PhilAnthem
Weekend Concert Preview: October 9-11
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Photography by Josh Douglas Smith
Long time no see, Philanthem readers! I apologize for the unexpected hiatus for the past month. If you’re wondering where I’ve been (of course you have!), Lauren and I have been in the process of bringing in some more writing muscle to the team. So get used to seeing a few new faces around here shortly and we’re sure you’ll enjoy what they plan to bring to the table. Until then, let’s see some of what’s going on this weekend, shall we?
Saturday, October 10:
Our friend Brian Dibiagio will be crazy busy this Saturday as he’s playing two shows in two very different locales. First, he’ll be with Bill Monaghan in Allentown, NJ (yes, there is an Allentown in Jersey) at the Allentown Fall Festival, which seems to be a free event that starts at 9:30 a.m. After a bit a travel, Brian will be at the Edgmont Country Club with Round Tower in Newtown Square, PA for a show that begins at 8 p.m. and is also presumably free.
The New Divide will be headlining a show at the Cherrywood in Clememton, NJ with Jason Ager and the C.O.P.O, Open the Sky and Boss 302. Unfortunately for those under 21 (or without a fake I.D., but you didn’t hear that from us), the show is for those that wield that magical number of years. Tickets are $7.
A slow weekend in terms of quantity, but most definitely not in quality! Remember, if you are a in band or know one who would like to be featured in our concert previews, tip us off either on our Mypsace, Facebook group, or at philanthem@gmail.com. Also, if you want to see our posts as soon as they happen, subscribe to the Philanthem Twitter feed.
Tags: Bill Monaghan, Boss 302, Brian Dibiagio, Jason Ager, Open The Sky, Round Tower, The New Divide
Philly-bred Vile keeps the constant hits coming with Childish Prodigy
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Image courtesy matadorrecords.com
Born and raised Philadelphia native Kurt Vile’s do-it-yourself grit fits perfect with the blue collar town he calls home.
The imaginative guitarist and songwriter, dubbed “Philly’s Constant Hitmaker,” has been working on finding unique sounds since he first picked up a banjo, and, later, a guitar. And with his brand new record Childish Prodigy (Matador), Vile may have found his mark.
The loud, pounding opener “Hunchback,” begins the album with a bang and the frenzied first single, “Freak Train,” showcases the unpredictable nature of Vile’s work. On the harmonica-infused groove “Inside Looking Out,” Vile’s volatile howling reminisces Jim Morrison over a distant jungle beat.
Deep cuts like “Blackberry Song” and “Overnite Religion” display Vile’s mastery of layered acoustic and electric guitars, which blend into a complex musical texture.
Prodigy is a complex web of songs, woven together into a tapestry of twisted brilliance from the mind of one of the most ingenious Philadelphia musicians. Perhaps unfortunately for Vile’s hometown fans, he may be on his way to bigger stages elsewhere.
Kurt Vile celebrates the release of his brand new album with a CD release show tonight, playing with his live band, the Violators, at Kung Fu Necktie in Fishtown. The show is set to start at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.
Kevin Brosky
Micciulla Plays The Tin Angel, Releases Long Awaited Debut Album
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This Friday was a celebration of sorts for Nancy Micciulla.
After more than a decade of writing music and performing everywhere and anywhere, the Philadelphia singer-songwriter released her first fully-produced, full-length album, The One to Shine, at an intimate CD release show at the Tin Angel.
Micciulla’s new album, which she spent much of the summer working on finishing, is an eleven track folk rock diary, wrought with honesty, passion, hurt and restlessness. Her hard work has paid off in a big way on a glimmering album that combines her melodic acoustic playing and sweetly enchanting vocals with doses of soulful piano and tip-toeing percussion.
Friday, Micciulla returned to the Tin Angel, the venue at which she previously outshined other local musicians at a “Songwriters in the Round” event. This time around, she had the opportunity to perform some of her new material with the company of friends Irene Molloy and Kyle Swartzwelder, who contributed to the album.
Shine has been some 12 years in the making, but during that time, Micciulla has blossomed into an accomplished songwriter. It may be her time to be in full bloom.
Kevin Brosky
Tags: Irene Molloy, Kyle Swartzwelder, Nancy Micciulla, The One to Shine, Tin Angel
Weekend Concert Preview: August 21-23
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TGIF in Philly my friends! I’m sure it was a long week for all of you, but it is finally over. And what better way is there to celebrate then going to see some of our favorite local bands do what they do best: play!
August 21:
The New Divide, an alternative rock band with some unique vocal work by Ray Ray Pine, are playing St. Pauls in Levittown. The show starts at 8 p.m. and for $8.00 a ticket you can see them along with these guys. Check out what’s going on the rest of this weekend after the break. (more…)
Tags: Bridgetown, Crash the Coast, Deadbolt, Groove Train Riders, Nancy Micciulla, Robots and Racecars, Stellium, Team Goldie, The New Divide
Weekend Concert Preview: August 14-16
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Happy Friday, Philadelphians! Ready to go see some shows this weekend? Well, let’s see a bit of what’s playing because you have a variety to chose from.
August 14:
A good friend of ours, Braxton Parker, is playing the Hard Rock Cafe on 12th and Market at 8 p.m. If you’re into a bit of what they call “Crunk” (what does that even mean?) on their Myspace, why not go for dinner and see a show for free? I can almost %100 guarantee it’ll be a good time. More previews after the break! (more…)
Weekend Concert Preview: July 17 to July 19
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Hello there readers! Yes, the Philanthem team is finally back and cooking with gas (a brief month in another country set us back a wee bit). So, please do keep coming back to the site for news on upcoming shows and much more! Now, let’s see what’s going on this weekend around this beautiful city.
July 17th:
The Ruining, Static Radio and Make Do And Mend are playing The Fire tonight starting around 6:00 pm. Tickets are $7.00 and you can pick them up here (or probably at the door). A good ole Jersey punk show (with some friends from Connecticut) should be a rip-roaring good time. More previews after the break. (more…)
As Opposed to Dead is alive and kicking
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Drummer Adam Cohen and guitarist Matt Cannon don’t make up your typical band. Adam and Matt form As Opposed to Dead, which was formerly known as Try Angles. Fusing different types of music, As Opposed to Dead will surprise you with their originality and experimental music. The band has been playing gigs around the area in venues as small as hookah lounges and as large as the Crocodile Rock in Allentown. Recently I sat down with Adam and Matt to talk about the band and what lies ahead for them.
Concert Preview (May 17-24, 2009)
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Hey Philanthemites. Sorry for the late post, but don’t worry there’s still some big things going on this week, including a show with a guest act from a band you may have heard of before…
Concert Preview (May 11-17, 2009)
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Hey, hello, how are ya, etc. Here’s another look at upcoming concerts for the week:
05/14/09: Soraia, Sweeney’s, Philadelphia, PA, starts at 9:30 p.m., $3.
05/15/09: Adalie, Franklin Towne Charter School, Philadelphia, PA, starts at 6 p.m., $7.
Jealousy Curve, Innerpartysystem, Crocodile Rock, Allentown, PA, starts at 6:30 p.m., $12 advance, $15 day of show.
05/16/09: Spectral Empire, Monument, Anscestor, The Rooftops, Creep Industries, Phoenixville, PA, starts at 7 p.m., $6.
Tremor, Distant Orange, Krunch Inn, Philadelphia, PA, starts at 9 p.m., Free show.
05/17/09: Brian DiBiagio with Round Tower, Rose Tree Park, Media, PA, starts at 1 p.m.
Try Angles, Western Dresses, It’s Called Karma, The Fig Cafe, Jenkintown, PA, starts at 6:30 p.m., $5.
Stellium, The Fig Cafe, Jenkintown, PA, starts at 7 p.m.
Support local music!
Mike Novak
Concert Preview (May 4-10, 2009)
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Hello Philanthem…ites? I’ll have to work on that one. Here’s what’s coming up this week, including a few Cinco De Mayo shows: (more…)
Tags: bands, concert preview, Concerts, jealousy curve, local shows, Music, Philadelphia, philly, tremor, try angles
