The Local Weekend: An Escape from the Cold

DeVotchka
(Photo From Band's Myspace)

All the holidays are long over, the madness that was DC earlier this week has passed and I have finally situated myself into a new apartment and secured an internet connection. Now I can get you the low down on what to check out this weekend in the IA area. Not much on the multi-stop front. Most already played elsewhere earlier this week or are coming soon to your town.  That said, there are plenty of shows worth seeing.

Friday

WXPN time and time again brings great music to Philly. This Friday is no exception. Not just playing one show, but two at the World Cafe is DeVotchka. See them for free on your lunch break at the Free at Noon session, then come back later for the evening show. The Denver-based foursome unload their violin, sousaphone, trumpet and more for what is to be a great show. And if you haven't got their latest release, A Mad and Faithful Telling, get it now.

mp3: You Love Me

Southern Rock comes north again as Athens, Georgia band Drive-By Truckers hit Towson and the Recher Theater.

mp3: Puttin' People on the Moon

Jukebox the Ghost is out and about once again, this time at my home for four years, Ursinus College. Joining them is Boston group Pretty & Nice. These two have joined forces before and it should be a great show. All you current students and those near Collegeville, get there.

mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Good Day
mp3: Pretty & Nice - Tora Tora Tora

DC is still basking in the glow of Tuesday. If you have finally come up from the post-party hangover, there are a few places to check out. Philly's Hoots & Hellmouth head south to join up with DC locals Junior League and self proclaimed Irish Rock Extravaganza O'Tasty at the Black Cat.

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears have been getting a lot of buzz lately. But everyone says the live shows are what get you hooked. Check them out with Bottles/Cans at the Rock & Roll Hotel to see and hear for yourself.

Over at Dahlak, a couple more locals take the stage with The Caribbean and Mittenfield.

And not to be left out, Baltimore has a good show as a couple of out-of-towners play the Ottobar. New York's Longwave and Oklahomans Colourmusic hit the stage with Baltimore's own The Payola Reserve.

Philly has a few good shows in town as well. The North Star is hosting The Honey Brothers, who have a drummer that you may know as Vinny Chase.  They are joined by New Yorkers Xylos and Philly's The Major Leagues.

The Naked Hearts, out in support of their new release, and The Antlers, set to release a new album in March, are playing The Fire.  While out on the Main Line, Pawnshop Roses and Justin Jones play an intimate show at the Ardmore location of Milkboy Coffee.

mp3: Hoots & Hellmouth - Rattle These Bones
mp3: Junior League - I Will
mp3: Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears - The Zero Light
mp3: Bottles/Cans - Tabitha Calhoun
mp3: The Caribbean - The Go From Tactical
mp3: Longwave - Sirens In The Deep Sea
mp3: Colourmusic - Put In A Little Gas
mp3: The Payola Reserve - Music Is Not Music
mp3: Xylos - In The Bedroom
mp3: The Major Leagues - Fire
mp3: The Antlers - Bear
mp3: Justin Jones - Lie to Me

Saturday

A little bit lighter on the entertainment Saturday, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to see. Hoots & Hellmouth are heading back towards home and playing the Chester County Historical Society, while Colourmusic is leaving Baltimore and heading to Alrington for a show at IOTA with local musician Ammar Malik.

DC has two great shows. Coming down from New York to the Rock & Roll Hotel is Via Audio. And coming up from Athens to meet them is Modern Skirts. This should be a killer show. And over at DC9, locals dominate as Black & White Jacksons share the bill with Ra Ra Rasputin and Loose Lips.

Up in Philly at the M Room, an intersting line-up featuring San Francisco's Magic Christian along with Philly locals Blessed Muthas and The Midnight Beat and Central PAs Parallax Project. Over a few blocks at The Fire, catch something a bit more mellow as The Loom and Sisters 3 perform.

mp3: Via Audio - We Can Be Good
mp3: Modern Skirts - New York Song
mp3: Black & White Jacksons - Racing Horse
mp3 : Sisters 3 - Bermuda Triangle

Sunday

Sunday is all Philly. If you haven't heard already, legend Vic Chestnutt has teamed up with fellow Athenians Elf Power and created a new album. Now they are taking it on the road. See them at the North Star, a great small venue for up close and personal viewing. If you missed them in DC or New York recently, get to Philly and see this show.

Expect a big turnout at the TLA for Chicago artist Andrew Bird, on tour in support of his hot off the presses Noble Beast.

mp3: Vic Chestnutt/Elf Power - Full Album Stream