The Bacon Brothers
Thursday, 8 p.m.
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden St.
The Bacon Brothers band, made up, of course, of Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael, play a benefit concert for the first phase of construction of the Viaduct Rail Park. The park is slated to be a three-mile walking and nature path that connects the city’s neighborhoods. Rob Grote of The Districts opens.
Allan Rayman, LOLO, Mothers and Thee Idea Men
Thursday, 7 p.m.
Milkboy
1100 Chestnut St.
This eclectic mix of national acts make up this month’s Communion Residency, a showcase for emerging musicians of many genres. Taking inspiration from the UK’s Communion Club Nights, these artists are selected by Communion for their talent, diversity and complementary styles.
Barakka
Thursday, 8 p.m.
Franky Bradley’s
1320 Chancellor St.
This Philly-based Turkish folk-rock group mixes acoustic and traditional Turkish music and Andalou rock with the more electric Western influences of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, playing original, traditional and cover songs. The band is fresh off a tour of Istanbul, where they played with some of the city’s most famous musicians.
Emily Wells
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Boot & Saddle
1131 S. Broad St.
Classically-trained violinist Emily Wells is an experimental performer known for her deft mixing of modern and classical music, using acoustic instruments, synthesizers and looping to create a layered and unique sound. Her latest album was released only just last week. Minimalist techno performer Lorna Dune opens.
‘A Million Stories’ Opening Reception
Friday, 6 p.m.
InLiquid Art and Design
910 N. 2nd St.
Philly photographer Amurri Lauren has an eye for harsh beauty, key moments of understanding and an intuition for finding wisdom in the mundane. The photographs of ‘A Million Stories’ focus on urban life and pop culture, something Lauren is familiar with after shooting such musicians as The Roots, Janelle Monae and Kendrick Lamar.
Carole King Songbook
Friday through Feb. 7
Verizon Hall
300 S. Broad St.
Tony-nominated singer Liz Callaway performs some of Carole Kings’ greatest songs from the 60s and 70s. Michael Krajewski conducts the Philly POPS Orchestra as they weave King’s hits, as well a few other favorites from the era, into a medley of recognizable and well-loved songs.
Pennsylvania Ballet presents ‘Strength and Longing’
Thursday through Feb. 7
Merriam Theater
250 S Broad St.
This abstract ballet features dance from four choreographers, set to contemporary jazz, percussion and Benjamin Britten’s ‘String Quartet No. 1.’ The combination of modern choreography and classical music gives this performance a nuanced, emotional context meant to explore the state of the modern artist.
Wing Bowl
Friday, 6 a.m.
Wells Fargo Center
If you’re looking to get weird at 6 a.m. on a Friday morning, your time has come. The 24th annual Wing Bowl, subtitled this year as “Game of Bones,” returns with its infamous wing eating contest and Wingettes. In case you were still worried about this being a little too basic, Dennis Rodman makes a headlining appearance.
Mardi Gras Party and Silent Auction
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Old Pine Community Center
401 Lombard St.
The Old Pine Community Center is a staple of South Philly, creating outreach programs for kids, seniors and the homeless. Their annual Mardi Gras party and silent auction benefits these continuing programs, and features New Orleans-inspired food and drinks, as well as games, live music and exciting auction items.
Ballet Hispanico
Friday through Feb. 6
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
3680 Walnut St.
This contemporary dance ensemble performs classic and modern choreography set to Latin music, fusing elements of traditional Hispanic dance and arts with modern, elements for a theatrical take on what it means to be Hispanic and to be an artist in today’s society.