This Weekend’s Concert Picks: Khaira Arby And Her Band at Johnny Brenda’s, Maps And Atlases at TLA

FRIDAY JULY 8
One of the highlights at SXSW this year was the NPR Music showcase, which featured Khaira Arby and her band. The singer from Mali is bringing her band to town this evening for a special performance. Khaira Arby And Her Band performs with Urban Shamans at 9 p.m. at Johnny Brenda’s; tickets to the 21+ are $10. —Bruce Warren

Also playing: Philly Bloco at World Cafe Live (8 p.m., $15); The Loom + Archeology, Dolfish, South Of Lincoln, On The Water, Tinmouth, Bottle Rocket, Annachristie at Danger Danger Gallery (9 p.m., all ages, $5–$10);The Spinning Leaves at The Fire (9 p.m., $10)

SATURDAY JULY 9
Android Plus Music Festival featuring North Lawrence Midnight Singers, Viv And The Revival at The Blockley (5 p.m., $8)

SUNDAY JULY 10
Until the release of Perch Patchwork, Chicago-based Maps And Atlases were known mostly for a ’90s-influenced math-rock sound. With 2010’s Patchwork (their first full-length, despite forming in 2004 and gaining critical attention in 2006), Maps And Atlases expanded their repertoire and their fan base. Patchwork is a batch of accessible songs, verging on pop, but still infused with the spirit of the band’s sonic roots. It’s this union of catchy vocal melody (courtesy of lead singer Dave Davison) and interesting instrumentation that makes Maps And Atlases so good. Maps And Atlases performs with RX Bandits and Zechs Marquise at at 6:30 p.m. at TLA; tickets to the show are $29. —Kiley Bense

Also playing: Omar Souleyman at Johnny Brenda’s (8 p.m., 21+, $20)