John Wesley Harding

St. Philip's Episcopal Church—"Top of the Bottom," a recent cut from singer/ songwriter/ novelist/ cineaste John Wesley Harding, makes a strong case for being his quintessential offering. It's a talking-folk pseudo-memoir with enough truth to counterbalance the over-the-top details (unless, that is, his necrophilia arrest was under-reported). Harding's always written with a wiseass' mouth and a poet's touch, and across his 20-year career, he's rarely met a style he wouldn't test-drive, be it trad folk or big-hook pop. He's also a powerhouse live performer who uses his ample brainpower for musical good. Showtime is 7 p.m. at 403 E. Main St. Tickets are $15 ($20 day of) and $8 for persons 12 and under. All profits benefit Urban Ministries of Durham. See www.stphilipsdurham.org. —Rick Cornell

Raleigh
Patty-Palooza

The Pour House—This two-night series is a benefit for Patrick Felder, a former Pour House manager who's now unable to work due to the effects of a chronic health condition, and it's packed. Night 1 (Friday) leans jam-ward with Waylandsphere, The Oatmeal Conspiracy, TripleWide and Bigfoot Groove, all bending funk, jazz, rock and soul into unlikely shapes. Night 2 (Saturday) is, let's say, a little tougher to pin down, not unlike Left Outlet's swirling sandstorm of bombast. (OK, you try to describe it.) Also on hand will be D Generation power chorder Richard Bacchus and his band Luckiest Girls, along with Vintage, Transient and Scarlet Virginia. The music starts at 8 p.m. It's $8 for the cause the first night and $6 on the second. Visit www.the-pour-house.com. —Rick Cornell

Raleigh
Snoopy!!! The Musical

Raleigh Little Theatre—It's the Great Snoopy, Charlie Brown! In Charles Schulz's long-running comic strip, Charlie Brown might have been the main character, but Snoopy emerged as the breakout star, trying on many different identities over the years. Conceived as a sequel to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, this show delves deeper into Snoopy's life. Look for the rest of the gang, and hope the usual tropes make appearances: Lucy's psychiatrist booth, Snoopy's potboiler-writing and the kids' teacher, notorious for her distinctive manner of speaking. Running today through Nov. 22, tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children and are available through www.raleighlittletheatre.org. —Sarah Ewald