7 Shows To See In Philly This Week: Jacob Snider, West Philadelphia Orchestra, The Solar Motel Band and More
Here are the shows worth seeing this week, Philly.
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Since forming in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been awarded four Grammys, recorded with Paul Simon, and were named South Africa's Cultural Ambassadors to the World by Nelson Mandela. The male choral group puts on quite the show, taking audiences on a journey of South African culture through soaring a cappella harmonies and lively dance numbers. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Amazing Grace (Live)." Monday, February 2nd, 7:30 p.m., Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jacob Snider was named best new artist by WXPN's Helen Leicht, and has already shared the stage with prominent artists like The Civil Wars and Matisyahu. Snider's vocals are smooth and lulling, calling up thoughts of Ben Folds or Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard. He's a talented lyricist as well: his latest album–Carrier–has introspective stories weaved through each track. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Carrier." Tuesday, February 3rd, 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
You may have unknowingly caught the musical stylings of The Bernhardt Family Band before, as members Kate and Jerry Bernhardt have frequently performed and collaborated with hometown favorites like the Levee Drivers and Toy Soldiers. The brother-sister duo put on captivating performances, featuring goose bump-inducing harmonies and arresting guitar riffs–tiny reminders of what music is supposed to sound like. Musicians Ross Bellenoit and Rachel Ries will open the show. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Tomorrow to Today (Cover)." Wednesday, February 4th, 8 p.m., 21+, Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad Street.
If you're looking to bust some serious moves this week, there's no better place than the "Balkan Dance Party" at Underground Arts. Every First Thursday, catch the funky, brassy sounds of West Philadelphia Orchestra, who explore Eastern European folk music traditions the Philadelphia way: "tinged with punk rock, soul, and cheesesteaks, and blended with the voices of our community." With pulsating drums, booming trumpets, and endless beats, a sweaty dance party is sure to ensue. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Burkan Cocek." Thursday, February 5th, 9 p.m., 21+, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
Psychedelic guitarist Chris Forsyth was well-known within the underground music scene before joining with bassist Peter Kerlin, guitarist Paul Sukeena, and drummer Steven Urgo to form The Solar Motel Band. The band's 2013 self-titled album was named one of the year's best releases by The New Yorker, with comparisons to classics like Television, The Grateful Dead, and Neil Young & Crazy Horse. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "I Ain't Waiting." Friday, February 6th, 9 p.m., 21+, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave.
Indie rock fans, you can always rely on MilkBoy to give you what you want. Head there on Saturday night to get your dose of alternative tunes, with a performance by The Last Year. Led by lead singer Niki Barr, the band's covers of songs by groups like Vance Joy and Phantogram will definitely please lovers of alt-rock. Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Fall In Love (Cover)." Saturday, February 7th, 8:30 p.m., 21+, MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut Street.
With three decades since the release of his debut album, Robert Earl Keen has earned his place in the country music scene, regarded as one of the Lone Star State's finest singer-songwriters. While Keen's music spans a range of styles, his latest album–Happy Prisoner–is rooted in bluegrass, "with cameos by A-list duet partners like Lyle Lovett, Peter Rowan and Natalie Maines." Tickets are available for purchase online. Listen before you go: "Wayfaring Stranger." Sunday, February 8th, 7:30 p.m., 21+, Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA.
