Weekend Picks: Arrah And The Ferns at Milkboy Philly + Hezekiah Jones, The Walkmen

FRIDAY, MARCH 2
Behind its indie-pop sound, Arrah And The Ferns has always had a little country twang. The band, originally from Indiana, came to Philly in 2008 to finish and release its second album, All The Bad In One Place. The move inspired a shift in sound from indie-pop to country—a shift showcased on the band’s new EP, Soldier Ghost, which came out last October. Since the release, the band members have kept themselves occupied with a busy touring schedule; the also Ferns stopped by the XPN studios earlier this year to record a Key Studio Video Session (which you can watch below). Arrah And The Ferns perform with RESISTOR and The Miners at 9:30 p.m. at Milkboy in Philly; tickets to the 21+ show are $8–$10. —Nicole Soll

Hezekiah Jones has never shied away from working with new artists. According to front man Raphael Cutrufello, over 60 people have played with the band at some point or another. Last year, the number got even larger when it paired up with fellow local folk band The Spinning Leaves to create Hezekiah Leaves And The Spinning Joneses. (The band performed the song “Strange Dreams” last month at SoFAR Philly.) Jones also recently collaborated with Andrew Lipke on last year’s album, Have You Seen Our New Fort?, and the two performed together at the inaugural Key Studio Sessions LIVE concert last September. Hezekiah Jones performs with Up The Chain and The Whiskey Boys at 8 p.m. at Milkboy Ardmore; tickets to the all-ages show are $10-$12. —Nicole Soll

Also Playing: Agent Moosehead + Xenia Rubinos, Gemini Wolf, Ronald Reagan? The Actor? at Johnny Brenda’s (9 p.m., 21+, $10); Levee Drivers + Zach Stock, Willy Green And The Wishful Thinkers, Raise Up Roof Beams at The Fire (9 p.m., 21+, $8); Purples + Psalmships, Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps (8 p.m., 21+, $10);

SATURDAY, MARCH 3
The members of New York City’s The Walkmen perform with an intensity that most artists lack. Whether it’s a forcefully belted string of passionate vocals or an explosive apex of strings, The Walkmen’s melodies tend to force strong emotion from the band’s listeners. It’s obvious that a careful thought process goes into each recording; the band is serious about its preference for the sounds vintage instruments produce (such as dated Fender amps and, most notably, the upright piano). The Walkmen perform at 9 p.m. at Union Transfer; tickets to the all-ages show are SOLD OUT. —Lisa Henderson

Also Playing: Sister Sparrow And The Dirty Birds + American Babies at World Cafe Live (8 p.m., all ages, $16); The Walkmen at Union Transfer (9 p .m., all ages, SOLD OUT); Mat Burke + The Looks Of It, The Lawsuits, Corporate Hearts at Johnny Brenda’s (9 p.m., 21+, $10); The Swollen Fox Presents Saint Motel + Young Empires, Wigwams at Kung Fu Necktie (7:30 p.m., 21+, $8)

SUNDAY, March 4
Vitamin D Productions Presents WOYMNSFEST featuring Mia Johnson + Autobahn De Fe, Rosa Diaz at The Rotunda (7 p.m., all ages, FREE); Roomrunne + Heavy Medical, Technician at The Level Room (9 p.m., 21+, $7); American Speedway / Argonauts / She Rides / Halo of Snakes at Kung Fu Necktie (8 p.m., 21+, $8)