Kathleen Edwards, the Eels, and Avril Lavigne

by Heather Bouzan, 03-25-2008

FRIDAY, MARCH 28
She’s never done a stint in rehab, chucked an electronic device at her assistant, or made out with Jared Leto (as far as we know). In fact, there’s no scandal to report. But we just like her. For no more reason than the fact that her music is good. Folky, alt-country Canadian songstress Kathleen Edwards plays the Paradise Rock Club (967 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.562.8800) tonight, with fellow Canook Justin Rutledge, also worth a listen, supporting. Edwards is on tour to promote her third major release, Asking For Flowers, which hit stores earlier this month. For general-admission tickets ($16), visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 617.931.2000. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9.

MONDAY, MARCH 31
His dad was a scientific genius, and though he maintains that he never developed an interest in physics or math, Eels frontman Mark Oliver Everett (also known simply as “E”) is some kind of prodigy in his own right — just read through his lengthy bio or browse his extensive discography for a sense of his achievements. The Eels, featuring the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and whoever happens to be playing backup these days, perform tonight at 7:30 at the Somerville Theatre (55 Davis Square, Somerville, 617.625.5700) as part of their “An Evening with Eels” tour. E recently released the band’s first best-of album (Meet The Eels: Essential Eels Vol. 1) and its first collection of rare tracks (Eels Useless Trinkets: B-Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities and Unreleased 1996–2006); he also penned his memoirs, Things the Grandchildren Should Know, available in the US this fall. Get tickets ($21) at www.ticketmaster.com or 617.931.2000.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1
Let’s admit it: we all wish we could rock men’s neckties and skater shoes like Avril Lavigne does. The punk-rock princess became an icon by surrounding herself with a posse of cute sk8r bois and belting lyrics that glorify bad-ass chicks everywhere. Now she’s taking it a step further and adding backup dancers. Don’t miss her choreographed moves when she comes to the Agganis Arena (925 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.358.7000) as part of “The Best Damn Tour.” Tickets are $43.50; get them at www.ticketmaster.com. @