The Key » Connie’s Ric-Rac

Download a new free EP from Toy Cannons (playing Connie’s Ric Rac on 1/19)

John Vettese — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:30:11 +0000

Philly five-piece Toy Cannons take a scuzzy, lo-fi approach to 50s style pop. It sounds innocent, but don’t be fooled – the charming harmonies and pretty melodies that open their new EP are actually singing about whips, chains and switchblade knives. Get the EP as a free download here; catch them at Connie’s Ric Rac on January 19 with Drake City, Bite Size Giant, The Sewing Machine War and Spice Hound Music Co. More information on the show is available here.

Tonight’s Concert Picks: Johnny Showcase at Connie’s Ric Rac, The Districts at Fergies, Frog Holler at Union Jack’s and like a billion other things

John Vettese — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:05:18 +0000

Wait, what’s that? You thought you were off the hook that easily? Like it’s been so many days of holiday cheer that the plan was just a quiet night at home with board games and DVDs? No no no, my friend – there is fun to be had and live music to be seen. Let’s start with a couple accidental omissions from our New Year’s Eve roundup post from the other week. Johnny Showcase and The Lefty Lucy Cabaret – the funky campy ultra-catchy ensemble of Philly dudes and ladies rallying around one central crooner’s aspirations of Tom Jones (or Midnite Vultures-era Beck) – joins forces with West Philadelphia Orchestra at Connie’s Ric Rac for a New Year’s dancing extravaganza. More information can be found here; below, check out Showcase’s video for the ultra-addictive “Sensual, Parts 1 & 2.”

Lititz faves The Districts are making their way to town for a rousing New Year’s gig at Fergie’s with Toy Soldiers. It’s been a huge year for this brand new band, from their impressive album Telephone to their Beta Hi-Fi win, their Key Studio Session and all the gigs they’ve played since. The 21+ party begins at 9 p.m., more info here. Below, listen to The Districts’ Key Session take on “Long Distance.”

Long Distanceby The Districts from The Key Studio Sessions Download

If you find yourself in a northwesterly direction of the city tonight (what’s up, Boyertown?), don’t overlook perennially great roots rock combo Frog Holler , who are ringing in the New Year at Union Jack’s Inn on the Manatawney. Information on the party is available here. Below, download “To Turn Back Now” from Frog Holler’s most recent LP Believe It Or Not.

To Turn Back Nowby Frog Holler from Believe It Or Not Download

And like the headline says, there are so many other shows going on tonight. The War on Drugs might be sold out, but you have your options cut out for you. Have fun, be safe, and happy 2013!

Download the debut full-length from South Philly country-rockers The Sparklers (playing Connie’s Ric-Rac tonight)

John Vettese — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:59:19 +0000

The Sparklers are a new alt-country four-piece from South Philadelphia who this weekend are celebrating the release of their debut full-length, Crying at the Low Bar. Named for the matchbook-sized pub that was a go-to hang for the Passayunk Avenue crowd of the early ’00s, the record is a tribute to late nights and hoarse throats done up in rumbling guitars, honky-tonk piano and Replacements-style catchy hooks. Stream the album below, grab a pay-what-you-wish download over at The Sparklers’ Bandcamp page, and catch the show tonight. The Sparklers with Creem Circus and The Naked Heroes play Connies Ric Rac, 1132 S. 9th Street, June 29 at 9 p.m. Admission to the 21+ show is $10, or $15 including a CD and 7″.