Michael Johnson’s Ape School will be celebrating the release of his latest glimmering psych-pop LP Junior Violence (Hometapes) tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. It’s going to be a packed house of local music community favorites. Johnson will have his most excellent backing band, which is made up of members from Philly acts like Dr. Dog and The Extraordinaires. Joining him on the bill will be fellow maestro at the boards Jeff Zeigler building soundscapes with harpist Mary Lattimore, the dynamic duo of Norwegian Arms (our featured Choice/Cuts artists), and the delightfully oddball outfit Laser Background. You’ll also be treated to tunes being spun throughout the evening by Adam Granduciel and Dave Hartley from The War on Drugs with help from special guest friends. Sounds like a local music family affair that you don’t want to miss! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Q.D. Tran
Weekend Warrior, August 17 – 19
Other things to do this weekend as summer slowly fades away…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT This is Jazz, Surgeon
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SAT Lockets, Attic Dancers, Language Problem
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) FRI Archives of Oblivion
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI The Danger O’s, Polar Ice Caps, Ton-Taun, SAT Hellstroms, Welter, Strawman, SUN Harsh Vibes, Spotted Atrocious
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI (All Ages) Panic Years, (Late) Behind the Grandstand, Friendly Lounge, SAT (All Ages) Kick Back Tomorrow, The Static Locals, Brundle Fly, Stranglehold, (Late) Flat Mary Road, Mat Burke, SUN Two Cities, This Temper, The Thick
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Chris Vance
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Gina Sicilia, Andrea Carlson, Elizabeth Pugh, SAT Alec Stewart, Meghan Carey
TLA (334 South St.) SAT mewithoutYou, Buried Beds
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT (Early) Last Brain Cells, (Late) Confused Disciples, The Bad Tequila Experience, Uncle Pockets, Spoken Life
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI The Heat Run, SAT Sunshine Superman, SUN Rustic Music
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) Liberty Music Fest FRI Glim Dropper, Close to Good, The Way Home, John & Brittany, Red Letter Life, SAT Mach 22, The Parsnip Revolt, The Standing Cinema, Nomad Clientele, Stolen Rhodes, Cold Roses, Ross Bellenoit, SUN Black Stars, Pet Clinic, Give Me Gravity, Marc Lancaster, Paradox Please, Venice Sunlight, Last Scene In Reno
Triumph Brewery (117 Chestnut St.) FRI Chris Are, Josh Hay
The Barbary (951 N. Frankford St.) SAT Young Statues
Ortlieb’s (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Schoolly D & Maxx, SAT Archives of Oblivion
Morgan’s Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) SAT Trouble Everyday
Milkboy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Chill Moody, The Lawsuits, Gang, Johnny Showcase, SAT Modern Colour, The Jackson Rider, SUN Sharon Little, Aiden James, The Fleeting Ends, The Bailey Hounds
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Algernon Cadwallader, Kite Party
Union Transfer (1024 Spring Garden St.) SUN Black Landlord, Curse of Samsara, The High Five, Goddamnit, Hang-Up to Flat
Rebel Rock Bar (100 Spring Garden St.) FRI Starving the Tsunami, Behind the Ghost
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Supreem and the New Experience, ILL Doots, The Burgeoning, SAT Philadelphia Slick, Mr. 8.5
Little Berlin (2430 Coral St.) SAT Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang
Pilam (3914 Spruce St.) SAT Bubonic Bear, Heavy Medical
Torrent Collective (938 S. 8th St.) SAT Discorporate, Kenn Kweder
House of the Rise Up Singing (Please contact one of the acts or the venue for more info.) FRI Younglionapprentice, Julie Beth, Drew
Glitorium (Please contact one of the acts or the venue for more info.) SAT Sleepies, Slutever, Oh Bree, Top of Tola