Live music and more

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

POP . . . plus

"Weird Al" Yankovic: In this age of instant, YouTube postings, 50 wiseguys may beat "Weird Al" Yankovic to the punch with a parody of a new song, he pointed out recently. So the dude's given up on being first, focusing simply on being the best in lyrical cleverness, arranging and visual embellishment. Catch it all, onstage and in glorious 3-D!!! Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 tonight, $29-$39, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Buried Beds: Local lights ignite at a party celebrating their new "Tremble the Sails" album, which trades in banjos for dueling guitars. BC Camplight and Scott McMicken (solo) share the bill. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Hoots & Hellmouth: Their name is their sonic address, as these firebreathing Phillybillies saw away on the back porch. With Tin Bird Choir. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 tonight, $19.50, 215-257-5808, ww.st94.com.

Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra: Vocalist Becca Stevens and a swinging, horn scorched band find the jazz heart in the music of Bjork Gudmundsdottir. As hip as Gil Evans' takes on Jimi Hendrix or Dark Star Orchestra's doodles on the Dead. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9 tonight, $18, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Rapture: Cheery disco-punk-funksters from San Fran pump it up for dancers at this Making Time presentation. DFA recording notables Holy Ghost go first in their debut Philly gig. Voyeur, 1221 St. James St., doors open at 9 tonight, bands go on late. $10/$15, 215-735-5772, www.igetrvng.com.

Francis Dunnery: A man of many talents - lately also producing albums for others, studying psychology and teaching astrology - promises a greatest hits show this time. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, $23, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Sarah Harmer: Like Canadian buddy Neko Case (whom she's sung behind on recordings), Harmer combines a naturalistic voice, intimate and melancholy, with a contemporary attitude about life, love and loneliness. Expect plenty from her most accessible new album (first in four years!) "Oh Little Fire." Daniel Romano warms the room first. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, $25-$37, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Stephen DiJoseph: Dark and stormy prog-rock-influenced singer-songwriter performs in an intimate setting. The duo Barnaby Bright opens. PSALM, 5841 Overbrook Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $16/$20, 215-477-7578, www.psalmsalon.com (for live web streaming of the show).

The New Deal: Toronto-based trio brings a bit of jam-band aura to the electronica/house genre. Please note change from the original (Electric Factory) location. The Note, West Chester, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 800-594-TIXX, www.thenotewc.com.

David Wilcox: Relish the "Language of the Heart" with this warm, intimate and crafty singer/songwriter. A no-brainer, instant love for fans of James Taylor and John Mayer. Bryn Mawr Gazebo, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $10 (ages 16 and under free), 610-864-4303, brynmawrtwilightconcerts.com.

Passion Pit: Electro-pop quintet creates youthful passion with high-pitched vocals, percolating keyboards and jangly guitar work - and damn, it's working. They're summer-shed headliners just three years after lead guy Michael Angelakos cut his first tracks as a Valentine's Day gift to his girlfriend. The even more arresting Tokyo Police Club opens. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue,7:30 p.m. Sunday, $26.50, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Adam Schlessinger and Mike Viola: Sunny/sardonic pop-rock collaborators dip into their big ol' bag of tunes from Fountains of Wayne and Candy Butchers to Viola's movie scoring for the likes of "That Thing You Do" and "Get Him to the Greek." Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $15, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Toubab Krewe: While others (Vampire Weekend, Paul Simon) dabble in tinkly, wobbly, African-flavored guitar and percussion as sonic accents, this North Carolina-spawned but Afro-pop/rock-loving band dives head first into the deep end of the Third World musical pool. They've studied in Mali, Guinea and the Ivory Coast and been honored to perform at the famous Festival of the Desert in Mali. Grimace Federation goes first. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $15-$22, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Chuck Prophet: It's confounding that this aptly named prophet of socio-political gloom doesn't loom larger in the pantheon of "Americana" rock. His October album release "Let Freedom Ring" was one of 2009's best, in any genre. Leland Sundries supports. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $20, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Islands: Another sexy-sounding synth-pop band with girly-man vocals (Montrealer Nick Diamonds) up front. Steel Phantoms and Active Child (former Philadelphia Boys Choir tenor Pat Grossi) share the night. The Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Ave., 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, $12, 215-821-7575, www.r5productions.com.

Dave Matthews Band: The twice-nominated DMB went home empty handed at the last Grammys (losing to the likes of Green Day for best rock album and Taylor Swift for album of the year) but will earn their just rewards with your concert approval. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, $75 and $40, 856-356-1300, www.livenation.com.

HIP-HOP, R&B

Love Life: New party series at one of the city's best soul food spots will run every second and fourth Friday this summer and features world-famous Illvibe Collective member DJ Statik. Ed Crawford and Aziz Collins host. Warmdaddy's, 1400 S Columbus Blvd., 10 tonight, $10, 21-plus, 215-462-2000, www.warmdaddys.com.

Electric Butter: DJ Phsh and Scanz are back for monthly party that covers everything from "Dilla to Dubstep." Guest host Selina Carrera. PYT, 1050 N. Hancock St., 10 tonight, free, 21-plus, 215-964-9009, www.pytphilly.com.

Tastytreats: Long-running weekly party will welcome guests DJ Ultraviolet of Bee Eater and DJ Lil Dave of the Illvibe Collective. Plus, a tribute to Michael Jackson kicks off at 1 a.m. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $7, ladies free before 11 p.m., 215-629-3686, fluidnightclub.com.

Gladys Knight: With a career spanning a half-century, Knight's "Empress of Soul" title is well-deserved, if somewhat shortsighted. Given her 38 albums, roles in film and theater and her restaurant chain, there's seemingly little she can't do. House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $40.50-$75.50, 609-236-2583, www.hob.com.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: Philly's own comes close to home when he and his band hit A.C. The group, whose 30-year-plus career includes hits like "Before I Let Go" and "Joy and Pain," is responsible for some of the best soul music ever created. Trump Taj Mahal, Boardwalk and Virginia Avenue, Atlantic City, N.J., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $45.50, $65 and $95, 609-449-1000, www.trumptaj.com.

Natalie Cole: Multiplatinum singer's nine Grammys are a testament to her talents. Equally impressive is the fact that her most recent Grammy in 2009 came 34 years after her first. Tropicana Showroom, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $55-$100, N.J.,609-340-4000, www.tropicana.net.

Soulidified: Quarterly event looks to combine the old with the new for fans of soul music, with themes centered around classic artists and eras and performances from some of the best new talent around. For the inaugural edition, singers Jesse Boykins III and MeLa Machinko take the stage while the show pays homage to legend Marvin Gaye. Hosted by U. City and featuring DJ Ultraviolet on the ones and twos. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

ALTERNATIVE

Backwoods Payback: Thick as molasses combo mixes heavy Southern rock with sludgy doom. Township and Philly punk-and-rollers American Speedway open. Millcreek Tavern, 4200 Chester Ave., 9 tonight, $8, 215-222-9194, www.millcreektavernphilly.com.

Finger Banger: Monthly upstart queer dance party moves to its new space at Fluid with a John Waters homage and riot grrrl, '70s/'80s punk, Britpop, New Wave, booty music and more as the soundtrack. The Filthiest Person Alive will be crowned. In related news, the FB DJs just guested at a new weekly party at PYT called Milkshake. This week's guest is Lil Sis from the Scene. Fluid, 613 S. 4th St., 9 tonight, free before 11 p.m. or $3, 215-629-3686, fluidnightclub.com. PYT, 1050 N. Hancock St., 10 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-964-9009, www.pytphilly.com.

Robotique: Disco-funk party pays tribute to '70s/'80s NYC promoter pioneer David Manusco, known for the famed loft parties that defined disco playlists for years to come. Philly superstar King Britt is the guest DJ. Busy Britt also brings his Saturn Never Sleeps electronic event to Johnny Brenda's Tuesday with Quadron and Rucyl. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 10 tonight, $5, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, 9 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Wavves: San Diego lo-fi pop trio led by wunderkind Nathan Williams burst onto the scene last year and made many end-of-the year lists with their self-titled debut. They're back previewing sun-drenched new tunes from the upcoming "King of the Beach." With Cloud Nothing and Love City side project Moon Women. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, $12, all ages, 215-821-7575, www.r5productions.com.

Noise Trap: Fishtown's Germ Books hosts an evening of post-industrial experimental noise with New York City's Pharmakon, The Urge Within (a collaboration with owner David E. Williams and Jonathan Canady), David Talento's Sweeping the Noise Floor, and Sexual Assault Rifle. Germ Books, 2005 Frankford Ave., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $5, all ages, 215-423-5002, germbooks.com.

Pterodactyl: Fishtown art gallery celebrates its first birthday with performances by Mount Joy, TJ Kong & the Atomic Bomb and Montagna & the Mouth to Mouth. Pterodactyl Philadelphia, 3237 Amber St., 5th Floor North, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. tomorrow, $5 donation, all ages, 215-501-7158 www.pterodactylphiladelphia.org.

Happy Hollows: Irreverent L.A. noise pop trio blows in with Philly bands Racecar, Chalk & the Beige Americans and Synth Sircus. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Otep: Beloved, female-fronted, Ozzfest-approved metal band rocks with I Wrestled a Bear Once and Stray From the Path. The Blockley, 38th and Chestnut streets, 9 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215- 222-1234, www.theblockley.com.

Turnaround Vs. Immediate: Funk/soul party and guests the Tough Sh-ts raise money for the Sabina Rose Memorial Fund. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 10 p.m. tomorrow, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

D.I.: '80s SoCal punks are in town with McRad, the Flyswatters, Kid PA and Explosive Head (worthy newcomers featuring current and former members of Son of a Gun and Thee Minks). Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 6 p.m. Sunday, $12-14, 215-291-4919, kungfunecktie.com.

Lucky Tubb & the Modern Day Troubadours: Great nephew of legendary '50s honky-tonk singer Ernest Tubb continues the family sound. With the Wallace Brothers and the Bullets. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-739-5577, themanhattanroom.com.

Lightning Bolt: Epic noise rock duo hits Philly with Baltimore's Double Dagger, Social Junk and No Coffins. The Ox, 2nd and Oxford streets, 7-11:30 p.m. Tuesday, $10, all ages, myspace.com/theoxphiladelphia.

Zoobombs: Japanese version of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion with the Cutbacks. Balcony, 10th and Arch streets, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, $8, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

JAZZ

Rufus Reid Trio: Bassist Reid, the anchor for countless jazz legends since his stint with Dexter Gordon in the late seventies, has stepped out in front of late. He leads his trio with pianist Steve Allee and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & Ben Franklin Pkwy., 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $16, 215-763-8100, philamuseum.org.

Metamorphosis Concert Series: Philly saxophonist Daniel Peterson is in the midst of developing new music for his octet Truth & Consequence and has decided to expose the process via a monthly concert series. Cianfrani Park, 8th & Fitzwater streets, 7 tonight, free, facebook.com/danieltpeterson.

Wayne Escoffery/Carolyn Leonhart: Husband-and-wife tenor/vocal team goes down like the smoothest of cocktails, though packing a significant kick. They'll co-lead a band featuring pianist Helen Sung, bassist Joe Martin and drummer Donald Edwards. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.

Simmons/Boone/Landham: With their longtime home, Ortlieb's, recently closed, pianist Sid Simmons, bassist Mike Boone and drummer Byron Landham have found a new hang for their renowned weekly jam sessions. Grey Social Lounge, 132 Chestnut St., 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, free, www.feldiesphillyjazzcalendar.com.

Greg Glassman/Stacy Dillard Quintet: Co-led by trumpeter Glassman and rising star saxophonist Dillard, this group is found twice monthly at the NYC club Fat Cat. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Ralph Peterson Jr.: The drummer's drummer kicks off the annual Chicken Bone Beach Concert Series, now in its 11th year. Kennedy Plaza stage, Atlantic City Boardwalk, between Mississippi and Georgia avenues, 7 p.m. Thursday, free, www.chickenbonebeach.org.

CLASSICAL

Opera Company of Philadelphia: Mezzo Ruxandra Donose and soprano Maureen McKay portray "Orphee et Eurydice" in Gluck's masterful opera based on the tragic myth, performed in Berlioz' rare later version. Corrado Rovaris conducts, with direction by Robert Driver and sets by Philippe Amand. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 tonight, $40-$130, 215-893-1999, www.operaphilly.com.

Kennett Symphony: Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim is eminent guest soloist in the familiar Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Mary Woodmansee Green also conducts the ensemble in Beethoven's surging Seventh Symphony. Longwood Gardens Open Air Theater, Route 1, Kennett Square, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $35 includes gardens admission, 610-444-6363, www.kennettsymphony.org.

Philadelphia Brass: Quintet will play music ranging from Bach to Duke Ellington. The bright sound of these performers - trumpeters Brian Kuszyk and Lawrence Wright, trombonist Robert Gale, hornist Anthony Cecere and tubist Scott Mendoker - should fill this mighty hall. Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $13, 800-590-4064, www.oceangrove.org.