From brassy funk to live electronic music, book discussions to flea markets, this weekend has no shortage of diverse events for the music lover in you!
Friday, August 14
Rebirth Brass Band w/ West Philadelphia Orchestra, Ardmore Music Hall
Founded in 1983, The Rebirth Brass Band has become an institution for heavy funk and soulful music enthusiasts, releasing ten albums and traveling the world numerous times over the course of their storied 20-plus year career. This show is a stacked lineup, as the West Philadelphia Orchestra lends support in the beautiful Ardmore Music Hall.
7 pm doors, 8 pm show, $25
Live & Direct featuring Autograf, Coda
Live & Direct features some of the best electronic music acts performing live (not just DJing). For the second installment of this party, D24K has enlisted the up-and-coming tropical trio Autograf to rock the house. Support from Jeff Omega and Jesse Tyler, so get there early and bring your dancing shoes!
11 pm – 3 am, $10
Little Big Things Inaugural Party, Franky Bradley's
Few crews in Philly dig in the crates for soulful dusty vinyl, specifically 7” 45 RPM records, like the Little Big Things crew. The trio, comprised of Personify, FROZ1, and Case Bloom, had a successful three-and-a-half-year run at The Trestle Inn and are now moving the rump-shaking into the amazing upstairs space at center city spot Franky Bradley’s. Help inaugurate the guys’ new party venue and hear some of the best and rare grooves in disco, funk, boogie, and reggae.
10 pm – 2 am, $5
Night Moves, South Bowl Roof Deck
Bob Seger sang it best: “Workin’ on some night moves!” The first installment of this party from Ed Christof and Shearn went off so well, that South Bowl brought the boys back for a second edition of the no-cover, extended length party. South Bowl might be a little off the beaten path, but that’s part of the beauty of it – no neighbors in sight allows the venue to keep the jams flowing at proper decibels from sunset all the way to closing time!
5 pm – 2 am, free
Saturday, August 15
Ill Communication: A discussion on the "Golden Era", Brewerytown Beats
If record stores and golden age hip-hop are your thing, then this is an event you can’t miss. Featuring some of the best minds in hip-hop writing, authors Dan LeRoy (33 1/3, For Whom The Cowbell Tolls) and Brian Coleman (Check The Technique) will be on hand to sign books and merch, talk shop, and hang out at Brewerytown Beats. Hopefully people don’t ask questions about Drake vs. Meek.
5 pm – 10 pm, free
ROCKERS BBQ WEEKEND 5, Lava Space
Rockers is a monthly show and festival that showcases black, moor, queer, trans, and other diverse artists that speak out against the system. This weekend, the fest is celebrating five years with special programming each day, featuring a ton of local artists and vendors. BBQ and soda pop will be provided on Saturday’s festivities, which take place in West Philly at Lava Space (41st and Lancaster).
Friday – Sunday, show times and prices vary by event
Man Power & Desert Sound Colony (Live) with Dave P., The Dolphin
It’s a stacked bill in South Philly for this show, which features Berlin’s Man Power and a live performance from Desert Sound Colony, who will be performing as a three-piece electro-acoustic band. Props to Dave P. for continuing to bring these amazing futuristic sounds to Philly – this will be a lineup and show to remember!
9 pm – 2 am, $5 advance tickets, $8 at the door
Sunday, August 16
Sundae with Cosmo Baker, City Tap House Rooftop Terrace
There’s no better way to spend Sunday than outside on the terrace at City Tap House with Sundae – Philly’s most long-standing family-friendly dance party. Behind the decks, it doesn’t get much sweeter than Cosmo Baker at the helm, who is fresh off playing the acclaimed Shambhala Festival and world-renowned Do-Over 10 Year party.
4 pm - 10 pm, $5 before 6 pm, $10 after
Leo Summer Soulful Session w/ DJ Venus7, Super DJ Terrell Clark, DJ SPAX-VYBZ, Woody's
Prove that you’re a Leo for free admission to this house music party featuring all things soulful, deep, and Afro. As if the stacked DJ lineup and a bunch of show-stealing Leo’s weren't enough, Woody’s is cranking up the sound on their system and busting out the lights for optimal dance floor debauchery.
6 pm - midnight, $10
Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, 675 South Clinton Avenue
Punk Rock Flea Markets bring together some of the most amazing, diverse, and weird people in celebration of rare records, odd knick-knacks, vintage finds, and local food trucks. Head up I-95 to the historic Roebling Machine Shop building for Trenton’s market, where the first 250 people in the door receive a FREE Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market "Black Swag Bag".
10 am – 5 pm, $4