Auctioneer was once simply the studio project of multi-instrumentalist/producer Craig Hendrix (Birdie Busch, Mammal of Paradise/Aderbat), and has evolved into a solid quartet with bassist Todd Erk (Hoots & Hellmouth), keyboardist/vocalist Jesse Moore (Ladies Auxiliary), and drummer/producer Todd Schied (Mammal of Paradise/Aderbat). The band has been immersing itself in the local music scene, and you’ve probably come across them whether on stage this past weekend at 2nd Street Festival (one of the lucky acts that performed earlier before the big storm) or in makeshift DIY spaces. Tonight at Johnny Brenda’s they open for rising skittish, soul seven-piece and former Deli NYC cover cutouts Ava Luna and frenetic local art-pop trio Banned Books. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Brandi Lukas) – H.M. Kauffman

As we sit in beautiful downtown Portland, we at The Deli are eagerly anticipating the start of the KahBang Festival 2012 up in Bangor, ME, whom we have partnered up with this year for a weekend of fun times. The festival has a strong dose of EDM and Hip-Hop, including the Maine MCs Jamezy, Spose and Educated Advocates, who are representing a somewhat strange but undeniably rich hip-hop community in the state. The headliners may be at the top of the marquee, but the focus is on the local indie music scene (and that’s what we’re all about), with a pretty large number of the artists from the New England area, bringing the heavy stuff, the breezy stuff, and everything in between.

While the whole shindig goes down from this Friday – Sunday, one of the most exciting performances is sure to be the headlining set of Lincoln, ME’s bearded prophet Jacob Augustine on Thursday at the KahBang Kickoff Concert & KahBlock Party! Fresh off a short tour armed with nothing but his guitar and voice, Augustine has compiled a monster 7-piece rock band to bring his epic folk compositions to life. He will also be playing his new Bikini Island E.P. (which, like everything else the man makes, is available for free download via his Bandcamp) in it’s entirety. Oh, did we mention that Thursday also has a beer festival? Yeah, we’ll see you there!

Don’t let the nonchalance of Everyone Everywhere fool you, they are as restless and nihilistic as the next guy. In fact, they have kind of made their name on it. Lead singer Brendan McHugh didn’t want to compare the band to Woody Allen, but the similarities are there, from the self-deprecating humor to the vast, internal exploration that is relatable to everyone but a rock. We checked in with the guys of Everyone Everywhere as they get set for their European tour and the official release of their new self-titled album (which is out today) that introduces a notably more mature, yet still youthful and curious band. You can read our interview with them HERE.

Testostertunes/Richie Records announced today that badass psychedelic blues rockers Birds of Maya’s 2010 Ready to Howl will be reissued via CD/digital on September 18. You can preorder it HERE. The trio will also be performing this Saturday at the Kensington Picnic on Frankford Ave., which has sweet lineup of Deli faves like Meg Baird and Blues Control that you don’t want to miss.

Raw Life presented “Jam House” is providing a home on South Street for beats, rhymes and grooves as well as young artists honing their craft. The FREE bimonthly Tuesday showcase invades The Legendary Dobbs transforming its oftentimes alt rock bills to something with a bit of Philly flava. Tonight you’ll be treated to Dewey Decibel (a.k.a. Dewey Saunders) who caught my attention earlier this year with his YouTube video of “Met Her In L.A.” off his nerdily titled debut release #BOOMBOXBOOKWORM. The Bold New Breed artist predicted that “someone is getting pregnant” tonight so don’t forget your protection. He’ll also be surrounded by “Jam House” alumni Young Gliss and Dice Raw as well as the island stylings of Blayer Pointdujour. The Legendary Dobbs, 304 South St., 8:30pm, Free, 21+ – Q.D. Tran

Despite an eventual festival forfeit, the 2nd Street Festival was smokin’ hot for most of its run. Local music, dogs, and beer tickled all the senses, while vendors outlined 2nd Street from Germantown to Green. 

Philly’s own Man Man lured a plethora of face-painted fans, as they headlined the festival on the Piazza stage, with copious amounts of colors by way of drum kits, feathers and personalities. And in case any avid Olympics watchers attended, a large screen sat just above the performance area with plenty of women’s volleyball action. Lushlife and The Great Unknown each took their turn warming up the Piazza stage for Man Man, and they had the audiences singing along to rhymes and smooth vocals, respectively. 

Before and after the Piazza stage performances, music was divided among three other stages, giving Philadelphians and out-of-towners a taste of the city’s locally grown and imported artists. Baltimore’s Secret Mountains got to finish their set before the ominous clouds rolled in and it started to pour. Shortly after, the crowd either ran for cover or danced in the streets with their pooches.

Regardless of the eventual rain, the festival had a great turnout. Let’s all just cross our fingers and hope that the skies for the first Sunday of August next year will be completely clear so we don’t have to miss another group of fine acts. You can check out our photos from the 2nd Street Festival HERE.

With a name like Dong Johnson, you better have a set of balls to go with it. And the local punk outfit consisting of lead singer Opal Rock (5 Points Of Logic), drummer Chris Wilson (Ted Leo and The Pharmacists), guitarist Joshua K. Cicetti (Gildon Works, The Midnight Sounds), and bassist Tracy Stanton (Blood Feathers) are not afraid to lay them on stage for all to admire. Pulling together elements of hardcore, metal, surf rock and even funk, the band makes you feel like you’ve been brutally assaulted by gang of thugs, or you are running for your life in a nightmarish high-speed chase. Expect to feel some brotherly shoves tonight at Johnny Brenda’s where they’ll be headlining for the first time with support from Oklahoma’s Broncho and Colorado’s Bad Weather California. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Alexis V.

Megan Reilly started the music-filled night at North Star Bar last Wednesday rather simply as the Memphis resident and her backing band showcased a series of songs from her latest release The Well. The set was a combination of singer/songwriter style material with up-tempo, twang-infused guitars and a complimentary rhythm section. The highlight of the set was “Old Man and the Bird” a duet performed with John Wesley Harding in which Reilly and Harding’s vocals captivated the audience.

Opening their set with the neo-retro-sounding “Lonely Lonely Night,” Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang took no time to fall into the accustomed groove. Demonstrating their knack for combining chunky guitar licks with naturally smooth vocal harmonies, Stens and company played at a relentless pace without breaking a sweat. As the song began casually amid a simple riff, a swaying bass line and crisp vocal harmonies added texture to the already multi-faceted song. A guitar solo appeared to sneak into the equation, and the group seemed to gel – clicking on all cylinders.

“When Fire Burns Out” demonstrated the polarity of the group’s sound. On one hand, dual guitar leads with a classical feel and unabashed percussion set the stage for a serious tone as did lyrics such as “Like a ghost without a soul.” However, while in the depths of its intensity, the groove took over and somehow lyrics that earlier seemed dark and heavy took on a new air which was light and energetic. Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang do share similarities to his previous venture as the drummer for Dr. Dog. Yet those similarities are basic ones: high-energy levels, a group of musicians who work together to form a powerful cohesive unit, and the ability to tap into elements of rock ‘n’ roll and reinvigorate them. Once this band gets up to speed, the ride that follows is a real joy.

Canadian indie rockers Zeus closed out the gig maintaining the bar, which had been set by Stens and the gang. The band brought a hard edge to pop-rock and as the musicians frequently switched hats throughout their performance impressively splitting duties on various instruments from guitar, to bass, to keyboards. Their set included earlier material like “I Know” and a rollicking cover of Genesis’ “That’s All” to songs off this spring’s release Bursting Visions such as “Stop the Train” and “Love in a Game.” Their musical aptitude and attention to detail made this evening a night of musical glory. (Photo by Mike LaVancher) – Michael Colavita