Music: 6 Shows to See in Philly This Week
Aphra plays the Barbary on Wednesday.
International Women’s Day Benefit Concert @ Underground Arts | Wednesday, March 8
This benefit for the new Crossroads Women’s Center — “a grassroots, multi-racial, community-based, self-help center” in Germantown — is packed with righteous Philly talent: Louie Louie, Queen of Jeans, Molly Rhythm, Hemming, Ivy Sole, Grayling, Manic Pixi, Harmony Woods, The Pretty Greens, Troi Lauren, Ladybird, Resilient, Little Strike (see below) and Sweetbriar Rose.
Aphra @ the Barbary | Wednesday, March 8
Keep an eye on Aphra. The Fishtown artist is celebrating the release of her debut EP, Sadness Is A Gesture, on Wednesday and it’s a strong if understated chunk of minimalist electro-pop. Spooky and spacey, these are the songs you oughtta hear on that long lonely drive home from a breakup.
Los Campesinos! @ the TLA | Wednesday, March 8
Don’t look now, but these dreamy indie Welsh kids have been at it for 10 years and counting. Quirky, but not annoyingly so, the septet specializes in exuberant choruses and crumbling heart lyrics. This is their first tour in quite a while, and comes complete with a new album, Sick Scenes.
Jeezy @ Fillmore Philly | Thursday, March 9
Power 99 brings The Snowman back to Philly for this “Rise & Grind Anniversary Show” also featuring Lil Durk. Dropped in October of last year, Jeezy’s Trap or Die 3 features French Montana, Lil Wayne and a lot of information on how rich he is.
Evil Sword @ PhilaMOCA | Friday, March 10
Messy, lovely and weird, Philly’s Evil Sword mixes angular punk with artsy vision. Singer Kate Ferencz reminds me of Karen O, a scary good voice used for nefarious purposes. This show celebrates Evil Sword’s new double-cassette (!!) release, An Eerie Fire Eats The Brain.
Questlove Supreme @ Foundry at the Fillmore | Sunday, March 12
I’m finally reading the Roots bandleader’s 2013 memoir Mo’ Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove, and it’s really making me appreciate the man’s DJ-ing skills. He’s got reading the room down to a science, knowing when to shake the rafters and when to let you breathe. And, of course, Questo’s taste is impeccable.
