Numerous live music and theater performances are being held in the Chicago area to raise money for survivors of the recent gulf coast catastrophes. Here are this week’s benefit shows; see the roundup at www.chicagoreader.com for events taking place next week and beyond.

FRIDAY 30

Callie’s Tally

Pegasus Players, 1145 W. Wilson, 773-878-9761

:00 Staged reading of Betsy Howie’s one-woman show. Suggested donation $20; proceeds go to Southern Rep theater of New Orleans.

Sounds of Relief

Little Black Pearl Workshop, 1060 E. 47th, 773-285-1211

:00 Nanette Frank, K-Fox, Russoul, ReSean B., T-Babe, EL, Christina Sanchez, Vernard, Gemini, Sharon Pass, Profound, Twon Gabz, Travis Edwards & P.O.P, Damon Williams, B-Cole. No cover; donations of first-aid kits, nonperishable food, water, and clothing requested.

SUNDAY 2

Friends and staff of the Old Town School of Folk Music

Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, 773-728-6000 or 866-468-3401

6:00 Erwin Helfer, Michael Miles, Professor John, Chris Walz, Diana Laffey, Soul Ensemble, Barb Barrow, Spiegel Brothers, Chicago Cajun Aces, Old Town School of Folk Music Wilco Ensemble, Chris Farrell, BLT, Dave Specter, Mystery Train, Tisa & the Glowworms, Shelley Miller, Wabolabr, BS Brass Band, and others. $15; proceeds go to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic. All ages.

MONDAY 3

Katerina’s

1920 W. Irving Park, 773-348-7592

:00 Professor John, Jodi Lee Smith, Yoko Noge, Les Getrex. $10; proceeds go to Mount Nebo United Methodist Church of Bastrop, Louisiana.

WEDNESDAY 5

House of Blues

329 N. Dearborn, 312-923-2000 or 312-559-1212

9:00 Pearl Jam, Robert Plant. $1000; proceeds go to the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Jazz Foundation of America, and the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic.

THURSDAY 6

Willowbrook Ballroom

8900 S. Archer, Willow Springs, 708-839-1000

6:00-10:30 Sidewinders. Swing dancers solicit sponsors for marathon ($25 minimum); proceeds go to the American Red Cross. All ages.

Excalibur

632 N. Dearborn, 312-266-1944, 312-427-2572, or 866-468-3401

10:30 Angel Melendez & the 911 Mambo Orchestra. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; half of proceeds go to the Easter Seals Gulf Coast Disaster Fund.