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

POP . . . plus

Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears: Flashy and kinda fey, these keyboard-centric pomp rockers suggest time well spent listening to British musical hall headcases like the Beatles, ELO, XTC and Queen. It's still good for what ails 'ya, including nostalgia. Support bands: The Mural and the Mint, JJL. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 tonight, $10 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

"Grease:" Apart from the vibrant dancing and all those familiar tunes from both the Broadway and Valli-highed movie versions, the big deal of this teen-rock musical revival is the cameo appearance of "American Idol" Taylor Hicks as the Teen Angel. The man also gets to break character and sing one of his own tunes in the finale. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, 8 tonight, 2 p.m and 8 p.m. tomorrow, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, continues through July 19. $25-$100, 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Dave Alvin: You'll have a Blaster of a night with this twangster and his latest backing band, the Guilty Women. Clarence Bucaro opens. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $25-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Barrington Levy: A Jamaican reggae/dancehall notable since his 1970s teen years, Levy has won more props in the States lately by sitting in with the remnants of Sublime, guesting with Shyne and Slightly Stoopid, and with soundtracking of his tune "Here I Come" on the notable video games "Grand Theft Auto San Andreas" and "Saints Row 2." Also hitting notes: Steppin' Razor and Three Legged Fox. The Note, 142 E. Market St., West Chester, 9 tonight, $25, 800-594-TIXX, www.thenotewc.com.

Nickelback: Horny boys play out their anthemic hard-rock fantasies on a bill with Papa Roach, Hinder and Saving Abel. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 6 p.m. tomorrow, $29.75-$82.85, 856-365-1300.

Steve Forbert: The thoughtful and gentle-natured rasper performs outdoors and real good for peanuts. Seve opens. Twilight Concert Series, Bryn Mawr Gazebo, Bryn Mawr, 7 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 866-468-7619, www.ticketweb.com.

Josh Hoge: The earnest, blue-eyed soul-pop singer/songwriter counts One Republic's Ryan Teddar as a fan, and cites as influences the likes of John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Babyface and Shawn Stockman (Boys II Men). Hoge would have scored very well on "American Idol." And shares the bill with equally polished, heart-on-sleeve piano popster Andy Davis, Tim Brantley, Mikey Wax and Braxton Parker. North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

Jill Sobule: Musing these days (or at least on her new album) about quirky California lifestyles, Sobule is an ever-appealing, craft-conscious folk-popster. Lisa Bouchelle opens. King of Prussia Concerts Under the Stars, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, 7 p.m. Sunday, $10, free for ages 16 and under and 62 and older, 610-265-1071, www.uppermerionparksandrec.com.

Los Amigos Invisibles: Even if you don't comprehend the Spanish and Portuguese lyrics, these party starters from Venezuela will get you dancing with their funky, erotica grooves. Los Amigos' aptly named new album, "Commercial," juggles Prince-ly funk-rock with lotsa disco, Latin (natch) and the occasional Acid Jazz flashback. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $19-$24, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Kevin Hearn: Multi-instrumental mainstay of Barenaked Ladies for 14 years, until felled by leukemia, Hearn has made a wonderous recovery after a bone marrow transplant from his brother.

Now he's out with his own band Thin Buckle, showcasing a distinctive tenor voice and artful, existential story songs ruminating on faith and science from his new "Havana Winter" album.

Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $13, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

King Sunny Ade: Afro pop doesn't come any sunnier than this Nigerian music-King's Juju brew. Plaintive, whispering vocals ride atop percolating "talking drum" percussion and chiming, interlocking guitars, sometimes wavering in a breezy, Hawaiian style. It's sure to get your body swaying under the stars. All hail the King! Wiggins Park, Mickle Blvd., Camden, 8 p.m. Tuesday, 856-541-7222.

Luba Mason: The languid, luscious, bossa nova-lovin' cabaret jazz singer lands in town with a star-studded backing band. Among them are her hubby Ruben Blades, on piano Dario Eskenazi (Paquito D'Rivera), and the Yellowjackets' Jimmy Haslip and Russell Ferrante. Shout out for "Xmas in July." World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $24-$29, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Stellastarr*: These darlings of the New York post-punk scene freak out for the equally devolved with stompers from their just out "Robot" album. Making this show doubly interesting is co-billed Wild Light a progressive Canadian contingent boasting a former member of Arcade Fire and likewise imbued in life's rich pageantry. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday $14, 215-739-9784.

Cucu Diamantes: You'll go nuts, too, for this firebrand talent, co-founder, singer and primary songwriter of Yerbabuena. Now she's proving an equally strong Latin fusionaire on her own, juggling elements of Nuyorican funk, Cuban rumba, Caribbean soca and more. Another great pick for the Global Grooves World Music Dance Party series. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $20 215-8903-1999.

HIP-HOP, R&B

Summer Series Concert: Young neo-soul songstress Leela James steps to the stage with Detroit-based producer/singer/songwriter Dwele for the first in a series of concerts presented by WDAS (105.3 FM). Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 tonight, $39.50, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.