Music critics' picks

What's not to love about Hey Rosetta!, the polished alt-pop rockers from St. John's, Newfoundland? They boast a yearning, ultra-sincere lead singer who sounds like a mash-up of Chris Martin, Paul Simon and Brandon Flowers. And they crank earnest anthems loud and gracefully, with warming violin and cello players you can actually hear in the mix (take a hint, Arcade Fire). Oh, and Hey Rosetta! makes equally vivid videos. (Check out the charming, ballet-themed "Yer Spring" at YouTube.) Hailed as one of the "must see" attractions of the recent Austin, Texas, SXSW music soiree - and now they're here in our own back yard. With the Heat Run, Acres of Diamonds, and the Daylight Savings & Loan.

What's not to love about Hey Rosetta!, the polished alt-pop rockers from St. John's, Newfoundland? They boast a yearning, ultra-sincere lead singer who sounds like a mash-up of Chris Martin, Paul Simon and Brandon Flowers. And they crank earnest anthems loud and gracefully, with warming violin and cello players you can actually hear in the mix (take a hint, Arcade Fire). Oh, and Hey Rosetta! makes equally vivid videos. (Check out the charming, ballet-themed "Yer Spring" at YouTube.) Hailed as one of the "must see" attractions of the recent Austin, Texas, SXSW music soiree - and now they're here in our own back yard. With the Heat Run, Acres of Diamonds, and the Daylight Savings & Loan.

North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 8 tonight, $8, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

- Jonathan Takiff

Tom Shimura, better known as California-based MC/producer Lyrics Born, hits Philadelphia in support of his latest album, 2010's "As U Were." Starting his career as a DJ, Shimura spun records for University of California, Davis' KDVS-FM before deciding to test his skills on the mike with his 1993 single, "Send Them." At that time he went by the name Asia Born, switching to his current stage moniker in 1995. LB's first full-length solo album came in 2003, "Later That Day," on Quannum Records. He followed up in 2005 with "Same !@#$ Different Day," a remix album that also featured new material, then "Everywhere at Once" in 2008. Also making the trip from California's Bay Area will be hip-hop duo Skins & Needles. The Oakland-based group consists of DJ Zeph and Max MacVeety.

The Blockley Pourhouse, 3801 Chestnut St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $13 in advance, $16 day of show, 215-222-1234, www.theblockley.com.

- James Johnson

Indie promoters No Wavelength have put together a bill crammed with female-led indie-pop bands and music that is perfect for spring. Las Robertas, en route from SXSW, are an all-woman trio from Costa Rica who recall the best noisy pop parts of the Breeders, Sonic Youth and the Vivian Girls. Pet Milk is a Philly co-ed quintet with current or former members of Brown Recluse, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Paint It Black and Hail Social. Dear Marje is a twee pop duo with Philly expat Sandra and Kyle (first names only).

Cha-Cha'Razzi, 1918 S. Bancroft St., 8- 11 p.m. tonight, $7-10, all ages, www.myspace.com/lasrobertas.

- Sara Sherr

In its 21st year, the Reading-area Berks Jazz Fest has a new title sponsor, Boscov's, but in most other ways stays the course, presenting 10 days of jazz leaning in smooth, fusion and straight-ahead directions. The fest opens tonight with the legendary Dave Brubeck, remarkably still maintaining a busy schedule at the age of 90, but the ensuing days are a bass-lover's paradise. Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten, who toured together with Marcus Miller as the low-end-heavy SMV, will lead their own bands on a double bill Saturday afternoon; festival mainstay Gerald Veasley, who founded the Jazz Base club in the Crowne Plaza Reading and coaches players at his annual Bass Boot Camp, will lead the Sounds of Philly band featuring several local soul-jazz stalwarts. The packed schedule also features the Rippingtons, a guitar summit featuring Bucky Pizzarelli and Howard Alden, Al Jarreau and George Duke, and the recently reunited Jeff Lorber Fusion.

Various venues in Reading and Berks counties, tonight through April 3, 215-336-2000, www.berksjazzfest.com.

- Shaun Brady

Giuseppe Verdi's most passionate work is surely his blazing Requiem, inspired by the death of the famous Italian poet Alessandro Manzoni. With its heartfelt passages and outbursts of wrath, it's the dramatic summit of a conductor's career. The beloved maestro of the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Luis Biava, has long dreamed of leading this supreme masterwork, also using the combined choirs. Their reverence for his mentorship always lifts them to the summit of their musical dedication. Biava asked now-famed bass (and Temple alum) Eric Owens to return, and Owens also suggested soprano Jennifer Check, mezzo Margaret Lattimore and tenor Garrett Sorenson as soloists in this riveting emotional experience.

Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 3 p.m. Sunday, $20-$35, 215-893-1999, www.temple.edu/boyer.

- Tom Di Nardo