Maybe it's the magnetic north evoked by Le Vent du Nord (North Wind)—they seem to have an irresistible pull on music awards. Their latest CD, Les Amants du St. Laurent (Borealis), won the Canadian Folk Music Awards for best traditional title. In February they were proclaimed this year's best traditional act by the North American Folk Alliance. Le Vent's approach to French Canadian music is unique: Hurdy gurdy on contemporary tunes, precise four-part vocal harmonies, and Benoit Bourque's step dancing.

--Mary Armstrong

Sat., April 1, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20, Calvary Center, 48th and Baltimore sts., 215-729-1028, www.crossroads.calvary-center.org.

She knocked 'em over at the recent Carnegie Hall tribute to Joni Mitchell, where her vocal fireworks really took off on "Trouble Child," performed with Assembly of Dust. So now the buzz begins in earnest for the very young (16) and somewhat-hyped Sonya Kitchell. But don't expect any Carly Hennessy-type career backfiring; Kitchell's debut, Words Came Back to Me (Velour), is the genuine article, with surprisingly mature and soulful vocals, and a seamless blend of pop, jazz and blues.

--Nicole Pensiero

Wed., April 5, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

It's not a tribute show and it's not an impersonation. Rather, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman—collectively known as Aztec Two-Step—are putting their own spin on the songs of their far-more-famous folk-pop counterparts. Compared to Simon & Garfunkel since they debuted more than three decades ago, these no-hit wonders figure it's not a bad fit, and fans agree. With crisp two-part harmonies and equally sharp musicianship, the Two-Steppers will cover more than 20 Simon & Garfunkel favorites, as well as several of their own.

--Nicole Pensiero

Fri., March 31, 8 p.m., $23.50, Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple sts., Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

At the heart of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society's extraordinary season are the string quartets, and among the many ensembles presenting, a sentimental favorite is a foursome who have inspired and spawned a generation of chamber music players, the venerable Julliard Quartet. Their program Friday night exemplifies their performing philosophy: two classics from Schubert and Brahms and a contemporary work by the Argentinian composer Ezequiel Viñao.

--Peter Burwasser

Fri., March 31, 8 p.m., $22, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 114, 13th and Cherry sts., 215-569-8080, www.philadelphiachambermusic.org.

The same Japanese drumming troupe that energized last year's Cherry Blossom Festival is back with two full-length shows at this year's fest. Jaw-dropping acrobatics and sheer funking groove make sure this two-millennia-old drum tradition is still alive and kicking. Check the manic grin on the drummers; the bliss is contagious. Geisha dancers, traditional in dress and contemporary in step, make this a show worth seeing.

--Mary Armstrong

Fri.-Sat., March 31-April 1, 8 p.m., $25, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall blasted into the U.K. music scene more than a year ago with her double-platinum debut Eye to the Telescope, and the buzz has finally reached our shores. With her blend of pop, alt-folk and electric blues—coupled with raw, sultry vocals—this self-described "positive, skippity-la-la person" blends light and darkness in her songs, which explore the minutiae of relationships with pointedly potent lyricism and hook-laden melodies.

--Nicole Pensiero

Mon., April 3, 7:30 p.m., $20-$42, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.