THIS WEEK IN MUSIC

Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Tom Di Nardo, Shaun Brady, Sara Sherr, Jonathan Takiff and Damon C. Williams.

Guster: The sun's not setting on the riverfront tonight, because Guster's turning on their shiny harmonies and beach-bongo-flavored tunes. Ben Kweller opens. Festival Pier, Spring Garden Street and Columbus Blvd., 8 tonight, $30-$35, 215-336-2000, pennslandingcorp.com.

Back Door Slam: Blues trio from the Isle of Man burns with Hendrix-like intensity. With Pawnshop Roses, Slo & Shakey. North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 tonight, $10, 215-787-0488, northstarrocks.com.

Jonathan Coulton: Have fun with this (intentionally) geeky folk-rocker, best known for his acoustic cover of Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back," as theme song writer for the G4 gamer channel's "Code Monkey" show and sometime collaborator with "The Daily Show's" (and Apple ad) sly buffoon John Hodgman. With the likewise amusing Paul and Storm. Milkboy Coffee, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore. 7:30 and 10:15 tonight, $20, 610-645-5269, milkboycoffee.com.

Benni Hemm Hemm: Icelandic band with up to 17 members performs melodramatic folk-rock described by one critic as "Dexy's Midnight Runners meets Beirut." With Get Him Eat Him and Except After Sea. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

311, Matisyahu, English Beat, Pato Banton: Four-star bill demonstrates that you don't have to be Jamaican to love or perform ska, bluebeat, toasty dub and conscious reggae music. Festival Pier, Spring Garden Street and Columbus Boulevard, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $45, 215-336-2000, www.pennslandingcorp.com.

Teddy Thompson: Second-gen English troubadour (son of Richard and Linda Thompson) channels his strong pipes and love of classic Americana on a haunting new album of country ballads, "Upfront and Down Low," sure also to be the core of this show. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Umlaut: Achtung babies! You WILL like, please, this Philly based co-ed crew and their internationally flavored synth-pop, bubbling over the top with ditties in German and French, as well as English. Record release/Sugar Town soiree also delivers a soupcon of Boyskout, Maple Rabbit, Ill Ease and DJ Silvia La Chica Ye Ye. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $7, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Platters/Chiffons: The group's original manager keeps the current Platters true to traditions, harmonizing "Only You" like "The Great Pretender" until "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." And this Chiffons features an original, Judy Craig, to guarantee "One Fine Day." Sellersville Theater 1894, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 3 and 8 p.m. tomorrow, $33, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Piledriver: Who let these heavy-metal rivetheads out? With Bludwulf, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder and Sacrificial Blood. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Fam Jams! Cute and talented teen-rocking Jonas Brothers deliver the goods for this free, family-oriented music series at Penn's Landing. Festival Pier, Spring Garden Street and Columbus Boulevard, gates open 11 a.m. Sunday, show and other family diversions from 1-5 p.m., 215-922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com.

Frankie Beverly with Maze/Ashford & Simpson: Soul spectacular in the park boasts Pittsburgh's pride and joy plus the songwriting duo responsible for "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing." Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. Sunday, $50, $60-$75, 215-546-1900, manncenter.org.

Chris Cornell: Veteran of Soundgarden and Audioslave serves up a more diverse catalog of rock material these days, even having his way with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, $37, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers/AM: Internet music faves (and composers/performers of the "King of the Hill" theme), Clyne and company blow in from Arizona with their guns-a-blazing rock. In the opening spot, hook-happy songcrafter AM, whose first album won lots of praise and TV placements ("Big Love," "Men In Trees," "Real World"). World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9 p.m. Sunday, $15-$25, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Tokyo Rose: Not nearly as dangerous as their name suggests, these melodic rockers only want you to give up some love. With Bedlight for Blue Eyes, Sound the Alarm, A Sense of Belonging and Striving For Better. Trocadero Balcony, 10th and Arch streets, 6 p.m. Sunday, $10-$12, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Jeffrey Osborne/Miki Howard: Float "On the Wings of Love" with two classic soul-pop singers. Also featuring Miles Jaye and Marcus Johnson. Robin Hood Dell East, Ridge Avenue and Huntington Drive, 8 p.m. Monday, $14-$24, 215-685-9560, www.delleast.org.

Patti Smith: Gritty punk and steely poetics co-mingle in the mind and body of this legendary Jersey girl. Smith's still eking out new music like it really matters, and so engaged in reliving past glories she needs an "evening" all for herself and her band. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7 p.m. Tuesday, $24, 215-922-LIVE, thetroc.com.

Rachel Yamagata: Last chance to catch this notable, woodshedding artist-in-residence. With John Francis. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $12, 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

You Am I: Another craft-conscious Australian rock band (running away from their winter, perhaps?) hits town, with worthy openers Smoking Popes and Beretta 76. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $10 and $12, 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

Bryan Adams/George Thorogood: Sturdy Canadian rocker and the bluesy Delaware Destroyer tear it up in the park. Mann Center, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $25-$49.50, 215-546-1900, www.manncenter.org.

Gold Soundz: Monthly indie-pop showcase features some Australian acts, the Pitchfork-approved Sly Hats, former Cannanes member Guy Blackman and Philly faves Brown Recluse Sings. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 tonight, $5, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Rockabilly Run: Second annual rock-and-rod fest features the usual mix of cool cars, burlesque and live rockabilly and punk by the Buzzards, Lucky Strikes, Grayhounds, Toothless George, Full Blown Cherry, Lords of the Highway and more. Cosgrove's Bar and Grill, 325 Greenridge St., Scranton, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. tomorrow, 570-348-3050, rockabillyrun.com.

Wayward Wind: Local folktronica collective continues post-hiatus with Boy With A Fish, Nightbirds and Matthew Green. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-684-0808, northstarrocks.com.

Ravens & Vulture: New group for international psychedelia DJs Darshana and Chetana Borah and DJ/musician Andrew Ryan makes its debut with Philly instrumentalists Public Record, Lorelei and Soft People. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-739-9684, johnnybrendas.com.

Fishstock III: Yearly punk benefit for cystic fibrosis patients features Mikey Wild, Mr. Unloved, the Shock, Whiskey Livin', Discount Heroes and more. El Bar, 1356 N. Front St., 2 p.m. Sunday, $8, all ages, 215-634-6430, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Fior Fiero: Electronic band (formerly Dark Side of the Cop) that once made an album specifically to play along with the movie "Beverly Hills Cop," throws a record release party with post-Ambulance LTD project the Red Romance. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Bryan Scary & the Shredding Tears: Part Queen and part '70s AM gold, the Brooklyn band plays with Baker and diMazza. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Sister Nancy: A Sister Nancy show is more rare than a Buju Banton show, so do whatever it takes to see this rare performance. She is the author of one of reggae's biggest hits, "Bam Bam," and the sister of reggae great Brigadier Jerry. Arts Garage, 1520 Parrish St., 11 tonight, 21+, $20, 215-765-2702, theartsgarage.com.

Wise Intelligent: In-store event promoting his newest effort, "The Talented Timothy Taylor." Armand's Records, 1108 Chestnut St., 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-592-7003.

Soul Comedy Cafe: Comedians Kyle Grooms and Jonathan Gates test the theory that it never hurts to laugh. Grooms is a veteran of "Chappelle's Show," Comedy Central and the Def Comedy Jam, while Gates is well-known in the comedy community. Tu Rae hosts, while DJ Quick provides the slice and dice. North By Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-248-1000, www.nxnwphl.com.

Beastie Boys: Their place in hip-hop history almost pardons the Beasties for recently apologizing for their early career work. That said, now's the chance to see the authors of such hits as "Hey Ladies," "Paul Revere," "Brass Monkey" and "Rhymin' & Stealin'" during this "exclusive instrumental show." (Their Wednesday show at Penn's Landing Festival Pier is sold out.) Borgata, One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J., 8 p.m. Thursday, $87.50, 1-609-317-1000, www.theborgata.com.

Jazz Worskhop — Quincy Jones: Sound of Market's semi-regular workshop series concentrates on the composer/producer, well-known for his hit-making work with the likes of Michael Jackson. WRTI's Harrison Ridley looks at Jones' jazz side, including his early days with Ray Charles and Dizzy Gillespie. Sound of Market, 15 S. 11th St., 1 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-925-3150.

Sun Ra Arkestra: Marshall Allen-led big band leads a musical SpaceCamp for kids from Philly and Camden, with Arkestra trumpeter Fred Adams lecturing on jazz styles of the '20s, '30s and '40s, focusing on former Sun Ra employer Fletcher Henderson. Followed by an Arkestra set, plus transcriptions of Henderson charts and new, ragtime-style tunes by Adams. Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, 736-38 S. Broad St., 3 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-893-9912, clefclubofjazz.com.

Diaspora Series: Latest in ongoing experimental world series features an evening of "free improv Jewish jazz" by EL3, led by saxophonist Elliot Levin with keyboardist Brian Marsella and drummer Ed Watkins, plus La Tumba, featuring Haitian-influenced Philly percussionist Robert Kenyatta. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, free, www.myspace.com/diasporaseries.

Meicht Group/Double Clutch: Bowerbird presents a more jazz-centric pair than is usual for this experimentally minded group. The Meicht Group is led by Philly-raised brothers Seth (saxophone) and Aaron (trumpet) Meicht, with drummer Brendan Dougherty. Plus new quartet Double Clutch, with cornetist Todd Margasak, trombonist Daniel Blacksberg and percussionists Toshi Makihara and Mike Szekely. Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., 9 p.m. Monday, $5-$10, www.bowerbird.org.

Jason Miles: Producer/arranger/keyboardist, whose credits include artists from Miles Davis to Sting, pays tribute to Marvin Gaye. With vocalists Mayasa and James "D-Train" Williams, and singer/saxophonist Walter Beasley. Wiggins Waterfront Park, Mickle Blvd., Camden, N.J., 8 p.m. Tuesday, free, 856-216-2170, www.ccparks.com.

Pnuma Trio: Memphis-based group of jazz and classically trained musicians Alex Botwin (bass), Ben Hazlegrove (keyboards) and Lane Shaw (drums), who have shrugged off the scholarly discipline to embrace jam-band music. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com. *