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If Vampire Weekend lost their African affectations and Ivy League ideologies, they'd probably sound a lot like Pomegranates. This Cincinnati-based quartet creates a shimmering amalgamation of pop and rock that projects a certain sort of musical and melodic innocence. With two vocalists on board, scaling either end of the musical spectrum, they jump from coy to cacophonic, but always cut the lyrics with a refreshing splash of intricate guitar play.

—Kevin Pearson

Mon., Feb. 23, 8 p.m., $8, with Mercury Radio Theater, Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 215-291-4945, kungfunecktie.com.

If Northern State's shouting, old-school Brooklyn hip-hop makes them the new Beastie Boys, then Hesta Prynn's soulful, melodic solo stuff makes her the new Luscious Jackson. Or something. Stick around for Folklore, an Athens/Philly band driven by strings and mood swings.

—Patrick Rapa

Web., Feb. 25, 8 pm., $8, with Instamatic and The Lemon Treasures, The Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888, thekhyber.com.

While Chris' Jazz Café's inaugural Guitar Week hosted a slew of veterans — Jimmy Bruno, Frank DiBussolo, Bucky Pizzarelli — this year's second installment shifts its focus to a younger generation of axemen. Locals including Matt Davis and Mike Kennedy will headline through the week; closing weekend will be headlined by Julian Lage (pictured), the 21-year-old recruited by vibraphonist Gary Burton as a child prodigy, and Adam Rogers, the scintillating guitarist of Chris Potter's untouchable Underground band.

—Shaun Brady

Feb. 23-28, Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.

It's been stunning to watch the increasing number of contexts into which Mary Halvorson (pictured), and her guitar have wended their way over the past few years. Her latest visit is as part of a trio of distinctive improvisers: German-British Ingrid Laubrock is a bold composer and saxophonist whose sound is a husky whisper with a steely backbone; drummer Tom Rainey has the most open ears and quickest reflexes of anyone seated behind a kit these days. Add to that Halvorson's sing-songy jaggedness and you have a very intriguing proposition.

—Shaun Brady

Thu., Feb. 19, 8 p.m., free, The Rotunda, 4012 Walnut St., arsnovaworkshop.com.

Anyone who saw Michael Hollinger's superb play Opus a few seasons ago has an insight into the fragile yet intense relationship within a string quartet. The Vertigo String Quartet, a bunch of Curtis pals who got together while still students in 2005, is going strong. Maybe they see the road bumps with more clarity than most; they were the musicians who recorded the soundtrack to the play. They return to Philly as part of the Curtis Alumni series, with a program of Brahms, Shostakovich and original arrangements.

—Peter Burwasser

Sun., Feb. 22, 3 p.m., $28, Field Concert Hall, 1726 Locust St., 215-893-7902, curtis.edu.