Remember when rock and roll was fueled by nothing but raw energy and emotion (and often copious amounts of alcohol), providing that perfect outlet for an unbridled release from all the bullshit that overshadows the truly important things in life? Well I was pleased to find out that there are still bands out there rockin’ out to those very principles, and loving every minute of it. Enter Jonny Lives!

Fronted by former NYU philosophy major Jonny Dubowski, Jonny Lives! takes classic Brit-pop, fuses it with a twist of rhythm n’ blues, and adds a touch of punk, creating original sing-along anthems that have left fans and critics alike in awe over their energized stage performances. The three-man outfit, hailing from Lower East Side Manhattan, has rapidly picked up momentum recently with the release of their debut full length Get Steady. The album has created so much buzz since its release that the makers of the new National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (now in theaters) is featuring the band’s cuts on the soundtrack.

After a promotional tour hitting over 30 national radio stations, including Philly’s own WMMR and WYSP, Jonny Lives! is gearing up for another cross-country adventure starting in January, this time performing live with Everclear for the official Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj Tour. But before they hit the road, the band is making an exclusive performance right here in Philly at The Khyber next Wednesday, December 20th. This will probably be the only opportunity to catch these on-the-rise stars in such an intimate setting, so I highly recommend checking out the show!

And while we’re talking about solid independent rock shows, you don’t want to miss US Funk Team, Slingshot Dakota and Except After Sea next Friday, December 22nd at World Cafe Live. Two great shows in one week!

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