Our Weekly Concert Picks: November 26 - December 3

This Thanksgiving holiday, we're thankful for live music options!

Wednesday, November 27: James Murphy

This Thanksgiving season, local music lovers have a whole lot to be thankful for with the opening of Winterfest at Penn's Landing, featuring ice-skating, a pop-up restaurant from George Sabatino, a craft market, AND a super-fun preview party, featuring a DJ set from James Murphy, of LCD Soundsystem fame. Murphy will spin cool ice-skating tunes (which may or may not include this) while show-goers nosh on giant turkey legs and caramel apples. The founder and songwriter of LCD Soundsystem, Murphy transformed from a "pretentious, annoying" high school geek from Jersey into the sardonic voice of a generation that was mostly snarky but fragile underneath. Then, at the height of his popularity, he called it quits, ensuring LCD went down in history as cool. These days, he's keeping a lo pro and mostly focusing on directing…but will celebrate the opening of Winterfest—which, much like his band, will only be around for a short time.

8:00 at The Lodge at Waterfront Winterfest, 101 S. Columbus Blvd., $10. Tickets available here.

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Wednesday, November 27: Thundercat

Another self-described "weird" kid turned virtuoso, Stephen Bruner is best known for his work as Thundercat: a much-lauded bass project that's won him both Pitchfork props and the attention of Flying Lotus, who produced his sophomore record Apocalypse. On the record, Bruner constructs a venerable cornucopia of vintage sounds and modern grooves, mixing old-skool funk, jazz, and R&B, with sultry falsetto and nonchalant lyrics about heartbreak and partying. Live, the LA native is mesmerizing to behold, as he pounds out bass grooves while grinning hugely. He'll stop by South Philly's Boot & Saddle this Thanksgiving Eve for an intimate show curated by Red Bull Sound Select—RSVP in advance and get tix for just $3!  Now there's something we can all be thankful for.

8:00 at Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., $3 with RSVP. Tickets available here.

Saturday, November 30: Jagwar Ma

Work off that second piece of pecan pie (or just escape from Aunt Bertha's boring stories) with a post-Thanksgiving Making Time, featuring Australian psych-pop duo Jagwar Ma.  Formed 2011 in Sydney, Australia, Jagwar Ma came together over a shared love of vintage sounds and experimental beats, and released their debut record, Howlin', earlier this year. Influenced by Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and the MadChester rave scene of the late '80s and early '90s, Howlin' teems with sunny harmonies, fuzzy, swirling guitars, and bright, danceable beats—from the Beach Boys-esque "Come Save Me" to the slow, house groove of "The Throw." This Saturday, they'll make their Philadelphia debut, playing a late-night set on Voyeur's main floor. Did we mention the open bar (featuring Sailor Jerry rum, Heineken, and Tecate) from 9 to 11? What else do you need to get the party going? See you on the floor, Philly!

9:00 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St., $10–$15. Tickets available here.

Saturday, November 30: Purling Hiss

Local rockers Purling Hiss craft fuzzy, grungy, garage-rock spazzers that will have you moshing, drinking, and head-banging with righteous glee. The long-running project of Philadelphian Mike Polizze, Purling Hiss evolved, over the years, from a low-key bedroom project into a blistering three-piece, known for high-energy shows and melting faces. Their newest record, Water on Mars, marries the force and grit of "Lolita" with the bluesy pop forays of "Mercury Retrograde" and the toned-down psych of "She Calms Me Down." Before you go: check out their Shaking Through session, curated by fellow Philly musician Adam Granduciel (of The War on Drugs) and get ready to rage. Plus arrive early for openers Amanda X, a fuzzed-out, all-girl trio whose quirky, lo-fi is the perfect aperitif for the Hiss's raucous shreds.

8:00 at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $10. Tickets available here.