Lila Downs' most recent CD, "Shake Away," was nominated for best world music album at this year's Grammys.
Our picks for the top entertainment events of the week
World music diva Lila Downs returns to UA
Singing in multiple languages, including Spanish and that of her Mixtec mother, Lila Downs sets her words – and those of others in her many covers – to an even greater variety of musical styles. Her September CD, “Shake Away (Ojo de Culebra)” continues the diversity with an ambitious set of blues, cumbias, folk and rock. When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. Price: $20-$44 Info: 621-3341, www.uapresents.org
Al Perry celebrates release of country CD
Tucson institution Al Perry serves up a platter of classic country covers for his latest album, “The Three-Track Session.” The CD was recorded by Jack Miller on an old three-track recorder in Phoenix. (Miller’s production credits include Duane Eddy, Waylon Jennings, the Animals and many, many more.) “It sounds totally ’50s,” says Perry. Also on the bill with a new CD is country-rocker Cathy Rivers. Bluesman Tom Walbank rounds out the local lineup. When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Plush, 340 E. Sixth St Price: $5 Info: 798-1298, www.plushtucson.com
Tucson faves Ozomatli back at Rialto
East L.A. genre-bender Ozomatli returns to the Old Pueblo with its melange of Latin, hip-hop and pop stlyings. Opening the concert are talented local showmen Sergio Mendoza y La Orkesta, fresh from the success of their Latin dance night at the Rialto last month. When: 8 p.m. Friday Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Price: $23 advance, $25 day of show Info: 740-1000, rialtotheatre.com