The semester is finally over and I think I can speak for all of us when I say we all deserve this nice long break. Some of you may have flocked back home to Philadelphia for the break and you know what that means!? The holiday show season is among us. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite times of the year in Philly because the music scene is booming. Below you will find an extensive list of shows from all genres in the Philadelphia area this winter break. You’ll catch me at a bunch of the pop-punk shows in the area, so if you see me come say hi and I’ll totally give you a State In The Real sticker. Let’s be friends! I stared the ones I’ll be at with an asterisk (*).
At a concert this winter break? Tweet your picture to @StateInTheReal, we want to see where you’re at!
Saturday December 21st
The Barbary: Vanna, State Champs, Sworn In, A Sight For Sewn Eyes*
Doors: 3pm/ Show: 3:30pm
Union Transfer: The Early November “The Room’s Too Cold” 10-year anniversary show, Restorations, Little Big League
Doors: 7pm/Show 8pm
TLA: T-Vice: A Christmas Affair, DJ Diamond Kuts
Doors 9pm/Show: 9:30
Sunday, December 22nd
The Barbary: Major League, Veara, Stickup Kid!, Reward, and The Engine Atlantic*
Doors: 6pm/Show: 6:30pm
Little side note on this show: The two openers of this show are local Philadelphia bands, and supporting local bands is awesome, so come out early!
The first opener, The Engine Atlantic is a 3-piece pop-rock/pop punk band comprised of some of my greatest friends in the world. They’ve recently revamped their sound and have taken great strides this past year to become the best version of themselves. I’m really proud of all that they’ve accomplished this year, and am so excited to see them on this bill. It’s been a while since I’ve seen their live performance so I’m excited to see what they bring to the table on Sunday. You can check out their music here: http://theengineatlantic.bandcamp.com/
The other opener, Reward, is a 5-piece pop punk band. Fun fact: a few of the kids in this band currently attend my old high school, which is pretty sweet. Without a doubt, Reward will always have a special place. They’re young kids keeping the local scene that I hold near and dear to my heart alive and they make me so proud each and every time I see them perform. They have a real rough, and rugged punk sound that vocalist Rob Blackwell captivates really well and the guys in general are all so genuine. You can check out their music here: http://rewardpa.bandcamp.com/
First Unitarian Church: Saves The Day (Acoustic), Walter Schreifels, Jon Simmons
Doors: 6:30pm/Show: 7:30pm
Friday, December 27th
The Trocadero: Ghost Ghang Holiday Charity Show: P64, Mason, Andy Kavanaugh, Champs (21+)
Doors: 8:00pm/Show: 8:30pm
TLA: Dopapod, Swift Technique, Tauk
Doors: 7:00pmpm/ Show: 8:00pm
Saturday, December 28th
The Electric Factory: Zedd, Alex Metric, Lucky Date
Doors: 6:30pm/Show: 7:30pm
Union Transfer: The Infamous Stringdusters, Love Cannon
Doors: 8:00pm/Show: 9:00pm
The Trocadero: Mantis Music Showcase: Makhaira, More To Forget, Chris Rockwell & The Stickball Social Club, Gape, Transonic, To Help Every Man, Big Stall
Doors: 6:00pm/Show: 7:00pm
TLA: Badfish- A tribute to Sublime, Bong Hits for Jesus, Among Criminals
Doors: 7:00pm/ Show: 8:00pm
Sunday, December 29th
Johnny Brenda’s: MeWithoutYou, The Light House and The Whaler (21+)
Doors: 8:00pm/ Show: 9:00pm
Electric Factory: Dark Star Orchestra
Show: 8:30pm
TLA: Brothers From Another, Illinois & Underwater Window Garden, DJ Skipmode
Doors: 6:00pm/Show: 7:00pm
The Barbary: MYKKI BLANCO, DJ Larry B., T.E.A.M.S.
Show: 8:00pm
Monday, December 30th
Electric Factory: Lotus, Risky Disko
Show: 9pm
TLA: The Lost Tape Collective Holiday Show With Man Overboard, Fight Amp, Young Statues, Modern Baseball, Real Friends, Fireworks*
Show: 6:30pm
Tuesday December 31st
TLA: Baauer, Swizzymack, Xaphoon Jones
Doors: 8:00pm/Show: 9:00pm
Union Transfer: DJ’s: Dave P, Sammy Slice, Mike Z, Dave Pak, Rock Tits & SnKpaK, In The HYPERCAGE (21+)
Show: 9:00pm
Saturday, January 4th
The Trocadero: Voletta, Tenderkill (21+)
Doors: 8:00pm/Show: 9:00pm
The Barbary: Misser, Elder Brother
Show: 5:30pm
Sunday, January 5th
The Trocadero: Alustrium, Another Vendetta, Shattered Sanctity, Prosper Or Perish
Doors: 7:00pm/Show: 7:30pm