- Jonathan Takiff
HIP-HOP, R&B
two.one.five magazine celebrates the release of its "Summer Adrenaline" issue with a wonderfully diverse lineup of local talent. The highlight is
Mr. Lif, one of the best rappers in indie hip-hop, whose latest album, this year's "I Heard It Today," has been widely praised. Also on tap is the multitalented
RJD2. Like Lif, who came here from Boston, RJ is a Philly transplant and former label mate on New-York based indie Def Jux. As a solo artist, RJ has made a dramatic transition from hip-hop to more of an indie-rock and soul singer. As a producer, RJD2 has worked with a number of luminaries on the indie hip-hop scene, including another performer at this event:
Dice Raw. Dice made his debut on the Roots' "The Lesson Pt. 1" at the age of 15 and has appeared on every Roots album since. Also featured will be
Zoe Kravitz and
Elevator Fight, as well as DJs
Dave P and
Sammy Slice.
The Piazza at Schmidt's, 1001 N. 2nd St., 4 p.m. tomorrow, free, www.atthepiazza.com.
- James Johnson
ALTERNATIVE
Positively Sick on South Street, the punk-and-roll monthly hosted by the Jukebox Zeros'
Pete Santa Maria, takes its seemingly opposite inspirations from songs by Bob Dylan and the Humpers. This installment serves as Santa Maria's birthday bash and the debut of
Born Loose, the new project for
Larry May, former Candy Snatchers frontman. Born Loose sounds like its name: perfect middle-finger-in-the-air, profanity-laced anthems with Chuck Berry guitars, and fast, loose Ramones style. Also, on the bill is
They Wait Below, a new ghoul-rock band with members of local punk combos like Live Not On Evil, Guns on the Run, Stendhal and Trailer Trash UK.
Tritone, 1508 South St., 9 tonight, $6, 215-545-0475, www.tritonebar.com.
- Sara Sherr
JAZZ
Cary Grant has been criticized as an actor who only ever played Cary Grant - to which the most sensible reply has always been, well, who else has ever been able to do it?
Wallace Roney has similarly been blessed and burdened with the fact that he was the sole trumpet player to be mentored by Miles Davis, as if carrying the mantle of your most legendary forebear is some kind of slight. But Roney has never shied away from exploring Miles' music, confident enough in his own abilities to shrug off the "clone" accusations - and by now, most of his critics have done the same. This weekend, he'll revisit his mentor's most popular album, celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Kind of Blue" on a trumpet given to him by the man himself.
(Photo: R. Andrew Lepley.)Clef Club of Jazz, 738 S. Broad St., 8 & 11 p.m. tomorrow, $20, 215-893-9912, www.clefclub.org.
- Shaun Brady
CLASSICAL
Mezzo-soprano
Elspeth Kincaid flamed through her four years at the famed Academy of Vocal Arts conservator. Even before her 2008 graduation, she had nabbed a bunch of awards, including the Placido Domingo 2007 Operalia World Opera Competition and finalist honors in the 2006 Metropolitan Opera National Council, plus a few international prizes.
This pert singer from the Midwest exudes personality and charm, as well as a deeply rooted technique. She's chosen a typically multilingual recital, presenting songs by Schubert, Bellini, Verdi and Britten. Her accompanist will be pianist Charles Prestinari, acting chorus master at the New York City Opera. This concert is worth the drive.
Bishop Janes Tabernacle, Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways, Ocean Grove, N.J., 3:30 p.m. Sunday, free-will offering, 800-965-9324, www.oceangrove.org.
- Tom Di Nardo
