What to see in Philadelphia the weekend of May 25-May 27

MUSIC

Beards and blues

They may be dead last in the alphabetical scheme of things, but for more than four decades, los tres hombres from Texas who go by the collective name ZZ Top have been first in the hearts and minds of countless fans turned on by the trio's no-frills, high-energy brand of blues-based rock.

Joining the trio on its "Gang of Outlaws" tour Saturday at Trump Taj Mahal will be '90s pop-rockers 3 Doors Down and country rabble-rouser Gretchen Wilson.

Trump Taj Mahal, Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $150, $80, $70 and $60, 800-736-1420, ticketmaster.com.

Here Comes The Sun

Just try not to get wrapped up in the rapture that is Polyphonic Spree, an oft-euphoric symphonic-rock chorale with roots in the Beatles and rock theatricals such as "Godspell" and "Hair." Fronted by Tim DeLaughter, the Spree find spirituality in the sun, friendship, knowledge and love, love, love. They're on tap for the Free at Noon concert series Friday on WXPN-FM (88.5). But for a full measure of their glow, check 'em out Friday night where all the hippies meet. With special guests Sweet Lee Morrow, New Fumes and Attia Taylor.

TLA, 334 South St., 7 p.m. Friday, $21, 13.50 (individual in four-pack), 800-745-3000, livenation.com.

Soul Picnic

Her dad was celebrated big-band orchestrator Don Costa, and his bud Frank Sinatra was often around. Yet Nikka Costa is the furthest thing from American-songbook pop singer, instead pumping up her sassy soul/funk in totally fresh, emancipated fashion. Anya Marina opens.

Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Friday, $21,50, 215-257-5808, st94.com.

Head Walloping

Ain't gonna ask you Thrice. Now on their "Farewell Tour," this howling, post-punk band cuts to the quick with punchy beats, snarly guitar lines, decent hooks and moralistic lyrics (some spinning off biblical themes) about all the damage done. Animal Leaders and O'Brother (who are just getting started and acknowledge a big debt to Thrice) share this hard-rocking night.

Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 p.m. Friday, $18, 215-627-1332, electricfactory.info.

Move 'n Groove

Crunked-up Latin American rapper/singer Pitbull wants to move and groove ya in the beach town with worldly-wise and body-shaking anthems. Like a trip to Miami, without the plane fare.

Borgata Event Center, Atlantic City, 9 p.m. Friday, $65, 866-900-4TIX, theborgata.com.

Bethlehem Calls

She fell off the charts and gossip pages, but Melissa Etheridge remains strong of voice and righteous with indignation. Hope she'll get to share a full measure in this casino-connected gig at eastern Pennsylvania's newest concert venue.

Sands Bethlehem Event Center, 8 p.m. Saturday, $49.50, $79.50, $99.50, 800-745-3000, livenation.com.

Fit to Be Tie-Dyed

Dark Star Orchestra is the grooviest of Grateful Dead cover bands — refashioning complete albums with jazz enhancements. For this outdoor, holiday-weekend bash, the Orchestra is joined by the hardest-working dude in hippie folk, Keller Williams, the current incarnation of the Wailers (with original bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett) and New Jersey guy Greg D., who sometimes sounds like Jerry Garcia.

River Stage at Great Plaza, 3 p.m. Sunday, $27.50/$30, $20 (individual in four-pack), 800-745-3000, livenation.com.

THEATER

Calling all 'Angels'

Wilma Theater, 265 S Broad St., through July 1, $39-$66, 215-546-7824, wilmatheater.org