On guitar, and drums, and theremin

Every penny counts these days. Maybe that's why Liam Finn is saving the money that would otherwise be spent on a backup band. Finn, a New Zealander who happens to be the son of Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, played all of the instruments (from percussion to theremin) on his indie-rock album "I'll Be Lightning," and also performs as a one-man band. It's like Elliott Smith meets Bert from Mary Poppins. He's joined by the Most Serene Republic and Miracle Fortress at the Middle East Upstairs tonight. (See today's Living/Arts section for an interview with Finn). 9 p.m. $10. Middle East Upstairs, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.617-864-3278. mideastclub.com