Break out of your winter shell and welcome the season with the following acts that are sure to warm you up.
TRL Dance Party
Transport yourself back to the 2000s at this nostalgic celebration of the era’s greatest culture. DJ Lame Luz will be spinning songs from the likes of Blink-182, Britney Spears and Eminem all night – this music is sure to make you run to the dance floor like you probably did at your school dances. Crank that Soulja Boy at this exciting event. | March 22, 10pm. $5. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St. kungfunecktie.com
Homeshake
The single synthpop musician Peter Sagar is coming to Union Transfer this spring. His album “Helium,” released earlier this year, is a dreamy expression of his ability to create experimental sounds that push electronic music boundaries; Sagar recorded and mixed the album himself. You won’t want to miss this transcendental act. | March 23, 8:30pm. $29. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. utphilly.com
Ceramic Animal
This five-piece, Philly area native psychedelic band is here to rock your world, and look pretty damn dapper while doing so – they are known for wearing matching “handsome boy” suits on stage. Their latest single, “All My Loving,” is a nearly 10-minute-long journey rife with impressive guitar solos and a transformative sound. | March 26, 8pm. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave. johnnybrendas.com
Robert Ellis
A bluegrass-inspired act, Ellis’ debut album “Photographs” was one of American Songwriter’s Top 50 Albums of 2011. After a nearly three-year break, Ellis is back with the album “Texas Piano Man,” which was released in February. His new sound mixes his country roots with quirky pop beats, and of course, features a piano as the backbone of every song. This musician is sure to make you laugh and stomp your feet this spring. | April 1, 8 pm. $16. The Foundry at The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. thefillmorephilly.com
SWMRS
Since they released their debut studio album “Drive North” in 2016, this Berkeley, California-based punk rock band has been pumping out songs that draw you into the pit. Drummer Joey Armstrong, son of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, provides a powerful beat to support this four-piece band that packs a punch. Let this band make you feel like you’re in the heart of California skate and surf this spring. | April 9, 8 pm. $19. Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South St. venue.tlaphilly.com
Drake Bell
Drake Bell has “found a way” to stay in our hearts forever. Bell’s fiery 2018 single, “Fuego Lento,” came as a surprise to listeners who are used to his innocent rock sound that was established in his 2014 album “Ready Steady Go!” and in his original songs featured in “Drake and Josh.” You won’t want to miss Bell turning up the party this spring. | April 11, 6:30 pm. $20-$100. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St. kungfunecktie.com
UFOMAMMUT
This Italian metal trio is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with European and North American tours. With eight albums that go hard, the most recent being the 2017 “Godlike Snake,” the band is ready to celebrate their milestone with a lively show in Philly this spring. | April 24, 8 pm. $15-$18. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St. kungfunecktie.com
Deer Tick
Get into this indie band’s alluring beats this spring. Active since 2004, the band has eight studio albums that document their evolution through sound. Hot off the release of their February album “Mayonnaise,” Deer Tick is embarking on a North American tour throughout the spring and summer, which makes a stop in Philly in April. | April 28, 8 pm. $25 to $99. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. utphilly.com
Show Me the Body
This NYC punk band is in Philly this spring to open up the pit. Their latest single “Madonna Rocket” was released this month, precluding the band’s release of their sophomore album “Dog Whistle” coming this spring. Since their initial single in 2015, the band has managed to maintain a powerful punch that’s not too in your face. | May 15, 9 pm. $13-$15. Everybody Hits, 529 W. Girard Ave. r5productions.com
Aly & AJ
No potential breakup here – the pop duo Aly & AJ is still going strong. Sisters Aly and AJ Michalka recently released the album “Ten Years” in 2018, about ten years after their 2007 hit album “Insomniac.” The duo’s new sound is whimsical and otherworldly, which is a departure from their Disney pop hits that had first established their music style. | May 21, 8 pm. $26. Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St. venue.tlaphilly.com
– ALEX NAGY | @ALEXBNAGY
