FRIDAY MAR 12

Critics rave about the Titilayo Ngwenya Ensemble's Afro-Jazz rhythms and improv vocals, calling songstresses Patrice Williamson and Titilayo Ngwenya some of Boston's best young talent. Ngwenyo is a local gal who went to Yale (boo!) but refined her musical talents at the New England Conservatory. Regattabar, Charles Hotel. 876-7777. 8 p.m. $12.

The name of his latest CD, "Brooklyn Basement Blues," may smack of high school amateurism, but Poppa Chubby is truly cosmopolitan. A blues guitarist extraordinaire, Poppa toured Europe earlier this year (and his posters dotted the Paris metro). See him this weekend. Johnny D's, 17 Hancock St., Somerville. 776-9667. 9:45 p.m. $8.

Over ten improv troupes from colleges all over the Northeast: one place, one time. Harvard's Immediate Gratification Players host an Improvisational Comedy Festival. Performances by IGP, OTI and others. Tickets available at Sanders Theatre. Agassiz Theatre, Radcliffe Yard. 496-2222. 8 p.m. FREE.

Tonight, the Film Archive plays three contemporary films by Taiwanese directors Hu, Wu and Ku. Harvard Film Archive, Carpenter Center, 24 Quincy St. 495-4700. 7 p.m. $5.

Hear the approaching strains of St. Patty's Day with the Gaelic band Nomos. Guaranteed to be less depressing than the Titanic soundtrack. Somerville Theatre. 55 Davis Square. 625-5700. 8 p.m. $17.50.

The Advocate's latest contribution to Harvard's nascent gallery culture, "Sampler" is an afterthought's reflection on a colorful photographic dream. (Read: photos by kids from New York's Parsons School of Design.) The show runs through March 14. Adams House Art Space, 8 Linden St. 8-10:30 p.m. FREE.

The Harvard Advocate proudly presents sounds of E.S.P. and RUPTURE. A night of electronic music with two of the Toneburst collective's formidable digital samurais. More of a performance/concert than a dance party, but do what you will. Advocate House, 21 South St. 10 p.m. FREE.