Octuple your fun

Kairos and Kronos. Two excellent quartets giving two concerts on the same weekend. Their names sound alike—they’re both ancient Greek references—so the best way to keep from getting confused and missing one of these great performances is simply to see both of them. Stack your weekend with new music experiences, you deserve nothing less.

The Kronos Quartet, the world-renowned string players, will perform two unique contemporary works as part of the Mondavi Center’s New Music series, accompanied by pipa virtuoso Wu Man. The Cusp of Magic, by Terry Riley, the “father of Minimalism”, and Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera both were commisioned specifically by the Kronos Quartet. The Grammy-award-winning ensemble has been a major force in new music for more than 30 years, and are famous for their startlingly fresh collaborative approach. The two pieces will be presented at Jackson Hall, on the campus of UC Davis, at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Seats for Saturday’s performance range in price from $26-$36 for adults to $8-$12 for children and students. To reserve tickets, call (866) 754-ARTS or visit www.mondaviarts.org.

No less inspired, the Kairos Quartet is a local modal-jazz foursome, comprised of Steve Lishman on sax, Dyne Eifertsen on trombone and didjeridoo, Matt Robinson on bass and Alex Jenkins on percussion and tabla. Together with guitarist Derek Keller, and their special guests the Jeff Alkire Band, the Kairos Quartet will play improvisatory pieces and original works from their latest CD, Riverrun, at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1430 J Street, this Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.kairosquartet.com.