Todd Rundgren joins with Ethel for "Tell Me Something Good"

It was one thing when Todd Rundgren stepped in as Ric Ocasek's replacement in a reformed version of The Cars. That's rather like Ed Norton taking The Situation's place on "Jersey Shore."

Rundgren's appearance as guest artist with Ethel, the astounding post-classical string quartet, is far more intriguing. The two toured Europe together a few years back, and their idea of collaborating on a stage project, focusing on the musical and societal events of the '70s, is inspired.

The performance, billed as "Tell Me Something Good," comes Friday to Connecticut College's Palmer Auditorium. In additon to renditions of some of Rundgren's iconic material, expect visionary versions of Lou Harrison's Quartet Set, Kimo Williams' Quiet Shadows, and works by Sun-Ra.

- RICK KOSTER

"Tell Me Something Good," Ethel with Todd Rundgren, 8 p.m. Friday, Palmer Auditorium, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave., New London; $24, $21 seniors, faculty and staff, $12 students; (860) 439-2787, conncoll.edu.