Musical performances 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.

Robben Ford: He was identified first as a jazz guitarist (working with Miles Davis helped), then moved over to the rockin' blues. Today, Ford has one foot in each camp and is the better for it. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8:30 tonight, $29.50-$39.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

The Shondes: "You never had the backbone to decide," blasts Louisa Solomon to a wishy-washy romancer on "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," a song that sounds nothing like the Carole King ballad. Shonde is Yiddish for shame or disgrace, and these punkish, rueful New Yorkers wear the name with pride, speaking the unspeakable about everything from war lust to their klezmer-rocking declaration "but we're gay." The Tweeds support. Khyber Pass, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Starlight Mints: Like their fellow Oklahomans the Flaming Lips, these kozmic characters play all over the musical map, from new wave to disco, with more than a hint of Ziggy Stardust and floating Pink Floyd piggies in their eyes. Don't like one song? They could be galaxies away on the next. Show openers are Wye Oak, JP Inc and Major Leagues. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 tonight, $12. 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

Brad Paisley: The contemporary country star arrives on the right night to celebrate his terrific new album "American Saturday Night." The set gently taps a lot of hot buttons, from the not-so-all-American title tune to the Obama salutin' "Welcome to the Future," and granddad's good advice to prayer seekers to take "No" for an answer. Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne share the bill. Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $25-$51, 856-365-1300, www.livenation.com.

Walter Trout & the Radicals: Almost as indebted to Jerry Garcia as he is to Buddy Guy, this blues-rock guitar jammer puts a torch to everything he touches. Trout cut his teeth in editions of Canned Heat and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Sarah Ayers Band opens. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Saturday, $21.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Tori Amos: Sensual, slyly funny and flamboyant piano pop chanteuse has her share of imitators, but no duplicators. Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $34.50-49.50, 610-352-2887, www.livenation.com.

School of Rock Celebrates

Woodstock: From here on, it's a free concert in Pennsauken, man, as students from Paul Green's School of Rock (Cherry Hill branch) perform music from the festival that was, 40 years ago this weekend. This 8-hour outdoor bash is one of 40 Woodstock tributes being staged by School of Rock satellites across the nation, all officially sanctioned by Woodstock Ventures. Some of their kid clones (junior Janis, Jimi, et al) also appear in the "Woodstock: Now and Then" special, airing tonight on VH1 and Monday on the History Channel. Cooper River Park, N. Park Drive and McClellan Avenue, Pennsauken, N.J., 2-8 p.m. Sunday, free.

Our Lady Peace: Seasoned pop-rock band lives up to its name. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $22-$25, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Kurt Vile: Dark and downbeat Philadelphia talent will surely preview material from his Oct. 6 Matador album release, "Childish Prodigy." With Blues Control and friends from Espers, Watery Love and Birds of Maya. Vox Populi Gallery, 319 N. 11th St., 3rd floor, 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215- 238-1236, www.voxpopuligallery.org. Vile and the Violators also play 7 p.m. Wednesday in Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut streets, free.

Quicksilver Messenger Service: One of the original bands of the San Francisco hippie rock/flower-power era, Quicksilver's quavery, mercuric sound is carried still by founding members Gary Duncan (guitar and vocals) and David Freiberg (bass). Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8 p.m. Monday, $19.50, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Heroes of Woodstock: Sorry we jumped the gun on this anniversary concert by a week last Friday. But this time the show's more than just an acid flashback. Woodstock talent who were really there, like "Fish Cheer" leader Country Joe McDonald, the Jefferson Airplane/Starship's Paul Kantner and then-Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten gather to recall in song what a long strange trip its been. Also featuring remnants of Canned Heat and Big Brother & the Holding Company. Mann Center, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $33-$77, with original-Woodstock-weekend-priced $18 lawn seats available online with promo code MCW069, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.

Amy Ray: The Indigo Girl shows off her harder, funkier, more outspoken solo material. Choo Choo La Rouge opens. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Espers: Leading exponents of the "psych-folk" movement bring their mix of old and new world flavors to this outdoor concert series in Fishtown. Kindred spirits the Oubliette Ensemble share seriously pretty (though somewhat twisted) folk/classical airs. Penn Treaty Park, Columbia Street and Delaware Avenue, 7 p.m. Wednesday, free. www.penntreatymusic.com.

'American Idol' 2009 Tour: We hear Adam Lambert's coming-out party is eclipsing nice-guy-finishes-first Kris Allen's victory lap show closer. No duh. Still, don't count out the "you have a great future, too" (thanks, Paula) likes of Danny Gokey or Anoop Desai, a teamed-up Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud (pulling a Billy and Elton on "Tell Her About It") or Megan Joy, dressed to kill as she coos C.B. Rae's "Put Your Records On." Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $43.50-$69.50, 877-263-9372, www.comcasttix.com.

Eddie Jobson's U-Z Project: Oh, to have been a fly in the violin or keyboard case of this fusion visionary when Jobson was helping to summon the prog-rock pomp and circumstance of Roxy Music, Frank Zappa's band and heavy rockers UK. Jobson's bringing a hammer of the Gods band, including Michael Jackson's former guitarist Greg Howe, stick player Michael Bernier and two renowned drummers, Simon Phillips and Marco Minnemann. Prepare to be blown away. North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $35, 215-787-0488, www.northstarbar.com.

De La Soul: One of the most storied groups in hip-hop, this Long Island three-man collective is touring in celebration of the 20th anniversary of "3 Feet High And Rising." Like the group, the 1989 album has aged wonderfully as it has influenced a generation of hip-hop artists. The Note, 142 E. Market St., West Chester, 8 tonight, $33, 21-plus, 484-947-5713, www.thenotewc.com.

The Zodiac: Leo Edition: DJ Roxy and Nex Millen will be joined by special Leo guest DJs Caliph Now and Razor Ramon for a night of great classic and contemporary hip-hop. Hosted by Mighty Flipside Esq. Medusa, 27 S. 21st St., 10 tonight, $5 (free for Leos with ID), 21-plus, 215-557-1981, www.medusalounge.com.

Tastytreats: World-renowned DJ Rich Medina joins Mike Nyce for an evening of soul, Afrobeat, R&B and, of course, hip-hop. Hosted by Yameen Allworld. Fluid Nightclub, 613 S. 4th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $7 (ladies free until 11 p.m.), 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

John Legend: Multiplatinum artist has strong Philly roots, having graduated from Penn before pursuing a career that has been nothing short of phenomenal. Accompanying him is fellow Grammy winner India.Arie, one of the more talented singers of our time. Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave. 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $25-$110, 215-546-7900, www.manncenter.org.

Saturday Night Mic Check: T.H.O.R. TakeOver Records is back from a brief hiatus, and along with DJ SoulBuck, will once again bring the no-nonsense underground hip-hop fans have come to expect from their shows. This one features Godhead The General, SoundBwoi Killaz, Magnum O and WrittenHouse. Elena's Soul Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $7, 21-plus, 215-729-9575, www.elenassoul.com.

Eavesdrop Sessions: DJs Lil Dave and Junior keep it strictly hip-hop for the latest show in this series. Rapper/producers Kev Brown and Fel Sweetenberg, from Maryland and Camden, respectively, share the stage with Philly trio 84. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Wednesday, $10, 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

The Deejay's Jam Session + Open Mic: DJ afroDJiak and host Marjani Clark keep this bi-weekly open mike and DJ jam session jumping. Come out and show off your skills or kick back and just enjoy the scene at this West Philly venue. Elena's Soul Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave., 10 p.m. Thursday, free, 21-plus, 215-729-9575, www.elenassoul.com.

This Is Hardcore Fest: Now in its fourth year, the festival includes tons of bands from all over the country, including quite a few reunions. Just a few of the acts: Suicide File, Guns Up, Vision of Disorder, Floorpunch, Bane, Reach The Sky and as many bands they can fit into three days. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 5 tonight. Starlight Ballroom/Club Polaris, 460 N. 9th St., tomorrow and Sunday at noon. $20-55, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Philly Summer Thrash Fest: In a similar vein, but more metal and more compact. Includes Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, Common Enemy, the Gloominous Doom, Trasher and more. The Balcony, 10th and Arch streets, 7 tonight, $10, all ages, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Chris Haskett: D.C.-based guitarist was around for the first wave of punk and has played with everyone from the Rollins Band to David Bowie. With Eric Carbonara and Circles. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street, 7 tonight, $8, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Danger Danger Gallerys Fourth Anniversary Show: Enduring, eclectic West Philly space has hosted countless bands of every stripe, and here to celebrate are Make A Rising, Oh! Pears, Brer, Power Animal, Owl Stations and many more. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 5 p.m. tomorrow, $5 all ages, www.myspace.com/dangerdangergallery.

Drug Rug: If you like Dr. Dog, check out their folk-pop buddies from Massachusetts, which share a bit of Dr. Dog's vibe with some Fleetwood Mac harmonies. Remote Islands opens. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St.t, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Dungen: The spirit of 1969 lives on in this psych-rock band from Sweden, whose songs sound like something you'd hear in the trippy party scene of a film of that era. Internet buzz band Woods opens. Johnny Brendas, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Band of Skulls: Fresh from Lollapalooza, the UK quartet is like the White Stripes with bass. With Three 4 Tens and Sunshine Recorder. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

Daily Void: The aptly named Chicago band is a cross between Flipper and Electric Eels, the best bad vibes ever. With the Chickens and the Shakes. JR's, 22nd Street and Passyunk Avenue, 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.myspace.com/sickchattelproductions.

Dave Walsh: Loved Ones guitarist does a solo show with Buick Audra, the Hotspots' Kevin Holtermann, and Explosion offshoot My Best Friend. North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar streets, 7 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

Monday Nightclub: A.D. Amorosi-curated, Needles Jones-hosted weekly confab features some decent local bands, among them Saudi Arabia, the power pop of Steve Goldberg and the Arch Enemies, and Bruce Lucy, which includes one of Misstallicas teenage guitar shredders. National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St., 10 p.m. Monday, free, 215-701-4883, www.nationalmechanics.com.

All Leather: The debut of the new band featuring members of the Locusts and Some Girls. With legendary '90s hard-core/thrash A--hole Parade, Distress Signal and Ardmore Assault. The Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Ave., 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, $10, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

The Color Fred: The new band from Taking Back Sunday guitarist Fred Mascherino plays with the Scene Aesthetic, the Ready Set and 17-year-old MySpace star Stephen Jerzak. The Barbary, 951 N. Frankford Avenue, 5 p.m. Thursday, $12, all ages, 267-295-2710, www.r5productions.com.

Metalbeard: Metal monthly moves to Kung Fu Necktie with Cannabis Corpse, Total F---ing Destruction and the Dark Lords of Stonehurst. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $5, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Brian Simpson and Marc Antoine: The second installment of the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights series is a doubleheader, featuring keyboardist Simpson and guitarist Antoine. Great Plaza, Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, 7:30 tonight, free, 215-922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com.

George Burton: Philly-born pianist returns home with a fellow New Yorker, rising-star saxophonist Stacy Dillard, in tow. Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St., 8 tonight, $10, 215-922-1035, www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com.

Lucky Old Souls: Monthly series features blues-rock guitarist Jef Lee Johnson and saxophonist Daniel Peterson's low-end-focused quintet, the Bottomfeeders. Moonstone Arts Center, 110 S. 13th St., 2nd Floor, 9 tonight, $10, www.luckyoldsouls.com.

Spencer Day: The San Fran singer/songwriter first gained attention via the rather ignominious route of TV's "Star Search" but has gone on to join the ranks of Harry Connick and Norah Jones as modern crooners with one foot each in the jazz and pop worlds. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 & 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Sci-Fi Philly: The series, which sadly recently announced it will termination in October, features Richmond, Va.'s Verbatim and guitarist Mike Lorenz's quartet. Catch the unique combo of avant-jazz and Ethiopian cuisine while it lasts. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

Nnenna Freelon: Sultry, sinuous vocalist flexes her pipes on the Camden waterfront. Wiggins Waterfront Park, foot of Mickle Boulevard, Camden, 8 p.m. Tuesday, free, 856-216-2170, www.ccparks.com.

Avant Ascension: Monthly jazz series celebrates its first anniversary with bands led by each of its co-curators – trombonist Larry Toft's electric-Miles band Red Light District and saxophonist Daniel Peterson's Free Radicals trio – plus jazz/jam group Ran Tan Toon, comprised of Settlement Music School faculty. Tritone, 1509 South St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $5, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.

Buxtehude Consort: Bach's 200-mile walk to hear Dietrich Buxtehude play the organ is musical legend, yet Buxtehude's chamber and sacred works are also powerful for their imagination and fervor. This newly created vocal and instrumental ensemble, inspired by the vast catalog of Baroque music, offers five Cantatas and a major work for organ by Buxtehude, and a Cantata by Heinrich Biber. St. Mark's, 1625 Locust St., 8 tonight and St. Paul's, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10-$20, 215-715-0180, www.buxtehudeconsort.org.