If They Ruled the World
Kings of emo pop Coldplay often get us down with their melancholy airs, but that's exactly the point and source of such sweet misery. There's still time to catch the British invaders in their second of two shows here, with dance pop darling Robyn and Wolf Gang in warm-up slots.
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 7 p.m. Friday, $99.50, $79.50, $49.50, 800-298-4200, comcasttix.com.
Further On
While never great at spelling (the band name borrowed from the Merry Prankster's bus ID), Grateful Dead offshoot band Furthur has done a fine job carrying on the jam band legacy. Infusions of new blood keep rejuvenating the spirits and voices of (former Grateful Dead principals) Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. The latest incarnation also features keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, drummer Joe Russo (Benevento/Russo Duo), guitarist John Kadlecik (Dark Star Orchestra) plus backing vocalists Sunshine Becker and Jeff Pehrson.
Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $59.50, $44.50 (terrace), $34.50 (lawn), 215-893-1999, manncenter.org.
Hoots 'n' Hollers
Stomping back-porch blues 'n' hollers with a wicked Philly twist are yours to enjoy for free tomorrow. Yeah, Hoots & Hellmouth have been tapped for that early Saturday evening series luring in listeners (and drinkers) to Philly's newest riverside, outdoor port of call.
Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd., 6:30 p.m. Saturday, free (21-plus), 215-279-7134, morganspier.com.
Kids' Night Out
Young 'uns getting under your skin? Disney teen queen Demi Lovato aims to distract 'em, and she's bringing another fave of the frosh, Hot Chelle Rae.
Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbor Blvd., Camden, 7 p.m. Saturday, $89.50, $69.50, $49.50, $39.50, $25, 800-745-3000, livenation. com.
For the Woodman
Just like NPR, Mason Porter (and friends) are jumping the gun with their birthday party for Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie. July 14 actually marks the centennial of Guthrie's birth, but the band is blowing out candles this weekend with a tribute to America's most important folksinger and songwriter — a role model for everyone from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen. Many think of Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" as our second (unofficial) national anthem (and don't have a clue about its more critical, rarely sung later verses). Among hundreds of compositions, Guthrie also gave us "So Long It's been Good To Know You," "Car Song" and "Do Re Mi." And he first popularized rural obscurities like "Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad." Yeah, the Grateful Dead were devotees, too.
Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $10, 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.
COMEDY
Sarah, smile
She may look innocuous and harmless, but Sarah Silverman is one dangerous woman.
The New Hampshire native has built a career on making fun of supposedly taboo subjects (e.g. the Holocaust, abortion, rape), and there's no reason to believe things will be any different when she hits Caesars Atlantic City Saturday for an evening of "I can't believe she said that!"
Caesars, Boardwalk at Arkansas Avenue, 9 p.m., $105, $85 and $65, 800-736-1420, ticketmaster.com.
— Compiled by Jonathan Takiff and Chuck Darrow
