I second musicmic's suggestion of the Mermaid. I know that there are also Irish sessions (they seem to spell it seishuns!) downtown at several locations. Mermaid is in Chestmut Hill. Where are you located? do you have access to a car? you also mentioned rock-- get hold of a copy of either free paper (City Paper and Phila Weekly) and check out what's there. . . good luck! and looking forward to meeting you.