It might be a holiday weekend, but the local live music scene isn’t taking time off. Here are 15 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to WXPN’s Concerts and Events page.
Sunday 7/2: Catbite at Underground Arts
Philly ska punk quartet Catbite is taking the stage at Underground Arts tonight as part of their 2023 tour. Their newest single, a collaborative cover of The Slackers’ “Yes It’s True,” is a first-class example of their ska sensibilities, showcasing both their sonic expertise and the energy they bring to their live shows. This is definitely not one to miss if you’re into that classic ska sound – especially with an edge to it – or even if you just like to have some good old fun. // 8 p.m., $20, 21+
Monday 7/3: Goose at The Stone Pony Summerstage
Self-proclaimed “indie-groove” band Goose hit the road after releasing their 2023 live album Live at Radio City Music Hall, and they’re not stopping any time soon. Goose is experimental, alternative, a little funky, a little psychedelic; all of which is to say they’re great. Their latest studio release, Dripfield, is a great example of their recent musical direction, which is translated masterfully during their live shows. Goose plays the first show of a two-night stand at The Stone Pony Summer Stage on Monday. // 5 p.m., $70 (verified resale), AA
Tuesday 7/4: Demi Lovato and Ludacris at Wawa Welcome America
Twenty-first-century music legends Demi Lovato and Ludacris are joining forces for this year’s Welcome America festival, aiming to celebrate Independence Day as well as provide a free, fun, live concert experience to both Philly natives and visitors. Ludacris’s long-established success in the rap world coupled with Lovato’s pop hits (as well as new rock-inspired renditions of some of their older tunes) will surely make for a super eclectic, super fun show. Make sure to add this to your Fourth of July plans this year. // 7 p.m., free, AA
Wednesday 7/5: White Reaper at Asbury Lanes
White Reaper is a prime example of high-energy modern alternative rock with a punk flair. Recently this year, they released their fourth studio album, Asking for a Ride, with songs like “Fog Machine” and “Pink Slip” further cementing them into a top spot in the current wave of classic-inspired rock and roll. According to vlogs they’ve been uploading to YouTube throughout the last few months, it’s clear to see they’re having a blast on tour. Plus, they’re heading to Asbury Lanes on July 5th, so make sure to grab some tickets and see it for yourself! // 8 p.m., $24.50, 18+
Thursday 7/6: Tori Amos at Hershey Theatre
Celebrated singer-songwriter Tori Amos has been a fixture in alternative music since the ‘90s and has continued to release lyrically raw, instrumentally stunning work ever since. In her most recent album, 2021’s Ocean to Ocean, we hear that at full force, as Amos tackles difficult topics with lush sonic spaces that, when combined with vocal prowess, will make for a truly incredible live show. She’ll be playing the Hershey Theatre on July 6th as part of her Ocean to Ocean tour, accompanied by Tow’rs, whose beautiful, harmony-rich acoustic sound would definitely woo any Tori Amos fan as well. // 7:30 p.m., $70 and up, AA
Thursday 7/6: LEV at Abington Art Center
The Josh Levandowski-led project LEV will be performing at the Abington Art Center in Jenkintown, PA alongside Philly band Camera Thief on July 6th. This show is part of the art center’s free summer concert series, which will feature acts each Thursday night of July, paired with food trucks and beverages. LEV’s brand new single “You Were Never Born” is releasing just before the gig on July 4th to all streaming platforms. For a preview of the track and the band’s live set, check out their performance on the Key Studio Sessions from WXPN. // 7 p.m., free, AA
Thursday 7/6: Kyshona at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
Artist and activist Kyshona provides a unique take on R&B and folk with her work as a music therapist, where her career as a songwriter started. Her recent live EP recorded at The Parthenon in Nashville showcases her pristine vocals through acoustic arrangements, while her latest studio release “Do What Feeds Your Soul” grooves to the beat of an active bassline and fun ad-libs. Nashville artists Nickie Conley and Heidi Burson will accompany Kyshona on stage at her free SteelStacks show. // 7:30 p.m., free, AA
Friday 7/7: Oh He Dead at Phantom Power
With their sophomore album Pretty coming out this fall, the DC-based indie soul group Oh He Dead is hitting the road this summer, stopping at Phantom Power in Minersville, PA on July 7th. The album’s fourth single “Nikki’s Song,” dedicated to lead-singer CJ Johnson’s son Wallice, was released on June 23rd on Wally Baba Records. The other three new tracks by the band are catchy, danceable slices of funky soul-pop that would be joyous to experience with the full band live in concert. // 7 p.m., $15, 21+
Friday 7/7: Depression, Mom at Ortlieb’s
Fresh new Philadelphia band Depression, Mom made their debut just over a year ago with a three-track, self-titled EP. Now, their 60’s rock aesthetic is getting them picked up by publications such as NPR and Obscure Sound, as well as earning them a Key Studio Session with WXPN. “Silence,” released June 26th, was recorded at Philly’s Miner Street Recordings by acclaimed engineers Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey. This mildly-unsearchable band will appear at Ortlieb’s in Philadelphia’s Old City on July 7th; check out their live session to see what’s in store. // 8 p.m., $10, 21+
Friday 7/7: Lovefest2023 with Boy Wonder, John Faye at World Cafe Live
The long-running Philly event organization the HYPE! is holding Love Fest 2023 in World Cafe’s The Lounge on Friday, June 7th, featuring performances from frontman and storyteller John Faye, alt-rock duo JJX, local folk collective Calico Catbird and more, as well as a special 20-year anniversary set from host and musician Boy Wonder. Andre Coles, aka Boy Wonder, is well known around the Philadelphia area for his artist promotion, hosting of World Cafe Live open mics, and eclectic genre-blending solo performances. The Lounge will be serving food and drinks during the event. // 6:30 p.m., $10, AA
Friday 7/7: Ajay at Tellus360
Local artist AJAY is based in Philly but was born in Central PA, so it’s a homecoming of sorts when he brings a soul inspired set to Tellus360 this Friday. Blending classic 60s and 70s R&B with modern indie tropes and vulnerable falsetto vocals, AJAY has won over the Philly circuit with memorable performances at Johnny Brendas and Silk City, not to mention an appearance on WXPN’s Key Studio Sessions this past April. The singer-songwriter released his debut album, These Yesterdays, in February and hopes to soothe the souls of fans in Lancaster with his personal spin on Philly soul. // 7:30 p.m., $10, 21+
Saturday 7/8: The Smile at Franklin Music Hall
Thom Yorke’s newest side project, The Smile, comes to Franklin Music Hall this Saturday, ready to mystify fans with the divine vocal falsettos and off-kilter rhythms unique to Radiohead and Yorke’s solo ventures. The three-piece supergroup, composed of Thom Yorke and his Radiohead bandmate Johnny Greenwood, along with Tom Skinner from Sons of Kemet, appeared out of nowhere in May of 2022, releasing A Light for Attracting Attention to immediate critical acclaim. After an enlivened and eclectic live performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival that July, The Smile disappeared just as quickly as they had arrived. Thankfully, the trio didn’t go on hiatus long, releasing ‘Bending Hectic’ on June 20th, just in time for the Philly stop along their tour. // 8 p.m., $90, AA
Saturday 7/8: Liz Longley at Bryn Mawr Gazebo
Locally-rooted Nashville singer-songwriter Liz Longley creates a loving artist-fan relationship with every show she plays. After a split with her label in 2020, her dedicated fanbase helped raise money on Kickstarter to release her seventh studio album, Funeral For My Past, with rocking country jams like “Send You My Love” and slow burning ballads like “Torture.” Nowadays, Longley gracefully balances the roles of both a mother and a touring musician, and comes to Bryn Mawr’s Gazebo this Saturday. // 7 p.m., $15, AA
Saturday 7/8: Bettye Lavette at City Winery Philadelphia
The legendary Bettye LaVette will be at City Winery on Saturday in promotion of her latest studio album, LaVette! The Sun Records star’s 61-year career in music is still going strong, teaming up with long time friend and producer Steve Jordan to record the 11-track LP of songs written by blues and folk songwriter Randall Bramblett. “I think he’s the best songwriter I’ve heard in the past 30 years,” said LaVette, “and I just discovered him eight years ago.” LaVette! released on June 16th, featuring a star-studded feature list, including collaborations with Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Jon Batiste, Ray Parker Jr. and more. // 7:30 p.m., $45, 21+
Saturday 7/8: Kilamanzego at PhilaMOCA
Kilamanzego, pronounced “kill-a-man’s-ego”, is celebrating her Black Weirdo EP release this Saturday at PhilaMOCA with support from DJ Haram and Andy Loebs. Based in Philadelphia, Kilamanzego creates unpredictable and infectious electronic music while paying tribute to her city’s musical history. The rawness of the underground punk scene and the niche of Philadelphia hip-hop are evident throughout her budding discography of experimental electronic dance, especially on her latest single “Remember Myself.” // 8 p.m., $18, AA
