Xiomara Laugart

The sassy central character of Yerba Buena, Xiomara Laugart, had a solo career before that band became a phenomenon. Beyond all that contemporary quirkiness, Laugart is a serious interpreter of Cuban song, from the earliest folklore through luscious boleros to modern dance tunes. Exceptional jazz players like Dafnis Prieto (drums) and Pedro Martinez (congas) join Laugart's longtime musical companion bassist Andy Gonzalez, coincidentally co-curator of the Bride's Latin jazz series.

Sat., Dec. 3, 7 and 9 p.m., $30, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

She's the opener for Saturday's two John Francis shows, but Aussie Missy Higgins is already a huge star in her homeland, having walked away the big winner (of five awards) at the recent ARIA Awards, including best new artist, best-selling album and album of the year for the compelling The Sound of White. You can see what the fuss is all about when Ms. Higgins warms up the crowd for the talented Mr. Francis, out plugging songs from his just-released Strong Wine & Spirits.

--Nicole Pensiero

Sat., Dec. 3, 7 and 10 p.m., $10, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.

Can a vibes man sing the blues? Mallet-wielder Mark Sherman makes the case on One Step Closer (Consolidated Artists Productions), a set of mostly swinging post-bop originals. But "Moon River" is shrouded in a smoky melancholy, Sherman's wistful tones pealing out a nostalgic cry. He shares an easy intimacy with his road-tested quintet which can change from friendly push-and-pull to propulsive interplay on a dime.

Sat., Dec. 3, 8 and 10 p.m. and midnight, $12, Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Here's a show to get December off to a good start: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, plugging tunes from their latest, You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper (Rounder), which has the six-man band doing just that—showing off their always-fiery picking and soaring, four-part vocals. DL&Q have raised the bar for traditional bluegrass and Southern "jubilee" gospel for years, and between Lawson's blazing mandolin playing and the terrific lead tenor vocals of Jamie Dailey and soon-to-depart bassist Barry Scott, expect a foot-stompin' hoedown.

Thu., Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., $28-$33, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

You miss the art-grooving deca-dance of the Dischord label's Q and Not U. Different Damage? No Kill No Beep Beep? Splendid stuff. But no worry. Q's singer/guitarist Christopher Paul Richards (aka Ris Paul Ric) has a softer version of Q's angular sound in Purple Blaze (Academy Fight Song). Filled with whispery Jacko-like falsettos, bossa-folky guitar maneuvers and the supple electro-wash of producer/collaborator Tim Hecker, Blaze's sparest, bleep-iest tunes like "Run Up Wild on Me" and "Valerie Teardrop" will make you see red.

Fri., Dec. 2, 8 p.m., $12, with Ted Leo & The Pharmacists and Mountain High, The Starlight Ballroom/Club Polaris, 460 N. Ninth St., 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.