Weekend Picks: Work Drugs, Diplo + DJ Jazzy Jaff, Mercer Street Block Party, Philly 4th Of July Jam, ft: The Roots + Earth Wind And Fire and Michael McDonald
FRIDAY, JULY 1 See-I + RK$TDY, DJ Ruder1 at World Cafe Live (8 p.m., $12); Goodnight Lights + In Grenada, Levee Drivers at Johnny Brenda’s (9 p.m., 21+, $10); Mr. Lif + Swift Technique, Citizen Xavier at Kung Fu Necktie (8 p.m., 21+, $18)
SATURDAY, JULY 2 El Fuego + Bonethrower, The Warhawks at Danger Danger Gallery (all ages, $5-$10); Breakwater at World Cafe Live (7:30 p.m., $30-$40)
SUNDAY, JULY 3 The dog days of summer typically begin right around the Fourth of July, so it’s appreciated in more ways than one that lo-fi chillers Work Drugs have been dropping plenty of new material to cool audiences off. The duo’s feel-good tunes are ideal for the season; evocative of sundresses, biking in the city, and water ice on stoops with good friends. This show will share a similar feel, as it’s a part of The Roots’ multi-show Fourth Of July Jam. Much of tonight’s material may come from Work Drugs’ new dreamy summer indie-rock release, the five-track Ice Wharf (Smooth P), which includes the new song “Ice Wharf,” three live tracks, and a great Summer Heart remix of “Rad Racer.” “Ice Wharf” is available for free download from SoundCloud, and the album is available for $2 from BandCamp. Work Drugs perform with CSLSX, Wrestling, and Smooth Sailing DJs: Red White & Smooth at Johnny Brenda’s at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.); tickets to the 21+ show are $10. —Claire Fishkow
Also playing: Diplo + DJ Jazzy Jaff & Dj Questlove, DJ Spinna, J Rocc at Club Voyeur (10 p.m., 21+, $29.50); Making Time with T3ETH + Puro Instinct, John Maus (6 p.m., 21+, $10-$12); Mercer Street Block Party featuring Cheers Elephant + Bandname, Tin Horses, Conversations With Enemies, Crills Wilson, Eric N Eric, Early Apes (free, 2 p.m.)
MONDAY, JULY 4 Philly 4th Of July Jam, ft: The Roots, Earth Wind And Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, DJ Jazzy Jeff at Ben Franklin Parkway (free); Nobunny + TV Ghost, Joe Jack Talcum, The Pussy Dogs at Kung Fu Necktie (5 p.m., 21+, $10)