Old worlds, new sounds

On her remarkable solo CD, "Jostojoo" (Forever Seeking), Tehran's Mamak Khadem (formerly with Los Angeles' Axiom of Choice) sings deep-rooted, world-fusion melodies from Iran, Turkey, Greece, and Armenia as traditional and modern instruments percolate behind her. "Through the 15th century, people traveling on silk caravans would gather around fires at night, playing music," says Khadem, who performs tonight in Watertown. "Our ensemble creates the same mood, becoming those travelers who shared the essence of their cultures through music." 7:30 p.m. $25. Watertown Middle School, 68 Waverly Ave., Watertown. 617-924-9507. mamak-khadem.com

[Tristram Lozaw]

Before hitting Webster Hall in New York City tomorrow night, Minneapolis indie hip-hop duo Atmosphere (below) squeezes in a show at the Roxy tonight. The tour is to support an album called "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That [Expletive] Gold." A warning: There will be more expletives at the Roxy. But to be fair, Atmosphere is a thoughtful act with mature lyrics that are so sensitive, some critics have branded it "emo rap." 7 p.m. $20. Roxy, 279 Tremont St., Boston. 617-338-7699. roxyboston.com [M.G.]

California jam band Tea Leaf Green touches down at the Paradise Rock Club tonight to celebrate its new box set "Seeds," which is essentially a repackaged collection of its Phish-friendly albums. Is it just us or are there some illegal substance references going on there? Opening for the band will be Moonalice, a rock act featuring G.E. Smith - the guy with the ponytail who toured with Hall and Oates and used to lead the "Saturday Night Live" band. Remember that guy? 8 p.m. $15. Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 617-562-8800. thedise.com [M.G.]

Would you recognize a Gauguin or Sargent if it were interpreted as a flower arrangement? You might at "Art in Bloom," an exhibit of 80 floral displays inspired by and paired with pieces at the MFA. More than 60 New England garden clubs created the works: "Watson and the Shark" by John Singleton Copley is one to sink your teeth into, and John Singer Sargent's "Head of an Arab" is worth a face to face. Pictured: a 2007 arrangement with "La Japonaise (Camille Monet in Japanese Costume)." Today's "Young at Art" Family Day is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there's a free open house Mondayfrom 5 to 9 p.m. 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (through Tuesday). $17, $15 students and seniors, free under 18 ($6.50 until 3 p.m. on school days). Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300. mfa.org [J.W.]

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