Also this issue: Erratic Thriller Rock Luddites Erase Errata find comfort in the chaos. -M.J. Fine Vinyl Smarts Between Language Arts People Under the Stairs' true school addicts and J-Live's middle school tactics. -Hamida Kinge Summer Monster The package tour -- something wicked this way comes. -Patrick Rapa Tight and Wild Willie and Lobo pull the world out of little wooden boxes. -Nicole Pensiero Cornelius -A.D. Amorosi

August 8-14, 2002

musicpicks

Mickey Hart and BembŽ Orisha

Mickey Hart has a passion for drums. His books (Drumming at the Edge of Magic and Planet Drum) are autobiographical sketches of his compulsion to ornament rhythm as much as is humanly possible, and, when the hands must rest, he explores how percussion is used in all parts of the world. Hart has led several tours under the Planet Drum theme, with stars like Zakir Hussain and Olatunji in the troupe. Bembé Orisha, the latest Hart gathering, has names less internationally celebrated, but certainly no less talented or less inclined to blend the drumming patterns of one region with instruments and voices from another. Greg Ellis and Azam Ali, who perform and record together as Vas, are part of the Bembé Orisha touring company. Ellis’ recent solo recording, Kala Rupa: Explorations in Rhythm (Narada World), continues to relax into the possibilities of rhythm as meditation and chooses to play both Middle Eastern and Indian styles, while Ali contributes her contemplative vocal tones against a Persian-spiked fiddle. With Bembé Orisha, expect a great helping of Afro-Caribbean influences, especially on songs driven by Nengue Hernandez, former Mongo Santamaria protégé, conguero and singer. With luck the legendary Cuban singer Bobi Cespedes, who has been part of the tour in other cities, will also join the band at the Keswick.

Fri., Aug. 9, 8 p.m., $32.50, Keswick Theatre, Easton Rd. and Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-2650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

—Mary Armstrong

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