We kinda like Michael Penn. There are many reasons, but the first one in our mind is that video for "Try." You know the one - one-take, down the hallway, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The song was on the Boogie Nights soundtrack and we've had a little crush on Penn ever since.

He's touring behind his latest album, Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947. Now, we'd normally be snarky about a singer/songwriter born in 1958 writing about post-World War II Los Angeles, but we'll let it slide for Mr. Penn, who, yes, is related to brothers Sean and Chris. And yeah, we know you thought, "Is he related to Sean Penn?" and not "Is he related to Chris Penn?" but we wanted to be nice to Chris. You never know when you need a favor from a Penn brother.

And so, Michael brings his music (but not his wife, Aimee Mann, or producer, Jon Brion, unfortunately) to World Cafe Live tonight for a show with Rosie Thomas. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $20 to $30.

Michael Penn
World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut St.)
7:30 p.m. $20 - $30