Ximena

“X” MARKS THE SPOT: It seems SOhO‘s (1221 State St.) on a winning streak. First a raucous and dance-y Saturday night party, courtesy of Columbia’s Aterciopelados, then a fantastic Tuesday night showing for the Omar Cowan Band and Alberta Cross, and now Ximena Sari±ana. This Monday, April 27, the one-time telenovela star turned Latin alt-pop rocker will take the stage at the Victoria Court nightclub at 9 p.m. for a show that is guaranteed to win the 23-year-old some new fans. Since jumping the child star ship and moving to the Berklee College of Music (then back to Mexico), Sarinana has been making the rounds in bands (Feliz No Cumplea±os) and on the film scoring circuit (Amar te duele). She’s also built quite the solo career for herself, picking up a Grammy and two Latin Grammy Award nominations in 2008 for her debut release, Mediocre.

If the video for the album’s title track is any indication, Sarinana will be nothing short of a thrill to catch live. She’s got a voice that’s all saccharine sweet innocence one moment, and smoky, sexy confidence the next. (Think Mexico’s answer to American powerhouses like Fiona Apple and Norah Jones.) And her delivery and delicate yet assertive jazz piano skills are certainly nothing to scoff at. For ticket info and show details, call 962-7776 or visit clubmercy.com.

LET IT RAIN:And if Sari±ana’s appearance wasn’t enough, the club will play host to yet another fantastic double bill the following night as well. On Tuesday, April 28, Vienna Teng and her small army of instrumentalists will share some stage time with Brooklyn-based The Paper Raincoat for a night of whimsical, emotive pop that’s sure to ignite that inner romantic in even the most agro of dudes. While Raincoat’s tunes lean a bit heavier on the twee side of things (xylophones and hushed harmonies abound), Teng’s shtick is a little more baroque in nature (no doubt in part due to her years of classical piano training). Either way, it’s the stuff good soundtracks are made of-deeply personal lyrics, pitch-perfect deliveries, and winding narratives that are folksy and poppy in all the right places. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit sohosb.com for info.

TAYLOR MADE:While the folks behind the monthly Trinity Backstage (1500 State St.) concert series seem to have no problem packing plenty of talent into their small (and “unique”) showspace, this time around they seem to have outdone themselves. This Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. the Trinity posse will bring Texas folk icon and songwriting powerhouse Eric Taylor to their stage for a night of music that’s about as deeply ensconced in history as it comes. Sure, Taylor’s songwriting skills have been called on by big names like Lyle Lovett. And yes, he’s been married to folkabilly icon Nanci Griffith. But Taylor’s real claim to fame lies in his songs. Part spoken word, part Springsteen-like snarl, his voice and musical tales are deep, rich, and filled with colorful narration. (I have no doubt this is where Jim James draws at least some of his vocal inspiration.) For tickets and show info, call 962-2970 or visit trinitybackstage.com.

Glen Phillips

HOMEWARD BOUND:It looks like everyone’s favorite Sprocket, Glen Phillips, is finally on his way home. Following a month-long, cross-country trek in support of his 2008 masterpiece, The Secrets of the New Explorers, Phillips will wind things down this week with two super close live shows. Up first, a stop at Zoey’s Cafe and Loft (451 E. Main St.) in Ventura on Sunday, April 26, at 8 p.m. Next up, an extra special home county show at Santa Ynez’s Maverick Saloon (3687 Sagunto St.) as part of the ongoing Tales from the Tavern (talesfromthetavern.com) concert series. The Tales show kicks off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, and is guaranteed to pack the house. For tickets and information for either show, visit glenphillips.com.

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