Music critics' picks

You can gauge the respect for George Pierson in this town by the high caliber of local talent coming out to sing and play for him on Monday at what some are calling Georgestock! Among them, the ever soulful Jeffrey Gaines, rockin' Richard Bush & the Peace Creeps, polished piano man Ben Arnold, folk/rock fusionist Devin Greenwood, Philly's Dylan Kenn Kweder and the amazing blues/hip-hop original Mike "Slo Mo" Brenner. And emceeing the benefit is prog rock radio legend Michael Tearson, nowadays aligned with Sirius/XM and WMGK. So who's Pierson? The laid-back, golden-eared wizard who made all the above talents (and thousands more) sound their best as audio engineer and nice guy in residence at the Tin Angel for 16 years. Pierson's in need of a heart transplant, and you can just imagine what that costs. The bucks start here.

Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Monday, $10, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

- Jonathan Takiff

The Budweiser Superfest was an R&B concert series that ran from 1979 to 1999 and featured legendary lineups that included musical icons such as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. In 2010, the event has returned with an excellent lineup featuring some of the best soul singers in the business today. The show's main attraction is Grammy-winning and platinum-selling singer Anthony Hamilton. Recording since 1996, Hamilton found breakout success with his second album, 2003's "Comin' from Where I'm From." D.C. area singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn, whose 2010 album "The Love & War MasterPeace" hit No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, will be lending his talents to the event as well. Rounding out the performances are Detroit native Kem and New Jersey-based Jaheim.

Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J., 7 p.m. Sunday, $49.75-$150.75, 856-365-1300, www.livenation.com.

- James Johnson

Leave it to New Jersey's Record Collector to pick up acts that might not make it to Philadelphia. In this case, it's a solid lineup of female-fronted combos. First up is Los Angeles power poppers the Dollyrots, who recently released "A Little Messed Up" on Joan Jett's Blackheart label. Then a pair of Canadian groups whom we need to hear more of in America. There's the Cliks, fronted by transman heartthrob Lucas Silveira with a Chrissie Hynde swagger and sound. They've toured with the Cult and Cyndi Lauper. Last but not least, Hunter Valentine, all high-energy, all rock 'n' roll, all the time. If you can make the drive, this show is worth it.

The Record Collector, 358 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, N.J., 6:30 p.m. Thursday, $10-$12, all ages, 609-324-0880, www.the-record-collector.com.

- Sara Sherr

While Tony Bennett needs no introduction, he's never been the type to act as if one wasn't in order. Probably the most unassuming icon in music history, Bennett has never stopped exuding love for the music that he sings and an obvious gratitude for the support and enthusiasm fans have long shown him. The infectious grin and easygoing mien have become a trademark, but Bennett is the rare popular performer who is regarded equally by general audiences and discerning critics. Last year, a two-disc reissue of his mid-'70s sessions with the late pianist Bill Evans gave listeners a potent and beautiful reminder of his ability to pierce to the heart of any song – whether he makes it look easy or not.

Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $75-$90, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

- Shaun Brady

The devout Joseph Haydn poured all his reverence into the huge oratorio "The Creation" in 1798, inspired by Handel's choral settings during visits to England. Based on Genesis, the Book of Psalms and Milton's "Paradise Lost," it opens with the musical setting of the chaos before creation and depicts the creation of the sun, beasts and, finally, Adam and Eve. The work calls for huge choral forces, with soloists representing angels who comment on the six days of creation. The New Jersey State Opera Orchestra and the Auditorium Choir will tackle this sacred masterwork under the direction of Jason Tramm, with Gordon Turk at the huge pipe organ.

Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, freewill donation, 732-775-0035, www.oceangrove.org.

- Tom Di Nardo