October 01, 2015
The pope has left, it’s officially fall, and it’s also First Friday – what more do you need to get out and dance? Try and snag tickets to one of the amazing sold-out shows in town, dance to house beats while eating amazing fried chicken, march to end rape culture ... the list goes on. See you on the dance floor!
When it comes to Philly artists and musicians, there are no finer names in the discussion than former roommates and Temple students Daryl Hall and John Oates. “I Can’t Go For That,” “Rich Girl,” “Private Eyes,” “Maneater”; the list of chart-topping songs the duo has penned is lengthy, impressive and just as relevant today as when the songs were originally released decades ago. The duo has been tapped by brand-new Philly venue The Fillmore (an extension of Live Nation’s other Fillmore venues) to play the grand-opening show, and this should be an absolute doozy of a Philadelphia musical love-fest. Tickets are sold-out and worth looking into StubHub for.
Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., sold-out
Thundercat + DJs Junior & Lil' Dave, Johnny Brenda's
The free-spirited West Coast jazz vibes of Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder imprint continue to rock our city, as bass guitar prodigy Thundercat, formerly of thrash-punk band Suicidal Tendencies, heads up to Fishtown to rock JB’s. WKDU’s Eavesdrop Radio DJs Junior and Lil’ Dave will provide the opening vibes at another sell-out concert that’s worth seeking out tickets for.
9 p.m., sold-out
Radio 104.5 Presents: CHVRCHES w/ MANSIONAIR, Electric Factory
Few bands out there right now have the indie-crossover-pop thing down to a science the way that Scottish electronic band CHVRCHES does. Touring in support of their brilliant and brand-new album "Every Open Eye," this sold-out show will have equal parts singalong and dancing to it, with Sydney-based group Mansionair providing the opening vibes.
8 p.m., sold-out
Kitchen Premiere with PDG, Jeff Omega and DJ HA, The Saint
The Saint at Front & Girard has always been a destination for music lovers based on its diverse rotation of great DJs. Now, there’s even more reason to head to the Fishtown bar, as it celebrates the grand re-opening of its kitchen manned by Tommy Hogunz, a fine DJ in his own right. Tommy’s fried chicken pictures on social media are droolworthy, and he’s brought in support from Philadelphia DJ group, Jeff Omega, and DJ Ha to help you work up an appetite as the beat dances onward.
5 p.m.–2 a.m., free
Open Source Opening Party featuring Washed Out DJ set, Edward W. Bok Technical School
Kick off your Friday with Mural Arts’ Open Source Opening Party and enjoy stunning rooftop views with a DJ set from indie-rockers Washed Out at the much-discussed Edward W. Bok Technical School roof deck. Entry includes one free drink ticket and also includes performances from locals City Rain, The Living Sample, Ben Arsenal and Serop. Party with a purpose – read up more on Open Source if you’re not familiar.
6 p.m.–10 p.m., $20
Kraftwerk 3-D concert, Electric Factory
German electronic music innovators Kraftwerk set the mold for pretty much every DJ who exists today, pre-empting the robot-as-humans persona long before a duo named Daft Punk came along. It’s been a while since the German robots have released new material, but their 3-D shows around the world have been getting rave reviews, even selling out eight New York shows in less than an hour. This is another one that’s sold-out and worth getting tickets off StubHub for!
8 p.m., sold-out
Fusing house music with a lush blend of vocals and electronics, Vancouver duo Bob Moses has earned props from club heads to indie-rockers for their highly danceable and grooveworthy songs released on acclaimed indie label Domino Recording Co. Their live shows have been tapped as some of the best within the electronic space, and this show is at the acoustically perfect Johnny Brenda’s, which will provide the perfect backdrop to take it all in!
Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m., $15
The Bounce X JACK'D, The Barbary
First Fridays at The Barbary have been crazy for some time now, with Bo Bliz and EMYND spinning top-notch hip-hop and party anthems as part of one of the city’s most famed and longest-running parties: The Bounce. With a newly re-opened second floor, The Barbary has taken the dance floor debauchery bi-level, and The Bounce fellas have tapped everyone’s favorite PBR Dad, Jayyo, to provide bumpin’ and jackin’ house and techno upstairs for a faster pace. Rumors of a free (while supplies last) PBR keg are true, so get there early!
9 p.m.–2 a.m., $5 before 11
FleaMarket Funk, Sarah's Place
There’s always something funky going on in Brewerytown between historic neighborhood bar Sarah’s Place and record store Brewerytown Beats. DJ Prestige of famous vinyl website FleaMarket Funk will be spreading the gospel of funk and rare groove on Friday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on WKDU with Eavesdrop Radio, spinning at Sarah’s Place Friday night and doing an in-store event Saturday at Brewerytown Beats. Feel the funk, feel the soul!
10 p.m.–2 a.m., free
March to End Rape Culture, Thomas Paine Plaza
Countless organizations, keynote speakers and artists have teamed up to take over Center City and raise awareness about an issue that extends far beyond clubs. Not only will there be poetry and live music at the gathering, but on-site, there will also be therapists and resources for those looking to speak out, get help and talk with others. Thomas Paine Plaza is located across from LOVE Park – see you there.
11 a.m., free
David Lynch’s haunting experience living in the neighborhood east of Broad Street around Spring Garden forever changed his life, heavily influencing his eerie cult-classic film "Eraserhead." The Eraserhood that’s taken root since Lynch left shall live forever at another one of PhilaMOCA’s amazing curated events. Hit up some friends and try to find a ticket to spare at this sold-out event featuring Laurel "The Lady in the Radiator" Near from Lynch’s actual film, a slew of bands, burlesque, DJ sets and a ton of fun!
7:30 p.m., sold-out
Work the Box with Deamonds, Medusa Lounge
Work the box is all about cranking up some heavy-hitting house and techno tunes, imbibing in cheap drinks and letting it rip! Diamond Girl and City Fitness host another installment of their dance bash, this time bringing in a special guest from across the Atlantic, U.K. producer Deamonds, to smash it up. The basement of Medusa Lounge is where it’s at!
10 p.m.–2 a.m., free
GUN$ GARCIA'S BORNDAY BASH, Ortlieb's
Drake night selector GUN$ GARCIA has enlisted some of her favorite DJs to play the jams in celebration of one more year on Earth! Dirty South Joe, Magglezzz and The Bounce Boys take the decks in what will surely be a raucous born-day celebration at Ortlieb’s!
11 p.m.–2 a.m., free
