Weekend Picks: Henry Rollins Turns 50, Pat Benatar, Abe Vigoda, Morcheeba…

Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins is turning 50 on Sunday, and concluding a rash of shows at Joe's Pub the night before. They involve spoken word and, well, whatever he damn well pleases, really (including removing his shirt—always a favorite move). Friday 11 and Saturday 12, 9PM; sold out, try Craigslist for tickets.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn-born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski may be 58 years old, but her alter ego, Pat Benatar, is timeless. Who cares that she hasn't released an album since 2003? You know you want to hear her rasp her way through Love Is a Battlefield, her voice bluesier and stronger, somehow, than it ever was. Sunday February 13, 7:30PM at the Wellmont Theatre.

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It's hard to keep track of who's singing for Brit trip-hoppers Morcheeba these days (the turnover's been brisk, and if you're keeping score, much loved vocalist Skye Edwards is back with the band). Still, we like their groove and latest album Blood Like Lemonade. Friday 11 and Saturday 12, Irving Plaza.

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Ex-Band drummer and background singer Levon Helm brings his rootsy country rock to the Wellmont Theatre, making it sound a lot cozier than it is. The Levon Helm Band plays Saturday February 12, 8PM.

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Angelenos Abe Vigoda will mine their continuum of sounds, from synthy to punky at Bowery Ballroom—we like them best when they remind us of Depeche Mode. Sunday February 13, 8PM. (Also playing (Le) Poisson Rouge Monday at 8PM.)

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Alan Merrill, Wild Deer and others play the Concert-4-George (a.k.a. The 3rd Annual George Harrison Birthday Celebration) at Mercury Lounge, Sunday, 7PM.

NOLA pianist Allen Toussaint has written some of the most memorable songs ever (Working in the Coal Mine: So good, even Devo covered it). The work he’s done since Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild his hometown has juiced an already impressive career. His month of Brunch shows continues Sunday, 12PM, Joe’s Pub.

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