Tonight at Piano’s is Backyard Tire Fire. They are a band I have come close to writing off after a handful of lackluster festival performances, but their new full length is purty simple and strong. Piano’s seems like a small venue for the band, but perhaps their sound will benefit from an enclosed space then the outdoor shack.

Friday finds Mason Jennings (Not Waylon’s son, that’s Shooter) at the Bowery Ballroom doing his singer/songwriter bit. You may recognize his sound from the Bob Dylan-y movie I’M NOT THERE soundtrack. California troubadour Zach Gill will be performing his offbeat songs as an opening act.

jG is Josh Green’s (heylady buttercandy, andrew may and josh green, cellardoor) solo project that will be performing at Bowery Poetry Club on Saturday night. Josh has begun to impress fans across several genres, from electronic to house to jazz and jamband fans alike. Expect warm, groove-oriented guitar over barrages of hard-hitting beats, explosive synth, and thumping bass.

For all those that feel gyp’ed they weren’t around to see Fela Kuti, have no fear Antibalas is here. The Afrobeat Arkestra will be performing at Spiegelworld (South St. and Beekman, near Pier 17 - S. St Seaport) on Sunday. Doors at 9, show at 10, $20 admission to see some of the most authentic Afrobeat around. Ya heard?