Locals, buzz bands play free bday bash Friday

It's been a big year for rock band Junior Astronomers with its first national label release, "Dead Nostalgia" and national tours with the Weeks and fellow Charlotteans HRVRD. One of the group's most successful local events has long been Terrence and Philip's birthday show. Friday marks the fifth annual birthday concert at Tremont Music Hall. If those names sound familiar guitarist Philip Wheeler and singer Terrence Richard, who turn 26 and 27 respectively this week,  just so happen to share the names of those two Canadian "South Park" characters (although this year's flyer plays off another animated duo).

For it's fifth year T&P pull out all the stops by inviting unfortunately named, over-the-top punky Nashville buzz outfit Diarrhea Planet, whose wild and ridiculous live shows have quickly become legendary in indie circles, to share the bill. Charlotte's Little Bull Lee and Old Soles round out the bill.

The annual birthday gig started at the Milestone and moved to Tremont's Casbah for its second year. It has since taken place in Tremont's big room where around 550 fans gathered last year to bounce and sing along with Junior Astronomers. Over 500 people is a pretty impressive feat for a local act. There's something special about witnessing that many people supporting local music. It's something I might've seen in the mid `90s, but it doesn't happen that often now unless said band is generating Avetts/Matrimony-sized national buzz.

Admission is free for those 21 and over and $5 for those under 21. The show starts at 9 p.m. For more info click here.