2/28: RX Bandits and The English Beat
The Trocadero, All Ages
Break out your digital recorders and head down to Chinatown to catch five-piece California ska band the RX Bandits at the Troc. The band has launched a competition for bootlegs of their live shows, with the best cuts chosen for a "Best of the Bootlegs" album to be released in the end of 2008. If you're interested in entering, e-mail rxbandits@refused.tv for more information. The band is supporting The English Beat, a British ska-revival band and the evening is hosted by DJ Robert Drake of Sex Dwarf and WXPN. $20 in advance, $23 day of show.
3/1: Gogol Bordello
Electric Factory, All Ages
Gogol Bordello brings their own brand of "gypsy punk" to their raucous live shows. Members of this multi-ethnic band hail from locales all over the world - including but not limited to Russia, Israel, Florida and Ethiopia - and play music that is infused with aspects from all of their cultures. While they have released four notable albums, they are best known for their live shows. You know you're going to have a good time when the lead singer is listed as playing acoustic guitar, percussion and "fire bucket." We're not sure what that is either, but go check out this show and find out. $20.
3/2 and 3/3: Bon Jovi
Wachovia Center, All Ages
New Jersey's native son Jon Bon Jovi brings his band to Philadelphia for two nights that are sure to bring out the best in bad '80s hair that never went away, suburban couples reliving their high school days with a night "out on the town" and great sing-along guilty pleasure anthems. Bon Jovi is supported by Daughtry of American Idol fame; this is your chance to see washed up stars of both the '80s and '00s in the same night! Buy what's left of the tickets soon, this may sell out prior to the show. $16.50 to 129.50.
3/4: Matt Costa and Johnathan Rice
First Unitarian Church, All Ages
Matt Costa and Johnathan Rice bring the best in singer-songwriter music to the First Unitarian Church this Tuesday. Costa is touring behind his recently released album Unfamiliar Faces which has been described as "brave" and "expansive," while Rice is supporting the "earthy" Further North, released last fall. Attending this show is worth it if only just for the off-chance that Rice's long-term girlfriend Jenny Lewis, lead singer of Rilo Kiley and the most beautiful woman in indie rock, could join him on stage. $12.
3/5: The Stills
Johnny Brenda's, 21+
The Stills are just another example of how Canadians continue to make better music than us. This Montreal five-piece just recently joined Arts and Crafts' roster of Canadian indie superstars, including Broken Social Scene, Amy Millan, Feist and Stars to record their third album, but not before taking off on a cross-country tour. $12.
