Live shows, performances and events in the area this week

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

Vans Warped Tour: The most durable (15h annual) and reliable of the one-day, multistage festivals will have many skateboarding across the bridge for the likes of Bad Religion, NOFX, Bayside, Devil Wears Prada, Less Than Jake, Flogging Molly, Meg & Dia, Underoath, Anti-Flag, Alexisonfire and more. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Drive, Camden, noon today, $38.25, 856-365-1300, www.livenation.com.

Audrye Sessions: Let this lush, anthemic, guitar-and keyboard-rocking San Fran band wash over you, with earnest (Bono-like) vocals by Ryan Karazija and chest-beating tunes to match. Clearly, they're more beholden to Anglo-pop than West Coast traditions. Melodic synth rockers Paper Route open. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 7 tonight, $10, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Carsie Blanton: Philadelphia transplant is ready to spring a new album ("Buoy") of material alluding to the classic grooves of Motown, New Orleans and New York's Brill Building songwriting. Maybe she's saving Philly soul for the next set? MilkBoy, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 8 tonight, $12, 610-645-5269, www.milkboycoffee.com.

The Veronicas: Identical twins Jess and Lisa Origliasso offer a sharp-edged and passionate take on pop punk and dance pop as they urge on any and all comers with tunes like "Take Me on the Floor." No surprise, this Brisbane, Australia, duo's fan club includes more than a few thrill-seeking guys, along with the girls. TLA, 334 South St., 7 tonight, $18, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Greg Laswell: Clean and bright, with a sweet bouquet and nice finish. Yeah, you'll like sipping from the vats of this fine-whine producer. Folk pop with no sugar additives. Elizabeth & the Catapult and Rosi Golan share the bill. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Bucks County R&B Picnic: Alligator Records' celebrated Michael "Iron Man" Burks serves up his snappy mix of blues, swamp and rockabilly as headliner of this 27th annual. Also on tap, Paul Mark & the Van Dorens, Jill West and Blues Attack, Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe, the Gas House Gorillas, Nate Myers & the Aces and Ambush. Snipes Farm, Route 1 South, Morrisville, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. tomorrow, $36 ages 15 and older, $20 ages 3 to 14, 215-264-6631, www.bucksbluessociety.com.

Cruefest 2: Motley Crue's touring summer metalcade kicks off here, so give 'em your best. Along for the ride, Godsmack, Theory of a Dead Man, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Drive, Camden, 5 p.m. Sunday, $27.73-$90.75, 856-365-1300, www.livenation.com.

Reeves Gabrels: This guitar shredder (formerly with David Bowie's Tin Machine) peels back and wails. Compares favorably to Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew - that whole lot. Also entertaining: Do You Need The Service? and Witchtrialz!. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Tortoise: With their monochromatic shell and slow-moving nature, this all-instrumental band fits its name. But over time, they reveal an experimental nature, drifting from punk-jazz to krautrock, synth-pop to dub in a fashion some find spellbinding. Grey Reverend opens. Sanctuary at First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $15, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.

Green Day: All hail the reigning kings of punk rock, still making music like their lives (and ours) depended on it. Wachovia Spectrum, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $42-$54, 215-336-2000, www.comcasttix.com.

Red Collar: Durham, N.C., rockers grab fast and don't let go, with hooks galore and a live-in-the-moment spontaneity that earns favorable comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and the Clash. You gotta love their "Rust Belt Heart." Also on the bill: Shining TV Screen, Mark Thousands and Bojibian. North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $8, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

T-Model Ford & GravelRoad: He may be old (like, 87), rusty and rickety. Still, this electric bluesman can get where he wants to, driving the blues in a chugging, rockin', Muddy Waters or Howlin' Wolf style. With Reverend Deadeye opening. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $10/$12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Zee Avi: From far away Borneo (for real), yet steeped in American sounds, this whispy-voiced, revealing singer/songwriter will get under your skin with tunes like "Poppy," an ironically pop-ish lament about a pal lost to drugs. An ideal next adventure for fans of Madeleine Peyroux, Ingrid Michaelson and Kimya Dawson. Charlotte Littlehales opens the night. First Unitarian Church Chapel, 2125 Chestnut St. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $10 (all ages), 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Malajube: Prog rock has endured in Canada better than in the States. Here's a case in point, a Quebec band that evokes letters like ELO and ELP, even singing in their favored language. With Remote Islands and XYZ Affair, M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Joe: The platinum-selling R&B star is touring to support his latest album, "Signature," released on Tuesday. He'll be joined by singer Chico DeBarge, who also has a new disc, "Addiction." Keswick Theatre, 2 91 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 tonight, $35, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Philly Civil War Mixtape & City Sound Check: Among the city's best and brightest underground MCs taking the stage will be Reef The Lost Cauze, Kane, Sick 6, Nico the Beast and Biz M!ghty. Also invited: Ness, Jakk Frost and Tone Trump. Big O and DJ Akshun host. Tacony Billiards, 6201 Keystone St., 9 tonight, free, 610-453-5517.

WrittenHouse: The Philadelphia trio has been putting in serious work since performing at the Roots Picnic. Also here, Philly-based rhymer Aaron Mingo. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight, $7, 267-671-9298, www.iourecords.com/thefire.

Soul Cannon: This Baltimore hip-hop band is one of the best acts on the East Coast. On a Friday packed with events, their show is a pretty safe bet. They'll be joined by locals Alien Architect, who offer a decidedly experimental brand of Rock infused hip-hop. Pub Webb, 1527 Cecil B Moore Ave., 10 tonight, $5, 267-687-8256, www.pubwebb.com.

Jump N Funk: DJ Rich Medina will spin Afrobeat hits all night long with the help of Leonard "Doc" Gibbs (Of "Emeril" fame) and Carlos Izaguirre on live percussion. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 10 tonight, $7, 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

John Forte: With his 2000 drug arrest, the subsequent conviction and finally his 2008 presidential pardon, it's easy to forget Forte's talent as a singer, songwriter, producer and rapper. The classically trained violinist worked extensively with the Fugees on their Grammy-award-winning album "The Score." He's here with local hip-hop band the Hustle. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $13 advance, $15 day of the show, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Chali 2na: With one deepest voices in hip-hop, Chali gained host of fans during his days with Jurassic 5. Since their 2007 breakup, fans of hip-hop have been paying attention to this West Coast rhymer. Philadelphians finally have the chance to catch his solo act. Joining him will be Brooklyn MC Whosane, as well as local rapper/producer, Scanz. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $13 advance, $15 at the door, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Superdope: Free weekly event keeps improving, as DJ Phsh spins a diverse mix of hip-hop, and hosts FAME ONE and tU pHAce keep the crowd hyped. This week features a special performance by local hip-hop band Sëla, doing songs from their upcoming EP. O.N.E. @ Rittenhouse, 121 S. 19th St., 10 p.m. Wednesday, free, 215-563-1038, www.oneatrittenhouse.com.

Drink Up Buttercup: Local psych-pop band joins the Armchairs and Neighborhood Choir. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 9 tonight, $5, all ages, www.myspace.com/dangerdangergallery.

Strangers Family Band: If you like the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Black Angels, check out this Orlando, Fla., band, opening for local garage rockers Love City. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Hell Under The El: A local old-school punk-metal bill with Hangman's Cry and Mane Attraction. Diner at the Plaza, Front Street and Snyder Avenue, 9 tonight, $5, all ages, 215-755-7899, www.myspace.com/hellundertheel.

Metal Beard: Johnny Brenda's metal monthly celebrates its first anniversary with Solace, Backwoods Payback, Dirt Worshipper, Ol' Scratch and Admiral Browning. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Punk Rock Karaoke: Pretend to be Joey Ramone or Johnny Rotten in front of a live band. Tritone, 1508 South St., 10 tonight, $5, 215–545–0475, www.tritonebar.com.

BiG TeA PaRtYSustainable Living Movie Night: Elizabeth Fiend and Valerie Keller show a collection of their politically minded videos, such as a look back at the chaos on the streets of the 2000 Republican Convention and BioDiversity activists versus Eagles fans, plus fun tips for healthy eating. A Q&A will follow. Wooden Shoe Books, 508 S. 5th St., 7:30-9:30 p.m. tomorrow, free, 215-413-0999, http://bigteaparty.com.

Gemini Wolf: Electronic trio celebrates the release of its second CD, "Synchronized Eyes," a mix of Afrobeat and Krautrock, with collaborations from members of the West Philadelphia Orchestra, who are among the opening acts. Also: Pink Skull and Bilwa. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Armalite: Members of Atom & His Package, Paint It Black, Amateur Party and True If Destroyed play a rare show with Australia's the Diamond Sea, Algernon Cadwallader and Yo Man Go!. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 6 p.m. Sunday, $8, all ages, www.myspace.com/armalite.

VNV Nation:The UK electronic/industrial duo is back with the recently released "Of Faith, Power and Glory." Theater of the Living Arts, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $19-$23, all ages, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

John Nolan: Solo show for the guitarist of Taking Back Sunday and Straylight Run. Mansions opens. Side Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, $10, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Bloody Panda: New York City doom-metal band descends on Kung Fu Necktie with Woe and Deathbeds. Kung Fu Necktie, Front and Thompson streets, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Cantina Dos Segundos First-Anniversary Party: Cantina's Northern Liberties sister restaurant celebrates with Rock T-ts! and Broadzilla DJs. Dos Segundos Cantina, 931 N. 2nd St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, free, 215-629-0500, http://cantinadossegundos.com.

Kurt Vile: Philly's next rock star, last seen opening for Sonic Youth, plays with Tyvjk, Coconut Coolouts and Personal & the Pizzas. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Monkadelphia: If the name's not enough of a giveaway, this local quintet, which includes vibist Tony Miceli, drummer Jim Miller and pianist Tom Lawton, has been exploring the music of Thelonious Monk for over a decade. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $16, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.

Sci-Fi Philly: This week's line-up includes drummer Mike Szekely and Friends, guitarist Mike Lorenz's quartet, the duo of drummer Scott Verrastro and guitarist Anthony Pirog, and bassist/vocalist George Korein and the Spleen. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: The retro-swing band performs a tribute to legendary vocalist (and its zoot-suit forebear) Cab Calloway. Wiggins Waterfront Park, foot of Mickle Blvd., Camden, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Free, 856-216-2170, www.ccparks.com.

King Britt: In conjunction with the ICA's ongoing Sun Ra exhibit, "Pathways to Unknown Worlds," the Philly-based DJ and composer presents an audio-visual funk collage combining Ra music and live performance. Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, free, www.icaphila.org.

Ballet X: The impressive new company reprises Jorma Elo's "Scenes View 2" to music by Bach, and co-founder Matthew Neenan's "Broke Apart," featuring female vocal artists. The premiere is "Le Baiser Inevitable" ("The Inevitable Kiss") choreographed by Jodie Gates and set to Ravel's famous "Bolero." Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and July 24-25, plus 2 p.m. July 26, $30, 215-546-7824, www.balletx.org.

Ilya Itin: This Russian pianist offers an unusual program of Prokofiev, concluding with the scorching Seventh Piano Sonata. With choreography by Jennie Scholick, he'll perform a 1939 competition called "Music for Athletes," recently unearthed by Simon Morrison, who'll lecture on the discovery. In addition, Itin will play Prokofiev's own piano version of his classic "Peter and the Wolf" with New Yorker poetry editor Paul Muldoon as narrator. Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Nassau Street, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., 8 tonight, $35, 877-343-3434, www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Lenape Chamber Ensemble: Concert by this collection of superb players features three absolute gems. It begins with Haydn's Op. 76/4 String Quartet, subtitled the "Sunrise," and finishes with Franck's glorious Piano Quintet in F. In between, they'll perform Ravel's "Sonatine" for piano in the transcription by harpist Carlos Salzedo for flute, harp and cello. Delaware Valley College, routes 202 and 611, Doylestown, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $18, 610-294-9361, www.lenapechamberensemble.org.

Delaware Valley Opera Company: Rossini's charming romp "La Cenerentola" ("Cinderella") receives a fully-staged English-language production, with Timothy Ribchester at the piano. Mezzo Joanna Gates sings the title role, with tenor Timothy Oliver as Don Ramiro, soprano Elizabeth Oliver and mezzo Theresa Seri as the comic stepsisters, baritone Jeffrey Carr as Dandini, bass Milo Morris as Don Magnifico and bass David Perelman as Alidoro. Roxborough High School Theater, 6498 Ridge Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-725-4171, www.dvopera.org.

Young People's Concert: Mann Center program features an "Urban Dance Explosion," combining the talents of Philly's Chosen Dance Company and the Buckets and Tap Shoes troupe from Minneapolis. These programs always raise young audiences to sheer euphoria. Highly recommended for kids of all ages. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 11 a.m. Monday, free, 215-546-7900, www.manncenter.org.

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops: The crack band moves to the Mann with a celebration of two American composer icons: Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers. Nero has brought along Broadway stars Christiane Noll and Doug LaBrecque to interpret these classics. He's also throwing in some Andrew Lloyd Webber tunes - audience-pleasing lightweights next to the work of these two giants. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenues, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $20-$70, 215-893-1999, www.phillypops.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Rossen Milanov conducts a program of fanciful tales, audience favorites all. The bill begins with Wagner's Overture to "Tannhauser" and continues with the mischievous antics of the German folk hero of the Middle Ages, "Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks." The wrap is Rimsky-Korsakov's brilliantly scored chronicle of the tales from the Arabian nights, "Sheherazade." Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. Thursday, $30-$50, $10 for lawn tickets, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Kathleen Bride, Christine Kwak, Gordon Turk: This harp-violin-organ collaboration features works by Handel, Bach, Saint-Saens, Mahler, Kreisler, Respighi and Grandjany. Great Auditorium, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $13, 800-965-9324, www.oceangrove.org. *