Paul Christopher Kozlowski (pictured), composer-in-residence at the New Phoenix Theatre On the Park, will be joined by his quartet Casperous Vine for two multi-media performances this weekend, on Friday (Aug. 15) and Saturday (Aug. 16). Casperous Vine will be joined by various other artists, plus a multi-media installation will be on display at the theater all weekend. Kozlowski has composed scores for the New Phoenix productions Metamorphosis, Gilgamesh, and The Pillowman, with different collaborators including Casperous Vine members Kathleen Ashwill (Cello), Natalie Bennet (Violin), and David Adamczyak (Violin). Kozlowski plays Bayan, accordion and classical guitar. The weekend line-up of visual artists includes puppeteers Michele Costa of TheatreFiguren and Kyla Kegler, as well as video and visual artists Peter McCarthy, Eliza Higgins, and Brian Kavanaugh. The shows play at 8pm both nights. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 concessions (students, seniors, and professional courtesy to artists, including theatre artists).

The John Cowan Band makes a return visit to the Sportsmen’s Tavern on Sunday (August 17) at 4pm. Ever since his early work with New Grass Revival in the 70s, Cowan has proven time and time again that a bluegrass lineup can be capable of inventive musical exploration, while also breathing new life into tired Led Zeppelin tunes, for example. Blessed with a soaring, soulful tenor, Cowan is an engaging performer live. It’s a special treat to sit in on one of his performances at an intimate little club like the Sportsmen’s, but you’ve got to move fast. Tickets are vanishing quickly for this “Private Party Series” event. Visit sportsmenstavern.com for more details.

Brooklyn’s Christian Gibbs has been an acclaimed underground musician for quite some time. However, he still found time to flesh out work with new blood, and Lucida Black Bear was born. Quiet and somber, Lucinda Black Bear transcends the boundaries of slowcore, folk, country, and indie rock with violin, piano and assorted instrumention. Resembling a more organic Radiohead with Beatlesque tendencies, the band has received rave reviews in Rolling Stone, Spin, Harp, No Depression and on NPR, who all agree that Lucinda Black Bear just might be what pushes Gibbs’ music into the spotlight. Lucinda Black Bear performs at Mohawk Place on Tuesday (Aug. 19) at 8pm. Opening are the Faintest Idea (an twee indie pop band from Sweden) and Son Of the Sun, a new local band featuring former members of Host Echo and Odiorne.

Keep an eye out for these upcoming events... As always, check our on-line events calendar for continually updated, full events listings.