Music events this week

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

POP

Maxwell: Neo-soul pop pioneer comes out of hiding - and the fans should be pleased. We're just as interested in the opening act. Philly based singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan is one of those (now grown) wonderkids who debuted at the Apollo at age 11. A decade later, she's showcasing material from her new "Need U Bad" album. Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, 8 tonight, $59.50, $79.50 and $150. 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Richie Havens: This "voice of the Woodstock generation" is still working his interpretive skills well on others' material - from The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" to Peter, Paul & Mary's "Great Mandala" - and crafting conscientious music on his own. With Canadian blues/raga innovator Harry Manx. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville, 8:30 tonight, $35. 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Ours: Lushly melodic rock band carries on the grand traditions. With Plain Jane Automobile, Lukas Rossi and The Sky Drops. North Star, 27th and Poplar streets, 9 tonight, $15, 2150 www.northstarbar.com.

Amanda Palmer: Dynamic performer, one half of The Dresden Dolls, rethinks "cabaret" music in a rough hewn, dynamic fashion that's edgy, twisted and artful. Also pumping up her show, Palmer comes on with The Danger Ensemble, a "butch-based" physical theater troupe from Australia. With The Builders and the Butchers. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $20 and $15 (each, in 4-pack purchase.), 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Amy Grant: Singer marks the 20th anniversary of "Lead Me On," a landmark in Contemporary Christian music. Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $35-$75, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Fern Knight: Margaret Wienk - the voice, cellist and songwriter of this quartet - terms their other-worldly music "prog/psych." You'll hear tones of medieval folk and classical baroque mixed with electro-manipulated rock, playing against imagery at turns pastoral and apocalyptic. With Samara Lupelski, P.G. Six and Noa Babayof. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, 215-573-3234, www.therotunda.org.

Brian Wilson: This cat has enjoyed more lives (or at least, comebacks) than Felix, Sylvester and Tom combined. Wilson's new album "That Lucky Old Sun" is an amazing, day-into-night suite, paying homage to his favorite state. And that catalogue of hits - help me, Rhonda! Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $49.50-$65, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Dark Star Orchestra: The Dead rise again! Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 p.m. tomorrow, $26.50, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

Ingrid Michaelson: This plaintive voice, famous from "Grey's Anatomy" and Old Navy commercials, is back with a new album "Be Okay" that still plants heart firmly on sleeve. That's true even when she's in cover-girl mode, rethinking "Over the Rainbow" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." Sharing her concert bill - sensitive guys Newtown Faulkner and David Ford. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Epiphany Project: Whenever Philly ex-pats Bet Williams (voice) and John Hodian (keyboards) bring it all back home, it's because they have exceptional new chamber pop to share. This time they introduce music from "Hin Dagh," a richly illustrated CD/book package reflecting their world travels - with swirling mystical text and global rhythms, imaginative vocal tones (note the Tuvan, Armenian and Indian influences!) and equally exotic keyboard (and plucked instrument) improvisations. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7 p.m. Sunday, $15, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

Benjee Ferree: Washington D.C.-based talent has a bit of vaudeville and backporch troubadour in him, evoking kindred spirits like Ray Davies, Paul McCartney and Mungo Jerry. Mungo who? With compatible, old timey country dudes Shortstack and Two Handed Engine. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9:30 p.m. Sunday, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Rhonda Vincent and the Range: With Alison Krauss off doing whatever with Robert Plant, the field has opened up for this amazing singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to claim the crown as bluegrass queen. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $35, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Project/Object: Ike Willis and Ed Mann carry on the music of their old band leader Frank Zappa. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Kenny Latimore: Seasoned soul popster has found a new comfort zone and home on the Verve label. Check him out if you've scored tickets to Wired 96.5's private show downstairs with Akon. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $18, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Eagles: Country-feathered rock icons roost this time with slightly more attractive ticket prices for those who can round up a foursome. Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $185, $85, $50, $555 (4-pack total: $138.75 individually), $255 (4-pack total, $63.75 individually), 800-298-4200, www.comcasttix.com.

Sondre Lerche: Bergen, Norway's gift to the world of sensitive singer/songwriters performs, with Sylvie Lewis opening. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

One Republic: The operative words are earnest and polished. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $30 and $22.50 (in 4-pack), 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

WMMR Gobblaroo 2008: Get psyched for the turkey trots with this night-before rocka, starring localites Silvertide with Jealousy Curve, Downtown Harvest and Dive. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Wednesday, $9.33, 215-3922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Shelby Lynne: This smokey toned, down home belter is so intense, she's almost scary. With Jim Bianco. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $35-$45, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Hooters/Tommy Conwell: Yes, you're having an '80s flashback. Two of Philly's biggest exports from that decade share another WMMR Gobblaroo bill. The re-activated Hooters have fine new tunes (as well as the hits) to lay on you. And Conwell is reconvening his band, the (no-longer) Young Rumblers. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $39.50, 215-336-2000, www.livenation.com.

JAZZ

Claudia Acuna: Getting into the spirit of "Viva Chile in Philadelphia!" week, PMA hosts Chilean vocalist Claudia Acuna. The Santiago-born singer began her career in the folk and pop realm, later applying her strong, molten-iron voice to jazz, arriving on the New York scene in 1995. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $14, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.

Patrick de Caumette: The French-born composer and guitarist, whose musical outlet by day is his own commercial production company, leads a quintet composed of pianist Tom Lawston, bassist Steve Beskrone, drummer Matt Scarano, trumpeter Chris Ashman, and saxophonists Greg Riley and Max Swan. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Sci-Fi Philly: This Sunday's edition of the weekly West Philly avant-jazz series presents Boston-based trumpeter Joe Moffet with his quartet Bird Fly Yellow; electro-acoustic quartet Stotzy; and percussionist Dan Pell in a solo performance. Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, www.scifiphilly.com.

Temple University Jazz Band: Trumpeter Terell Stafford leads the Temple band through two sets, either a last-minute gig before the students head home for the holidays or an early treat for family members coming to town for Thanksgiving. LaRose Jazz Club, 5531 Germantown Ave., 7:30 and 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, $5, 215-248-4415.

ALTERNATIVE

Brian McGee & Hollow Speed: The former member of local punk band Plow United relocated to North Carolina to immerse himself in country music with his rootsy new band. They are joined by the similar-minded, Eric Peterson-fronted Mischief Brew and Lusts (members of Witchhunt playing garage rock). The Barbary, Frankford Avenue and Columbus Blvd., 6:30 tonight, $10, all ages, 267-765-5210, www.r5productions.com.

Baroness: The Atlanta sludge metal band debuts new tunes from "Red Album," on local metal label Relapse. Coliseum, described as "Motorhead meets Poison Idea," and Chicago's Isis-like Minsk are also on the bill. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30 tonight, $12, all ages, 267-765-5210, www.r5productions.com.

The Mural and The Mint: Theater-meets-rock at the record release party for this local band, which includes former Cordalene frontman Michael Kiley, Buried Beds' Elisa Jones, and Falkonr's Jack McBrearty, as well as performances by Pig Eye Theater Company, dancers, and a video. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Midnight Beat: These promising newcomers are for fans of The Headcoatees and Girls in the Garage comps. They're on garage-rockin bill with Dark Horse and the Carousels and Federale. The Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Christine Weiser: The member of The Tights and Philadelphia Stories co-founder signs and reads from "Broad Street," a coming-of-age story of being in an all-girl band in the male-dominated '90s rock scene. Atlantic Bookshop, 920 South St., 5 tomorrow, free, 215-592-1275, www.atlanticbooks.us. Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, free, 215-844-1870, www.bigbluemarblebooks.com.

Secret Pants Presents: Welcome to the Terrordome 2: Back in the Habit: The local sketch comedy troupe hosts two nights with guests from The Sixth Borough, Meg and Rob, Die Actor Die, and more. The M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 tonight and tomorrow, $10-15, 215-739-5577, http://www.myspace.com/secretpants.

Hell Under The El: The punk promoter moves to recently reopened Connie's Ric Rac, with New York City's Sex Slaves, The Percocettes, Clashing Plaid, and Big Attack. Connie's Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $8, all ages, 215- 279-7587, www.conniesricrac.com.

Phosphorescent: The nom de plume of Will Oldham-like singer/songwriter Matthew Houck. Virgin Forest opens. Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $10, all ages, 267-765-5210, www.r5productions.com.

Philadelphia Sound Forum: The experimental performance series includes the debut of Moss Forest, the collaboration between Micah Danges and Marc Zajack of Sharks with Wings and Antler P-ss. Also: Mattin & Margarida Garcia and Barry Weisblat & Michael Evans. Vox Populi, 319 N. 11th St., 3rd Floor, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $5-10, 215-238-1236, http://phillysoundforum.org/index.html.

Apse: A mix of Sonic Youth guitars, apocalyptic rhythms, and Sigur Ros-like atmosphere. Serpents of Wisdom open. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front Street, 8p.m. tomorrow, $8, www.myspace.com/kungfunecktiebar.

Decibel Magazine: The local metal mag celebrates its fiftieth issue with A Life Once Lost, Made Out of Babies, and Tombs. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8 p.m. Sunday, $5, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Castanets: The Brooklyn psych-country band on Sufjan Stevens' Asthmatic Kitty label joins Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, who's played and toured with Grizzly Bear and TV on the Radio. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Monday, $8, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Click: DJ's Dave P (Making Time) and Julian S Process celebrate six years with a live set by Pink Skull. The Barbary, Frankford Avenue and Columbus Blvd., 10 p.m. Wednesday, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

HIP HOP

Do You Remember The Times?: The mid-'80s is considered the golden era of hip-hop music and fashion, and veteran DJ Gary O brings back that vibe with this bi-monthly set. Expect Gary O to blend up a beautiful mixture of classic sounds, while fellow DJ's Jazzy Joe and Mike O assist. North By Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., 9 tonight, $15, 25+, 215-248-1000, www.nxnwphl.com.

Reggae at North Star: Reggae dub bands Ruder Than You and See-I will link up with the hard-working Solomonic Sound System and DJ Ruder 1 for what is sure to be an eerie evening or live reggae and accompanying instrumentals. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $10, 21+, 215-787-0488, www.northstarrocks.com.

Rap the Troc: In what is sure to be a thirst-quenching serving of solid sounds, hip-hop outfits Jedi Mind Tricks and Outerspace will join lyrically dynamic Reef The Lost Cauze for this set. The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 8 p.m. Wednesday; $20 now, $22 DOS, 215-922-live, www.thetroc.com.

The Year is...1993: It was the year that gave us classic albums by A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan at the Alkhaholiks; now, DJ Emynd and Bo Bliz relive that magical year by blending up the hits of 1993. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 10 p.m. Wednesday, $5, 21+, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

CLASSICAL

Philadelphia Orchestra: Austrian conductor Hans Graf returns to lead a program which includes Bruckner's most popular work, his Symphony No. 4, known as the "Romantic." Mozart, another Austrian, is featured in his Piano Concerto No. 22, with the Canadian-born pianist Stewart Goodyear as soloist. Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 2 p.m. today and 8 p.m. tomorrow, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Opera Company of Philadelphia: Rossini's glorious comedy "The Italian Girl In Algiers" is a tuneful romp, a treasure of arias and comedy bits. It's graced by the cast of last year's "Cinderella": internationally-famed mezzo Ruxandra Donose in the title role, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Lindoro and the hilarious bass-baritone Kevin Glavin in one of his signature comedic turns as Mustafa. Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets, 8 tonight, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $10-$130, 215-893-1999, www.operaphilly.com.

Temple University Opera Theater: Puccini's moving "La Boheme" brings the same Temple-taught leads (Injoon Yang as Rodolfo and Youna Jang as Mimi) who impressed in the Leland Kimball-directed OperaDelaware production a few weeks ago. Tomlinson Theater, 13th and Norris Streets, 7:30 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-204-7600, www.temple.edu/boyer.

Curtis Opera Theatre: Mozart's brilliant masterpiece "Don Giovanni" has timeless relevance, and Curtis' young artists always bring their stories to life. Ari Pelto will conduct the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, with staging designed by Ned Canty. Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, 7:30 tonight and tomorrow, plus 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $33, 215-569-9700, www.curtis.edu.

Prism Saxophone Quartet: This superlative ensemble continues to enlarge the repertoire with the world premiere of Bernard Rands' "Memo 6b," the local premiere of "Squeeze" by Augusta Read Thomas, several works composed for the group by Martin Bresnick and James Primosch plus "Pagine" by Salvatore Sciarrino. Van Pelt Auditorium, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 8 tonight, $16.50, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Network For New Music: This enterprising ensemble offers the first of four programs entitled Sound/Art/Space, pairing contemporary compositions with visual artworks. Philadelphia composer Kyle Bartlett's "Blossom, ether, singularity" was inspired by the works of artist Sherif Habashi, and Gene Coleman's "Gadget" reacts to videos created by Jennie Thwing. Works by both artists will be exhibited. NEXUS Gallery, Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American Street, 8 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-848-7647, www.networkfornewmusic.org.

Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble: These Philadelphia Orchestra performers launch their 31st season with Beethoven's Clarinet Trio, Op, 73, Three Songs for clarinet and harp by Villa-Lobos and the Trio for flute, cello and harp by the late British composer Christopher Steel. The gorgeous Concerto for violin, string quartet and piano by Chausson, with guest violinist Michael Ludwig, is also on the bill. Old Pine Street Church, 412 Pine St., 8 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday, $25, 215-542-4890.

Haverford-Bryn Mawr Orchestra: Heidi Jacobs conducts a program which includes Brahms' "Tragic" Overture, Haydn's Symphony No. 6 ("Le Matin") and Respighi's colorful "Pines of Rome." Roberts Hall in Marshall Auditorium, Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 8 tonight, free, 610-896-1011, www.haverford.edu/music/events.

Academy of Vocal Arts: Donizetti's florid gem, "Anna Bolena," not seen in Philadelphia since 1975, opens the Academy's season. Soprano Angela Meade will appear in the title role, and another fourth-year artist, Ben Wager as Henry VIII. Central Bucks East High School, 2804 Holicong Road in Holicong, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $48-$83, 215-735-1685, www.avaopera.org.

Wister String Quartet: These busy players will perform Beethoven's Op. 18/4 Quartet plus Dvorak's lovingly-crafted "American" Quartet, and three will play Glazunov's "Alla Spanguola" from his "Five Novelettes." German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden St., 3 p.m. Sunday, $20, 215-627-2332, www.germansociety.org.

Juilliard String Quartet: For their first of two season appearances, this eminent ensemble offers quartets by Haydn (Op. 20/2), Beethoven (Op. 127) and No. 7 by local composer Richard Wernick in its world premiere. Independence Seaport Museum, Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.