Our Weekly Concert Picks: March 13–March 19

Who needs SXSW when there's so much happening right here in Philly?

Thursday, March 14: Future + Chill Moody at Harrison Auditorium

Rapper Future burst into public consciousness less than two years back with fly "ringtone pop" mix tape Streetz Calling, followed by excellent debut, Pluto—which positioned the Atlanta native as one of the most creative and distinct voices in modern hip-hop (for proof, check out killer first single "Tony Montana.") Since then, the autotune aficionado has continued to wow, dropping epic new jam "Fo Real" (featuring Drake)  —and starting work on his highly-anticipated follow-up, which he promises will be a genre-bending mix of beats and rhymes. Arrive early for opener Chill Moody, local rapper extraordinaire and longtime proponent of "nice things."Wanna go for free? Enter the show's "Look-Alike" Facebook photo contest for a chance to win VIP seating and a meet-and-greet with the artists.

8:00 at Harrison Auditorium at U-Penn, 3260 South St., $20. Tickets available here.

Thursday, March 14: STRFKR at Union Transfer

Portland's STRFKR might boast one of the more PG-13 names in modern electronica, but their poppy dance grooves should appeal to revelers of all ages. On their 2013 offering Miracle Mile (streaming in full via their label's website), they offer high-energy, dance floor ragers that seek to answer Big Questions about mortality and love, while remaining firmly rooted in sugar-y beats. Before you go: check out stellar singles "When I'm Alive" and "Atlantis" so you can practice your moves ahead of time. And make sure not to miss opener Blackbird Blackbird, whose dreamy take on chillwave will make you feel like you're floating on a cloud of positive vibes.

8:30 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., $13. Tickets available here.

Friday, March 15: Jukebox the Ghost at Union Transfer

Here at Things To Do Philly, we're longtime fans of local pop trio Jukebox the Ghost, and these past few years, we've loved watching them grow—from the excitable fledglings behind early charmers like "Hold It In"  —to the nuanced and earnest band behind 2012's Safe Travels. Inspired by personal tragedies AND triumphs, Safe Travels juxtaposes the mournful with the mirthful, resulting in a long-player that takes you on an emotional journey, while still remaining very much grounded in the gleeful piano pop the band is known for.  Live, the band has inspired everyone from David Letterman to party-goers at Lollapalooza—and we have no doubt that this Friday will be the same. Before you go: peep the stunning vid for single "Don't Let Me Fall Behind."

8:00 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., $14. Tickets available here.

Saturday, March 16: The Chelsea Kills at Kung Fu Necktie

Philly punkers The Chelsea Kills craft old-skool, straight-forward ragers about girls and drugs, indecision and drinking 40s under the overpass. Formed five years back by a group of pals with a shared love of The Ramones, Nirvana, "noise, chemicals, girls, and destruction" (their words!)—the band bursts forth with ferocious guitar licks, fanatical drumming, and the right type of bad attitude that's contagious. Stream their sophomore record Pulp Culture for free via Bandcamp—then get ready to get your shred on. Local file: Openers Vintage Kicks, The The The Thunder, and Welter round out this all-local bill, and provide very rowdy ear candy to satiate your appetite for destruction.

9:00 at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $8. Tickets available at the door.