WILD HORSES

In the 1980s and ’90s, drummer Anton Fier’s Golden Palominos, a loose collective of A-list players who combined stunning chops with sensitive accompanist skills, typified the downtown craze for stylistic cross-fertilization. For what is only the third Palominos live show since 1987, Fier has designed a two-part showcase highlighting his band’s conceptual yin and yang. Following an opening set by Levon Helms Midnight Rambles regulars Ida, the Palominos will flaunt their tougher side for a set with hard-boiled guitarist-saxophonist Robert Kidney, followed by a song-swapping session featuring singers Lori Carson and Lianne Smith. Other members of tonight’s Palominos lineup—which includes Karen Mantler (keyboards), Tony Scherr (guitars), Tony Maimone (bass), and Aaron Lee Tasjan (guitars)—should provide plenty of colorful contrasts and material of their own.

Sat., Dec. 29, 7 p.m., 2012