7 Concerts to See in Philly This Week
This week, there’s a show for every type of music fan: hip-hop, dance, rock, pop, indie, and more. Catch modern rap wunderkind Kendrick Lamar, U.K. pop angel Marina and the Diamonds, and the dance duo Gorgon City.
Monday: Born Ruffians at Johnny Brenda’s
Photo by Maya Fuhr
The indie Canadians of Born Ruffians have a quirkiness about them, with records that still capture the laid-back but upbeat energy of a live show. After touring with groups like Tokyo Police Club, Franz Ferdinand, and Peter Björn and John, the group will be headlining at Johnny Brenda’s in support of their latest LP, RUFF. Listen before you go: “We Made It.” Monday, November 2nd, 9 pm.
Tuesday: Kendrick Lamar at the Troc
Not unlike his recent producer Dr. Dre of N.W.A. fame, Kendrick Lamar too is straight outta Compton, and has resonated deeply with fans since his mixtape days. His release To Pimp a Butterfly from last year hits hard, combining spoken word, jazz and soul influences to explore living while black in America, fame and wealth, and the “evils of Lucy” (Lucifer). There are still higher-end VIP tickets available through the venue, but you can find resells for cheaper. Listen before you go: “Alright.” Tuesday, November 3rd, 8 pm.
Wednesday: Gorgon City at Union Transfer
EDM and house definitely love their duos — and London producers Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott of Gorgon City are no exception. After a couple of EPs, the pair released their debut album, Sirens, last year, which opened as the tenth top album on the U.K. charts and features names like Katy B and Jennifer Hudson. Listen before you go: “Imagination ft. Katy Menditta.” Wednesday, November 4th, 8:30 pm.
Thursday: Postmodern Jukebox at Keswick Theatre
You probably didn’t think your favorite Top 40 hits could get any better. But Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox gives contemporary songs from artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and TLC a retro feel, be it 40s jazz, 50s doo-wop or 60s soul. Listen before you go: “Hey Ya! Cover ft. Sara Niemietz.” Thursday, November 5th, 8 pm.
Friday: Highly Suspect at MilkBoy
Highly Suspect, also Apple Music’s 2015 pick for their New Artist Spotlight, is proof that rock is far from dead. The Brooklyn transplants’ debut album, Mister Asylum, is concise but full of powerful songs laced with heavy guitar and expletives. The lineup will be rounded out with And The Kids, The Yetis, and The Sixties. Listen before you go: “Lydia.” Friday, November 6th, 8 pm.
Saturday: Marina and the Diamonds at Electric Factory
Welsh pop star Marina Diamandis is primarily a one-woman show, her fans referred to affectionally as the Diamonds. Her third album Froot reflects a deeper, more mature outlook after her previous electronic pop album and alter ego, Electra Heart. Her smile and energy is bubbling and infectious, and she is one of the few pop stars who creates real eras with every record — so snatch up those secondhand tickets for her Neon Nature Tour if you can. Listen before you go: “Froot.” Saturday, November 7th, 8:30 pm.
Sunday: Lera Lynn at World Café Live
Photo by Jeremy Ryan
Lera Lynn has many Southern roots: Houston, Nashville, and Athens, Georgia. Her sound gets to the heart of American music, with soul, a slow country swing, and almost haunting vocal melodies. Not only has she collaborated with the likes of Rosanne Cash, but she produced music for HBO’s dark, star-studded crime series True Detective. She is joined at the World Café Live by Swedish singer and former Swedish Idol contestant Anna Bergendahl. Listen before you go: “Lying in the Sun.” Sunday, November 8th, 8 pm.
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