As summer slowly fades into oblivion, Ortlieb’s showcases tonight a pair of bands that encapsulate the celebratory season at its’ finest. Bethlehem natives Great White Caps combine the retro stylings of surf and garage rock. The seductively sharp spiraling guitar unconsciously causes you to drift out of sight. However, the hip-swaying groove perpetrated by the rhythm section reels you back in, orchestrating a terrific tug and pull effect. Cheers Elephant will headline the show with dance-inspiring, psych-infused, refined pop-rock that is bound to grab ones attention. Ortlieb’s Lounge, 847 N. 3rd St., 10pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Matthew Blum) – Michael  Colavita

Free Energy is doing a residency this month at The Echo in LA. To celebrate the occasion, the band will be recording covers of some of their favorite songs. Here is the first by Jackson Brown called "Somebody’s Baby," which originally appeared on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack in 1982. You can listen to and download the track for free below.

Howdy!

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be celebrating The Deli Philly’s 5th Anniversary on Saturday, October 5 at PhilaMOCA. And headlining our soiree will be the sexy, polished sounds of Night Panther, whose self-titled debut LP is our September Album of the Month. Their live performance keeps getting better every time we see them. We’re expecting big things in the near future from these guys and gal! Also, if you haven’t checked them out yet, then we are happy to introduce you to Austin transplants Literature. They released one of the most impressive power-pop albums, Arab Spring, that we’ve come across in years, which is most likely why it is getting re-pressed on vinyl and released on CD in Japan via Waterslide Records. This will be your last chance to catch the group live before the band heads off to tour the UK. We also plan to announce more special guests so stay tuned!

OK, so I injured myself earlier this summer, and have spent way too much time the last couple of months in bed watching Netflix, catching up on TV series like Breaking Bad and Mad Men that are on channels my illegal cable doesn’t provide, which inspired me to want to do something special this year. And since having a meth rager didn’t sound all that glamorous for our anniversary and by request of some of my gal pals, I deciding to go with a theme party for the latter, adding a bit of sophistication and great looking outfits to the evening. So dig out your finest vintage attire, and join us for martinis and plenty of hard stuff on the rocks or neat at our rad free cocktail hour before the music showcase. We’ll be giving away neat prizes, like R5 show passes and your own personal bottle of Jameson (like mine ;o), for the best time-warping outfits. You’ll also get the first glimpse of PhilaMOCA’s month-long “Halloween Horrors” art show because Halloween should be everyday. Mark it on your calendars, punch it in your iPhones, or do whatever you need to do to remember to get weird with us! 

It’s been a treat to watch Mike Bruno evolve from an acoustic guitar-wielding, rather traditional singer-songwriter to finding his voice in the murky waters of Philly’s freak-folk community. You might be more familiar with his work these days alongside the hauntingly beautiful, angelic vocals of Megan Miscieglia, a.k.a. Bad Braids. However, Bruno and the sonic sorcerers and sorceresses of his Black Magic Family Band are ready to bewitch the audience this evening at Kung Fu Necktie opening for the gifted Scout Niblett, who will be touring for the first time in three years in support of her new album It’s Up To Emma (Drag City), and the abrasive post-punk jams of her labelmates, Baltimore’s Dope Body. Don’t miss this music boundary-expanding show, which is brought to you by Spazz Presents. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Alexis V.

Catch a show in a different setting as the Big Bus Company hosts the first ever edition of its Double Decker Music Series. This mobile concert experience and guided tour will give its participants the chance to learn about Philly’s history courtesy of tour guide Sebastian Darkly Petsu, while listening to live performances from some fine local talents. Charles Cohen is a legendary electronic music composer who has been making soundscapes since 1971. And with his background in theater, dance, music, and media arts, he is no stranger to bridging the gaps, and will be right at home during this tour experiment. Headlining the event will be the critically acclaimed folk songstress Birdie Busch, who has most recently been praised for her latest album The Greatest Night. Since the bus departs from 5th & Market at 8pm, it’s highly recommended that you arrive at the 7:45pm boarding time, especially since the first 15 people to board, get an ice cream sandwich from Little Baby’s! Northeast Corner, 5th & Market Sts., 7:45 PM, $20, All Ages – Bill McThrill

Below is a live in-studio performance video of the song "All Dolled Up In Red" by Levee Drivers frontman August John Lutz II. It was recorded at Break Neck Studios for the Root Down in the Shadow blog, and was filmed and edited by Bob Sweeney with audio production by Peter Joseph. (Photo by Q.D. Tran)