12 concerts to see this week, including Hop Along, DhakaBrakha, The Black Keys, and more

After a remarkably jam-packed week on the concert scene last week, the final days of July give us something of a breather — but no decline in quality, from a Norah Jones headliner in Fairmount Park to The Black Keys on the Camden Waterfront. Here are 12 shows to see in the next seven days, all around Philly; for tickets and more information, consult the XPN Concerts and Events page.

Sunday 7/24: Norah Jones at The Mann Center

Renowned singer Norah Jones who has made an impact as one of the best modern jazz singers is coming to the Mann Center this Sunday July 24 with Pianist and folk singer Regina Spektor. This is her first tour since 2019 and somewhat celebrates 20 years since Jones began to make waves as a singer in New York in the early 2000s.//8:00pm, $35+

Sunday 7/24: Todd Rundgren at The Newton Theatre

Eclectic multi-instrumentalist Todd Rungren has had a long career as both a musician in bands like Utopia as well as a producer on albums like XTC’s Skylarking. Rundgren will be playing a show at The Newton Theater in Newton New Jersey.
//8:00pm, $84-$94

Tuesday 7/26: Hop Along and Sadurn at Phantom Power

It’s a solid bill in Central PA, beginning with Philly’s Sadurn, who has had a big year so far: their debut album released in May was picked up by Run For Cover Records, and they’re slated to open for fellow local legends Hop Along and Alex G as well as other cult favorites Horse Jumper of Love and Field Medic before the year is out. See for yourself what all the fuss is surrounding these up-and-coming soul-searching indie rockers before enjoying another amazing set by Hop Along, who are hot off a set opening for Lucy Dacus at Central Park SummerStage in NYC. // $23, 7 p.m., 18+

Wednesday 7/27: DhakaBrakha at Ardmore Music Hall

The Ukranian band, and favorite of NPR’s Tiny Desk series, comes to Ardmore to share the tradition and musical storytelling of their home country. On a Wednesday night, experience a different side of Ukraine than you see on the news. // $32, 8 p.m., 21+

Wednesday 7/27: Lyle Lovett at Mayo PAC

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, yes that is the name, has had an extensive career putting together the sounds of country, gospel, and blues to make over 14 albums worth of music in the 40 years since he emerged on the Texas folk scene. He will be having two shows near us first on July 27 he will be at the Mayo performing Arts Center in Morristown New Jersey along with another show on July 30 at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster.// 8:00pm, $59-$99 (July 27)

Thursday 7/28: Courtney Barnett and Lucy Dacus at The Mann Center

Two of the most exciting indie rock acts are coming together at the beautiful Skyline Stage at The Mann Center. Joined by Samia for their July 28 show. Courtney Barnett is known for her collaborative album with local legend Kurt Vile, Lotta Sea Lice, and her 2021 record Things Take Time, Take Time. Along with Lucy Dacus having her own trio with boygenius plus her hit record Home Video.// 6:30pm, $45

Friday 7/29: Nada Surf at Asbury Lanes

New York Power Pop outfit Nada Surf will be rocking the alleys of Asbury Lanes with support from Hurry. Nada Surf who has been active around the alternative rock scene since the early 1990s have thankfully been able to have a consistent record release. Along with receiving high praise for their recent releases they have cemented their spot in music.// 7:00pm, $25-$30 18+

Friday 7/29: Lauren Scott at The Grape Room

Lauren Scott returns to the stage after some time away; the smooth R&B singer was last promoting her enchanting single “Lost” for a Leesta Vall direct-to-vinyl session in August 2021. Make an evening in Manayunk for this special hometown show. // $7, 8 p.m., 21+

Friday 7/29: Rubber at Johnny Brenda’s

Local writing/producing duo Rubber made a splash here in Philly, and is now moving on to L.A. at the end of the summer. Catch them at their last show in town for the year at Johnny Brenda’s with special guests Leeyuh Neptune and Cvgebird. // $10, 8 p.m., 21+

Saturday 7/30: The Black Keys at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

The Black Keys say they returned to their roots on their latest, Dropout Boogie. Which is great news for fans of the albums that first attracted fans, like the loud and fuzzy Thickfreakness and Rubber Factory. What the new releases leave to be desired, is The Black Keys’ counterpart to their signature straight-forward blues sound: authentic rough and tumble. A live show, devoid of fancy studio polish, is going to be the closest fans get to that experience anymore. // $22 – 400, 7 p.m., AA

Saturday 7/30: Christian Lee Huston at World Cafe Live

Christian Lee Hutson was last at the World Cafe in April to perform at Free At Noon ahead of his Met Philly show with Bright Eyes. The quietly brilliant guitarist and songwriter returns this Saturday to promote Quitters, his sophomore release produced by Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers. // $15, 8:30 p.m., AA

Saturday 7/30: Mars Parker and Friends at The Oval XP

Who doesn’t love free things? And who doesn’t love outdoor live music? And not to mention all of this happens at the feet of the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum. The Oval XP is a free summer concert and event series happening on Ben Franklin Parkway and on July 30 Mars Parker and Friends, joined by Suzanne Sheer. The night will be soundtracked by the power pop sounds of Sheer and the retro electronic almost Weeknd like songs by Mars Parker. Again the event is free and is this saturday.// 8:00pm, FREE