NEBULA: This trio reduces rock to its sweaty, hard-driving essence. 8 p.m. Sunday, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave. $12; 773-281-4444.
PETER HIMMELMAN: This unpredictable, singer-songwriter Himmelman shines in the live setting. 8 p.m. Thurday, Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. $20; 312-559-1212.
SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS: A delightful visual show and some wondrous rock musicmaking. Friday and Saturday at the Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. $15; 312-559-1212.
INXS: Their blend of rock, funk and dance music still has a strong fan base. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. $36; 312-559-1212.
ED WILKERSON/NIKI MITCHELL: Chicago-based reedist Wilkerson teams with flutist Mitchell for an evening of improvised musical freedom. 9 p.m. Friday, Candlestick Maker, 4432 N. Kedzie Ave. $10; 773-463-0158.
NEW SERIES E3: Art combines with sound, as Frontier combines with other musicians to create soundscapes that are mated to art, video and film presentations. 8 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Free; 312-744-6630.
BAMBOLEO: This ensemble from Havana, is all flash and irresistible rhythm, swaying hips and elegant togs. 8 p.m. Wednesday, HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo Drive. $20; 312-362-9707.
THEATER
“THE HOUR WE KNEW NOTHING OF EACH OTHER”: The T.U.T.A. ensemble is uneven, but their work offers some genuine comic poetry. Through June 30, National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway. $18; 847-217-0691.
“SUMMER SKETCHBOOK”: A deejay, vodka tonics and lots of new plays makes this is a theatrical party. Through Sunday, Chopin Theatre Studio, 1543 W. Division St. $20-$40; 312-226-9633.
“THE OLD MAN’S FRIEND”: A dramatic comedy about a woman whose father is terminally ill. Through July 7, Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave . $28-$33; 773-871-3000.
