Philadelphia Weekly

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[THURSDAY, OCT. 10 ]

READINGS

Salman Rushdie

Whatever's been annoying you about Salman Rushdie lately--his egoism, his svelte teenage-looking girlfriend, that U2 song--can be instantly forgiven upon picking up his latest novel, Fury. The saga of Malik Solanka--a stout, middling academic and crotchety dollmaker who suspects he might, in his less lucid moments, be a serial killer--Fury packs the almighty Rushdie punch: Sentences reference Spinoza, Shakespeare and Spike Jonze all at once; fantastic acrobatic plot twists occur; revelations are had. Salman (and isn't it just sort of fun to say his name, Salman?) shares more than a taste for the young ladies with the Woodman: Fury is witty and ornery and wonderful, just like the Allen films of yesteryear. This week at the Free Library, Salman discusses his new book, Step Across This Line, which combines bits of journalism and college speeches with personal essays. Given the nature of the book and the current political climate, the discussion is bound to veer pleasantly off-course. It's an event not to be missed. Just be careful when you charge up to him with your battered copy of Midnight's Children--even though his much-discussed fatwa's been lifted, we hear he still travels with bodyguards. (Jessica Pressler)

8pm. Sold Out. Free Library, 1901 Vine St. 215.567.4341. www.library.phila.gov

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[FRIDAY, OCT. 11 ]

LIVE MUSIC

Lo-Hi

Remember when stepping from behind one famous rock band's drum kit in order to wrestle with the mike as the lead singer of another meant not selling your pride to the M2 video machine? Hollis Queens sure does. Former drummer of Boss Hog and general rock 'n' roll starlet, Queens joined forces with drummer Martin Owens of Speedball Baby in 1996 to form Lo-Hi, a stripped-down blues-inspired act that could out-sexy Jon Spencer any day. Last year's addition of guitarist and fellow Hogger Jens Jurgensen and bassist/biochemist Jason Holub have proved the perfect complement to Queens' hip-shaking stage presence and torch song-worthy vocal cords. The band's latest release, Say It More, has its roots firmly planted in pop sensibility but is shaded with an eclectic mix of all things rock and soul. Piquant, pretension-free lyrics ("If these punk rock politics are getting you down, come over to my living room to hear a new sound") accompanied by Jurgensen's easy flow of R&B licks, punk riffs and garage-rock outs mean emo-attitude can be checked at the door, thank you very much. Refreshing, ain't it? (Suzann Vogel)

Call for time. $15. With J Mascis + Cobra Verde. North Star, 27th and Poplar sts. 215.684.0808. www.northstarbar.com

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[SATURDAY, OCT. 12 ]

LIVE MUSIC

Rufus Wainwright

Where other celebrated piano men turn sincerity into currency but never trouble much over writing good songs, Rufus Wainwright offers an effortless marriage of both. Earnest without being mawkish, gorgeous but never treacly, 2001's Poses paints heartsick longing in grand rococo style. Chamber strings lean in for deep bows; piano goes waltzing with trim, dashing guitar. The songs offer stateliness and grandeur without the emotional distance. It doesn't hurt that Wainwright has a voice like warm honey, dripping down slow and sweet and turning tart melodies into candy. He knows when to be sly and when to soar up big and birdlike (as he does at the mezzo-forte finale of the title track). That Wainwright has the wisdom to be sparing with his emotional fireworks assures that the few he employs retain their potency. (J. Edward Keyes)

Update: Show has been cancelled due to illness, and will not be rescheduled. Please go to point of purchase for refund. www.electricfactory.com

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[SUNDAY, OCT. 13]