Philadelphia

Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest This Week

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The Fire has certainly been feeling a lot of heat lately, but the Philly music community has really rallied behind this legendary local stepping stone for many great acts. Well, this week they’ll be celebrating their annual Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest! Here’s a little rundown on what looks interesting to us (presuming the snow doesn’t shut everything down). On Wed., The Fire’s soundman, Dino, will be stepping out from behind the board and taking his fro center stage with his 8-bit project Cheap Dinosaurs. He’ll be joined by fellow video game beatmaster Sonkin. Thurs., Fri. and Sat. are certainly the meat of the festival depending on your. The bill on Thurs. seems heavy on the folk with Spirit and Dust, Cowmuddy, Mason Porter, Andrew Lipke, Chris Kasper and Oso, Infinien should help get some of that twang out of your ears. Looks like Derek Dorsey’s pet project Toy Soldiers will be pulling double duty on Fri. with an early all ages show and a late set for the legal drinkers. Joining them will be most excellent drinking buddies and musicians Orbit to Leslie, The Circadian Rhythms and The Great Unknown. On Saturday, you’ll find the oddly matched autumnal sounds of The Spinning Leaves with the ass-shaking grooves of The Hustle and Slo-Mo. Sunday will close out the festivities with a tribute to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band for all you lonely hearts that find yourself in The Fire on Valentine’s Day. Hopefully you’ll find someone to make sweet, sweet love to that evening while your listening to my favorite Beatles album Abbey Road. Just remember to ask permission before coming through the bathroom window. iourecords.com/thefire/ – The Deli Staff

 
Philadelphia

The Deli’s Lunchtime Escape Returns to The Bellevue!

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More snow!?! Isn’t this how the Ice Age got started? Well, hopefully it won’t be snowing Friday, February 26th when The Deli’s Lunchtime Escape returns to The Bellevue. If you made it to our debut showcase last month, thank you for being part of such a very attentive and accepting audience. We had a blast and so did all the artists! We are happy that the classy folks at The Bellevue haven’t thrown us out yet so we are excited to announce another Lunchtime Escape with upcoming performances this month by August Lutz (from Levee Drivers), Death Panel (a.k.a. Sir Charles Latham) and Lion Versus (a.k.a. Hilary White). Yeah – we know. This is a pretty sweet lineup!
 
Levee Drivers’ frontman August Lutz will be making a rare solo acoustic performance before he joins his bandmates later that evening to rock out Johnny Brenda’s. They were this year’s winners of The Deli’s Fans’ Poll and a Top Performer in the Overall Poll. If you’ve never heard of them, then thanks for checking out our website for the first time (j/k). We are also very thrilled to welcome southern transplants and first-time Deli showcase performers Death Panel and Lion Versus! Death Panel’s witty, quirky lyrics are sure to bring a grin to your face even though one rarely comes to his, and Lion Versus’ sultry Georgia peach vocals and dark poetic verses become more captivating with every listen. Come on. You know that you don’t want to miss this show so mark it on your calendar or whatever device you use to remind yourself these days. (BTW: Speedos are welcomed, especially if they are neon green.) – The Deli Staff 
Philadelphia

The Deli’s Death Comes Close to Philly Ticket Giveaway Contest!

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Damn that was a lot of snow! We know that you’ve probably been getting a little cabin fever. Well, we have something for you to look forward to from our friends at Matador Records. We’d like to send you and someone that you can have a shit load of fun with to what will probably be Cold Cave’s last appearance in the area for a while on Saturday, February 20 at Haverford College. They’ll be heading out on national/international tours that will keep them busy at least until the summer, which includes European gigs opening for The Editors as well as a stint in The Far East before coming back to Europe again. So if you’d like to win a pair of tickets to see Cold Cave before they get too huge, send us an email at thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com to enter our Death Comes Close to Philly TICKET GIVEAWAY CONTEST! We’ll also giveaway a vinyl copy of their 12” single Death Comes Close to the runner-up. You can check out dates for Cold Cave’s current U.S. tour below. – The Deli Staff

U.S. TOUR DATES:
2/4 — Mercury Lounge — New York, NY
2/5 — Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar — Charlottesville, VA
2/6 — Pilot LIght — Knoxville, TN
2/7 — Local 506 — Chapel Hill, NC
2/9 — Blackbooth — Orlando, FL
2/10 — Crowbar — Tampa, FL
2/11 — 529 — Atlanta, GA
2/12 — Calendonia Lounge — Athens, GA
2/13 — Studio B — Greensboro, NC
2/16 — Wasted Space — Las Vegas, NV
2/18 — Echoplex — Los Angeles, CA
2/20 — Haverford College — Haverford, PA
2/21 — Mohawk Place — Buffalo, NY
2/22 — Garfield Artworks — Pittsburgh, PA
2/23 — Grog Shop — Cleveland, OH
2/24 — Crofoot Ballroom — Pontiac, MI
2/25 — Empty Bottle — Chicago, IL
2/26 — Project Lodge — Madison, WI
2/27 — Canopy Club/Club Void — Urbana, IL
2/28 — Al’s Bar — Lexington, KY

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, February 5 – 7

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If you happen to be in West Philly and have no fear of the forecasted blizzard this weekend, be on the lookout for a smorgasbord of all sorts of mind-warping sounds. First, kicking off their New England tour which includes an opening slot with Yeasayer at Bowery Ballroom, is Bobo, whose brand of weird electro-rock, replete with tongue-in-cheek vocals and retro synths, sounds like what would happen if the Residents or Ween dedicated themselves to dance music. Then, there’s Mirador, an act that produces chiming, intricate instrumentals for a more prog-oriented electronica sound. And of course, there’s The Love Club, a blast of 60’s inspired psychedelia and garage rock, reminiscent of all the best Nuggets compilations, but fresher and stranger. Come see all of these fellas, as well as Prince Rama, White Lodge, and Peace, Loving over at the Danger Danger Gallery’s new next-door neighbors. Young Love Vintage Clothing and Vinyl, 5011 Baltimore Ave, 8pm, Donations, All Ages younglovesphilly.blogspot.com/
 
What else is going on this weekend if the snow doesn’t force everything to cancel…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI The Asteroid #4, The Sounds of Kaleidoscope, Lux Perpetua, SAT The Armchairs (RESCHEDULED for April)

North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Andrew Lipke and The Prospects

The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) SAT The Strychnine Babies, Live Not On Evil

M Room (12 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Steve Yutzy-Burkey (of The Swimmers)

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Upstairs) Kidrockers w/Jukebox the Ghost (RESCHEDULED to 4/10), Late – Mason Porter (CD Release Party)

Blockley Pourhouse (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI Cheers Elephant, Oso, Filmstar

Green Line Café (4426 Locust St.) SAT Dragonzord

Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI Atomic Age and McRad, SAT The Broken Prayers

 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Haiti Relief Benefit w/West Philadelphia Orchestra, The Mighty Paradocs, Big Attack, Mirador
 
Lickety Split (401 South St.) FRI The Lizards from Mars

 
Philadelphia

Cheers Elephant Ready to Start a Riot at Blockley Pourhouse Feb. 5

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Cheers Elephant are hard at work on the brand new album, and are getting ready to unveil some new tracks. But before they do both, the dynamic local psych-folk rockers are getting ready to play Blockley Pourhouse during what might just be the nicest lineup to grace the new venue. They’ll be joined by Oso, whose last album The Bellringer was one of my favorite releases of last year. This will be the bands first big outing before they headline Thursday’s portion of the Northern Liberties Winter Music Festival. Rounding out the already well-rounded lineup is Filmstar, a band whose leaping and plunging melodies, incisive lyrics, and unabashed pop hooks should rouse up the crowd. Blockley Porhouse, 3801 Chestnut St., 9pm, $5, 21+ myspace.com/cheerselephant (Tyler Westnedge) – Bill McThrill
 
Philadelphia

The Asteroid #4 Lands Down at JB’s Feb. 5

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Cosmic crusaders The Asteroid #4 are making their return to Johnny Brenda’s tonight. Since the mid-90’s these ‘genteel woodsmen’ have been making fuzzed out space jams the likes of Brian Jonestown Massacre, Lillys and 60’s pop ancestors. They mix a cocktail of shimmering harmonies, breezy, churning guitars, pounding drums and haunting atmosphere that manages to pay homage to their many influences while still maintaining a sound all their own. The band’s last released was These Flowers of Ours: A Treasury of Witchcraft & Devilry in 2008, but a new album is expected for this year. One-time cacophonous 4-track project turned full band The Sounds of Kaleidoscope and former-Extraordinaire and Punk Rock Payroll’s Lux Perpetua will be joining them on this journey. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/asteroid4 (Photo by Courtney Brooke) – Adam G.
 
Philadelphia

Andrew Lipke’s Prospects Look Good at North Star Bar Feb. 5

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Whether it’s through original acts like Franzschubert & The Schuubs, cover bands like Get The Led Out, or through his own material, Andrew Lipke has always managed to be a strong presence in the local music community. But through the work he’s recorded on Mad Dragon Records, he has really started to come into his own as a solo artist, and Motherpearl & Dynamiteis easily his most dynamic release to date. Tonight at The North Star Bar he takes it one step further by emerging onto the scene with a strong backing band in The Prospect. Expect this one to be filled with plenty of alt-folk compositions that mirror everything from Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd to John Denver. North Star Bar. 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/andrewlipke – Bill McThrill
 
Philadelphia

Philly Rocks for Haiti at The Troc Feb. 4

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Check out Philly Rocks for Haiti tonight at The Troc! Led Zeppelin tribute band, Get the Led Out, and Fishtown’s own Blood Feathers will be performing acoustic sets, and the rock soul explosion of Black Landlord and Eastern European dance party of West Philadelphia Orchestra are sure to get the crowd moving. Free Energy, who placed third in the Deli’s Best of Philly 2009 Poll, will also share the stage before heading out on a nationwide tour. Proceeds from the show go towards the Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia who will be shipping supplies to Haiti. The show is ALL Ages, followed by a 21+ after-party in the Balcony with DJ Jersey Dan. The Troc, 1003 Arch Street, 7:30pm, $12 (Tickets can be purchased here.) – H.M. Kauffman

 

 

 
Philadelphia

Prowler Funkin’ Up KFN Feb. 4

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Got a thing for funk? Prowler’s got you covered. Philly-based party people responsible for disco dance jams like “Beware Delaware” and “Ahead of the Pack” are known for heating things up in venues citywide. Since their ’08 release En Garde, Prowler’s DFA-esque backbeats and sassy lyrics have kept their fan base growing, making local favorites out of this funktastic five-piece. With vocals reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem’s mastermind James Murphy, tracks like “OK Girl” and “Spooky Pussy” mix post-punk bravado with world beat sophistication a la the Talking Heads. Set to open tonight at Kung Fu Necktie for noise-core duo Telepathe, Prowler’s upbeat anthems and high-octane rock might easily overshadow the lo-fi antics of their androgynous headliner. Dust off your dancin’ shoes, its time to get down. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N Front St., 8pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/prowler1 – Dianca Potts

 

Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer: Woe

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Is the band’s name Woe or Woah? I had never heard of them until this poll, but if they were actually named Woah, it would make sense to me. I would probably add a bunch of exclamation points. Woe pummel the senses with their unrelenting prog-black metal. They attack their compositions with unabashed reckless abandon that you like to find in a band that ROCKS! They recently signed to Candlelight Records, which is probably the biggest news on the local metal scene since Rumpelstiltskin Grinder signed to Relapse Records. Frontman Chris Grigg also runs Phillymetal.com if you want to know what’s happening in the Metal scene on the home front. A much needed site for a very fragmented scene. Woe will begin recording the new album Quietly, Undramatically this month, and it’s scheduled for release in Summer 2010. myspace.com/woeunholy (Photo by Scott Kinkade) – H.M. Kauffman
 
Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer and Winner of Fans’/Readers’ Poll: Levee Drivers

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It’s not surprising to me that Levee Drivers are top performers in our overall poll and winners of the Fans’ Poll this year. I first came across them about two years ago at Millcreek Tavern. I was about to leave after hearing the artist that I came to see, but Levee Drivers stopped me dead in my tracks as I was just about to walk out the door. I ended up staying for their whole set. There are some things that you know are just right. Please check out our interview below with Levee Drivers’ guitarist Jason Schultz. – Q.D. Tran
 
The Deli: How did you meet, and when did Levee Drivers form as a band?
 
Jason Schultz: August and I played in a few bands through high school. A year or two later, we asked Jeff to play drums. After a few months of practicing, we started getting some shows around the Philadelphia area at The Fire and The Cherry Pit. This was around the Spring of 2006.
TD: What is the origin of your band name?
 
JS: “Levee Drivers” came in an article about Hurricane Katrina. The words weren’t next to each other in the article, but I read them together and thought it sounded kind of rock ‘n roll.
 
TD: What are your biggest musical influences, and what bands (local/national/international) are you currently listening to?
 
JS: Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Howlin’ Wolf, The Clash and Jack White’s projects have been a pretty significant influence on our sound through the last 3 years. August has been listening to a lot of The Shangri-Las recently. Kyle’s getting into the Boss. Jeff likes The Walkmen. I’ve been listening to Brody Dalle’s new band, Spinnerette.
 
TD: What’s the first concert you ever attended and/or first album you ever bought?
 
JS: The first concert and album was The Wallflowers and Beck’s Odelay. Kyle’s first concert was KISS in 1990 because his uncle was in Slaughter, and they opened up the show. The first album he every got was Night at the Opera by Queen. Jeff’s first album he ever got was a Vandals CD.  My first album was And Justice for All by Metallica, and I think my first show was a New Jersey hardcore full of class acts.
 
TD: What’s your take on the Philly music scene?
 
JS: We don’t get around to that many shows, but we like playing with Machine Gun Joe and The Cobbs because they’re buddies of ours and we like what they do. I think our favorite venues are Johnny Brenda’s and World Cafe Live.
 
TD: What are your performance and recording plans for 2010?
 
JS: We’re going to try and get a few shows down south with a friend of ours down in Tennessee during the summer. Trying to convince August to record another EP this year.
 
TD: What was your most memorable live Levee Drivers show?
 
JS: The Dewey Beach Music Conference was probably our most memorable show. Everything clicked on stage, the crowd was into us and the weekend was a great learning experience as a band.
 
TD: If you could pick the next Traveling Wilburys, who would be in the line-up?
 
JS: Jack White, Josh Homme, Jeff Tweedy and Ryan Adams.
 
TD: What’s your favorite order at the deli?
 
JS: Grilled cheese and bacon.
 

 
Philadelphia

Deli Top Performer: Prowler

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Below are words submitted by one of our jurors who wanted to keep his/her vote anonymous.
 
“Philly’s Prowler is an ass-shaking party in a box, ready to be unleashed on unsuspecting masses everywhere. With a combination of funk, rock, and all out freak out – Prowler send themselves (and listeners) into a whirlwind of dancing, clapping and shouting like something out of a ’60s beach party flick. Make no mistake, they want you to get up and shake it for all you’re worth.” myspace.com/prowler1 (Photo by Amy Kerber)