Our Weekly Concert Picks, January 16–22

Friday, January 18: Birdie Busch at the Great Night Present: The Philly Opry at Johnny Brenda's

For more than half a decade now, Birdie Busch has charmed audiences with warm, quirky pop and earnest lyrics, and this Friday she'll celebrate the release of her fourth record, Birdie Busch and the Greatest Night, with a headlining show at Johnny Brenda's. The shows doubles as the venue's annual "Philly Opry," a spirited event started by Busch and former JB's booker Brandy Hartley to pay tribute to the idea of the Grand Ole Opry. Expect foot stompin', revelry, and affecting new tunes from Busch's growing catalogue.

9.15 at Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., $12. Tickets available here.

Friday, January 18: Jessie Ware at Union Transfer

British singer Jessie Ware practically defines R&B this decade, with rich, opulent vocals and lush arrangements that showcase them. Since bursting into the public consciousness last year with her stunning debut Devotion—Ware has proven a rising star, whose intense passion shines through even when crammed into the back of a cab, cruising down the streets of London.  Her show at Union Transfer marks her first Philly appearance—we expect chills on sultry groove "Running."

8:30 at Union Transfer, 1024 Spring Garden St., $15. Tickets available here. 

Saturday, January 19: The Silver Ages Choir's 6th Annual Holiday Spectacular at the Philadelphia Ethical Society

Imagine you're a member of a popular Philadelphia band, and most of your friends are members of popular local bands as well. Now imagine you're all hanging out around the holidays, maybe drinking a few beers and talking shop. What sort of fun activity could you all partake in? If you guessed tackling complex men's barbershop and traditional choir arrangements, well then, you hit the nail on the head! Started by musician Charlie Hall (Jens Lekman, The War on Drugs, The Lindsey Buckingham Appreciation Society) 6 years back, the choir features members of The War on Drugs, BC Camplight, Dr. Dog, Buried Beds, and more—and promises to be an epic showing of killer vocal harmonies.

8:00 at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. Tickets are sold out, so Craiglist it. 

Sunday, January 20: Disarm with Pet Milk at Ortlieb's Lounge

Philly video gurus Bands in the Backyard host this free weekend jam, which features DJs Brandon Setta and Ryan Grotz (spinning indie/shoegaze/punk), $1 tacos, and live sets from gaze-y faves Pet Milk and Hippie Cult. Come for the tacos, stay for the tunes! Actually, come for Pet Milk, whose take on "Philadelphia punklife" is fuzzy, scuzzy, and flecked with sepia-colored romance. Plus check-in/instagram/tweet the event before 11 to receive a free PBR.  Come on now, you deserve it.

9:00 at Ortlieb's Lounge, 847 North 3rd St., free.