battle of the bands 2011 / Feb. 24
9 p.m.
Hard Rock Cafe, 12th and Market streets
Free
https://hardrock.com
The legendary cafe, which has been open for nearly 40 years, is keeping legends alive in holding its yearly Battle of the Bands competition. This round, housed at HRC’s Philadelphia location, is one of the final battles before the remaining bands win the opportunity to rock out in London, the cafe’s homeland, in June.
Three bands – Cheap Seats, Third Wire and Honor – will be duking it out in the restaurant’s stage to patrons, fans and rock ‘n’ roll snobs. Cheap Seats, a five-man band hailing from Philadelphia has been described as a mixture of pop and soul. According to its website, Third Wire plays alternative rock with a twist of heavy musicality and “lingering infectious grooves.” Honor, the Philadelphia-based headlining band is comprised of four musicians, with a sound described as similar to Tool, Led Zeppelin and Alice in Chains.
There is no entrance fee, so don’t hold back from splurging on one of HRC’s many legendary burgers and classic milkshakes. All ages are welcome. The event begins at 9 p.m.
Piazza Farmer’s Market / Feb. 26
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Piazza at Schmidt’s
North Second Street and Germantown Avenue
Free
https://atthepiazza.com
Looking for fresh produce? The Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties hosts Philadelphia’s independent farmer’s market every Saturday. With more than 20 local farmers, the Piazza Farmer’s Market is unrivaled in size and selection.
Shoppers can browse through an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits, beef, raw milk, artisan cheeses and free-range chicken eggs, or choose from a selection of pre-prepared foods. Each farmer’s products are at least one of the following: local, sustainably grown, ethically raised, free-range, hormone-free, pesticide-free, organic, raw and/or grass-fed.
Twenty-seventh Annual Mardi Gras Parade with The Wild Bohemians / Feb. 27
1:30-6 p.m.
Starts at Fat Tuesday
431 South St.
Free
https://facebook.com/event.php?eid=101230096621430
Join the Wild Bohemians as they parade down South Street for the annual Mardi Gras parade and an old-fashioned bar crawl. The Wild Bohemians, composed of professional musicians throughout the area, come together each year to bring the sounds, dance and joy of Mardi Gras to Philadelphia.
Stops include Fat Tuesday, Copabanana, Dobbs, Paddy Whacks, O’Neals, Downey’s and Cafe Nola. Wear a costume and help toss beads to onlookers or bring an instrument and join the band playing some traditional Mardi Gras party music. The band drinks for free, so blend in well enough and you may too.
All ages are welcome to take part in the parade. Attendees wishing to enter the bars must be 21 and older.
The Big Quiz Thing / Feb. 28
8 p.m.
Downstairs Live at World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
$11
https://worldcafelive.com
Head over to World Cafe Live and test your knowledge in the Big Quiz Thing, a live music trivia game-show event. The New York-born show, created by Quizmaster Noah Tarnow in 2002, returns to Philadelphia – this time for a multimedia music-themed quiz. Categories include the Album Cover Mash-Up, the Pop Music Thesaurus, I Want Your Sax and many more.
Teams will answer trivia questions and compete to win prizes, including a $200 cash jackpot. Not a music wiz? Wrong, but funny answers will earn contestants “Smart-ass Points.” Don’t miss out on the event the Onion calls “way more than a middlebrow excuse to drink beer.” And yes, there will be beer: $3 craft beer specials all night.
-Tracy Galloway
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