Skip to content
Things To Do
Link copied to clipboard

Our Weekly Concert Picks, December 27–January 7

With the new year comes new shows. Check out our weekly concert picks going into January 2013.

Friday, December 28: Chilly Moody at the TLA

2012 has been a banner year for Philly rapper Chill Moody, between his scene-stealing performance at this year's Roots Picnic to the release of killer single "A Tribe Called Nice Things."  Now the young rapper—who's been repping Philly since he graduated from Overbrook High School several years back—will celebrate, with his first headlining show at the TLA. The concert also acts as a release party for his new record #RFM, and will feature performances from Moody pals Mic Stew, Mont Brown, Jade Alston, and Pate.

8:00 at the TLA, 334 South Street, $12. Tickets available here

Sunday, December 30 and Monday, December 31: The War on Drugs at Johnny Brenda's

It's been over a year since hometown heroes The War on Drugs' last headlining show in Philly, and this week they'll make it up to us with a double-header at JB's on December 30 and 31. The shows double as a make-up after their stop at the Electric Factory in October (with NYC's The Walkmen) was cancelled, and should feature all your fave WOD hits like "Baby Missiles"  and "Come to the City."  Nothing warms the soul quite like Adam Granduciel's world-wearied warble, and we can think of no better way to close out the year than with our fave Philly rockers.

9:00 on December 30 and December 31 at Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, $18. Tickets for both shows are sold-out, so Craigslist it. 

Saturday, January 5: Sun Airway Record Release at JB's

Soft Fall, the new record from Philly synth-pop masters Sun Airway finds the band transitioning—from the dreamy bedroom sounds on their debut, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier, to something more expansive and majestic, yet still teeming with wiggly layers. Tunes like "Wild Palms"  resonate with shimmering guitar and glitch-y synths, while "Close"  allows front man Jon Barthmus's vocals to float atop gauzy noise. Live, the band recreates these sounds with amazing accuracy, resulting in a truly transportive experience.

9:15 at Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, $12. Tickets available here

Sunday, January 6: Hospitality at JB's

Brooklyn's Hospitality craft sweet, quirky indie pop full of colorful characters searching for meaning: like Betty Wang, who doesn't understand humor, or Julie, who looks back on the past with melancholy. Front woman Amber Papini has a unique voice and way of infusing even the most banal of lyrics with emotion, while the rest of the band contributes gently rolling melodies. This marks the band's first headlining tour since their self-titled record dropped earlier this year, and promises to be a fun, low-key way to end the weekend.

9:15 at Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, $10. Tickets available here