If you haven’t heard yet, the Live Nation/Ticketmaster merger was approved this week. The new company will be called Live Nation Entertainment. What does that mean for already ridiculous ticket prices? Our magic eight ball says, “Outcome Not Good!” Looks like big business and government relations remain status quo with the new crew in office, but we didn’t really expect that to be different. Are you disturbed by this news? What can you do about it? We suggest writing a letter to your Representative – NOT. That’s stupid. Who rights letters anymore anyways? OK, we’re done being stupid. Well, it’s a perfect time to act locally. Support the DIY venues that we are lucky enough to have in Philly! They run on volunteers so donate! JB’s and R5 have been using Ticketfly, which helps build some fair competition in this lopsided marketplace. They’ve been doing a great job at keeping ticket prices reasonable for some great acts, but we’d suggest buying tickets at the box office to save you some more cash. OK, we’ll get off our soapboxes now, and get to the fun stuff. Where should you definitely make it out to this weekend? We heart POWER ANIMAL! After catching them at Orbit to Leslie’s sold out CD Release Party at JB’s that The Deli was fortunate to present, we can’t wait to see them again. With a full band, Keith Hampson has really created a most excellent live show with his beautiful experimental pop tunes as the foundation. If you were shut out that evening, the Orbit to Leslie boys will be joining them tonight at Danger Danger Gallery. More good times! Good times! Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 9pm, $5 – $10 Donation, 21+ myspace.com/poweranimalpa
Other places to stay indoors…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Victory Over Leukemia w/The Swimmers, Audible, East Hundred, SAT Beretta 76, The Donuts, Broken Prays
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SUN The G and The Spooks
MarBar (200 S. 40th St.) FRI Swift Technique, SUN Cultureal
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI The New Connection, SAT Ruder Than You, SUN Absinthe Drinkers
The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) FRI The Chimeras CD Release Party w/Busses and Caterpillar
M Room (12 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Acres of Diamonds, SAT Fooling April
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Downstairs) Jealousy Curve
Blockley Pourhouse (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI The Moxy, Stonethrown, Colofield Theory
Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI The Three 4 Ten, SAT Sugartown’s 9th Anniversay w/Bell Bell Album Release Party
The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI Philly NORML Kickoff w/ Agent Moosehead, Psychedelphia, Si Senorita, SAT Crazy Man Crazy, Shakey Lyman, The Speedkings
Green Line Café (4426 Locust St.) SAT Faux Slang
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Lion Versus and Lady