Kicking off the Fourth of July weekend at the World Cafe this afternoon were two great acts–sunny, pop-folk from She & Him as well as the soulful blues and rock of Delta Spirit. Today’s Free at Noon was sold out days before the show, with plenty of people wanting to start off the holiday right.

First up was the collaboration of actress Zooey Deschanel and folk man M. Ward, simply titled She & Him. Their second release, Volume II, came out just this March. Just like in their first release (Volume I, in case you were wondering), Ms. Deschanel provides most of the vocals and piano and M. Ward provides most of the guitar. Today’s performance, though it was only six songs, was enough to get the message across–their latest is just as bright and introspective as the first, if not more so, and their live performances only add to that feeling. They’re playing tonight on Festival Pier, so if those six songs weren’t enough (or you couldn’t make it), check them out.

SHE & HIM

Set List:

1. Brand New Shoes
2. Change Is Hard
3. Thought I Saw Your Face
4. Lingering Still
5. Over It Over Again
6. Don’t Look Back

Hello all, we are playing tonight at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and at Nateva Fest in Maine tomorrow. Then we play in New York on the 4th and 6th of July. Check www.sheandhim.com for info.
Best, She & Him.

Next was Delta Spirit, a rocking five-piece I’ve heard a lot about but not actually heard yet. And thank goodness, they lived up to their hype. Matt Vasquez, who was discovered by his bandmates while busking at a San Diego light rail station, leads up the energy, which is ultimately released via trash can and orchestral drums, bursting guitar riffs, and powerful vocals. Their latest, History from Below, came out not even a month ago. These guys will also be sticking around Philly tonight to play at the First Unitarian Church.

Set List:

1. Bushwick Blues
2. White Table
3. Ransom Man
4. Vivian
5. St. Francis
6. Trashcan

Rebekah Larsen
UPenn Intern