Intern Derrick’s Weekend Picks: Get Romantic!

Whether you like it or not, Valentine’s Day is this upcoming Friday (guys, you’re welcome for the reminder). Now, some view the day as the most romantic date on the calendar, while others see it as a glorified corporate-created waste of time and money. No matter how you spin it and no matter who you spend it with, you’ll want to leave the house at some point. So how about you treat yourself or the one you love to a night (or weekend) of great music in an even greater city. Admit it, the whole flowers-and-chocolate thing is pretty overrated by this point anyway. – Derrick Krom.

FRIDAY

 The Autumn Defense and Dawn Landes at Boot & Saddle

John Stirratt and Patrick Sansone—two members of renowned indie band Wilco—are bound to make you feel all warm and sunny inside this Valentine’s Day as they tour in support of their new album Fifth. Along with singer-songwriter Dawn Landes, The Autumn Defense will help put your heart, mind and soul at ease.

Deaf Havana, Born Cages, Modern Suits and Desoto Jones at MilkBoy

Check out one of the UK’s fastest rising underground acts this Friday at MilkBoy when Deaf Havana brings its youthful, optimistic and constantly evolving material across the pond. Coming off the release of their debut US album Old Souls last month, Deaf Havana are joined by alt-rockers Born Cages and Philly locals Modern Suits and Desoto Jones.

SATURDAY

Peggy Sue, The Mariner’s Children (solo) and The Pretty Greens at Ortlieb’s Lounge

Another UK act will be paying Philly a visit in the form of Peggy Sue, a hypnotic and introspective post-folk trio. Having toured with a number of experienced acts over their career, Peggy Sue is currently on tour in support of their latest album Choir of Echoes. The Mariner’s Children and Philly act The Pretty Greens will also round out the bill.

2014 Winter Doldrums Music Fest, featuring The Rent-A-Cops, Dawn Hiatt, Ryan Tennis, Christine Havrilla, Paige Allbritton, Tin Bird Choir, Kicking Down Doors, Brian Flanagan Band and more at World Café Live

There’s really no better way to spend the majority of your Saturday than experiencing 12 non-stop hours of Philly music. From The Police tribute band Rent-A-Cops to the Americana country rockers Gavilán, World Café Live will be hosting an eclectic lineup of local artists in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s David Eric Cohen Memorial Fund.

SUNDAY

Soweto Gospel Choir at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Continuing with their African Roots Series, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will host Soweto Gospel Choir this Sunday. Fusing South African gospel, reggae and pop, the GRAMMY® award-winning vocal group will blend their wide-ranging styles and influences to create a cultural night of joyous and uplifting music.

The 3^rd Annual Tri State Indie Music Awards featuring The Lawsuits, Chill Moody, The Deadmen, Maitland, Ali Wadsworth, Flux Capacitor and many more at World Café Live

Missed your ticket to the GRAMMYS® this year? Not to worry. The 3^rd Annual Tri State Indie Music Awards celebrates the best acts Philadelphia and the surrounding area has to offer. Not only is it a red carpet awards show, but you’ll also witness live performances from the likes of Philly locals The Lawsuits, Chill Moody, Maitland and JUMP cover girl Ali Wadsworth. Talk about a great end to a musically romantic weekend.