The parade of green-clad drunks is behind us and Easter weekend has finally arrived. Thankfully, instead of bracing for a final winter storm, this weekend is bringing dreamy weather along with a typically packed lineup of live music.
On opposite ends of the spectrum, Bonnie Raitt and Pusha T are both scheduled to play to sold out crowds at the Kimmel Center and the Trocadero respectively. (You could shell out big bucks for resale if you missed out.) And as always, there are shows of every size in between to keep you busy.
Check out our rundown of the best live music coming to Philly this weekend below.
All events are 21-plus unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, March 24
Baauer, Tunji Ige: Union Transfer
Philly-born electronic producer Baauer will likely spend his whole career escaping the infamy of his 2012 viral hit “Harlem Shake,” and his long-awaited debut album, the just-released "Aa," accomplishes the feat admirably. Baauer has enlisted the likes of Future and Pusha T (on the same song), and M.I.A. and Rustie elsewhere, to wonderful effect.While it’s the producer that occupies the headline spot, ascendant local rapper Tunji Ige is right behind him for good reason. Tunji, who has a knack for churning out irresistible bangers as evidenced by his first hit “Day2Day,” will be playing his own sold-out large rooms in no time.
Doors 7:30 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m., $20-25, all ages
Friday, March 25
Field Music: Johnny Brenda’s
English indie rockers Field Music arrive at Johnny Brenda’s on Friday following the February release of their sixth album, "Commontime." After a full-length collection of song covers called "Play... ," "Commontime" is bursting with everything that made the group so attractive to early fans: unexpected twists and turns filtered through irresistible pop. The group is joined by The Effects and Teen Men as openers.Doors 8 p.m., Show 9 p.m., $12
Saturday, March 26
Queen of Jeans, The Stargazer Lilies: Ortlieb’s
Queen of Jeans released their debut EP in January and the songs were fun and serious at once, flitting between charged up garage rock and more meandering psych. Unlike the South Philly relic from which they derive their name, Queen of Jeans are still standing and will perform their new music at Ortlieb’s on Saturday alongside Northeastern Pennsylvania trio The Stargazer Lilies.Read our interview with Queen of Jeans here and check out their moms rocking out in a new video for a cover of “Walk Like An Egyptian” below.
Show 8 p.m., $10
Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band: PhilaMOCA
Two years after the release of "Intensity," Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band are back with a new album called "The Rarity of Experience." The group celebrates the release alongside 75 Dollar Bill at PhilaMOCA with an album release show on Saturday.Doors, 8 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m., $10-12, all ages
R.A The Rugged Man, A-F-R-O: The Voltage Lounge
R.A. The Rugged Man is a bit of an underground hip-hop hero. Instead of fitting into the industry, R.A. has been railing against it for years. Now, the Suffolk County veteran is helping a new generation of hip-hop talent in A-F-R-O, a vintage-friendly teen rapper from Los Angeles who packs a punch and similarly nimble lyrics.Show 9 p.m., $15, ages 18+
Sunday, March 27
Titus Andronicus: Union Transfer
A decade after the band’s formation, New Jersey’s Titus Andronicus released an ambitious rock opera album last year in the form of "The Most Lamentable Tragedy." Against all odds, the record, which runs more than an hour-and-a-half long, found its stride and wasn’t gimmicky at all, instead representing everything fans have loved about the band for years. On Sunday, the group plays Union Transfer, a concert that’s likely to sell out in the coming days.Doors 7:30 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m., $20, all ages
9th Wonder, DJ Lil’ Dave, Mike Nyce: Silk City Diner
Hip-hop renaissance man — producer, DJ, scholar, label head—9th Wonder returns to Silk City for the second of a three-month-long residency this Sunday. 9th will take over the turntables after opening sets from Lil’ Dave and Mike Nyce.Doors 9 p.m., $10