I used to write a column called “Do It for the Kids” for a pretty lame publication which no longer exists… so now it’s going to belong to Philthy. Aside from being a pretty badass song by a “supergroup” that I probably shouldn’t be admitting I like, “Do It for the Kids” is my guide for Philthy’s youngsters to worthwhile shows that they can actually get into. Yes, any music fan who has been in Philthy for more than a week realizes that it sucks to be under 21. Nearly every tour that actually matters hits up the local likes of Johnny Brenda’s or Kung Fu Necktie (or, in my -21 days, The Khyber and the North Star). With the opening of Union Transfer, it has never been a better time to be a teen into indie rock in the 215, but if you still can’t consume PBR legally, there are a lot of shows you probably can only wish to attend. However, every week, there are generally still a handful of good shows that you can attend, so I’m going to make sure you know about them. Welcome to Philthy’s first, weekly installment of “Do It for the Kids.”
The Parson Red Heads @ Ukie Club (9/25) (as part of the Philadelphia Film and Music Festival)
12 pm, $15
The Parson Red Heads are one of the warmest bands in my music collection. That being said, it would seem fitting that their next stop in Philthy is on a Sunday afternoon. These PDX country-poppers are currently touring behind the release of their sophomore LP, Yearling, an exercise in existentialism that explores intellectual abstractions such as “growth” and “unity” with a charming twang.
Grace Woodroofe @ Electric Factory (9/29) (supporting Ben Harper)
8 pm, $40/$43
So I’m certainly not endorsing spending this much money on a concert (I also normally wouldn’t endorse Ben Harper, however, he has worked closely with Grace, even producing her debut LP, and it’s quite good, from what I’ve heard.) However, if you are going to find yourself at this show anyway, you should do yourself a favor and get there early. This enchanting Australian chanteuse is a bit mystifying: she appears morbidly lovely as often as frenziedly fun-loving. The debut album, Always Want, drops in January 2012 and I’m guessing will get quite big, so come out and see her now so you can say “Oh, I saw her back before she was a big deal.”
Dark Dark Dark w/ Brown Bird @ World Café Live (9/30)
9 pm, $13/$15
This is the week’s best overall lineup. Dark Dark Dark are a heady five-piece from Minnesota who successfully balance high art (minimalism) with folk art (New Orleans jazz, Americana, etc.) (If you’re in one of my 802 classes, you should check them out), while Brown Bird put their ears overseas, drawing from international interpretations of that which is usually described as “folk.”
*If you appreciate my particular picks, keep checking back, as I plan on chatting with Grace Woodroofe and 1/2 of Brown Bird in the near future.
