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August 19, 2015

Get out and dance: 13 ways to get moving this weekend

Our beautiful city has pretty much every style of music on tap this weekend, from classic and modern disco and boogie sounds, to Jersey club, to soul singers. Head out on the town and enjoy these last days of August.

Thursday, Aug. 20

Red Bull Sound Select curated by The Key XPN: Bilal w/ Son Little + Kate Faust, Underground Arts

The crew over at The Key XPN does an amazing job putting on for the wide variety of artistic talent that Philly has, and here, they take the reins to curate a special night with three phenomenal and distinct Philly voices (pun fully intended). This event, which I’m sure will have plenty of free swag to "give you wings," features Bilal, who has collaborated with everyone from Kendrick Lamar to J Dilla; multi-instrumentalist, soulful crooner and RJD2 collaborator Son Little; and Ableton adventurer/singer Kate Faust.

Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m., $3 (RSVP)

Ancient Puzzle Arts with Alex Burkat, Diamond Girl & Devon James, The Dolphin

Put on your dancing shoes and head on down to The Dolphin as Nite Owl Diner label co-boss and Philly-based producer Alex Burkat mans the decks for another installment of his Ancient Puzzle Arts party. With plenty of buzz surrounding the Aug. 24 release of his label’s first various artists EP, entitled "The Nite Owl Buffet Vol. 1," Burkat will undoubtedly be unleashing new jams on the bumping Dolphin sound system. Get there early so you don’t miss supporting sets from Philly’s Diamond Girl and Devon James.

10 p.m.–2 a.m., free

REFRESH feat. Telequanta, Trey Frey and Ovenrake, Kung Fu Necktie

The summer heat has got some folks a little charged up, so if you find yourself in that position, head to Kung Fu Necktie and REFRESH with a variety of cool electronic music dished up by a diverse crew of Philly producers. Data Garden co-hort Telequanta tops the bill, which also features "handheld dance music" artist Trey Frey and Superbutton artist Ovenrake.

10 p.m.–2 a.m., $6

Friday, Aug. 21

DJ DEEJAY Boat Party, Moshulu

Sing and dance along in a waterfront atmosphere aboard the historic Moshulu with a man who knows how to deal the hits. Top 40, '90s, mashups – all your favorites in one boat, for what will be the last Friday boat party of the season – don’t miss out!

10 p.m.–2 a.m., $5

Ricky Lee + DJ Bij Lincs, Coda

Philly hip-hop favorites Ground Up have built up quite a devoted following as a result of their raucous live shows, popular singles and street-chic style. The man behind many of the beats for Ground Up, Bij Lincs, and Ricky Lee man the 1’s and 2’s for a night of Rittenhouse dancing with style.

11 p.m.–3 a.m., $10

That Friday Night Jawn with Phil Yeah & Seanicus, The Boyler Room

Expect to sweat it out to quality house and techno at this intimate South Street bar right next to the TLA. The Oddcake crew is bringing sound reinforcement, citywides are served cheap, the pool table will be open, and there’s a cage that people sometimes dance in – good times will be had.

9 p.m.–2 a.m., free

Saturday, Aug. 22

Universal Cave presents: Jacques Renault, The Dolphin

Much has been said about New York-based disco-house don and Let’s Play House co-boss Jacques Renault, and rightfully so. Since the late '90s, when he became a resident at famed Chicago dance club institution Smart Bar, as well as a buyer for equally legendary record store Gramophone Records, Renault has been on a tear, releasing the freshest of modern disco and house grooves and racking up an enviable bookings calendar in the process. Renault recently announced his debut album "Zentrum," so perhaps we’ll get an early rinsing on some of the forthcoming material. Philly DJ crew, record collective and label Universal Cave will most definitely be playing some amazing selections to set the vibes for the night.

10 p.m.–2 a.m., $5 advance, $8 at the door

Aloha Luau feat. PEEDI CRAKK, PnB ROCK, Theodore Grams & more, 6311 Germantown Ave.

This special edition of Aloha Luau will feature the premiere of The Academiks’ new single “Pressure” off their highly anticipated debut album. Headlining acts Peedi Crakk and PnB Rock (the newest addition to the Atlantic Records roster) will provide the vocal intellectualism with local support from Theodore Grams, CassAnova Wanzel and Vodka. The tiki-themed event will be held at The Phoenix, a great place to take in Philly hip-hop, with free neighborhood parking and easy SEPTA accessibility by way of the 23 bus.

5 p.m., $20

CRUEL INTENTIONS: Sin, Repent, Repeat, Kung Fu Necktie

Famelust host Mario Manzoni says, “Sorry for never being sorry,” at this sinful soiree that will have you thirsting for the cheap drink specials and dancefloor revenge. Jesse Tyler and Mike Shaffer provide the dark pop hits to keep your juices flowing all night long.

10 p.m.–2 a.m., $2 before 11, $5 after

SPELLBOUND: A Darkwave Dance Party, Voltage Lounge

This safe-space party features post-punk, cold-wave, industrial and goth-rock vibes spun by DJ Nightwitch, DJ Mr. Manic and special guest from Dolphin party Unknown Pleasures DJ Littlespaceyy. What does safe space mean, you ask? Nightlife is fraught with harassment on certain segments of people and individuals; these folks are taking an active approach to ensuring an equal-opportunity party experience. No bigotry, no violence, no racism, no sexism, no homophobia or any other kind of oppressive behavior. Now, let’s dance!

9 p.m.–2 a.m., $5

Sunday, Aug. 23

DO YOU WANNA BOOGIE?, South Bowl Roof Deck

Disco, soul, funk and feel-good vibes shall reign supreme on the South Bowl rooftop, urging you to answer the question “Do you wanna boogie?” Starting with a smash party in 2009 at Miami’s Winter Music Conference, DO YOU WANNA BOOGIE (DYWB) has gone on to earn critical acclaim while hosting esteemed guests like John Morales and DJ Spinna and rocking dance floors in LA, New York and, of course, the home of the “Philly sound.” We dare you not to boogie once you see DEL pop out from the DJ booth to lay down some dance moves of his own.

4 p.m.–10 p.m., free

ZILLAS+ONLY, Silk City Garden

The Broadzilla boys always bring something special to the table for whatever gig they’re playing: be it trippy video installations for their hyper-cage at Making Time, German vinyl for an after-hours set or a guitar pedal for recording wonky station IDs on the radio. Zilla intern Brad Zilla requested that “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys be played at this late-brunch evening affair.

3 p.m.–8 p.m., free

BRIGHT FUTURE x CLUBJERSEY feat. Arghtee, Big K & Love City, Saint Lazarus Bar

Grab yourself a “Love Citywide” for this special edition of Bright Future where Philly and Jersey club combine, featuring up-and-coming label CLUBJERSEY artists Arghtee (U.K.) and Jersey’s Big K in the building for a special takeover. Hosted by Dan Fisher of Love City DJs and Buddy Leezle, this is the perfect relaxed Sunday night vibe to line up the next week for you.

9 p.m.–2 a.m., free

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