December 30, 1999–January 6, 2000

six pick

Strapping Fieldhands/Photon Band

Talk about bringing out the old to ring in the new. Two Philly indie-rock stalwarts will brush off the dust to bring in 2000 after respective lengthy hiatuses. Brit-influenced noise merchants the Fieldhands have been spending their time working on a bunch of new stuff, which they’ll premiere at the party. Word is they’ve moved away from some of the folkier stuff and will be strutting out some straight-up rock, done of course as only the Fieldhands can — which means it’ll be a bit raucous, a little poppy and very skewed. The Photon Band, led by Art Difuria, will rev up their heralded live show (which has featured the band performing in drag) and rock’em, sock’em trio Burning Brides will also perform. The $20 cover includes champagne, but an additional $25 gets you open bar from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

—Brian Howard

Fri., Dec. 31, The Upstage, 22 S. Third St., 215-627-7079

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