There’s a battle-tested, charred aspect in Dan Bruskewicz ‘s singing ; as if his vocal chords have been marinated in whiskey, and touched with smoke giving the words he sings an experienced time-tested appeal. His voice is coupled with heavy, heart-thumping bass, guitar that picks opportune moments to demonstrate force, but knows when to lay back and play with flow, and harmonica that lets out a charging run when called upon. TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb blend traditional folk with an untamed country-blues revealing their internal core in the process. Tonight, they celebrate the release of their new Bill Moriarty produced EP Kong. Joining in on the festivities is Pine Barons whose exploratory folk wrap its roots around you and the ever-interesting combination of soulful siren Alison Wadsworth and the heavy blues-rocking Satellite Hearts. – Johnny Brenda’s 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm., $10, 21+ -Michael Colavita
Other things about town this weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Philly Loves Def Jam w. Chilly Moody
The Boot & Saddle(1131 S. Broad St.) SAT Kewsi K (Album Release), Maitland SUN DRGN
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Satellite Hearts, Cold Roses – Mumblr SAT No Other, Hurry
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Kate Faust, Elegant Animals SUN Harsh Vibes, Village
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SAT Black Horse Motel, Sydney Joseph and The Organic Reverb
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI New Sound Brass, The Wayside Shakeup SAT Desoto Jones
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI The Late Saints, Full Carbon Get Up SUN The Glitch Tape ft. Jack Deezl, Architekt
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT Todd Fausnacht & The Well Whiskey SUN Rusty Cadillac
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Smoke, Sacred Cube SAT Those People, Angela Everwood
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E Lancaster Ave.) FRI David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket SAT The Great Socio, Kid Felix, Bong Hits for Jesus
Great Indoors (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI The Breathing Light, Trophy Wife, Mighty Paradocs, Alex Smith, Atruth Anarchopunk
Hong Kong Garden (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Abi Reimold, Cold Foamers, Grim Sleeper, Slippertails
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Weed, Gunk, Amanda X, Marge
Dog Morgue (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Ted Nguyent, Denzell, Speed Trials, Hoser
Rock Bottom (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Pill Friends, Soda Bomb, Besting Tensions, Boss Logic