June 15, 2016
Once a savvy boom-bap traditionalist, Black Milk has spent his recent years experimenting. The Detroit rapper and producer has long had a sound anchored in fiercely crisp drums, but his latest work leans on a more meandering, fusion-forward live band. Milk’s newest, a full-length collaboration with the band Nat Turner called “The Rebellion Sessions,” is a career highlight. The stalwart Motor City artist brings the crew to Johnny Brenda’s tonight and is joined by Philly locals The Bul Bey and Has-Lo as openers.
Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m. | $15
Ben Watt’s career is all about extended bursts of disparate concentrations. Now 53, Watt released a solo debut in 1981 before embarking on a nearly two-decade long collaboration called Everything But The Girl with his wife Tracey Thorn. Then came a 10-year stint as a prolific electronic DJ and label head for Buzzin’ Fly. Finally, a couple years ago Watt stepped out from behind the DJ booth to start over with his own songs, with 2014’s “Hendra” serving as a splendid reintroduction. Watt returned with another record, now his third, in the same vein earlier this year. He and his band are currently touring behind “Fever Dream,” which features collaborations with Marissa Nadler, Bernard Butler and M.C.Taylor.
Doors 8:30 p.m., show 9 p.m. | $20-$22
Chris Stapleton’s recent breakthrough has been a little enigmatic for country. He comes off as an auteur, not an accidental star but an unexpected one considering the tone of his 2015 solo debut. He doesn’t share the mass appeal of most country stars — bro-ey and beer-drenched — but he has ridden his gritty sincerity to the top of the charts and deeply into the industry. In some ways, Jason Isbell carved a less conspicuous path in the same direction just a couple years earlier. On Friday, Stapleton and Isbell co-headline an early show at Festival Pier.
Show 6 p.m. | $45+ | all ages
This weekend’s edition of “Mosaic” promises a crowded bill of hometown DJs for the late-night dance crowd — and a special call of support for the LGBTQ community. Sponsored by Federal Donuts and Narragansett Beer, the evening features beer and donuts in addition to Eagle, Javascript, Maxine & Cleo (spinning gospel house in the basement), Chris B, Tygerstrype and Stateschoolgirl with accompanying visuals from Joe Killian and Ross Brubeck. Voyeur will be accepting donations to the Mazzoni Center, a local health care provider serving Philly’s LGBTQ community.
Show 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. | $10-$15
Freeway is perhaps Philadelphia’s most persistent emcee. After riding Jay Z’s Philly-mined Roc-A-Fella wave in the early 2000s, he embarked on a meandering indie path. Highlighted by a collaborative album with celebrated producer Jake One in 2010, Freeway’s latter-day career has been full of one-off label deals and mixtapes. Last year he was unexpectedly sidelined by kidney disease, but he’s back this weekend, headlining a packed bill including Young Savage, Miles Chancellor, William Aston, and PrayForChristian.
Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. | $20 | all ages
West Philly DJ Matthew Law’s monthly Friends & Fam party returns to Kung-Fu Necktie. The reliable night of hip-hop, soul and funk is hosted by aforementioned local emcee The Bul Bey and frequently carves out space for visiting and local DJs. This edition is just Law and Bul, which means you’ll get the stripped-down essence in full effect.
Show 10 p.m. | $5 (at the door)
Last year, Swedish psych-rockers Dungen returned with a new album following a five-year quiet streak. “Allas Sak,” proved that the quartet never developed any rust despite staying in their usual wheelhouse. On Sunday, Dungen headlines an all-ages Boot and Saddle bill supported by a Purling Hiss solo set (which means Mike Polizze doing his usual thing) and openers Shadow Band.
Doors 7:30 p.m., show 8:30 p.m. | $15-17 | all ages
