Coolfer's Nerdy, Idiotic, Self-Absorbed Music Picks

New York City's nightlife is slowing to a crawl. Not much going on this week, although there are a few standout shows.

On Thursday, saxophone legend Cedric Im Brooks will perform at Satella. The club calls it a "rare NYC performance" for this cornerstone of Jamaican music. Brooks' 2003 album Light of Saba, was one of the year's most acclaimed and was a favorite of many local retailers.

Speaking of rare NYC performances, Aster Aweke (pictured) has a gig at SOB's on Friday. Though she's lived in the U.S. since 1981, Aster is a legend in her native Ethiopia and is often called its Queen of Soul and its version of Aretha Franklin. She's well known in world music circles here and in Europe, having released a handful of albums in the last 15 years. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For fans of Ethiopian soul, jazz and funk, this is a show not to be missed.

Also:

- On My Signal/Still Division/Unsacred Hearts at the Mercury Lounge on Thursday
- Orange Park/Nobody Can Dance/Spitfire America at CBGB on Saturday
- Fall Out Boy at Irving Plaza on Sunday (two shows)
- From Autumn To Ashes at the Knitting Factory on Monday
- The Slip/Dirty on Purpose at Southpaw on Tuesday