soundadvice

The Trouble With Sweeney

For reasons known only to the genius strategists at the Democratic National Committee, Joey's Trouble has been tapped to play the Howard Dean rally on Monday. (I guess Satanic Butt Slayer was busy?) "We're getting the crowd riled for various Dean For America pols and speakers," says Sweeney, who signed up to volunteer for the campaign months ago. Does this mean TTWS is the new Interpreters?

—Patrick Rapa

Mon., Aug. 11, 4-5:30 p.m., Independence Visitor Center Park, Sixth and Market sts., www.philly4dean.com.

Jesse Malin

Between the quirky pre-song banter that’s inspired its own recordings to the gutter poeticism of his rootsy ballads, this former D Generation glam-rocker is a study in talent without pretension. Plugging tunes from his Ryan Adams-produced solo debut, The Fine Art of Self-Destruction (Artemis), Malin’s a heck of a lot more upbeat onstage than his sweetly melancholic songs.

—Nicole Pensiero

Sat., Aug. 9, 8 p.m., $10, with New Amsterdams and Rocky Votolato, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

Josephine Sincere

At just sweet 16, local high-school songstress Sincere popped on the radar this May with her fun-loving debut, Feels So Good (Kixx). Plucked from the church choir and plopped into a recording studio, her first effort delivers real-deal Philly soul and an unforgettable cover of Roberta Flack’s "Killing Me Softly." Ragga-rhymer Ital the Ruffian opens.

—Ainé Ardron-Doley

Thu., Aug. 7, 8 p.m., $5, Beyond, Eighth and Callowhill sts., 215-925-1900.

Blues Intellectuals

A tenured prof's son and the scion of an important family in theater are getting together this Sunday. No, not at the Union League. These blues intellectuals, Chris Smither (pictured) and Guy Davis, will be performing alfresco in King of Prussia. Both are smart, funny and immensely talented, as guitarists and earthy vocalists.

—Mary Armstrong

Sun., Aug. 10, 7 p.m. $10, Upper Merion Township Park, 175 W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia, 610-265-1071.

Asleep at the Wheel

Would western swing have survived without Asleep at the Wheel? Sure, but not with the same vigor. These guys are the link between Bob Wills and the young swing set. Leader/founder Ray Benson is presently supporting Beyond Time (Audium), a solo CD recorded with Dolly Parton, Stanley Jordan, Flaco Jimenez and Jimmie Vaughan, proving swing still has room to grow.

—Mary Armstrong

Thu., Aug. 7, 8 p.m., free, Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, N.J., 856-216-2170.

Hanson

Brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac scored a huge hit with 1997’s Jackson 5-ish "MMMBop" but then their career stalled out. But the talented (albeit poorly marketed) brothers -- with young’un Zac now 17 -- aren’t willing to go away quietly. Set to independently release Underneath, their first CD in three years, the trio is in the midst of a stripped-down acoustic tour. Rock on, boys.

—Nicole Pensiero

Sun., Aug. 10, 7 p.m., $20, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.