with Odaiko Sonora, Fushicho Daiko, Suzuyuki-Kai Taikoza and San Jose Taiko
• Where: Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway.
• Begins: 7:30 p.m.
• Ticket price: $20 in advance through CD City, Antigone Books and Enchanted Earthworks; $23 at the door. 440-4455.
• Upsides: Odaiko Sonora, Tucson's premier Japanese percussion group, has not only created a significant local taiko presence but exposed fans to other groups as well. The ensemble's third showcase will feature San Jose Taiko, one of the longest running groups in the United States.
• Downsides: The showcase is up against some heavy competition. Solar Culture has just added a "Woven Tongue: Experiments in Poetry" night, and the UA is hosting its annual Tohono O'odham waila festival on Saturday. All three events tend to attract the same type of crowd.
• Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
• Begins: 7 p.m.
• Ticket price: $7 in advance, $8 at the door. 622-8848.
• Upsides: The San Diego golden boy is coming to town with tracks from his upcoming album, "Traveling and Unraveling," which he put together with AJ Croce, son of singer-songwriter Jim Croce. The former Rugburns frontman's song "Everything About You" was featured on the soundtrack of the Hugh Grant film "Notting Hill," and in 2000, Poltz was dubbed "San Diego's Most Influential Artist of the Decade" at the San Diego Music Awards.
• Downsides: This is a 21-and-older show. Sorry, kiddies.
– Gerald M. Gay
