Critic's picks - pop music

GRAN FATILLA If the guys in Gran Fatilla have anything at all in common, it's their impressive musical chops and a love of folk music from around the world. The Boston-based quintet plays a highly eclectic brand of global fusion - from Argentine tangos to Irish reels - with a healthy dose of jazz improvisation. 9 p.m. March 16. Free. Atwood's Tavern. 617-864-2792, www.atwoodstavern.com

JAMES REED

BUTCH WALKER The former Marvelous 3 main man and hitmaker for hire who wrote and/or produced songs for Avril Lavigne, Pink, and Katy Perry takes some time to showcase his own considerable pop-rock prowess. 8 p.m. March 16. $18. Paradise Rock Club. 877-598-8689, www.livenation.com

SARAH RODMAN

BELL X1 Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this Irish trio whose members are already conquering heroes back home. In between the shamrocks and shenanigans, the group will be offering up selections from its brand new album, "Blue Lights on the Runway." 8 p.m. March 17. $15. Paradise Rock Club. 877-598-8689, www.livenation.com

S.R.

NATE MCBRIDE AND CURT NEWTON One of today's finest bass and drum teams, McBride and Newton have provided propulsion for groups led by Ken Vandermark, Joe Morris, and Pandelis Karayorgis, among others. This program presents three sets of music that deconstruct and reconstruct the contemporary improvisational rhythm section; first, each plays a solo set, then they play together as a duo dubbed Time and Materials. 8 p.m. March 18. $5-$10. Outpost 186 (186 1/2 Hampshire St., Inman Square, Cambridge). www.zeitgeist-outpost.org

KEVIN LOWENTHAL