After an epic snow storm kept the city cooped up for days, we can expect fuller dance floors courtesy of the recent meltdown for this weekend’s live shows. Unfortunately, this week brought even worse news than the weather for live music in Philly as Councilman Mark Squilla has proposed a bill that could usher in severe consequences for venues across the city. (Check out our full report on the bill's introduction here.)
For now, at least, we can bask in another great weekend of unhampered live music in the city. Check out our weekend concert picks below.
(All shows are 21+ unless noted otherwise.)
Thursday, Jan. 28
After a storied mixtape run and Def Jam signing in 2012, Florida emcee Gunplay finally released his debut album "Living Legend" last July. The Triple C’s rapper is currently on the road and stops in Philly tonight for a performance at Voltage Lounge.
Doors 8 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m.; $15-20 (Ages 18+)
A few months after releasing his first record for Argot (this after his official debut in 2014), local producer/DJ Maxine & Cleo teams up with WKDU’s Chris B for Ruba Club’s first (and apparently only) monthly DJ event. The party, dubbed Nightworks, will make good use of the NoLibs digs and feature pool, ping-pong, and even some N64 action while the hosts spin house, funk, and disco through the night. Enjoy $1 Narragansett up until 3 a.m. while you’re at it.
Show 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.; $3-5
The one-year anniversary edition of Dolphin’s Extra Credit event will be the occasion for Venezuelan DJ Marite’s first performance in Philly tonight. After traveling throughout Europe and South America, Marite moved to the states last year and is primed for a breakout in 2016.
And, in the spirit of good vibes, if you namedrop “Extra Credit” at Northern Liberties’ newest record shop, Profund Music N Art, you’ll get a 15-percent discount off your purchase and a free Marite mixtape with some drink tickets for the event.
Show 10 p.m.; free
Lame-O Records finishes off their month-long “Rock Residency” at Boot & Saddle tonight with a headline performance from Philly’s own Dogs On Acid, who debuted with their self-titled full-length last summer. The all-Philly bill is rounded out with opening sets from Thin Lips and The Superweaks.
Doors 7:30 p.m., Show 8:00 p.m.; $5-8
Folk artist Tamara Lindeman is less than a year removed from her most accomplished The Weather Station album in the form of "Loyalty." Recorded in France, Lindeman’s third album found her creeping into new spaces sonically and honing her already-impressive songwriting. Tonight she brings the new album to Johnny Brenda’s and puts local acts Purling Hiss and Rosali up for a pair of early opening performances.
Doors 8 p.m., Show 9 p.m.; $10-12
Friday, Jan. 29
Illvibe Collective’s stalwart trio of Mr. Sonny James, Lil Dave, and Matthew Law return with another edition of their Bodyrock party at Franky Bradley’s this Friday. It’s the first Bodyrock event of the new year and a perfect occasion to see one of the best DJ crews in the city at work in tandem.
Show 9 p.m.; $5
Baltimore techno collective Vague Output is bringing the whole team up to Philly tomorrow night for a throwdown at Girard Hall. The Bmore-Philly connection will include a visual component to match the DJ sets and feature performances from Bastet, Constants, C1, WOLF DEM, Chaperone, and Speaking Parts.
Show 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 30
Fresh off an enormous New Year’s Eve celebration, Dave P. is back with the first official Making Time event of the year this Saturday. This time, the party goes down at Pianka’s freshly opened warehouse space at 714 Girard and features a headline set from Tiga, the Canadian DJ whose infectious 2014 hit “Bugatti” landed a Pusha T verse later that year. Dave P. & Sammy Slice, Mike Z. & Dave Pak, Rocktits!, Broadzilla, and Greg D. fill out the ranks for what will be a long night of loud music. The $15 entry price buys you free Tecate, Heineken, and Sailor Jerry Rum cocktails up until 11 p.m.
Doors 9 p.m. (show ends at 3 a.m.); $15
Sunday, Jan. 31
Queen of Jeans, whose name nods to an iconic piece of signage on Passyunk in South Philly, have just released its debut EP. The project is a little bit of 1960s girl pop here, moody psych-folk there, and charged up garage rock in between. On Sunday, the group celebrates the debut with an official release show at Kung Fu Necktie and bring along Louie Louie and The Mysteries for opening sets.
Read our interview with Queen of Jeans here.
Doors 7 p.m.; $8-10
