7 Concerts Not To Miss in Philly This Week

A holiday show with songbird India.Arie, Circa Waves at Union Transfer, The Arcs and more must-see live music to catch in Philly this week.

This week, Philly’s music scene has a great blend of local and out-of-town talents. See Philly folkers Dirty Dollhouse, or transplant bands like Three Man Cannon. Relive the classic sound of Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham and his band, get a taste of Dan Auerbach’s new group, The Arcs, or check out inspirational R&B singer India.Arie on her Christmas tour. Scroll down for all our picks, or click through to the day of the week you’re most interested in.

MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY

MONDAY: Three Man Cannon at Kung Fu Necktie

Scranton natives Three Man Cannon have made their new home in Philly, hitting the local scene with their blend of lo-fi indie soundscapes and folkish punk. They’ll be touring for their latest release, Will I Know You Then, which dropped November via Lame-O Records. Listen before you go: “Patiently.” Monday, December 14th, 8 pm.


TUESDAY: Led Zeppelin Experience at Electric Factory

Sons of musical greats often find themselves walking in the shadow of their fathers when they embark on their own careers. But Jason Bonham‘s concerts pay a personal and intimate tribute to his own life story and the legendary music of the late drummer John Bonham, and the rest of Led Zeppelin. Listen before you go: “Black Dog.” Tuesday, December 15th, 8 pm.


WEDNESDAY: The Arcs at the Fillmore

This past summer, The Black Keys‘ Dan Auerbach announced his side project The Arcs, a collaboration with long-time friends and fellow musicians, many who have helped him produce records for artists like Lana Del Rey and Ray LaMontagne. Their debut Yours, Dreamily is true to its name, with Auerbach’s slick vocals paired with the band’s atmospheric and dark reflections on love lost. Listen before you go: “Outta My Mind.” Wednesday, December 16th, 8 pm.


THURSDAY: India.Arie at Keswick Theatre

India Arie has always moved to the beat of her own drum, not letting the superficial define her. After a four-year hiatus to take a breather from the music biz, the R&B singer-songwriter returned in 2013 with her fifth album, SongVersation. For the holidays, she is kicking off a brand new Christmas With Friends tour, and will be joined at Keswick by gospel musician Jonathan McReynolds. Listen before you go: “Cocoa Butter.” Thursday, December 17th, 8 pm.


FRIDAY: Dirty Dollhouse at Bourbon & Branch

concerts-in-philly-dirty-dollhouse-ashley-dix

Photo by Ashley Dix

This soulful Philly folk trio joins the lineup at Bourbon & Branch as a part of the venue’s “Big Damn Holiday Brawl.” Songwriter Chelsea Mitchell projects powerful vocals that create beautiful harmonies with the help of Vanessa Winters from The Lawsuits, and Amber Twait. Listen before you go: “25 Shades of Blue.” Friday, December 18th, 9 pm.


SATURDAY: Circa Waves at Union Transfer

Circa Waves; Escalator Studios; Liverpool; Radar lead; Skatepark; posed

Circa Waves; Escalator Studios; Liverpool; Radar lead; Skatepark; posed

Inspired by the Strokes, and with an energy fit for the well-established English indie scene, Liverpool’s Circa Waves is melodic and up-beat even when reminiscing. The group will open up for fellow English band and labelmates Foals for their sold-out show at Union Transfer. Listen before you go: “T-Shirt Weather.” Saturday, December 19th, 8:30 pm.


SUNDAY: The Sixties at Bourbon & Branch

The alternative Landsdale and Philly band The Sixties draws on different influences from The Whigs to We Are Scientists and Arctic Monkeys. Their 2014 full-length album, There It Isn’t, puts driving guitar licks and gritty vocals to good use. Listen before you go: “Philadelphia Calm.” Sunday, December 20th, 8 pm.


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