Best Things to Do in Philly in March

Our picks for what’s worth doing in Philly this month, including French classical pianist Hélène Grimaud, a tribute to Hendrix and Kirk Franklin performing some Gospel.

March 3

Daughter at the Union Transfer

Check out Not to Disappear, the brand-new release from this atmospheric British band. Our favorite single is “Doing the Right Thing.” We think you’ll like it.

Daughter plays at Union Transfer on March 3rd.

Daughter plays at Union Transfer on March 3rd. | Photo by Francesca Jane Allen

March 3-5

Hélène Grimaud at the the Kimmel Center

Our Orchestra is joined by the daring French classical pianist for a program that includes Brahms and Schumann.

March 4

Wolfmother at The Trocadero

Doomy hard rock at its modern best, all the way from Australia. Listen to their eponymous 2005 debut for a primer, especially the Grammy-winning single “Mother.”

March 5-13

Philadelphia Flower Show at the Convention Center

After a few years of rather lackluster shows under the former leadership, new Pennsylvania Horticultural Society president Matt Rader gets a chance to impress and turn things around.

March 10

Two Trains Running at the Arden Theatre

We’re pretty sure Kash Goins is one of the busiest guys we know. The 42-year-old Point Breeze native has three school-age sons, a wife, a house in North Wilmington, and a full-time job with an insurance company. He also runs his own theater company, GoKash Productions. He acts on local stages. (This month he turns up at the Arden with a pivotal role in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running.) And he recently delved into TV and film, with a speaking part in Creed, a spot in the next M. Night Shyamalan movie, and some just-completed work on Fox’s Gotham. “I feel terribly uncomfortable waiting for opportunity,” says Goins, a graduate of South Philadelphia High and Lincoln University. “I just speak, and the universe speaks back.” Through April 10th.

Kash Goins turns up at the Arden with a pivotal role in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running March 10th through April 10th. | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

Kash Goins turns up at the Arden with a pivotal role in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running March 10th through April 10th. | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

March 11-12

Okwui Okpokwasili at FringeArts

The New York City-based writer and performer brings to town her latest work, Bronx Gothic.

March 14

The Who at Wells Fargo Center

It’s worth it just to hear “Baba O’Riley” played live once in your lifetime.

March 15-20

The Sound of Music at the Academy of Music

If you don’t take Mom, she’ll never forgive you.

See The Sound of Music at the Academy of Music on March 15th through March 20th.

See The Sound of Music at the Academy of Music on March 15th through March 20th. | Photo courtesy of the Kimmel Center

March 16-April 10

An Octoroon at the Wilma Theater

A modern interpretation of the 19th-century play, featuring an all-star Philadelphia cast.

March 17

Dr. Dog at the Fillmore

One of Philly’s most inventive bands in their debut at our newest concert venue.

March 18

Biz Markie at TLA

We don’t like going to South Street these days, either, but for the master of the human beat box — and, of course, a memorable personality on kids’ show Yo Gabba Gabba! — we might make an exception.

March 18

“Get Pegged” at FringeArts

A boundary-pushing monthly cabaret from gender-bending Philly troupe the Bearded Ladies.

March 18

Prisoner’s Song at Rotunda

A moving musical composition and performance about life behind bars.

March 19

“Experience Hendrix” at the Borgata

Some of the greatest guitarists alive in the world today, from Buddy Guy to Dweezil Zappa to Kenny Wayne Shepherd, pay tribute to the man, the myth and the legend.

The tribute to Hendrix plays on March 19th.

The tribute to Hendrix plays on March 19th. | Photo courtesy of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

March 19

Hoodie Allen at the Electric Factory

From Penn grad to rapper; he just came out with his second album, Happy Camper.

March 20

Megadeth at the Electric Factory

At 50 million albums and counting, Dave Mustaine and his migraine-inducing friends aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Suicidal Tendencies opens.

March 22-April 3

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Academy of Music

The Tony-winning story of a giant of American songwriting.

March 23

Kirk Franklin at Tower Theater

Gospel, just in time for Easter.

March 23

Mac Sabbath at Underground Arts

If you want a sense of humor with your metal, you can do no better than this wonderfully terrible Black Sabbath parody band that dresses in scarified McDonald’s character costumes and changes the lyrics to suit their fast-food spirit. “I am Iron Man” becomes “I have frying pan,” and so forth, and so on.

March 25

Red Baraat at the Ardmore Music Hall

One of the country’s preeminent party bands combines bangra and funk in a show that the ladies love to dance to.

March 25

Bonnie Raitt at the Kimmel Center

A rare tour from a rare talent.

March 25-April 17

The Nether at the Drake Theater

Interact Theatre Company takes on a futurist work the New York Times has described as “very cunning and equally creepy.”

March 26

Pat Martino at Chris’ Jazz Cafe

If you’ve never seen this jazz guitar icon — and native South Philadelphian, to boot — you owe yourself the chance.

March 29-30

Primary Stages at the Community Education Center

A festival of 10-minute plays. Perfect for those of you with short attention spans.