Also this issue: Mehta Physics Meet the man who’s turning the Kimmel into a world-music hot spot. -A.D. Amorosi Matter of Import The Brit in Big Sandy’s court. -Mary Armstrong Blistered in the Sun Unwrapping the Summer Tour Package. -Jesse Delaney The Kills -Sam Adams The Sick Lipstick -Maura Johnston 4 Way Street -Nicole Pensiero Richard Thompson -Sam Adams Jamaican Dave's Birthday Bash -Ainé Ardon-Doley

July 17-23, 2003

beat box

compiled by Ainé Ardron-Doley

In an attempt to bring gospel out of the church and into the night, Shannon "Choirboy" Woodal -- North Philly native and lead keyboardist for Vivian Green -- gives us Sanctuary. Billed as the "hottest ticket in the gospel world," the doors swing open for the first time with the sweet sounds of Jersey’s Ta’Myya J. and Flip, drummer extraordinaire. Delicious food will be served and ciphering is encouraged. Fri., July 25, 8 p.m., $5 women, $10 men, Sanctuary, 39-41 Roosevelt Plaza, Camden, N.J., watlincu@aol.com.

As they do twice monthly, The Ill Vibe Collective beckons Philly to strap on the phat-laced Adidas for a night of Footloose-inspired heel-clickin'. The Bodyrock spins all the hip-hop and funk your bunions and corns can stand. Sat., July 19, 10 p.m., $5, Aqua Lounge, 323 W. Girard Ave., 215-769-5114.

The first MC to be featured in the lucrative "Got Milk?" ad campaign, a buff, shirtless Nelly grimaces through his creamy mustache and sports several faux milk tattoos. Making another sort of history, he recently joined The Beatles and The Bee Gees as only the third artist to have No. 1 and No. 2 singles simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Whether dishing out his shiny, southern-fried lyrics or "stomping in his Air Force Ones," has this St. Louis son made the right choice with a career in music or what? (His other option? Both the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates scouted him to play shortstop. Dayum!) Sun., July 20, 7 p.m., $29.50-$42, Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow sts., 215-336-2000.

Dance music from around the globe finds a one-time home at a DJ Statik/Lil' Dave/Orunde collaboration aptly titled Welcome to the World. With Afrobeat, bossa nova, Latin house, tropical soul and more worldbeat, this is the dance-your-pants-off pick of the week. Wed., July 23, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $5, Fluid, 613 S. Fourth St., 215-629-0565.