Final Philly Hurrah for Toy Soldiers at Union Transfer July 18

For the past 7 years, Toy Soldiers have been riling up audiences and gaining acclaim (USA Today’s Band to Watch in 2013). But after “20+ musicians, 3.4 million highway miles, 9 thousand rest-stops and a lifetimes worth of experience,” the band will be giving Philadelphia (you’ll still be able to travel with them for a couple festivals well into next month) one final hurrah at Union Transfer tonight. It’s far from goodbye though as Ron Gallo recently released his first solo effort on American Diamond Recordings (which features a few of his TS family as backing musicians), and drummer Dom Billett and guitarist Matt Kelly are getting ready to unveil their next project, Coin Purse. But for now, this will be the final opportunity to see them as a collective in the city that raised them. This evening’s show will also mark the first Philly homecoming for their longtime friends Cheers Elephant, who packed up for sunny Southern California pastures last year. Rounding out the lineup will be the buzzworthy indie outfit that started as a bedroom project between longtime friends Joe Haller and Chris Duran, Cheerleader. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 9pm, $14, All Ages – Bill McThrill