After a stretch of brutal cold kept the city cooped up for Valentine’s Day weekend, this weekend’s promises of spring-like weather come as a welcome change. As ever, there’s plenty of music to soak up around Philly, including a much-awaited (and sold out) Animal Collective album release show at Union Transfer Friday night.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on a handful of shows you’ll actually be able to score tickets to. Read on for our concert picks including shows from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Madeon and more.
All events are for those ages 21 and over unless otherwise stated.
Thursday, Feb. 18
Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Union Transfer
Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Ruban Nielson has a voracious musical appetite. On the band’s third album, "Multi-Love," released last May, the lyrics grapple with the complicated realities of polyamory. Musically UMO is funky, psychy and ambitiously rocking all at once.
Doors 8 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m, $17-20 (all ages)
Quite Hype: Silk City Diner
With a growing track record around the city, Philly’s own DJ/producer Quite Hype throws an inaugural Third Thursday party at Silk City Diner this weekend. Quite Hype, who was announced as Philadelphia’s newest Reebok rep in January, will be inviting special guests out for a night of hip-hop, house, and all sorts of club music at his newest party. The CultClassic and Eclectic Spark-sponsored event features free PBR from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a shot at some Reebok giveaways as well.
Show 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Free
Friday, Feb. 19
AraabMUZIK, Audiohazard, Nadus, Swizzymack: District N9NE
DJ and producer AraabMUZIK has a nearly athletic approach to pounding a drum machine: it’s not a race, but his performance often features blindingly fast displays of dexterity. The result is a style of unforgettable frenetic production manifested through a thorough blend of hip-hop and electronic. Audiohazard, Nadus, and Swizzymack join the producer Friday night for a bill at District N9NE.
Show 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m., $12-35 (ages 16 and over)
Church Girls, Madalean Gauze, Queen of Jeans: Johnny Brenda’s
Philly’s own indie four-piece Church Girls, fronted by guitarist and singer Mariel Beaumont, released their "Thousand Lives" album last month and Friday, they bring the project to the Johnny Brenda’s stage as a part of a short tour that also includes dates in Washington D.C. and Brooklyn. Madalean Gauze and South Philly’s Queen of Jeans round out the bill for an all-local lineup.
Doors 8 p.m., Show 9 p.m., $10
Saturday, Feb. 20
Cosmicide: Ukrainian League of Philadelphia
Brandon Curtis of The Secret Machines (who shared bills with the likes of U2, the Chemical Brothers and Oasis) brings his new band Cosmicide to the Ukrainian League of Philadelphia on Saturday. The last-minute Philly show helps cap off a busy month that included a weekly residency at Manhattan’s Pianos night club.
Check out Cosmicide’s “Everything’s Under Waves” video here.
Show 10 p.m.
Dave P. & Sammy Slice (Making Time): The Dolphin Tavern
After the cold caused the unfortunate cancellation of last week’s Making Time VALENTIME event (the club didn’t have a heating system!), Dave P. has announced a free replacement party at The Dolphin this weekend, stating “I’m not going to return the $2000 worth of decorations that I bought for last Saturday’s” event. The upshot? Making Time’s stalwart duo of Dave P. and Sammy Slice are celebrating the day of love a week late, but the sentiment is still right on time.
Show 10 p.m.- 2 a.m., Free
Madeon: Electric Factory
Last year was big for Madeon, the now 21-year-old French producer who has been releasing music since 2012. We saw the release of a debut album, "Adventure," from the artist whose given name is Hugo Pierre Leclercq and the effort didn’t disappoint. Leclercq is currently touring the country in support of the new record, and while there will likely be decades of Madeon music to come, now’s your chance to catch him early on.
Doors 7:30 p.m., Show 8:30 p.m., $25-30 (all ages)
Sunday, Feb. 21
Amy Vachal: Tin Angel
A semifinalist of last year’s “The Voice” competition (she was coached by both Pharrell and Adam Levine if you were wondering), Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Amy Vachal performs at Tin Angel this Sunday. Vachal is still at work on her full-length debut, but found traction on the charts thanks to a string of covers on the show, including a rendition of Drake’s “Hotline Bling”.
Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7 p.m., $15