Also this issue: Running' Lapse Relapse Records' Matt Jacobson explains why he chose Philadelphia for Contamination. -Paul Burress Smiths and Lessons How Johnny Marr got here from there -- and ended up singing? -Nicole Pensiero Sweet Tooth -Ainé Ardron-Doley Brad Mehldau -A.D. Amorosi Patti Smith -Nicole Pensiero HearHere -Patrick Rapa DJ Nights -Sean O'Neal Beat Box -Ainé Ardron-Doley

January 16-22, 2003

musicpicks

Don Conoscenti

Philly audiences first got a dose of multi-instrumentalist/singer Don Conoscenti when he opened for and played alongside Ellis Paul and Christopher Williams at the Tin Angel a few years back. Wiry, elfin and energetic, "Don Con," as his fans call him, is an Angel headliner these days for good reason: Musically, he always delivers the goods with smartly crafted songs and a performance more edgy than that of most folk-rockers. A former rock and jazz guitarist who pulled together his first band while working behind the counter of the original Ben & Jerry's in Vermont, Conoscenti has built a loyal fan base through relentless touring and his proficiency on everything from guitar to flute to mandolin. Now based in Colorado (Western landscapes often figure into his songs, as does the plight of the American Indian), Conoscenti will likely focus on tracks from 2000's Mysterious Light and last year's Paradox of Grace.

Wed., Jan. 22, 8:30 p.m, $10, with Swan Dive, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0770.

—Nicole Pensiero