum, Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Amerita Chamber Players: Seven superb Philadelphia Orchestra musicians perform music by 17th- and 18th-century Italian composers Vivaldi, Leonarda, Colombi, Galuppi and more. Temple Beth Zion, 18th and Spruce Streets, 8 p.m. Wednesday, free, 215-735-3250, www.america-italysociety.com.

Philadelphia Orchestra: With some anthems from the Orchestra's best-selling holiday album, "The Glorious Sounds Of Christmas" are given the most resplendent treatment imaginable. Rossen Milanov conducts these classics, with the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia as the chorus, plus excerpts from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" and William Holcombe's "'Twas The Night Before Christmas." Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 and 18, $20-$108, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Otis Redding Tribute Night: This tragically short-lived singer had one of the most amazing voices to ever grace soul music. Expect to hear classics like "Sitting on The Dock of The Bay," "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and "Stand by Me." The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $7, 21-plus, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com/thefire.

Tastytreats: Special guest and hip-hop icon DJ Scratch will be joining resident DJ Mike Nyce for this week's edition of this long-running party. Hosted by Yameen Allworld. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

Mint Condition: Led by singer Stokley Williams, this five-man act is best known for its hit single "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)." Almost 20 years later and the group still has continued to make the same innovative R&B that made them popular in the first place. Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $46, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

The New Kings of Rhythm: This Chester County-based blues/reggae/funk group covers classics in a variety of genres and lets loose with its own original music, as well. Also performing will be Local Dub, Guerilla Funk and the Trouble City All-Stars. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $8, 21-plus, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

VINYL: As the name implies, this party is all about dancing to real records and features DJ Rahsaan playing funk, soul, Latin, house and dancehall. Hosted by Akemi and Maggie. Time, 1315 Sansom St., 10 p.m. Sunday, $5, 21-plus, 215-985-4800, www.timerestaurant.net.

Kid Capri and Rich Medina: Bronx hip-hop legend Kid Capri will be travelling to Philly and joining the Medina for what is sure to be an excellent party. With two excellent DJs and no cover, this one comes highly recommended. The Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave., 10 p.m. Tuesday, no cover, 21-plus, 215-634-7400, myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Gift Wrapped: Presented by Philadelphia Music Magazine, this show features performances from S.T.S. of the Money Making Jam Boys, rapper Ethel Cee and singer/songwriter Malene Younglao. DJ AfroDJiak will be spinning the opening and closing sets in what is sure to be an exciting show. L'Etage, 624 S. 6th St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $7 in advance, $10 day of show, 215-592-0656, www.creperie-beaumonde.com.