Local favorite son Kurt Vile is taking the stage this Saturday at Union Transfer. Equal parts psychedelic, offbeat and profound, Vile has quickly established himself as a music industry darling. Fresh off another critically acclaimed album, his own local holiday, and being paraded through the streets of our city, he’ll be backed by his aptly named Violators. Expect smoky, hypnotic music occasionally interspersed with some of Kurt’s trademark (pleasantly) awkward banter. They’ll be joined by tour mates melodic Brooklyn up-and-comers Beach Fossils and NYC three-piece VBA, with current Violator member Bentley Anderson. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 9pm, $22, All Ages – Daniel Ludwig
Other places to escape the chill this weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Joey Sweeney, Northern Arms, The Fantastic Imagination
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SAT (Early) Heathen Reign, The Company Corvette, (Late) Ruder Then You, The Mighy Paradocs, MMGZ
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) SAT Laser Background, Ghost Light
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SUN Air is Human, Harbor
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Literature, Panic Years, SAT Clamfight, Wizard Eye, Screaming Rattler, SUN Bel Heir
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SAT Family Vacation, Keepers, The Harry Walther Band, Venice Sunlight
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Vice Royal, Anjuli Josephine, SUN Pill Friends, Left and Right, Snoozer
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI PARTY. w/Les Professionnels & Friends, SAT Halfro
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI The Districts, Dominic Angelella (of DRGN KNG), SAT The GTV’s, Midwestern Exposure
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) SAT Dead in The Face, Corpse Hoarder, Dark Water’s End, Burial Mound
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) SUN Theresa Noye
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Knife and Fork Band, SAT Rusty Cadillac
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Pravda, The Jawn, Wave Radio, Tungsten, SAT Andrew Winter and The Reckless Dodgers, SUN Supreem and The New Experience, Supreem Da Rezarekta
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) SUN A Day Without Love
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Denison Witmer
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT More Than Alive
The Random Tea Room (713 N. 4th St.) FRI Kristen Sylvester
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Matt Gauss Band
Mt. Thrashmore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Marietta, Cemetery Friends, Jet Set Sail
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Luther, Nona, Omar, Crybaby, SAT Timeshares, Annabel, Manors, SUN The Holy Mess, The Greek Favourites, Address
House of the Rise Up Singing (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Silverton Album Release Costume Party
Great Indoors (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Banned Books, Wet Food, American Spiritual
A House Named Virtue (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Banned Books, Jonagold, Luck Mountain
Don’t Tread on Me House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI When Ships Collide, The Chairman Dances, Television Blood
Duff Gardens (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Low Charge