.:. Shows & Events .:. Sunny Day Music .:. Philadelphia .:.

Saturday, September 04, 2010

FRIDAY, SEP 03, 2010 9PM

Arrah & The Ferns (CD Release Show)
Their catchy sing-along chorus hooks are paired with unpretentiously ironic and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, resulting in a guilt-free pop listening experience equally suited to chilling out solo or cutting a rug with some chums.

Wissahickon Chicken Shack
"In case you didn’t know, our city is home to quite a few solid bluegrass ensembles, and with the release of Long Way From Sunset, Wissahickon Chicken Shack may snag some attention outside the usual humble bar gigs. The seven-piece’s self-proclaimed fondness for folk, funk and honky-tonk livens up their tunes, as do mean licks of dobro and lap steel amid the requisite fiddle, banjo and mandolin. With tearjerking lead vocals from Bethany Brooks, “Abide With Me” explores the introspective flipside of party-starters like “Hot Rob Bob” and “Slow Train.” Witness the troupe’s strong collaborative spirit as they kick off the first of three shows this month at Roxborough’s brand new music venue, the Blinkin' Lincoln." (Doug Wallen) Philadelphia Weekly

Lady

Funkslaw
Funkslaw is a 5 piece Americana/Roots Rock band from Philadelphia who move through Blues, Folk, Rock , and Country tunes during each set and have done so at some of Philly’s best venues. Funkslaw’s growing fan base and their ability to please a diversity of musical interests will no doubt lead to their collaboration with Philadelphia’s finest original artists such as their upcoming show here at the North Star Bar.

$8 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

SATURDAY, SEPT 04, 2010 9PM

Wooden Birds (featuring Andrew from American Analog Set and Matt Pond of Matt Pond PA)
Andrew Kenny is a native Texan who after nearly six years in Brooklyn, NY has returned to beautiful Austin, TX. He's best known as the singer/songwriter behind mellow indie favorites the American Analog Set. However, he's also performed as a guest artist with the Album Leaf, Her Space Holiday, Styrofoam, Ola Podrida, Arthur & Yu, and most recently the Broken Social Scene.

His latest project is called the Wooden Birds and is his best effort to date. The Wooden Birds' first album, Magnolia, is now out on Barsuk Records in the US & Canada and on Morr Music in Europe. Fans of the the AmAnSet will recognize his voice and song writing immediately, but the arrangements on Magnolia are more vocal and percussion heavy than anything he's done before.

Dan Mangan
"His voice opens up and loats around the room like the smells from my cup of coffee and really let's you have something to hold onto on those days where everything else seems lost."

Clean Equations
Clean Equations is the Philadelphia, PA / New York, NY / Melbourne, AU based music collective fronted by lyricist / song writer /chemical engineer, Mike Nyhan. On the heels of their 2009 self-titled EP, Clean Equations has just completed their first full length album entitled “People / Variables”.

$10 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

SATURDAY, SEP 04, 2010 9PM

The Stand-Ins

Carmen Costa

Jaded Son

Opening Day

Somebody Said Something

$5 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The Fire

SUNDAY, SEP 05, 2010 8PM

Hot Hot Heat
Formed in 1999 in the seemingly improbable locale of Victoria, British Columbia (perhaps the launch of a new British (Columbian) invasion?), Hot Hot Heat have, in their relatively short life-span, metamorphosed in a way coincidentally implicit in the elemental dynamism of their name. Heat as force of change. Hot Hot Heat have transformed from within the confines of their tense, angular synth-rock beginnings while losing none of their sense of urgency. Combining ‘60s mod rock, ‘70s prog and ‘80s new wave/punk, these four have created their own style of danceable pop oddities. And, more to the point, Hot Hot Heat are genuinely fun, with a capital F-U-N. Responses to the band often cite such varied influences as the quirks of early XTC, the solid, blues-based rhythms of Led Zeppelin or the melodic hooks of The Cure. Equally apt, these disparate touchstones give an indication of Hot Hot Heat’s sources of inspiration and unique synthesis.

22-20's
Named for the Skip James song "22-20 Blues," the 22-20s hail from Lincolnshire, England, and music is a mix blues, rock, folk, and country influences. The band actually broke up in 2006, reformed in 2008, and released a new album in 2010 on TBD Records.

Hey Rosetta!
Since being formed by Tim Baker after returning home to St. John’s in 2005, Hey Rosetta! has quickly grown from a travelers suitcase full of lyrics and string parts to a critically acclaimed band hailed for their intelligent songs, powerful recordings, energized and evoking live shows. The band has created a layered sound by incorporating piano, violin and cello with traditional rock instrumentation with Tim’s soaring vocals. They have toured extensively in Canada as well as in Australia, France, UK, and the US. Hey Rosetta! won three East Coast Music Awards in 2009, as well as the CMW Indie Award for Best Album, XM’s Verge Award for Best Album, and was shortlisted for the renowned Polaris Music Prize for their album “Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood)”. Recorded in the dead of winter in two East Coast harbour towns with producer and singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman, "Into Your Lungs" began with a beautiful naivety and confidence. An off-the-stage feel and vigor reminiscent of the bands powerful live performances rooted the recording sessions. Late 2009 saw the release of the Red Songs 7” and a digital EP as well as the inclusion of another new song (“Old Crow Black Night Stand Still”) on the CBC Radio 2 Great Song Quest compilation.

$15 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

TUESDAY, SEP 07, 2010 8PM

The New Music Series welcomes:
Carousel
The original members of the former Philly band Like Lions have gotten back together and rounded out the lineup with two new members to create some of their best music to date. The sound of Carousel is a perfect blend of rawness and sophistication. Their songs are refreshingly original with subtle allusions to the artists whom have inspired them. The music of Carousel is something to be experienced.

Octopus for Yes!
Welcome To Octopus For "Yes!" 4 young lads on a journey to melt brains and teach the world Octopanese. The seeds for the group were planted back in 2008 when Jonathan Buscema (aka Guy McFace) and Zachariah Holliday (formerly of The Vida Ambit) began the search to create a rock group of epic forces. Zachariah then recruited Dan Townsend after an epic night of The Mars Volta and moonbounces. The search for a bass player was the final and most elusive piece until one January evening when Zach was introduced to Austen Royce Goodman (formerly of Dead Man's Hand) via an epic jam at a party in West Chester. The four then all converged on Philadelphia to form what is now known as "Octopus For "Yes!"

The Outset

$7 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

WEDNESDAY, SEP 08, 2010 8PM

Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social
"Back to his hard-riffing best, a literate rock n'roller to the tips of his Cuban heels. The genuine article in an age dominated by phonies." **** (4 stars) - Q Magazine

Moneybrother
“The best songs -- and there really are too many to mention here -- are intense and soulful pop/rock mini-symphonies of the kind Bruce Springsteen used to make in the mid-'70s: the grand piano pounds, the saxophone lines soar, and the dramatic string arrangements underpin Anders Wendin's wonderfully scruffy voice...This is every bit as good as classic, soul-tinged pop/rock gets. Period.” - All Music Guide

Josh Olmstead Band
Josh Olmstead Band's original material draws from various musical roots, including the blues, country, folk, jazz, gospel, soul, and rock and roll. The band's live performances reveal an adventurous and dramatic spirit, marked by evolving arrangements, instrumental explorations, novel cover selections, and high energy.

$12 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

THURSDAY, SEP 09, 2010 8PM

Bitch
Bitch is formerly of Bitch and Animal, who toured with Ani Difranco, and released two albums on her label, Righteous Babe Records. As a full band they carry an up-beat folk rock sound that is very infections.

Steph Hayes
Steph Hayes is a singer and songwriter who spent several years in pop/rock group Stargazer Lily. She signed with Arista Records in 2000, has written with Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Roy Orbison), John Shanks (Ashlee Simpson, Melissa Etheridge) and Shelley Peiken (Meredith Brooks) and many other top industry songwriters. She has also recorded with Nelly Furtado, The John Lennon REMIX project, and Ben Arnold. This year, Steph Hayes shared stages with Bitch, Erin McKewon, Namoli Brennet, Wayne Fishell, Jenny Owen-Youngs, Michelle Malone, Nicole Reynolds and gregory Douglass. Following the 2006 release of the album "Dirty Beauty" she now performs solo or with her band The Good Problems. Hayes’ current writing is a return to her more lyrical roots.

Adam Brodsky

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Mazzoni Center.
Mazzoni Center is the only health care provider in the Philadelphia region specifically targeting the unique health care needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Founded in 1979, it is the oldest AIDS service organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the fourth-oldest in the nation. As the organization grew and evolved to meet the needs of our constituents, Mazzoni Center has combined HIV/AIDS-related services and health services. With over 30,000 individuals benefiting annually from our services, we have proven ourselves to be a leader amounf community-based organizations in the greater Philadelphia area, and have developed a reputation for excellence and innovation in service delivery to our constituents.

$12 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

FRIDAY, SEP 10, 2010 9PM

Dead Winter Carpenters (featuring members of Montana Slim String Band)
With feet firmly planted in the Northern California roots music scene, Dead Winter Carpenters is a quintet emerging from the shores of North Lake Tahoe. Boasting a creative combination of members of San Francisco’s Montana Slim String Band, and Tahoe’s Rusty Strings, Dead Winter Carpenters are poised with an arsenal of original material, and are doggedly in the midst of a break-out summer.
Laced with elements of alt-country, bluegrass, folk, ragtime, blues, reggae and rock and roll, the rollicking five-piece brings to the table a unique blend of genuine, authentic songwriting and dynamic musicianship that is sure to please audiences of any age.

The Levee Drivers
"..it might just be a matter of time before the boys who have a sound that’s reminiscent to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams blow up big time." - The Deli Magazine

The Fallen Troubadours
The Fallen Troubadours are a throwback to the days of bands such as the the Yardbirds and the Kinks. Foot stomping music, catchy vocal melodies and lush harmonies. Their rootsy rock makes a great soundtrack for drunken nights and should be welcomed with open arms by Philly’s like-minded music community. Their debut album will be released this fall on Universal Warning/Candy Colored Dragon.

Riley Etheridge
Riley Etheridge Jr. is a New York City based singer/songwriter with deep roots in Americana music. After growing up in a musical family in Columbia, S.C., he spent 20 years performing and recording in the musical gumbo of South Louisiana, and after a decade long hiatus his move to New York has inspired a collection of new original material entitled "Things I Used to Know”. The album, which will be released in January of 2010, represents a reunion of all- star South Louisiana musicians and friends who have recorded together for over 25 years.
Recorded in New Orleans in July of 2009, the rhythm section included Baton Rouge bassist David Ellis, Guitarist Shane Theriot (Neville Brothers/Boz Scaggs) drummer Doug Belote (Jerry Douglas/Sonny Landreth) and New Orleans jazz pianist and composer Larry Sieberth. The basic tracks then traveled to Nashville TN where Louisiana native and producer Wendell Tilley added guitars and enlisted Americana/country rock legends such as Dan Dugmore (James Taylor/Linda Ronstadt) and Mickey Rapheal (Willie Nelson) to add their distinctive contributions. The resulting album has been described by one writer as an “elegiac, contemplative collection of sad, funny, and ultimately redemptive alternative country”.

$10 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

SATURDAY, SEP 11, 2010 9PM

Caspian
"Caspian is attempting to chisel away a little niche in the wall, swimming against the overwhelming tide of an increasingly overcrowded genre. "Tertia" succeeds in this endeavor surprisingly well... There is heavyweight contender status here."
- OUTBURN

Rosetta CD Release Show
A post-punk hardcore band from Philadelphia that can be best described as beautifully brutal. They are heavy yet with a melodic undertone reminiscent of bands like Explosions in the Sky.

Lehnen (from Vienna, Austria)
Loudness next to tranquility: Opposites find their way together here, and through the many expanded classic rock line-up elements, find their way into the big picture. Conservative electronics and synthesizers play as important of a roll as accordion or glockenspiel, not to mention the often multi-layered vocals.

"Diverse" is a word that frequents the subconscious while listening to Lehnen; something that is due, no doubt, to the eclectic listening tendencies of the four band members: from Post-Rock and Post-Hardcore, to a variety of electronic music, all the way to classic Indie-Rock and Folk, which in the end adds up to a sum that is worth more than each of the individual parts.

Japanese Sunday
"Drifting sheets of guitar cascade like frozen waves of distortion and crescendo, only to wash themselves away when thoughts turn warmer. Complex and intertwining melodies (focusing mostly on guitars) bring on the Sunny Day Real Estate and My Bloody Valentine comparisons. And with subdued vocals buried in the mix like the suspended colors beneath an oil spill, some Hum influences shine through. Japanese Sunday builds walls of distortion that add weight without making it metallic. This is clever guitar based indie rock of a higher caliber on its initial ascent skyward. Heads are craning upward in unison" -Modern Fix magazine

$10 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

SUNDAY, SEP 12, 2010 8PM

The World At Large
Blasting through the Earth’s tectonic plates and producing enough seismic energy to register an 8.6 on the Richter magnitude scale, The World At Large is taking the world (fitting, isn’t it?) by storm, one earthquake at a time…

It all started in Southern New Jersey in the basements of several suburban homes. When Dom and Tim’s pummeling riffs were combined with the powerhouse of Andrew’s beats and thunder simulating bass lines played with lighting speed and accuracy by Alex, this foursome became unstoppable. Their sound surpasses time and space.

The Tea Club
"...Intensely punkish and atmospheric lyricism stitched with dramatic shifts and structured intentionality is the cloth of progressive rock from which this band is made. Rather than recycling the old prog themes, The Tea Club forges new paths and creates a sound that is immediate and urgent..."-103.3 WPRB Princeton NJ

Twin Temples

Banned Books
"Beautifully recorded hard-art-pop songs from a trio of superb musicians who make as much racket as a symphony orchestra falling down the stairs of the Philadelphia Art Museum." - Cargo Records

$8 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

TUESDAY, SEP 14, 2010 8PM

The New Music Series welcomes:
Waiting For December

The Hold-Up
The Hold-Up is a four piece Rock and Roll group who's music pulls influence everywhere from the Jailhouse to the Roadhouse, Their music paints lyrical pictures of everything from the Hopeless Romantic to the Zombie who's about to eat him!!

Prophets In Stereo
A unique and progressive sound reminiscent of their multitude of influences, primarily bluegrass, jazz and rock. The project is songwriter James Seward’s first endeavor into a full band scenario since releasing two critically acclaimed folk albums with Steve Garvey of the legendary punk band The Buzzcocks. Prophets in Stereo recorded their first record full length album in the winter of 2009, which was produced by Andrew Weiss, whose credits include Ween, and the Rollins Band.

Hiding From Andy
"Ambient folk rock, which is beguiling in its haunting simplicity...the quartet also offers an inspirational nod back to a time when vibe was king, and the song served to take one on a momentary journey through another dreamscape." - Randy Ray

$7 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

WEDNESDAY, SEP 15, 2010 8PM

Red Sticks

New Sweden
The group consists of a nuclear fuel designer, an oceanographer, and good old blue collar American boys who march to the theory that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" (Aristotle). With their diversity, the band creates heartfelt music with meaningful lyrics that make you ponder happiness, sadness, or even luckiness to be where you are in this crazy and unpredictable world. Simply put, they are dedicated to the power of the song. Music makes the world go round, and they write the soundtrack. They combine guitar, bass, organ, banjo, mandolin, viola, percussion, and anything else they can get their hands on to form their sound.

Lauris Vidal
"Lauris Vidal creates innovative and unique folk music with dark undertones, but always carrying a message of hope. His lively performances include ukulele, tenor banjo, lap steel, guitar and sometimes even lap bass. Seeing Lauris Vidal is an experience all its own; we cannot tell you quite what to expect." -WMNF 88.5FM

Andy Shauf

$8 [BUY TICKETS] 21+ / The North Star

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