Set the night to music - and lots of it.
It's the kind of night music fans love and hate. From electronica to jazz to indie rock, there's no shortage of good concerts tonight, but how on earth are you going to fit them all in? Here's our own itinerary for making the most of tonight's shows (assuming that you've got the cash to cover all the tickets and cab rides -- and that the tentative set times are right)
8 p.m. Ease into the night at Scullers Jazz Club with a set of acoustic jazz from Esperanza Spalding, the bass-playing pride of Berklee College of Music. She's been on a roll lately, with national attention, international tours, and an excellent new album, ``Junjo." $16 or $56 with dinner. 400 Soldiers Field Road, 617-562-4111. www.scullersjazz.com
8:30 p.m. The night is young and already you're a little behind schedule. But try your luck and head to Avalon, where José González will probably be tuning his guitar for the next song that will remind you of Nick Drake. González is opening for Zero 7, the English electronica band that will set you into full-tilt chill-out mode. $17. 15 Lansdowne St., 617-931-2000.
9:30 p.m. OK, by now you've probably missed openers Wolfmother and the Mess Hall, but you've still got time to hear Julian Casablancas (above) and his fellow nattily attired Strokes rip through a set of New York rawk at the
10 p.m. Lose the rock vibe and high-tail it to the Cantab Lounge for a set of high-stepping Americana from Canadian fiddler and singer April Verch. Earlier in the night, around 8, the popular bluegrass pickin' party kicks off. 738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-354-2685. www.cantab-lounge.com
10:30 p.m. Just down the street, at the Middle East Downstairs, Jason Collett will be swaggering, adjusting his belt buckle, and singing his beer-soaked alt-country tunes. Then you've got 20 minutes, give or take 10, to take in the wonders of indie-rock quartet Rogue Wave. Stick around to hear ``10:1" and ``Medicine Ball," and then off you go next door. $15. 480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278. www.mideastclub.com
11:15 p.m. Man Man lead singer Honus Honus and company will take over T.T. the Bear's to shout-sing their way through the night's most kinetic and bewildering spook rock. Start the Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart comparisons . . . now! Handlebar moustaches encouraged. $10. 10 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-492-3237. www.ttthebears.com
[James Reed] 
