Philadelphia doesn't get enough credit for its musical clout. Yes everyone knows about Gamble and Huff and (yak) Boys II Men, but to forget about the gospel, jazz, soul and indie rock gems that we've produced is almost a sin. VH1 adds us to the list with Memphis and New Orleans for great soul cities and those that were around to see it will remember the earth-shattering Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert in Decemer of 1980. Of course there's the Electric Factory Concerts that brought in all of the cornerstone acts of the classic rock era, like in 1972 when the Rolling Stones played two nights with Stevie Wonder as the opening act. If you don't remember American Bandstand from first-person experience, you surely can remember the recent Hairspray craze that brought it back to life; that was Philadelphia.

Flash back to the dark Clef Club off Broad Street where jazz superstars like Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane glowed under the one-spotlight stage. Picture a young Hall & Oates walking around deep south Philly carrying with them a guitar and piano notes.

Philadelphia's fertile era for creating generation-defining musicians may now seem stagnant, given the mostly electronic and punk local acts infultrating most local Fishtown and Port Richmond cafes. But while we are working on nurturing promising local artists like Aderbat, Sharon Little, Melody Gardot and Mutlu, there are some great national artists joining the locals for concerts that are a must for the coming months.

Lisa Hannigan
With sweet acoustic guitar strums and folk music roots, Lisa Hannigan is quickly gaining popularity. My favorite track, "Seasong," has a catchy beat but Hannigan's haunting vocals and violin reminds me of the time I first heard Cat Power. Thursday, March 5, 7:30pm, World Cafe Live
Sounds Like: Gemma Hayes, Damien Rice, Ingrid Michaelson
 

Missy Higgins & Justin Nozuka
Missy Higgins, a Melbourne-born singer, pairs thick vocals that hint at an accent with sullen piano and guitar chords. Sad lyrics and a deep octaves are reminiscent of Fiona Apple, but without the anger and a bit more earthy. Download "Warm Whispers" for an easy love, "Where I Stood" for more serious times and "The Wrong Girl" for a song you'll want to listen to while driving into the sunset.
Sounds Like: Tristan Prettyman, A Fine Frenzy, Vienna Tang

Justin Nozuka is a secret of mine, his so-easy guitar solos, subtle vocals and honest lyrics make him just as catchy as Jason Mraz, with more culturual influences. "Down In A Cold Dirty Well" is your best bet for first-time downloads. Good rhthym, bluesy aches and a poppy vibe make me certain this guy is one to watch.
Sounds Like: Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Eric Hutchinson
March 5, 8pm, TLA

Raphael Saadiq
A true soul and R&B artist; one that can wear a mustar yellow suit and black frames, skinny suits and ties and the kind of fly look you'd expect from one of The Pips. Not to mention a voice that drips with sensuality, like Al Green or Marvin Gaye (Saadiq can hit the same notes, too). Snap your fingers, listen to Stevie Wonder's harmonic talent on "Never Give You Up" and wonder if Usher is producing some of these tracks. If you really want to put the moves on her, download "You Should Be Here" with D'Angelo. March 20, 9pm, TLA
Sounds Like: John Legend, Babyface, Bilal
 

Ari Hest
The perfect soundtrack for a rainy afternoon, you'll find yourself wondering if you wrote these lyrics. Hest's deep bassy voice goes well with his stratigic and purposefuly guitar chords. Slow, folksy sessions take over his album The Break-In, but Hest's amazing range can be found on any of his singles.
March 15, 8:30pm, Tin Angel
Sounds Like: Josh Kelley, Matt Wertz, Marc Broussard

**MUSIC GOSSIP**
Although the establishment and artist won't confirm, we are pretty sure Mat Kearney is coming to North Star on April 19 as part of his Nothing Left To Lose Tour.