POP...plus
Ian Anderson: We hear that the king of rock flute has put together an excellent troupe to pull off an "Acoustic Jethro Tull" musicale. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 tonight, $45 & $55, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.
Avett Brothers: What kind of country band dares sing "Brooklyn, Brooklyn, take me in"? The Avetts, likewise pushing the envelop of Americana with the sophisticated string embellishments on this lead/title track of their major label debut, "I And Love and You." Sensitively produced by label exec Rick Rubin, the production sets up the family band as a new-gen rendering of the Band, getting radio friendly with "Kick Drum Heart" and finding "The Perfect Space" between "no Depression" and emo pop worlds. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 tonight, $26.50, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.
Built To Spill: While there's no "Cortez the Killer" cover on their new album, there's no mistaking the continued allegiance of Doug Martsch and friends to the processed vocal vibes and jammy twang guitar of Neil Young & Crazy Horse. And they do carry the ball well! Disco Doom and Violent Soho also perform. Afterward, Martsch moves upstairs to The Balcony to play DJ. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 8 tonight, $24 (all ages), 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
Lucero: Oh, mama, can this really be the end? Lucero's got the Memphis blues again — having recorded the new album "1372 Overton Park" with a slew of Memphis horn players arranged by Jim Spake (Al Green, Solomon Burke, John Hiatt, Cat Power). Growly-voiced Ben Nichols (the only original band member) fronts the group like Steve Earle communing with the E Street Band. Rounded out this show's Southern-themed music scenario are twangy songstress Amy LeVere (who played Wanda Jackson in "Walk the Line") plus Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm. Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. 9th St., 8 tonight, $15 (all ages), 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers/Carbon Leaf: Wow, not one but two rustic-minded rock bands, on one bill for two nights. SK6ERs new album "The Bear" is pretty huggable in the alt country/roots rock crossover vein (think a twangier Marshall Crenshaw). Carbon Leaf mixes Celtic and rock impulses in agreeable fashion. Come early for a Rocktoberfest Beer Sampling. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 tonight, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $25-$35. Two-night $40 special (available online and by phone) includes preshow reception with Carbon Leaf. Beer sampling from 7 p.m., $20, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
Maia Sharp: Adult pop rocker sings for all the lonely people with polished originals. Bonnie Raitt is a kindred spirit and fan, singing on Sharp's new "Echo" album. Suzie Brown opens (replacing Guggenheim Grotto). Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7 tonight, $15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
The Fab Faux: In the wake of all those Beatles reissues and video game fever, this most meticulous tribute band serves up the studio creation that's selling best of the bunch, "Abbey Road," plus the orchestrally endowed version of "Let It Be" that Phil Spector saved or ruined (your call). With the Hogshead Horns and Creme Tangerine Strings. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 p.m. tomorrow, 42.50-$77.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.
Lili Anel: If you dig throaty, jazz-inflected pop chanteuses (think Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Snow, Tracy Chapman), you should pick this Lili, too. With piano-based singer-songwriter John Conahan. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
Broadcast: Hope they turn on the black lights and the strobes to evoke ye old Trauma/Electric Factory experience when dreamy vocalist Trish Keenan and her tinkling synth pop colleagues hit the stage. With Atlas Sound and the Selmanaires. First Unitarian Church Sanctuary, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $13/$15 (all ages), 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.
Marc Broussard: Louisiana-spawned "blue-eyed soul" revivalist falls between radio format niches, sadly. Broussard is too white for R&B outlets, too old school/Marvin Gaye-ish for rock radio. But that doesn't mean he's not good. Charlie Mars opens. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $35-$45, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
The Moore Brothers: "We're always hearing that we blatantly rip off Simon and Garfunkel," complains Thom Moore. "Just once I'd like to hear someone say we sound like the Bee Gees, who I do think about blatantly ripping off." OK, Thom, but thinking and doing are two different things. Your shimmeringly harmonized, poetically phrased and dramatically orchestrated (love the kettle drums) "Aptos" is the best S&G album they never recorded. Oh My God and Old Man Cactus share this showcase. Manhattan Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.
Leonard Cohen: While we love Lenny to death, it struck us as a little overreaching that this seasoned troubadour was playing the Wachovia Spectrum, even in a scaled down Spectrum Theater configuration. The promoters have evidentally come to the same conclusion. Yesterday, ComcastTix stopped selling seats to Thursday's the Spectrum show. At press time, we got word the show would be relocated to the more, ahem, "intimate" setting of the Tower Theater in Upper Darby. Tickets will be honored with a comparable seat.
HIP-HOP, R&B
5 0'Clock Shadowboxers: Duo of Zilla Rocca and Blurry Drones will highlight an excellent night of indie hip-hop featuring Elucid, Al Mighty, Dumhi, Has-Lo and Sick Six. Hosted by Big O. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $8, 21-plus, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Dutty Chutney: DJs Aseem, M-Ski and Mandip are back again for their monthly reggae/bhangra soundclash. The special guest this time around will be Philly's own DJ Rollie Fingaz. Fluid Nightclub, 613 S. 4th St., 10 tonight, $5, 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.
Lupe Fiasco: Chicago native and one of the best artists of hip-hop's past decade headlines Temple's 2009 homecoming concert. Local Asher Roth opens. Liacouras Center, Broad Street and Montgomery Avenue, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $18, $13 with Temple ID, www.liacourascenter.com.
Reggae Attack: The duo of DJ Version Girl and DJ CarryUs, better known as the Philly Reggae Girls, will be joined by the Ital Sound System for a night of dancehall, dub, ska and of course, reggae. Dr. Watson's Pub, 216 S. 11th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, free, 21+, 215-922-3427, www.myspace.com/drwatsonspub.
Writtenhouse: It's two-for-one as the trio of MC Charlie K with producers Chris Conway and Kush Shalimar will be joined by another Philly-based, three-man act, South Broad. Octoraro Hotel & Tavern, 2 S. 3rd St., Oxford, Pa., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 21-plus, 610-932-2290.
Meshell Ndegeocello: Veteran vocalist/bassist combines a number of genres for a sound that's as unique as her style. Also performing, Philly's own Keisha Hutchins. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 6 p.m. Monday, $40 and $50 in advance, $42 and $52 day of show, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.
Back 2 Basics: One of the best weekly party/jam sessions in the city, this event features DJs King Britt, Dozia and Ron Clark, the incredible Back 2 Basics Band and surprise guests every week. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 9 p.m. Monday, $8, 21+, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.
Commonwealth Proper Trunk Show: Philly-based dress-shirt maker puts on one heck of a party, with music from DJ Phsh, Nicholas, Suzi Analogue, El Malito and DJ Ruxbin plus free Pabst Blue Ribbon beer from 9 to 10 p.m., and free bowling all night long. North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd St., 6:30 p.m. Thursday, free, www.northbowlphilly.com.
ALTERNATIVE
White Hinterland: Portland singer/songwriter and bandleader Casey Dienel brings her art rock ensemble to this recently opened café owned by former Cue Records co-owner Adam Porter. Sweetheart Parade kicks off the show. Milkcrate Café, 400 E. Girard Ave., 7 tonight, $5, all ages, 267-909-8348, www.milkcratecafe.com.
Blues Control: New York noise-rockers hit Pi Lam with Espers side project Watery Love, Puerto Rico Flowers and Her Dead Twin. Pilam, 3914 Spruce St., 8-11 tonight, $8-$10.
Vox Populi Benefit: Solid local lineup raises funds for the Chinatown gallery: Bardo Pond, Arc in Round and Ape School. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.
Adam and Dave's Bloodline: Beloved local roots rockers do two shows tonight: an early bill with Gasoline Heart at Kung Fu Neckie, and a late show for Hell Under the El with garage rockers Three 4 Tens. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 7 tonight, $5, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com. El Bar, Front and Master Streets, 9 tonight, $5, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.
Rockabilly Night at the Record Collector: Catch Full Blown Cherry and the darkly humorous, Mose Allison stylings of Mr. Unloved. Record Collector, 358 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, N.J. 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10-12, 609-324-0880, www.the-record-collector.com.
Hot Panda: The Rolling Stone-lauded Canadian band is a mix of the lo-fi gems of Guided By Voices with a touch of Roxy Music glam. With All the Day Holiday. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. Sunday, $8, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.
Voluntary Mother Earth: Tokyo avant rockers make their Philly debut with Austin's Ringo Deathstarr, the Tweeds and Screen Vinyl Image. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Gaslight Anthem: This is the second show added for the hugely popular emo Bruce Springsteens (Sunday's show is sold out), with Murder By Death, Philly's Loved Ones and Broadway Calls. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7 p.m. Monday, $17-19, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
The Revival Tour: Punkers go acoustic: Hot Water Music's Chuck Ragan, Sparta's Jim Ward, Avail's Tim Barry, the Loved Ones' Dave Hause, and Jenny Owen Youngs. The Trocadero, 10th and Arch Streets, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $15, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
UUVVWWZ: Connor Oberst signed them to his label Saddle Creek, but they are as far from Monsters of Folk as you can get. Think Captain Beefheart meets Deerhoof. Also, Circadian Rhythms and Flexions (Shoplifting's Devin Welch). 941 Theater, 941 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $8, all ages, 215-235-1385, www.941theater.com.
The Whore Moans: Seattle rockers draw Clash and Replacements comparisons. With Natural Child and Bobo. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.
Teenage Bottle Rocket: If any state needs punk bands it's Wyoming, especially those with the perky Ramones style of these newcomers. With Cobra Skulls and Higher Giant. Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Ave., 6:30 p.m. Thursday, $10, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.
Double Dagger: A double shot of Baltimore punk bands with Future Islands. Pilam, 3914 Spruce St., 8 p.m. Thursday, www.myspace.com/thepilam.
Mum: Electronic orchestral pop group visits from Iceland with fellow countrymen Sin Fang Bous. Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $15-$18, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.
Emergency Room: Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano debuts his new band, along with Mewithoutyou side project Geology and Restorations. Balcony, 10th and Arch streets, 8 p.m. Thursday, $11-14, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.
JAZZ
Sonny Fortune: Philly-born alto saxophonist and unabashed Coltrane disciple always puts on a fierce, hard-edged performance here. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $16, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.
Industrial Jazz Group: Led by pianist/composer Andrew Durkin, IJG is a big band with one foot in the avant-garde and a Zappa-sized smirk on its face. Green Line Cafe, 4426 Locust St., 7 tonight, $5, greenlinecafe.com.
Webb Thomas and His Superband: A frequent presence at Chris', drummer Thomas has gathered an aptly named ensemble: saxophonists Pete Chavez and Julian Pressley, trumpeter Tim Thompson, guitarist Monette Sudler and organist Kyle Koehler. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.
Shot x Shot: Incredible Philly avant-jazz quartet will be joined by pianist Matt Mitchell, a collaborator of SxS inspiration Tim Berne. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 tonight, free, www.bowerbird.org.
Melody Gardot: With her new CD on Verve, "My One and Only Thrill," the Philly-based singer has begun breaking through to a wider audience with her wryly sultry take on the torch song. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $35, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.
Ari Hoenig: Animated Philly-born drummer returns leading his fantastic trio, featuring guitarist Gilad Hekselman and bassist Orlando Le Fleming. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.
Arturo Stable Quintet: Percussionist and UArts professor tempers his Latin jazz with a graceful touch of classical romanticism. Painted Bride, 230 Vine St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org, www.paintedbride.org.
Philadelphia Sound Forum: Experimental music presentation cooperative celebrates its first anniversary, with four sets of electronic music, including a duo set by curators Jesse Kudler and Ian Fraser. Vox Populi Gallery, 319 N. 11th St., 3rd Floor, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $5-10, phillysoundforum.org.
EL & Wail: Saxophonist Elliott Levin will be joined by drummer G. Calvin Weston and the brothers Papadopoulos, guitarist Yanni and bassist Alexi. JC Dobbs, 304 South St., 4 p.m. Sunday, www.myspace.com/elliottlevin.
Harmonious Wail: In the tradition of Django-esque gypsy jazz but with the unique two-part twist of being led by a mandolinist and fronted by vocalist Maggie Delaney-Potthoff. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $12, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.
Arthur Kell Quartet: With 20 years' experience on the NYC scene, bassist Kell has forged a sound both lyrical and keen, which he'll explore with an outstanding quartet featuring saxophonist Loren Stillman, guitarist Nir Felder and drummer Ferenc Nemeth. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $12, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.
Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy: Kicking off Ars Nova Workshop's Composer Portrait tribute to the late trumpeter, composer and world music pioneer Don Cherry, trumpet master Douglas plays Cherry's music with his five-piece band. Settlement Music School, 416 Queen St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $15, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.
CLASSICAL
Opera Company of Philadelphia: Puccini's classic "Madama Butterfly" leads off the season, with Corrado Rovaris on the podium and savvy direction by Cynthia Stokes in her company debut. Albanian-born soprano Ermonela Jaho is stunning as the doomed Butterfly, tenor Roger Honeywell portrays the selfish Pinkerton and baritone Troy Cook is powerful as the Consul Sharpless. Mezzo Maria Zifchak makes her first appearance here as Butterfly's maid Suzuki. Japanese sculptor Jun Kaneko's highly effective sets and costumes give an apt flair to the work's potent drama. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets, 8 tonight and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $10-$128, 215-893-1999, www.operaphilly.org.
Piffaro: Renaissance music from Iberia kicks off the 24th season for this remarkable ensemble of ancient instruments. From courts and chapels of Madrid, Seville and Lisbon to works from South America, they'll offer motets, dances, fantasias and music from the soil. St. Mark's, 1625 Locust St., 8 tonight; Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $30, 215-235-8469, www.piffaro.com.
Curtis Institute Vocal Artists: Vocal recital with sopranos Alize Rozsnyai and Anna Davidson, mezzo J'nai Bridges and baritone Jaguar Sasmito with arias by Mozart, Delibes (the famous "Flower Duet" from "Lakme"), Amy Beach and Aaron Copland, accompanied by pianists Donald St. Pierre and Susan Nowicki. Field Concert Hall, Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust St., 8 tonight, 215-893-5261, www.curtis.edu.
Wister String Quartet: Busy local group has scheduled a program of well-known Quartets by Haydn (Op. 74/3, the "Rider") and Beethoven's Op. 18/6. Also, Manuel de Falla's "Danse Espagnole" and the Five Russian Pieces by Philadelphia composer Louis Gesensway. Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, 8 tonight, free-will donation, 215-887-1074, www.presbycarmel.org.
Vox Ama Deus: Valentin Radu leads an all-Haydn program, featuring the conductor at the organ, harpsichordist Bronwyn Fix-Keller, violinist Thomas DiSarlo and Paul Rosenberg, horn. The program includes Three Divertimenti, plus the Organ Concerto in F Major, the Second Horn Concerto and the F Major Violin Concerto. Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 St. Martin's Lane, 7:30 p.m. tonight; Thomas Great Hall, Bryn Mawr College, 256 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 4 p.m. Sunday, $25, 610-688-2800, www.voxamadeus.org.
Brett Deubner: Violist and Temple faculty member offers four works from the far edge of his instrument's repertoire. For viola fans and the adventurous. Rock Hall, Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 7:30 tonight, free, 215-204-7600, www.temple.edu/boyer.
Olivier Latry: French organist from Paris' Cathedral of Notre Dame returns for a recital of sizzlers which includes Khatchaturian's famous "Sabre Dance," and an improvisation of his own. From the standard organ repertory there are works by Bach, Guillou, Buxtehude, Alain, Clerambault and Karg-Elert. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Locust streets, 3 p.m. tomorrow, $19-$28, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.
Matt Haimovitz: Twenty-five years ago, cellist Haimovitz was soloing with major orchestras on a 1710 Venetian cello. More recently, he's been performing Bach's solo cello suites in clubs (like Philly's Tin Angel) and experimenting with electronics, Chinese fragments, microtones and works by avant-garde composers, all collected in his new CD "Figment." You'll hear excerpts from this CD, with Du Yun assisting on vocals, laptop and keyboard. Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.
Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia: 136th season, led by Alan Harler, kicks off with a program of American music — David Lang's "battle hymns," Randall Thompson's "Frostiana" and a preview of Roberto Sierra's in-progress "Missa Latina," plus classic Charles Ives anthems. Holy Trinity Church, 1904 Walnut Street, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $25, 215-893-1999, www.mcchorus.org.
Michael Hersch: Philadelphia-based composer has leaped into the big time with hugely impressive and extended works. His brother, Jamie Hersch, horn, and cellist Daniel Gaisford perform the world premiere of his work for horn and cello, "Last Autumn," based on poetic fragments of the late W.G. Sebald. St. Mark's, 1625 Locust St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, 215-735-1416, www.michaelhersch.com.
Claude Frank: Longtime piano legend and Curtis instructor gives a recital of three Sonatas, all towering keyboard masterworks: Mozart's K.330, Schubert's B-Flat D.960 and Beethoven's last Sonata in C Minor, the revelatory Opus 111. American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut St., 3 p.m. Sunday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.
Emerson String Quartet: Highly acclaimed American quartet returns with a program of three String Quartets, all repertory standards: Schubert's D.87, Mendelssohn's Op. 80 and Beethoven's Op. 74, nicknamed the "Harp." Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Monday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.
Thomas Meglioranza: New Jersey-born baritone, accompanied by pianist Reiko Uchida, debuts here with songs from Weill, Poulenc, Debussy, Sieczynski, Webern, Korngold, Ives and others popular in the World War I era. American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.
Philadelphia Orchestra: Italian conductor Daniele Gatti, with current posts in Paris and at the Zurich Opera, returns to lead two works from the core of the orchestral repertory. After Rossini's Overture to "The Barber of Seville," Gatti will conduct Mendelssohn's Fourth Symphony, titled the "Italian," and Brahms' monumental First Symphony. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 p.m. Thursday and Oct. 23-24, $10-$120, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.