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

POP . . .plus

Femi Kuti: Afrobeat band master/singer serves a vigorously pumped, melodically infectious and lyrically conscious brew. At once jazz-, funk- and jam-centric, the music nods to the traditions of his Afropop founding father (Fela) and America's Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Xaphoon Jones opens. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9 tonight, $30-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Michael McDonald/Boz Scaggs: Look up "blue eyed soul" in any music dictionary, and you're likely to find these two legends cited. McDonald will "Keep You Running" as he's "Taking It To The Streets," oh, "Minute by Minute." Boz promises the "Lowdown," even when "We're All Alone." Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Ave., 8 tonight, $39-$69, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Freedy Johnson: Reedy voiced charmer has a gift for making you feel melancholy one moment, then lifting your spirits the next. Eleanor Whitmore and Chris Masterson (Son Volt) are openers. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 tonight, $16, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Wheat: Their swaying-in-the-wind dream pop has a heartland feel akin to the work of Wilco or the Sea and Cake. Power popsters XYZ Affair and the daft folk of Hop Along, Queen Ansleis fill out the bill. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 7 tonight, $10, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Full House - A Series of Cabarets: Quince Productions shines the spotlight on deserving talent with this weekend of (mostly) one-person, razzle-dazzle, themed songathons. Tonight, Nathan Ohn's "Travels and Home: Songs for the Journey" (7:30 p.m.), then Maggie Laird's "From Berlin to Broadway and a Few Random Stops," plus G De Candia's "Stage to Screen . . . and Back Again" (9:30 p.m). Tomorrow: Melissa Kolczynski with "Pants on Fire: Songs About Liars, Lust and Flaming Pants" (7:30 p.m), followed by members of the Cabaret Peforming Class offering "The Best Is Yet to Come" (9:30 p.m.). Sunday at 6 p.m., it's Quince fave Peter Andrew Danzig's "Welcome to the Red Room," then Aimee Robidoux's "Vision of Love." Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 South 8th St., $20-$25, 215-923-0210, www.quinceproductions.com.

Kenny Chesney: The big-hat country singer's headlining gig tomorrow at the Linc - for the third summer in a row - reasserts his superstar status on the concert circuit. Chesney cuts across genres (and eliminates style prejudices) with his smart and congenial mix of goodtime honky tonk anthemic pop grandeur and Jimmy Buffet-like beach-rock froth. Tomorrow's festival-length hoedown also features Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, Sugarland and Lady Antebellum. Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Way, 4 p.m. tomorrow, $25-$200, 215-336-2000, www.lincolnfinancialfield.com.

Demi Lovato/David Archuleta: This bill should be heaven on earth for the "tween" set, and quite bearable for their parents. Lovato is a strong-voiced (and not too shrill) girly rocker, pushing the empowerment button and boasting great recognition from Disney Channel ventures like "Camp Rock." Archuleta, of course, was the runnerup on "American Idol" two seasons back. Newcomers KSM are in the opening slot. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52d Street and Parkside Avenue, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $39.50-$53.50, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

The Slip: Trio of Berklee music school dropouts go their own way with a slippery, experimental, new psychedelic approach. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $18-$25, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Elizabeth and the Catapult: Frisky Brooklyn band has been getting love (from NPR, among others) for their tune "Taller Children," musing on the selfish, immature conduct of Wall Street wheeler-dealers. You'll find a cute video version on YouTube, or hear 'em do it live when they visit our fair town. Christina Courtin opens. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Reach Around Rodeo Clowns: Psychobilly (punk and rockabilly blending) band from Lancaster is the headliner, but equally important in the grand scheme is Philly twang-rock legend Charlie Gracie (performing with Quentin Jones) and Nick Kane (of the Mavericks) with his group the Lanark Kings. Balcony at the Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10-$12, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Sierre Leone's Refugee All-Stars: Founded in a war refugee camp, this troupe will rouse and inspire with their rootsy mix of West African, hip-hop and reggae. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Church: One of those "should have been much bigger here" British rock groups draws out its cult of fans with sounds haunting (heavy on the Mellotron), just a tad effete (in a Bowie-ish way) and playfully surreal. Adam Franklin (of Swervedriver)and Bolts of Melody also perform. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 8 p.m Wednesday, $28.50-$32.50, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone: Their name is their sonic address. Think a baleful busker on a street corner, tapping away on a cheesy little battery-operated keyboard while sharing his tales of woe. Even the choice of covers (like "Streets of Philadelphia" and "Graceland") could make you cry. Cryptacize, a new signing to Sufjan Stevens' record label, is in the warm-up slot at this intimate (50 viewers max) showcase. First Unitarian Church Chapel, 2125 Chestnut St., 7 p.m. Thursday, $12 (all ages), 866-468-7610, www.r5productions.com.

Sonic Youth: We're lovin' the new album ("The Eternal"), a raucous throwback to the downtown New York garage/psychedelic rock scene of their childhood. And bassist Kim Gordon's really pulling her vocal weight, too, this time. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow Streets. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $25/$27, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

HIP-HOP, R&B

Dancin' in the Street: Funk, Afrobeat and house tunes spun by DJs Rich Medina and Mike Nyce, plus live art from painters Eric Jordan and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, exhibits by Bonnie McCuenn and Mantel and HIV testing by Mazzoni Center in celebration of National HIV Testing Day. Piazza at Schmidt's, 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue, 6 tonight, free, all ages, www.atthepiazza.com.

'Sling Shot Hip Hop': Director Jackie Salloum offers a timely look at the Israeli-Palestine conflict through the stories of young Palestinians living in the West Bank. Clark Park, 45th and Regent, 8 tonight, free, 215-724-1618

City Sound Check: The event known for providing the finest in underground hip-hop is back as Apollo The Great, Random, Chosen Ones, Loyal and Gp1000 join DJ Akshun and host Big O. Tacony Billiards, 6201 Keystone St., 9 tonight, $10, 21-plus, 610-453-5517.

Welcome To Soulville: The state of mind becomes a physical destination when Philly hip-hop group 84 takes over this West Philly venue for an evening of great music and good times. Elena's Soul Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave., 10 tonight, $5, 215-729-9575, www.elenassoul.com.

Johnny Popcorn: Philadelphia-based rapper/producer Hezekiah has been doing his thing for years locally and abroad, and collaborating with artists such as the Roots, Bilal and Grand Agent. The Delaware born artist is also a skilled singer, and after meeting up with bassist and musical genius Tone Whitfield, the idea for Johnny Popcorn was born. With Hez on vocals and Whitfield laying down the music, the group combines elements of hip-hop, funk, R&B and rock for an amazing amalgamation of sound that's hard to describe and easy to be enchanted by. With U. City. Pub Webb, 1527 Cecil B Moore Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $5, 21-plus, 267-687-8256, www.pubwebb.com.

Boyz II Men: The Grammy-winning homegrown group brings its signature sound and catalog of hits to the Boardwalk. Resorts Atlantic City, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $35 and $45, 609-340-6000, www.resortsac.com.

Legends of Hip Hop: Hip-hop elder statesmen Slick "The Ruler" Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie and Philly's own Schooly D will be gathered on stage for this incredible show down the shore. With a lineup that looks like a who's who of golden era hip-hop, this is a surefire hit. House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $27, $35 and $40, 18-plus, 609-236-2583, www.hob.com.

It's the Year 2003: While time stands still for no man, DJs Emynd and Bo Bliz have been slowing things down with their series of parties looking at music of a particular year. Since 2004 featured breakthroughs from Freeway, 50 Cent, Beyonce and party host Reef the Lost Cauze, this is one you don't want to miss. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $7, 21-plus, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Inspirational Summer Slam: This spoken-word poetry event features a $200 prize for the winner, and the competition is guaranteed to be tough. Whether you come to compete or just watch and cheer on the poets, hosts Warren L. and Duiji 13 will make sure you have a great time. Queen of Sheba, 4511 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $15 to slam, $5 to watch, 215-382-2099.

Harvest Open Mic: The venue has changed but the goal remains the same: great spoken-word poetry featuring some of the best talent in the region, including Just Greg, Lyrispect, RhapsodE, Reuben Jones, Traycee Lynn and Vision. Panda Bar, 201 S. 40th St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $7 or two for $10, 215-222-0100.

Music By Numbers: Camden rhymer Apollo the Great, Philly's own Ethel Cee and hip-hop/funk band Metal Hill take the stage with DJ Deuce tha Gotokid for music inspired by the concept of paint by numbers: "keep it simple, stupid." Don't worry about the dumbing-down effect; the simple in this case refers to the DIY nature of the performers rather than the quality of their music. M-Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

ALTERNATIVE

 

Fourth Friday: Goth/industrial/experimental record store hosts its free music series with Radio Eris and Body Hammer and art by Delia Gable. Digital Ferret, 732 S. 4th St., 7-10 tonight, free, all ages, 215-925-9259, www.dancingferret.com.

Hell Under the El: The punk promoter takes it to Delaware tonight with Brat Bangs, the National Rifle, Das Kickboy and Ugly Friend. Mojo 13, 1706 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 8 tonight, $6, 302-798-5798, www.mojothirteen.com.

Sick Chattel: This is the guy who brought the legendary M.O.T.O. to town last week. Keep an eye on him. Tonight, he has Hot Guts, the Chickens, Far-Out Fangtooth and Leather. Monday brings Forever, the Lopez, Jesse Nobody and 'Tine-'Tine. Robin's Books and Moonstone Art Center, 110A S. 13th St., 8 tonight, $5-$8, 215-735-9600. JR's, 2300 South Croskey St. (22nd Street and Passyunk Avenue), 8 p.m. Monday, $5, www.myspace.com/sickchattelproductions.

Telepathe: Female electronic duo from Brooklyn is part Goldfrapp and part Kate Bush. With the electro-tropicalia punk of Lemonade and Philly's Jotto. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

John Train: Jon Houlon-led roots rockers kick off a free music series at the venue formerly known as Whisky Dix, next door to the Electric Factory. JD McGillicuddy's, 421 N. 7th St., 9 tonight, free, 215-925-5310, JDMcGillicuddys.com.

They Wait Below: Members of Live Not On Evil, Guns on the Run and Stendhal recently formed this horror-punk band, playing with Mean Streets, Jet Fighter and the Why Kay Kays. Connie's Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St., 9 tonight, $10, all ages, www.conniesricrac.com.

Witchtrialz: Bunnydrums' bassist Marc Laurick's post-everything trio is in an East Side Club soundclash reunion with dub warrior Timi Tanzania and New York's Hunt Club. Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 tonight, $5, 215–545–0475, www.tritonebar.com.

South Philadelphia Tap Room Wheat Beer Fest: This yearly block party includes music by Carolynne McNeel's Rarebirds, Faux Slang and Adam & Dave's Bloodline. South Philadelphia Taproom, 1509 Mifflin St., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-271-7787, www.southphiladelphiataproom.com

Making Time: The last people you'd imagine in broad daylight or in a bathing suit are throwing a pool party, and that's exactly why you should go. Flying W Airport and Resort, 60 Fostertown Road, Medford, N.J., 2-11 p.m. tomorrow, $12-17, www.igetrvng.com/rvngi.php?a=events&b=172.

Hank III: Third generation of the Hank Williams musical dynasty brings out country's punk side and vice versa. Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $20-23, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Philadelphia Independent Craft Market: Includes music by Bevin Caulfield, Jubel Jenkins, Toy Soldiers and Lady. Best of all, Liz Rega, an artist who shows you how to make a wallet out of tape. 941 Theater, 941 N. Front St., noon-7 p.m. Sunday, $2 or free for kids, 215-235-5603 http://www.myspace.com/randomsquirrellab.

Sound Fountain: Aesop Collective DJs Jesse Merlin, Radere and Accidentally. A summer day in front of the singing fountain, what more can you ask? Singing Fountain, Passyunk Avenue at Tasker Street, 1-8 p.m. Sunday, free, www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=96352041778#/group.php?gid=96352041778.

Three 4 Tens: Jamie Mahon, co-owner of the Green Rock, brings his psych-rock band out of hiatus with the Love Club, Band of Skulls and Effusion 35. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

The Big Jangle: Members of the Blood Feathers and guests pay tribute to Tom Petty. With Birds of Avalon and Gondola. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. Monday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Monday Night Club: The A.D. Amorosi-curated, Needles Jones-hosted weekly throws a pre-bash for the Q Fest with Sgt. Sass, TDM, Ghost of Sound and Technophobes. National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St., 9 p.m. Monday, free, 215-701-4883, www.nationalmechanics.com.

Robes: The Philly Anglophiles finish their monthly residency at Silk City with Chang Chang and DJs Stereofaith and Sammy Slice. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 9 p.m. Tuesday, $5, 215-592-8838, www.myspace.com/phillysilkcity.

Paleface: The Daniel Johnston-schooled anti-folk star returns with And the Moneynotes and Birdie Busch. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Sonic Youth Afterparty: Rocco Renzetti-led Elevator Parade's beautiful noise is as indebted to Sonic Youth as it is to '60s psych rock. With the shoegazing Music For Headphones. JD McGillicuddy's, 421 N. 7th St., 9 p.m. Thursday, free, 215-925-5310, JDMcGillicuddys.com.

JAZZ

Stephanie Nakasian: It's a family affair as singer Nakasian teams with husband/pianist Hod O'Brien and singing daughter Veronica Swift O'Brien to ply their timeless sound, which they've shared since Stephanie and Hod met while on tour with vocalist Jon Hendricks nearly 30 years ago. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $14, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.

Bootsie Barnes/Larry McKenna: Philly jazz history is in the spotlight whenever these two tenor giants share the stage, as they will tonight leading their organ quartet. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Balanced American Music: Husband-and-wife duo of vibist Randy and flutist Marianne Sutin distill their jazz influences into a meditative new-age haze equally influenced by folk, classical Indian, classical European and Native American music. PSALM Salon, 5841 Overbrook Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-477-7578, www.psalmsalon.org.

Sci-Fi Philly: Three solo performances: steel guitarist Susan Alcorn, vocalist/cellist Fatima Adamu and saxophonist/bassist Drew Ceccato. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

CLASSICAL

Philadelphia Orchestra: The free Neighborhood Concerts series comes to Philadelphia University, in East Falls. Rossen Milanov leads a program of Overtures by Brahms ("Academic Festival"), Wagner ("Tannhauser") and Verdi (the scorching "Forza del Destino"). Also included: excerpts from Mendelssohn's glorious incidental music to "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Gallagher Athletic and Recreation Center, 4201 Henry Ave., 7 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Dolce Suono: Flutist Mimi Stillman's ensemble combines guitarist Allan Krantz, violist Burchard Tang and double bassist Emilio Gravagno (the latter two Philadelphia Orchestra musicians) in a collaboration with the American Composers Forum. First Unitarian Church, 7:30 tomorrow, free, 267-252-1803, www.dolcesuono.com.

Delaware Valley Opera Company: Gounod's evergreen "Romeo and Juliet" kicks off the summer season, with Akiko Hosaki as piano accompanist and music director, plus Jay Anstee, Rebecca Fetrow and Michael Dura. Roxborough High School Theater, 6498 Ridge Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-725-4171, www.dvopera.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra chamber musicians: The season of chamber gems concludes with Mozart's K.407 Horn Quintet plus String Quartets by Brahms (No. 3, Op. 67) and Dvorak (No. 6, Op. 96, the "American"). Also on the bill are three contrasting miniatures for clarinet, double bass, percussion and keyboards: Bill Douglas' "Feast," Jeremy Wall's "The Circular Word" and "Goodbye" by conductor/arranger/composer Gordon Jenkins. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce, 3 p.m. Sunday, $18-$27, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Wagner's "Das Rheingold": The first opera in the colossal four-evening "Ring" cycle offers an inventive staging by the Barcelona-based theater group La Fura dels Baus, who have integrated dance, acrobatics and computer projections to emphasize the epic legend. This production from Milan's La Scala opera house was led by Zubin Mehta. Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 1 p.m. Sunday, $25, 610-527-4008, www.brynmawrfilm.org.

Di Wu: Chinese-born pianist, another esteemed alumna of Curtis Institute and finalist in the recent Van Cliburn Competition, returns for an outdoor recital. She'll perform Beethoven's Op. 22 Piano Sonata, the five ravishing sections of Ravel's "Miroirs" and Liszt's paraphrase of the Waltz from Gounod's opera "Faust." Longwood Gardens' Open Air Theater, Route 1, Kennett Square, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $16, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardents.org.