7 Concerts Not to Miss in Philly This Week
While, perhaps unsurprisingly, Azealia Banks will no longer be gracing Philly with her presence this week, there are plenty of other options to keep you in tune this week. Mary Lambert — widely known for her 2012 duet “Same Love” with Macklemore — tours with her honest and heartfelt collection of songs touching on everything from sexuality to disorder. If you’re looking for a lighthearted show, Turquoise Jeep, known for the group’s various online videos, bring their own kind of hip-hop live. For a more classic experience, there are a few chances to see Ravi Coltrane and his quartet at Chris’s Jazz Cafe. Check out our other picks below, including a show to see in place of Banks.
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY
MONDAY: U.S. Girls at Johnny Brenda’s
As U.S. Girls, Toronto-based Meghan Remy has produced a self-realized lo-fi sound that can best be described as surrealist and dreamy. Her latest album, Half Free, features much of this, with an overlay of droning vocals that become another part of the aural imagery. The first release under British label 4AD (alongside acts like Bon Iver, Deerhunter and Ariel Pink), this nightmarish pop record touches upon gender in spacey tracks like “Woman’s Work.” Listen before you go: “Damn That Valley.” Monday, November 16th, 9 pm.
TUESDAY: Turquoise Jeep at Boot & Saddle
The ensemble of rappers and hip-hoppers known as Turquoise Jeep — including Flynt Flossy, Whatchyamacallit and Yung Humma — has definitely achieved a new level of originality. Between the graphic effects, choreography and song hooks like “Fried or Fertilized,” their YouTube videos are gems in their own right. This show shouldn’t be anything less than entertaining. Listen before you go: “Lemme Smang It.” Tuesday, November 17th, 8 pm.
WEDNESDAY: together PANGEA at PhilaMOCA
Photo by Kelsey Reckling
This Los Angeles group is a snapshot of energetic, fundamental garage-y rock. After their Harvest Records debut album, Badillac, that saw an incorporation of older rock influences — particularly that of the 90s — the latest EP, The Phage, blends uncut, youthfully American vocals with twangy guitar-driven melodies somewhat reminiscent of the “lad rock” popular overseas. Listen before you go: “Badillac.” Wednesday, November 18th, 9 pm.
THURSDAY: Mary Lambert at The Foundry
Mary Lambert came into the spotlight after collaborating with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis for their song “Same Love” and for her own piece, “She Keeps Me Warm.” After her 2014 debut album, Heart On My Sleeve, she has continued to inspire, particularly young women. Her music and spoken word poetry powerfully and honestly address topics like body image, sexuality, family issues and mental health. She will be joined by the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement. Listen before you go: “So Far Away.” Thursday, November 19th, 8 pm.
FRIDAY: Ravi Coltrane and His Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Cafe
The son of musicians Alice and John Coltrane, and the cousin of producer Flying Lotus, Ravi Coltrane has forged a decades-long dedication to music as a jazz saxophonist, producer and founder of the record company RKM Music. He’ll be playing four shows in total at the jazz venue on Friday and Saturday nights with his accompanying quartet. Listen before you go: “Zoe.” Friday, November 20th, 8 pm, 10 pm.
SATURDAY: Frankie Cosmos at First Unitarian Church
New Yorker Greta Kline aka Frankie Cosmos makes the simple elegant, able to sing the lyrics of youth in “Birthday Song” like “I hate everybody in this town,” with an eerie kind of sweetness. Although she has released roughly 50 albums and EPs on Bandcamp, her latest EP, Fit Me In, incorporates more of a synth and electronic vibe to her lo-fi bedroom sound. Listen before you go: “Young.” Saturday, November 21st, 8:30 pm.
SUNDAY: Beat Connection at Johnny Brenda’s
After touring with names like Toro y Moi and ODESZA, Seattle’s Beat Connection is holding their own show at Johnny Brenda’s. With the release of their newest album, Product 3, last month, the group offers up dreamy and slick indie dance tracks. Also joining the lineup will be Phantoms and Bondage and Discipline. Listen before you go: “Thought Through.” Sunday, November 22nd, 9 pm.
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