When’s the last time you could see an almost 50-year-old ska band, one of the leaders of the neo-soul sound, and a band that bangs on trash cans all in the same weekend? Answer: this weekend.
While there have already been some weekends packed with great shows, there hasn’t been one featuring a more diverse group of shows in a 48-hour span. There truly is a little bit of something for everyone.
Friday, March 1st | The weekend starts off with two fantastic shows. The first comes courtesy of The Blockley. The West Philly venue plays host to The Skatalites. The Jamaican ska legends have been around since 1964 and are currently celebrating the release of their latest album, Walk With Me. The record features original drummer Lloyd Knibb prior to his passing, and is a tribute to him and every other member who has passed on over the decades. Opening the show are The Bullbuckers and The Snails.
WXPN hosts the other fantastic concert on Friday as they showcase three of the hottest, young names in the indie music scene. Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Foxygen, and Wampire all come together to play in the fabled basement at the First Unitarian Church. With Union Transfer open there are not too many shows at the Church any more, but this one looks to be one the best in the past couple of months and is all ages. Tickets for the show sold out long ago, so either start that hunt on Craigslist now or be sure to get to the show early to scope out any sellers.
Saturday, March 2nd | On her current tour which is only hitting a few select cities, Erykah Badu is celebrating her 1997 and 2000 releases Baduizm and Mama’s Gun. That tour brings one of the heads of the neo-soul movement to the Electric Factory Saturday night as she will be performing Baduizm in its entirety.
At Union Transfer, Man Man and Murder By Death bring their co-headlining show into town. For those who have not seen either band, two of the most energetic and fun live acts are paired together for what’s sure to be one crazy night of music. The tour, which started in the beginning of February, comes to us Saturday night as it stops in Man Man’s hometown. Northern Arms will be joining the two to open the show.
Last but not least, Brooklyn’s Beach Fossils will be playing in support of their recent release, Clash the Truth, at Johnny Brenda’s. The project that started as a one-man, bedroom pop act, Dustin Payseur has been linked with members of DIIV and Heavenly Beat, but this time around, Payseur has an entirely new lineup. Local bass and drum duo Heavy Medical join them on the bill.
Sunday, March 3rd | The weekend wraps up with one of the most awe-inspiring live acts one could ever see. At the same time, it’s also family friendly! The Peking Arobats return to the Keswick Theatre for a 6 night stay beginning Sunday.
The group features 20 of China’s most talented tumblers, contortionists, acrobats, gymnasts, and cyclists as they perform breathtaking feats that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor. Since the troupe began touring in 1986, they have been touring around the United States yearly. The performances run during the day so it will leave plenty of time to recover from the busy weekend!
