Staff Blog
THE SHOWDOWN: P-Funk, but whiter
A concert a day keeps the doctor away.
Monday: The Heavy has soul. The British indie-funk outfit is this generation’s answer to Curtis Mayfield. Think P-Funk, but whiter. With Illinois, 7:30 pm, $10, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215-222-1400.
Tuesday: Nick Diamonds decided he needed a “more mature” project than the Unicorns, and Islands is what came out. An indie rock band from Quebec that doesn’t sound nearly as pretentious as Mr. Diamonds does. With Jemina Pearl, Toro Y Moi, 8 pm, $13, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.
Wednesday: Super fun folk duo Herman Dune are all “sunshine kisses and wrinkly nosed optimism,” according to K. Ross. 8 p.m., $9-$11, with Julie Doiron, World CafĂ© Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400.
Thursday: Thao Nygyen & the Get Down Stay Down is some of the best indie-folk I’ve heard recently. The front-lady and her group feel like an Asian Regina Spektor, but with less piano and more mandolin. With Portland Cello Project, David Schultz, 8 pm, $12, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.
Friday: You need soulful beats and socially conscious lyrics, all delivered by an albino who’s sick enough to tour with Atmosphere? Brother Ali is the man for the job. With Evidence, Toki Wright, BK-One, 8 pm, $15, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.
Saturday: Seizure 17 is Nirvana-esque group from Philly. The songs on their MySpace sound suspiciously like they were recorded in Garageband with the built in Macbook mic, but they appear to deliver an energetic live show. Go forth and support your local shit. With My Mind, Mikingmihrab, Molting, Jodienda. 8 p.m, Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave.
Sunday: Did anyone see the movie Once? I didn’t know this until just now, but apparently Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova (the girl and the guy from that movie, you can read Sam Adams’ interview with them here) are a pre-existing folk duo called The Swell Season. Hell yes. With Doveman. 8 pm, $35, Merriam Theater, 250 S Broad St., 215-732-5446.
