Things to Do in Philly in January: Northern Arms, Al Pacino, Future Islands and More

Spotlight of the Month

Northern Arms | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

Northern Arms: After 10 years of infighting, battles with addiction, and bandleader Keith Richard Peirce’s self-imposed exile to a remote part of Florida accessible only by boat or small aircraft, this Philadelphia dectet finally managed to release an album last year, and it was nothing short of fantastic, with a beautifully lush and moody sound—equal parts Tom Waits, Sergio Leone soundtracks and David Bowie. So Peirce (center) was quick to return to Fishtown’s storied Miner Street Recordings, where he and the crew began working on their follow-up in November. “The sound will be big but stark,” promises Peirce, 40, pegging late May as the release date. “I see ghost towns, loners and wide-open ranges. A dark West.” Hear songs from both albums at their Art Museum performance this month. January 9th, Philadelphia Museum of Art.

January 6-18

Motown: The Musical plays at Academy of Musice from January 6th to 18th. | Photo by Joan Marcus

Motown: The Musical at Academy of Music
The music and relationships behind the record label that produced Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross.

January 7

The Body of an American at The Wilma Theater
The 2012 play inspired by the gripping 1993 photo of a dead American soldier being dragged through Mogadishu.

January 9

The Psychedelic Furs at Ardmore Music Hall
From the 1970s British post-punk scene to … the Main Line.

January 10-11

Future Islands plays Union Transfer on January 10th and 11th | Photo by Tim Saccenti

Future Islands at Union Transfer
Synthy pop from Baltimore.

January 15

Under the Skin at Arden Theatre
A world premiere from local playwright Michael Hollinger tells the story of a dying man and his estranged daughter, who has the kidney that could save him.

January 16

The Dangerous House of Pretty Mbane at Adrienne Theatre
A South African soccer star is forced to leave her country because she’s gay but returns when her lover goes missing.

January 17

Jame’s Browns saxophonist Maceo Parker plays Merriam Theater on January 17th.

Maceo Parker at Merriam Theater
A.k.a. James Brown’s saxophone man.

January 23

“For the Love of Pig Iron” at The Trocadero
Philadelphia’s largest and most entertaining theater benefit, which raises money for Pig Iron Theatre Company.

January 23

John Oliver at Tower Theatre
As seen on TV.

January 23-24

The Toss Away(s) at Annenberg Center
A dance memoir in five parts by Philadelphia choreographer Amy Lynne Barr.

January 24

Jerry Blavat at Kimmel Center
Like the Energizer Bunny. This time, he’s back with early rock-and-rollers Mel Carter, Gene Chandler and Maxine Brown—all backed by a 30-piece orchestra.

January 24

Al Pacino will be special guest at The Academy Ball on January 24th.

The Academy Ball at Academy of Music
Where socialites and CEOs pay lots of money to be seen in their finest. Special guest: Al Pacino.

January 24

Billy Idol at Tower Theatre
The rebel (still) yells.

January 24

“The Sky’s Gone Out” at The Galleries at Moore
An exhibit of some of the weirdest and most unsettling contemporary art around.

January 30-31

See Duane Eubanks at Chris’ Jazz Cafe on January 30th and 31st.

Duane Eubanks at Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A CD release show for Kevin’s younger brother.

January 31

The O’Jays at The Borgata
The pride of Gamble & Huff.

Stinker of the Month

January 24
David Cassidy at The Tropicana
A tour to pay off all of those DWI fines and attorneys, we’re guessing.

Originally published in the Ticket section in the January 2015 issue of Philadelphia magazine.