March 17, 2016
While much of the music industry is capping off (or recovering from) a slovenly week at SXSW, Philly’s live music schedule is as busy as ever this weekend. Baltimore duo Beach House play a pair of sold-out shows at Union Transfer, Questlove returns home for his monthly DJ residency and there's plenty more.
If you’re not already drowning in a sea of green beer, read through our picks for the best live music of the weekend below.
All events are 21+ unless otherwise noted.
Nearly 15 years after the release of Dr. Dog's debut album, the Pennsylvania band is still plugging away. Last month, the group released its eighth album and dipped a collective toe into the psychedelic. With the new material fresh in the minds of fans, Dr. Dog headlines The Fillmore with support from local heavyweights Hop Along.
Show 8 p.m., $32
Elzhi is a rapper’s rapper: He weathered a three-album stint with Detroit group Slum Village in the early 2000s, penned a project-length tribute to Nas’ debut album "Illmatic" in 2011, and he’s traded bars with everyone from Blu to Royce da 5’9. Now, Elzhi is finally mounting a comeback with the release of a new album called "Lead Poison." To support the new Kickstarter-funded record, Elzhi hits Bourbon and Branch Friday night.
Show 10 p.m. (Doors 9 p.m.), $10
It’s hard to imagine a world without The Temptations. Songs like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” don’t belong to a decade, they belong to a generation. And, somehow, The Temptations persist, crooning the classics to packed venues in their fourth decade.
Philly fans can experience the legendary vocal group at the Keswick Theatre with some impressive help from The Four Tops Friday night.
Show 8 p.m., $69.50 to $89.50
One of Philly’s most celebrated DJs and movemakers returns to The Dolphin this weekend for another night of futuristic sounds. Dave P., who puts on a monthly hourlong mix block for WXPN, will be spinning into the wee hours of Sunday morning for an event appropriately dubbed “All Night Long.”
Show 10 p.m., Free ($5 after midnight)
San Diego psych-rock trio Earthless returned from the depths earlier this year with a surprise single called “End to End.” The track exemplifies the group’s sound: frenetic, relentless hard rock with an undeniable psychedelic tinge. The high-energy music begs for a live show, and Philly fans can find it at Underground Arts on Saturday night.
Show 9 p.m., $16
Hailing from the Philly ‘burbs, Rosu Lup released its debut album, "Is Anything Real," earlier this week after years of work. The group is celebrating the record with a string of live shows beginning with a bill in Allentown on Saturday and a release party at Johnny Brenda’s Sunday night.
Show 9 p.m. (Doors 8 p.m.), $10
[Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Questlove's father Lee Andrews passed away Wednesday. We will update this post if Questlove's scheduled performance changes accordingly.] The Roots drummer and bandleader returns to The Foundry on Sunday for his monthly DJ residency “Questlove Supreme.” With as eclectic a taste in music as he has in food — Quest has just announced his second book, "somethingtofoodabout"—the Philly native is renowned behind the turntables as a fun, dance-friendly and endlessly quirky DJ.
Show 11 p.m., $15
