Rufus Wainwright and Neko Case

In the Star Trek convention that is indie rock, Neko Case is that rare real, live woman. (She's more Yeoman Rand than Seven of Nine, a thick-maned throwback to a simpler, sexier era.) This despite a one-of-the-boys persona cultivated through a T-shirt stage wardrobe, an earthy sense of humor and membership in the brilliant pop orphanage the New Pornographers (due to hit Lawrence this fall with Case) — factors that only make the gifted singer and tunesmith more appealing.

Rufus Wainwright, of course, is known to be from another planet, a place where the sky is dark as wine and the natives communicate in arias and wear crushed-velvet coats. The two beam in together for the first time tonight, opening a short string of shared dates behind Wainwright's lovably rococo, recent album, Release the Stars. A Fine Frenzy, the recording name of C.S. Lewis-loving hottie Alison Sudol, launches the show with fanciful singer-songwriter goodness. Plan to arrive curious and leave a geek.

“Going to a Town” by Rufus Wainwright, from Release the Stars: