An exciting selection of live music is in play this weekend throughout Philly for the first weekend of the new month. Whether you’re looking to catch up on some buzzing local hip-hop artists, experience the album release party for an ambitious local harpist or dance along to a frenetic DJ set, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our picks for the best live music in the city this weekend below.
All shows are 21+ unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, March 3
English folk trio Daughter released their sophomore album, "Not to Disappear," in January and are maintaining the momentum with a national tour. Tonight, they land in Philly for a big show at Union Transfer. And while the concert has been advertised as “sold-out,” last we checked, you could still grab a ticket
here if you hurry.
Show 8:30 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.), $18 (all ages)
Friday, March 4
Friday night at The Fire features a bill full of rising Philly emcees with ascendant newcomer Marv Mack leading the charge. Mack released his debut album in January and has just followed up with a catchy video for the lead single, “Own Crib,” a funny and upbeat number about going solo. Mack is joined by Anyee Wright, Hulitho and more for this WhatScene?-promoted show.
Show 10 p.m., $7
Last month, Boston band Quilt finally released a follow-up to its 2014 sophomore album "Held in Splendor." "Plaza," shared on Feb. 26, seems like a careful evolution on the sound that originally piqued fans’ interest (there’s still a smart blend of rock nostalgia and contemporary indie ambitions in play) and Philly heads can enjoy the new songs live at Johnny Brenda’s on Friday night.
Show 9 p.m. (Doors 8 p.m.), $10
Saturday, March 5
Syracuse indie band Ra Ra Riot has traversed an impressive amount of ground over the last decade, and their just-released "Need Your Light" album seems like a return to form (the group is again collaborating with Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij). On Saturday, the group arrives at Union Transfer for an all-ages show in support of the new record.
Show 8:30 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.), $18 (all ages)
Mary Lattimore has become a Philly stalwart in recent years. The harpist has lent her instrument — which features both a pedal and 47 strings — on recordings for the likes of Kurt Vile, Purling Hiss and the War on Drugs. On Friday, Lattimore releases her fantastic new record "At The Dam" and celebrates the affair with a release show at PhilaMOCA on Saturday.
Show 8:30 p.m. (Doors 8 p.m.), $10-$12 (all ages)
Miami and Berlin-based DJ/producer Danny Daze gets a friendly Philly welcome at 714 Saturday night courtesy of Goodie & Ovum Recordings. With Rob Paine and DJ Dirty opening up the night, you can expect a busy dance floor until the early morning.
Show 11 p.m.-3:30 a.m., $15
Sunday, March 6
UK solo artist Benjamin John Power originally made his name alongside Andrew Hung as the electronic duo F*** Buttons, a group that jolted the noise music scene with the incredible 2008 debut "Street Horrrsing." Both members have maintained ambitions as solo artists, and Power stepped out on his own as Blanck Mass years ago. In 2015, Blanck Mass shared a new record called "Dumb Flesh," an irresistible rhythmic jaunt full of expectedly diverse sounds. Unfortunately, Power didn’t get to tour "Dumb Flesh" in the States last year due to a visa issue, so this weekend’s show at Johnny Brenda’s is a must-see for longtime fans.
Show 9 p.m. (Doors 8 p.m.), $15
