The first week of the new year is starting out extremely quiet on the concert calendar, but that’s okay. Our beloved venues in the Philly region have earned a breather! But don’t think that means this town is coming like a ghost town; here are six concerts to see this week, all around Philly. Get tickets and more information on these shows at the WXPN Concerts and Events page.
Thursday 1/5: Buffalo Nichols at The Abbey Bar
Couldn’t get tickets for XPN Artist to Watch Buffalo Nichols’ sold-out show at Kennett Flash on Saturday? Drive on up to The Abbey Bar in Harrisburg on Friday, where the singer-songwriter and guitarist — whose music draws on folk, ambient, blues, and electronic music, arriving at an aesthetic all his own — headlines alongside tour-mate Colin Cutler. // 7:30 p.m., $24, 21+
Friday 1/6: The Tisburys at Sellersville Theater
Philly rock faves The Tisburys had a hell of a 2022, and they’re kicking off 2023 with their buds Stereo League to play a show on the border of Bucks and Montgomery Counties at the Sellersville Theater this Friday night. Keep an eye out for another Stereo League show in city limits later this month as well, and use this show as an opportunity to grab a copy of The Tisburys’ very Replacements-fueled LP Exile On Main Street. // 8 p.m., $19.50 and up, AA
Friday 1/6: NAH at Ukie Club
For your mindbending experimental rock gig of the week, proceed to Northern Liberties Ukie Club on Friday night, where experimental percussionist Mike Kuun – aka NAH — plays his onetime home base for the first time since January of 2020. Kuun has been living in Europe since the 20-teens, making a name a producer and soundscaper and gripping performer, and for this show he’s joined by buzzing Philly outfit They Are Gutting A Body Of Water and Delaware rapper Zeke Ultra. // 7:30 p.m., $20, AA
Friday 1/6: Andorra at MilkBoy
It’s been just over three years since Philly modern rockers Andorra released their last project, 2019’s Family Tree, but they’re back with their latest full length, Boogie Night Blues. Mixing lyrics of reckless adolescent abandon with grown-up production and polish, the record bites and brawls and should sound banging from the house PA at center city’s MilkBoy which, after spending much of 2022 shuttered for upgrades, appears to once again be open for business. // $12, 8:30 p.m., 21+
Friday 1/6: Chuck Prophet Trio at World Cafe Live
Golden state roots rocker Chuck Prophet is on tour with his trio and headlining a gig this Friday night at World Cafe Live. His most recent record, The Land That Time Forgot, touched down in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and delivered his wistful and yearning take on psychedelic American music. // 8 p.m., $30, AA
Saturday 1/7: Karlia at MilkBoy
The folks at the Plaze Philly app have become some of our favorite local music curators over the past year and a half, with their Philly-centric showcases at venues around town shining a spotlight (or several) on local artists who more folks should hear. This Saturday, they’re holding court at MilkBoy with R&B singer-songwriter Karlia serving as the featured performer — she’s only got a few singles on streaming services at present, but they are remarkably reminiscent of Lauryn Hill in their knack for melody and heart-on-the-sleeve emotion. Joining Karlia are rappers Huey, the Cosmonaut and OJ Mountain, as well as the emotive and ethereal NIA and The Chill Room Band. // 8:30 p.m. $12, 21+
