Starting today, intrepid Voice intern Michael Downes will offer a daily, highly biased digest of that evening's best NYC shows -- and the whole weekend's slate on Friday, which today is, mercifully, if you were not aware. Enjoy.

FRIDAY

Zaire-born Marie Daulne fronts Zap Mama at Joe's Pub. Founded as an a capella group in the early '90s, the Belgian ensemble now performs a fusion of Afro-pop and R&B.

Cake, the polarizing and perpetually sour alt-rock staple, plays Terminal 5. The show's sold out, but if you're interested in procuring a tree (and/or privy to the band's ritualistic tree-giveaways), the surest chance of admission is a $100 ticket from StubHub. (Read an illuminating interview with the trumpet player here.)