Explore patriotic feelings with ‘seductive…smooth-fi’ by Work Drugs this Sunday at Johnny Brenda’s. Presented by The Roots as part of their Philly Fourth of July Jam weekend festivities, the Philly-based popsmiths’ brand of chill-wave bring to mind the buzzing backbeats of Neon Indian’s debut or Golden Ages’ catchy cover of “Twin Peaks.” Arguably more minimal in their approach, the band’s sound feels airy like vacation, with swirling layers of mellow synth and subtle diction that make cuts like “Golden Sombrero” hypnotic and “Ice Warf” memorable. If Work Drug’s anthems and the red, white, and blue aren’t enough to put you in the mood, blippy tracks by CSLSX reminiscent of VHS sounds transferred to cassette just might do the trick. Provocative and undoubtedly retro, CSLSX will transport you back to the ‘90s or earlier with “Paula Abdul Drinking a Pepsi, October 17th, 1987” and the tribal vibes of “Keep On Shining.” Add in deliciously drowsy rhythms by Wrestling (featuring members of Power Animal) as well as the Smooth Sailing DJs, and you’re set for the chillest Fourth of July that you could ever dream of. Johnny Brenda’s. 1201 N. Frankford Ave. 9pm, $10, 21+
Too much shit going on…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Goodnight Lights, In Grenada, Levee Drivers, SAT The Roots Present Philly’s Fourth of July Jam w/Work Drugs, CSLSX, Wrestling
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Mr. Lif, Swift Technique, Citizen Xavier, SAT Satanized and Drums Like Machine Guns, SUN Mean Streets and Small Reaction,
MON Joe Jack Talcum
MON Joe Jack Talcum
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SAT Man Like Machine and The Defog
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Harper, SUN Pool of Thorns and Harsh Vibes
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Nicole Reynolds and Donovan Rice
Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI Early Ape, Toddler Kat, Satellite Hearts, Sleepover Uncle, SAT Ghosts in the Valley and Hey Angel, SUN Mr. Unloved, The Improbables, Blessed Muthas, The Slotcars, Boogie Witch, St James & The Apostles, MON Toxic Sunshine, Wolfie Burns, Kite Party
Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) SAT Penrose, El Fuego, The Warhawks, MON 4th Annual INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH!!! w/ BBQ, BANDS, BANGS & BOOMS!!, Pro US-fuckin’-A Movies, + MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT Breakwater
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Starskream and Drop Collective, SAT Leiana, SUN The Roots Present Philly’s Fourth of July Jam w/Da Rezarekt, Spin, The Violet Tone
Bookspace (1113 Frankford Ave.) FRI Catnaps and Conversations With Enemies
TLA (334 South St.) SUN The Roots Present Philly’s Fourth of July Jam w/Kuf Knotz, Young Gliss, Dosage
Voyeur (1221 St. James St.) The Roots Present Philly’s Fourth of July Jam: Philadelphia Sound Konnoisseurs w/Diplo, ?uestlove, DJ Jazzy Jeff
Bamboo Bar (927 N. Delaware Ave.) SUN Making Time "You’re Welcome America" Rad-B-Q
Wawa Welcome America 2011 (Benjamin Franklin Parkway) MON The Roots Present Philly’s Fourth of July Jam
Mercer Street Block Party (219 Mercer St.) SUN Bandname, Tin Horses, Conversations With Enemies, Cheers Elephant, Crills Wilson, Early Ape, Eric n Eric
Hope Street Block Party (1800 Block of Hope St.) SAT Seagulls, Lantern, Anal Picnic
The Dream Oven (Please contact one of the acts for details.) MON starcircleanatomy and DreamBQ
Hong Kong Garden (Please contact one of the acts for details.) FRI Art Show Punk Show III w/The Drunken Mariachis, Bonjour, Very Happy