It’s pretty common knowledge that Jersey-born singer-songwriter Pete Yorn used to date Winona Ryder back in the day. And while he somehow managed to avoid the full brunt of the infamous Winona Curse – the one where so many of the musician dudes she dates subsequently watch their careers crumble (see: Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner, Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins, Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay, etc.) – it may have touched him at least a little bit. It’s not like Yorn’s career has exactly been on fire following his touted 2001 debut, Musicforthemorningafter. What’s perhaps less known is that a few years ago, Yorn had a dalliance with another hot actress: Scarlett Johansson. Well, creatively, that is. The pair collaborated on a sultry duets album called Break Up, which is finally getting released next month. Maybe it was Scarlett who reversed the curse, because lately Yorn’s profile has been on the upswing. He’s been opening for Coldplay this summer, and just put out an excellent and well-received new album, Back and Fourth, a collection of rainy day roots-pop and folk-rock that was helmed by Saddle Creek Records magic-maker Mike Mogis. Based on recent set lists, Yorn has been drawing primarily from his debut disc and the new disc live. Nothing from Break Up thus far, but you never know if Scarlett will make a surprise appearance to make things extra interesting. With Zee Avi and J.D. King Wednesday and Juliette Commagere Thursday. All ages.

Wed., Aug. 19, 8 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 20, 8 p.m., 2009