One of the most unusual and unique musical groups in the city, this period-instrument ensemble features really old-school axes like the harp, renaissance recorder, lute, ‘ud and the medieval violin. As much living history lesson as concert, their performance strives to approximate a recital several hundred years ago. This show, La Sirena de la Mar: Romances of the Iberian Jews, features love songs and lullabies sung in the Castillian tongue, and written prior to the 1492 expulsion of Sephardic Jews from the region we now call Spain. Dig it. Admission is $10 at the door (or $5 for those above 65 and under 12). Sun., 4:30 pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (34th & Abercorn Sts.).

The latest monthly concert curated by the Savannah Music Fest’s Rob Gibson, featuring one of the country’s hottest rising jazz artists. This innovative, Atlanta-based alto saxman and composer studied with the great Terence Blanchard, and has worked with luminaries like the brothers Marsalis, Nicholas Payton and Roy Hargrove. The Jepson’s galleries will be open during the show, including their current exhibition of Ansel Adams photos. Free to museum members or $10 for the public. Food and drinks available for sale on site. Fri., 6 pm, Jepson Center for The Arts.

This superstar acoustic act —that’s racked up industry and fan awards since their formation— just released Road That Never Ends, a live CD adding rock, blues and jazz elements to their bluegrass, jam-grass and gospel foundation. These guys (including new guitarist and singer Josh Shilling) play massive outdoor events like Telluride and MerleFest, but this tiny, smoke and alcohol-free listening room is one of their faves, and they always turn in a world-class display of improvisational fretwork and crazy-sweet vocal harmonies there. Advance tickets are $30, and they always sell out, so call 748-1930 ASAP to charge yours. The great BBQ joint next door will be open prior to the gig, so come early and hungry. Sat., 7:30 pm, Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.

Get your recommended weekly allowance of modern metal, punk and hardcore at this 5-band bill a short drive from Savannah. Locally-formed headliners A Girl A Gun A Ghost just signed a European record deal to go along with their U.S. one and seem poised on the brink of some sort of major underground notoriety. Also appearing: Chevy Chase Stabbed The King, Ashes of An Empire, Ammon and Set In Stone. Fri., 7 pm, The Apex (Statesboro).

One of the coolest annual events in town, this two-nighter sees some of the best local, regional and national blues, soul and gospel talent lighting up a rustic, restored train station with live music. Friday’s lineup includes local Amburgey & Hanson, 13-piece R&B revue The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love, and Magic Slim, a 70-year-old guitarist and singer whose group The Teardrops were called “the premier Chicago blues band on the road today,” by DownBeat Magazine. Saturday finds an assortment of gospel groups opening for Charleston’s Shrimp City Slim Blues Band (who’re backing Wanda Johnson — billed as “The New Voice of South Carolina Soul & Blues”). Closing the fest is Grammy-winning slide guitarist Johnny Winter (see Interview, pg. 14). Plus, there’ll be plenty of food (like BBQ, oysters, corn, etc...) and beer for sale. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Coastal Heritage Society. Don’t you dare miss it! $12 per night, or $20 for both. CHS Members, Military, Military Dependents, and those 6 and under admitted free (with parent). Fri. - Sat., 6 pm - 11 pm - ALL-AGES.

The Roots’ Questlove named this Brooklyn hip-hop trio’s latest CD one of the Top 10 albums of 2006. They’ll make a special appearance at this rock club’s weekly alternative hip-hop night, along with Dope Sandwich’s Basik LEE. Tues., 10 pm, The Jinx.

This historian and songwriter was a founding member of the famed Irish rebel band Wolfe Tones, with whom he recorded and toured for 37 years. In honor of this rare appearance at such a small, informal venue, management will donate 10% of the gate to The Savannah Irish Festival. For tickets, email shelley@irishpubsavannah.com or call 401-8098. Thurs., 7 pm (non-smoking, ALL-AGES, $25, incl. dinner), 10 pm (21+ $15), Murphy’s Law.