Also this issue: Sound Judgments Nostalgia, varnish and acoustic doors: tuning Verizon Hall to the Orchestra -- and expectations. -Peter Burwasser Progress Report Year one in the Orchestra's new home. -Peter Burwasser Rick Henderson -A.D. Amorosi Kara Lafty -Interview by Patrick Rapa Philadelphia Orchestra -Peter Burwasser The Greg Osby Four -Nate Chinen The Go/The Witnesses/Gregg Foreman/The Trauma Queens -A.D. Amorosi Zwan -A.D. Amorosi

December 12-18, 2002

beat box

compiled by Ainé Ardron-Doley ( applesz6@aol.com

Bah humbug! Or then again, it’s The Headnodders Ball, Rock Tha Bells! edition. Reef the Lost Cauze, Side Effect, M-Ski, Supreem Da Regulata featuring General, Tayon Malik, Dusted Dons, O-D-D, Subhoodz, PA System, Mally Manson and Prevail round out the big ol’ bill. Word has it there will be a live band, DJ and a man on deck with the MPC! Thu., Dec. 12, 5-10 p.m., $10, $5 with college I.D., CCP Auditorium, 1700 Spring Garden St., 215-751-8010,

sonya@reefthelostcauze.com

. Thursday’s got it on lock. What could be better? Prince vs. Michael Jackson Soul Slam -- all night with big-ballin’ DJs King Britt and Spinna. Thu., Dec. 12, 10 p.m., $10, Aqua Lounge, 323 W. Girard Ave., 215-769-5114. And then there’s a special lil’ party by the men of The Ill Vibe Collective. Once again, that’s wax-spinners Panek, Lil’ Dave, Statik and Phillee Blunt presenting a “medley of soulful, funky otherness.” It’s “so new to your ears, you might as well call this party a baby shower; The Difference is about to be born!” Fri., Dec. 13, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, Liquid Blue, Sixth and Bainbridge sts., 215-351-9010,

www.illvibe.net

. Last week’s snow bumped The Foundation show featuring Electric City and Oaxerai. Thu., Dec. 12, 8 p.m., free, The Rotunda, 4012 Walnut St., 215-573-3234. As if that wasn’t enough to choose from, this just in: Hip-Hop 101 presents the original lesson-givers, Poor Righteous Teachers! Thu., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., free, Temple U’s Anderson Hall, 1114 Berks St., 215-204-7000.

It's that time again. Day of the Poet boasts the incredible Twin Poets and Razor Ramon manning the tables. MCs, poets and word artists are welcomed to the stage for the open mic. Fri., Dec. 13, 9 p.m., $10, The Painted Bride, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.

The Electric Circus is coming. The Electric Circus is coming. Yeah, Common is bringing the noise and the funk of his latest ?uestlove-produced album to the TLA stage. It's Method Monday, baby! Mon., Dec. 16, 8 p.m., $18.50-$20.50, TLA, 334 South St., 215-336-2000,

www.electricfactory.com

. Can't get enough of E. Badu's sweetie? Truck over to the URB 100th Issue Party & Common Afterparty at Fez. The Squarebizzers give you Mike Nyce on the ones and twos and possible after-mic-rockin' with Com. Mon., Dec. 16, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5, Fez, Second and Bainbridge sts., 215-925-5367,

www.squarebiz.org

. Trying to do it all? Hit up The Remedy for special guest record-player DJ Brendan on deck. Mon., Dec. 16, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free before 11 p.m., ladies free before midnight, $5, Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St., 215-629-0565.

Enough! (In a good way.)