soundadvice

HIP-HOP

Nas

The spiritual Queensbridge native became a hip-hop legend when he dropped Illmatic in 1994. Unfortunately, his live performance consists of running through all his guest collaboration verses before doing one full song of his own. But all he has to do is spit those complicated rhymes about his complicated life and it's all worth it.
--Deesha Dyer
Sun., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., 18+, $30, The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE.

CLASSICAL

Philadelphia Orchestra

When Johannes Brahms decided to write A German Requiem, he formulated a nontraditional text, based on Luther, that extolls humanism and morality instead of overt religiosity. A blue-state Requiem, if you will. This big-scaled, intensely beautiful masterpiece will be paired with a decidedly more angst-ridden work by Arnold Schoenberg, "A Survivor from Warsaw."
--Peter Burwasser
Fri.-Sat., Dec. 3-4, and Tue., Dec. 7, 8 p.m., $10-$110, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.

JAZZ

Vinicius Cantuaria Quartet

Showing the influence of recent collaborations with Bill Frisell, Brazilian singer/songwriter Vinicius Cantuaria's guitar floats airily over cool jazz-inflected samba beats throughout his latest, Horse and Fish. With a full sextet managing the intimacy of a single voice whispering in your ear, Cantuaria's songs seem as shimmering and delicate as a reflection in a pool of water.
--Shaun Brady
Sat., Dec. 4, 8 p.m., $18-$22, Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave., 215-248-9229.

FUNK/BENEFIT

Girls Action Initiative Benefit

For the last three years, the Girls Action Initiative in Kensington has provided a positive outlet for self-expression and creativity in young women of Philadelphia through after-school and summer programs and workshops. Funk bands Blue Sinatra, Government Cheese and 80 Proof Soul will perform at this jam, with all proceeds going to GAI.
--Deesha Dyer
Sat., Dec. 4, 9 p.m., $10, Doc Watsons, 216 S. 11th St., 215-922-3427.

BLUES

The Dukes of Destiny

The Dukes are a 20-years-strong Philly blues institution. When former lead singer Steve Brown passed five years ago, fans feared the band — which jams with blues greats like Otis Rush and Terry Evans when they come to town — would split up. But the Dukes are still kicking, renewing their blues/roots commitment with 3, their latest indie release.
--Mary Armstrong
Sun., Dec. 5, 3-6 p.m., $10, Warmdaddy's, 4 S. Front St., reservations required, info@dukesofdestiny.com or 856-795-3844.

GOSPEL

Dixie Hummingbirds

Arguably Philadelphia's most overlooked musical treasure, the Dixie Hummingbirds have been singing thrilling gospel music for nearly 70 years. Though Ira Tucker is the only remaining original member, their sound hasn't aged — which is to say it still sounds as timeless as it ever did. The latest of World Café Live's gospel brunches offers a rare opportunity to see the Hummingbirds in their long-adopted hometown.
--Sam Adams
Sun., Dec. 5, and Sun., Dec. 12, 11 a.m., $43, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400.