Music critics' picks

While once guiding lights of the British post-punk scene, time has hardly softened legendary agit-prop rockers Gang of Four. As heard on their new album of "Content," Gang of Four's marching-in-the-streets, reggae- and funk-tinged musical refrains have not lost their buzzy edge, thanks largely to Andy Gill's commanding guitar work. And these college-spawned (at Leeds University) radicals are still talking 'bout a revolution - at least in their minds, with burning vocals from the other remaining original, Jon King. The YouTube buzz band Hollerado blows it up, too, with tunes amusing ("Fake Drugs") and poignant ("Juliette"). Moon Women land first.

TLA, 334 South St. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, $25, $18.75 (4-pack indiv.), 800-745-3000, www.livenation.com.

- Jonathan Takiff

Hailing from Southern California, singer/songwriter Miguel is bit of fresh air in a somewhat stagnant genre. With a diverse list of influences, ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Prince to Notorious B.I.G. and Kanye West, Miguel's list of collaborators thus far has been equally eclectic. While he's worked with platinum-selling singers like Usher, he's also appeared on tracks by equally talented but lesser-known artists, like fellow Los Angeles native Blu. Aside from being in high demand for his voice, Miguel's songwriting skills are also well-respected, earning him a Grammy nomination for penning Jaheim's single, "Finding My Way Back." Still, Miguel is probably best known for his own work, which includes the excellent single "All I Want Is You," from his 2010 debut album of the same name.

World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7 p.m. Monday, $21 and $31 in advance, $24 and $34 day of show, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

- James Johnson

Girls Rock Philly, the annual, weeklong, rock summer camp for girls ages 9-17, enters its fifth year this August at its usual spot, at Girard College. Its first fund-raiser of 2011 features a new generation of loud, uncompromising lady rockers who owe much to the riot-grrrl movement of the early '90s. Trophy Wife features Katy Otto, a D.C. activist who also ran Exotic Fever records for more than a decade. Providence, R.I.'s Wh-re Paint is reminiscent of Lydia Lunch and Babes in Toyland. Philly's Cat Vet and Slutever represent Bratmobile's super-fun, mischievous contributions to riot grrrl.

The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, $5-$10, all ages, 215-573-3234, www.therotunda.org.

- Sara Sherr

For the longest time, Jeremy Pelt seemed to have seized the top spot as "Rising Star Trumpet" in DownBeat Magazine's annual poll with the unyielding force of a military coup. Pelt was No. 1 for five years, and if he cedes the mantle it will likely be because his star has achieved its ascendancy. The finest showcase of his estimable talents is his quintet, an honest-to-goodness working band that have forged a strong group aesthetic over three years together. Pelt's sidemen - tenor saxophonist J.D. Allen, pianist Danny Grissett, bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gerald Cleaver - are formidable voices in their own right, and combine with a ferocious chemistry. The quintet's latest, "The Talented Mr. Pelt," explores the vanguard of the jazz mainstream, proving that the music needn't forego urgency to follow the tradition.

Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20-$22, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

- Shaun Brady

The harp becomes a symphonic entity in the hands of Elizabeth Hainen, the Philadelphia Orchestra's immensely talented principal harpist. Her recital boasts a world premiere: Argentinian composer Esteban Benzecry's indigenous-music-laden "Horizonte Inexplorados," plus Canadian R. Murray Schafer's "The Crown of Ariadne" (in which she plays percussion and sings into the harp through a tube) and Sebastian Currier's "Night Time" for harp and violin (Jessica Lee). A virtuoso septet joins in Ravel's magnificent Introduction and Allegro. Fellow principals include clarinetist Ricardo Morales, flutist Jeffrey Khaner and violist C.J. Chang, the latter a Johannes Quartet member along with Lee, cellist Peter Stumpf and violinist Soovin Kim, who perform, too. Delicious!

American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $16.50, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

- Tom Di Nardo