This Weekend’s Live Music Picks
WRITTEN BY: HEATHER DEWAAL
Finals have ended, fellow Owls! Whether you’re packing up your dorm or getting ready to start a summer job or class, you owe it to yourself to wind down with some fun, fresh music options. Luckily, here in Philly you don’t need to go very far to find it.
Thursday May 5th
World Cafe Live (Upstairs): Kat Pace
Tickets: $20
All Ages
Pace is a Philly native returning home to perform at the WCL, a local favorite. Her EP “Survivor” debuted in 2014 to glowing reviews. Pace’s show features rock music with underlying pop themes.
World Cafe Live (Downstairs): An Evening with Elle Varner
Tickets: $30 – $40 + fees
All Ages
Elle Varner released her debut album, “Perfectly Imperfect,” in 2012, and quickly rose to fame and popularity. While she is a Grammy Award-nominated R&B and soul artist, she also tends to incorporate some funk into her music (exemplified by her hit song, “Only Want to Give It to You”). Some of her more high-profile fans are Michelle and Malia Obama. Talk about some high praise!
The Electric Factory: Mastodon
Tickets: $32.50
21+
Fans of heavy metal will want to check out Mastodon, a Grammy-nominated band originally from Atlanta. The band prefers not to be genre-specific, blending multiple metal genres, as well as rock ‘n’ roll, punk, and psychedelic. Mastodon is currently working on their new album. Most recently, they released their single “White Walker,” and appeared in a fifth-season episode of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
MilkBoy Philly: Communion: Philadelphia
Tickets: $8-12
21+
Communion: Philadelphia will be a show that showcases emerging talent from multiple genres. One of the featured bands is B A S E C A M P, hailing from Nashville, Tenn. They released their debut EP in 2013 and are known for their rhythmic base, drums, and strong vocals. The show will also feature Elderbook, a hip-hop and jazz-inspired artist from London, and Blue Healer, a band from Austin, Texas who plays catchy indie rock and dance music.
Friday May 6th
The Electric Factory: Frightened Rabbit
Tickets: $18 – $22
All Ages
Frightened Rabbit is an indie rock band from Scotland currently on tour following the release of their latest album, “Painting of a Panic Attack.” One of their greatest strengths is lyrical quality, drawing most of their praise from their poetic songwriting.
MilkBoy Philly: Atley Moon and The Say Somethings
Tickets: $8-10
21+
Atley Moon is a local rock group with elements of soul. Not only are the tickets for this show affordable, but they promise more than just a concert. Expect to be on your feet dancing the night away.
Saturday May 7th
World Cafe Live (Upstairs): Winterpills
Tickets: $12 + fees
All Ages
Winterpills is a chamber pop and rock group who recently released their latest album, “Love Songs.” Their previous albums have garnered praise from The New York Times and The Washington Post, as well as achieving Top 100 listings on iTunes and Amazon.
World Cafe Live (Downstairs): The Good Mess
Tickets: $30 – $40 + fees
All Ages
The Good Mess, formerly known as The Suits, is a high-energy rock band being featured at the WCL following the release of their EP, “Smoke Like Ghosts,” in 2015. Their style is strongly influenced by the grunge scene of the ‘90s. If you’re a fan of Nirvana or Stone Temple Pilots, this is the show for you.
MilkBoy Philly: Ryan Beaver
Tickets: $10-12
21+
Originally from Austin, Texas, Ryan Beaver is a country music singer inspired by rock ‘n’ roll. He has received praise most notably from Rolling Stone. Beaver’s lyrics are honest and emotional, appealing to any modern country music fan.
Sunday May 8th
World Cafe Live (Upstairs): Distant Cousins
Tickets: $10 – $12 + fees
All Ages
Distant Cousins is an indie pop band from Los Angeles. Songs from their debut EP, “Distant Cousins EP”, have been featured in the movie “This Is Where I Leave You,” the CW series “Reign,” among other television shows. Their music is upbeat and vibrant, promising a lively and memorable show at WCL this Sunday.
World Cafe Live (Downstairs): Låpsley
Tickets: $15 + fees
All Ages
Låpsley is a singer/songwriter from Yorkshire who released her debut album, “Long Way Home,” this past March. She has already gained a strong following, thanks to her emotive vocals, ambience and electronically textured music. 2016 has proven to be a breakout year for Låpsley, as she will also be playing at Lollapalooza in July.
