Here are 17 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. Details in our concerts and events page!
Sunday 8/13: Mt. Joy at The Mann Center Skyline Stage
The folk rock group Mt. Joy will return to their roots in Philadelphia for a show at The Mann’s Skyline Stage. Fresh off dueting with Philly artist Julia Pratt on her latest single, the band is embarking on a sizable international tour, lasting until late November. With arrangements based around the guitar swell and powerful vocals from lead singer Matt Quinn, their performance is sure to be powerful. A great modern folk band at a beautiful outdoor stage, what more could you ask for on a summer Sunday night? // 7 p.m., $49.50 and up, AA
Sunday 8/13: Fishbone at Ardmore Music Hall
After gaining traction in the early 1980s with their fusion of soul, funk, and ska, LA group Fishbone has gone on to lead a successful and influential career. The sextet will be coming to the Ardmore Music Hall on Sunday, Aug. 13th, joined by traditional ska group Rk$tdy. In late May, Fishbone reprised their debut self-titled EP by repurposing its cover and title, treating long-time fans to five new tracks in a familiar package. // 7 p.m., $30, 21+
Monday 8/14: Kimya Dawson at First Unitarian Church Sanctuary
Seattle-based singer/songwriter Kimya Dawson will be bringing a group of friends to Philly Monday. Dawson’s debut album I’m Sorry That Sometimes I’m Mean was recorded on cassette in the artist’s bedroom, resulting in an intimate, lo-fi sound that artists still attempt to replicate in 2023. In June, her group The Moldy Peaches reunited for a costumed appearance at Primavera Sound in Madrid. While new releases have been sparse since the early 2010s from Dawson, she has stayed very active online keeping fans up to date with her life and live shows. Monday’s Philly gig, originally scheduled to happen outdoors at the Ukie Club, has been moved inside at the First Unitarian Church Sanctuary. // 5 p.m., $23.79, AA
Tuesday 8/15: Lionel Richie at Wells Fargo Center
Legendary soul singer/songwriter Lionel Richie is visiting the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night. Since his start with the Commodores in the 1970s, Richie has written many timeless hits, including “Dancing On The Ceiling,” “All Night Long,” “Hello,” and “Say You, Say Me” to name a few. While the singer has not released a full project of brand new material since 2009’s Just Go, he has been reissuing deluxe editions of past albums over the past two years. Joining him on this Philly date are the rock and soul legends Earth, Wind, and Fire, who tore up their area appearance last summer on their tour with Santana. // 7 p.m., $40.95 and up, AA
Tuesday 8/15: Cory Henry at City Winery Philly
Former Snarky Puppy member Cory Henry is coming to City Winery Philly on Tuesday. His Live At The Piano tour is in support of his new album of the same name, where Henry strips back nine older tracks to simply consist of himself and the piano, his main instrument. At a location such as City Winery in Philly, this tour will offer a minimal, elegant performance. Henry has released six studio albums of original material since 2012, and collaborated with artists such as Marc E. Bassy, BJ the Chicago Kid, Terrence Martin, and Smino. // 7:30 p.m., $35 and up, AA
Wednesday 8/16: Calexico at Haddon Lake Park
Joey Burns and John Convertino are the heart of Calexico. A kaleidoscope of rock, blues, indie, folk, and latin, the pair have expanded upon their signature “desert noir” sound since the mid 90’s. El Mirador, Calexico’s 10th studio album, released in April of 2022 to widespread acclaim, earning AllMusic’s Favorite Folk & American Album award for the year. The band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark LP Feast of Wire with a deluxe edition re-release as well as a slew of US and Europe tour dates. Burns, Convertino and Co. come to Haddon Lake Park this Wednesday as part of that celebration, playing songs from the album and hits from throughout their discography. // 7:30 p.m., free, AA
Wednesday 8/16: Shakey Graves at XL Live
Americana singer songwriter Shakey Graves got his stage name after a stranger, supposedly on LSD, rambled to him and his friends about “spooky wagons” which led to them jokingly giving each other Native American guide names later that night. Since that fateful night Alejandro Rose-Garcia has adopted Shakey Graves as his musical persona; however, the Texas native is much more than a moniker. His debut album And The War Came peaked at number 4 on the US folk charts and won him Best Emerging Artist at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. His latest single “Evergreen” released this past July ahead of his 4th studio album, Movie Of The Week, dropping September 15. Graves rounds out his summer tour at XL Live this Wednesday before setting out to tour the new record in late September. // 8 p.m., $32.50, AA
Thursday 8/17: Mitamu at Johnny Brenda’s
Self proclaimed futurist Mitamu writes music for tomorrow. She explores fragmentation and identity, multiculturalism, and the advancement of technology, welcoming change with open arms through a modern blend of jazz disco, and poetic streams of consciousness. Her debut studio album, sunflower in the east touched on these ideas and more, and won her first place at 2022’s World Cafe Live Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Artist Competition. While currently in the process of preparing her sophomore LP (NOT) SUITED FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION, Mitamu still makes time to perform and is playing Johnny Brenda’s on Thursday night. // 7:30 p.m., $12, 21+
Thursday 8/17: Jeffrey Gaines at Mauch Chunk Opera House
How many musicians can say they’ve toured with the likes of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tracy Chapman, Stevie Nicks, and Sheryl Crow just to name a few? At age 57, those accomplishments are just the tip of the iceberg for singer-songwriter Jeffrey Gaines. Gaines, a Harrisburg native, hit the scene in 1992 with his widely acclaimed debut self-titled album before following up with 1994’s Slightly Dazed and 1998’s Galore. His claim to fame, however, arrived in 2003 with his cover of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” Always one to keep looking forward, Gaines continues to perform in the area, and is playing Mauch Chunk Opera House this Thursday for any fans in need of a little soul-searching. // 7:30 p.m., $25 and up, AA
Thursday 8/17: Samantha Fish at XL Live
Blues rocker Samantha Fish grew up on Stevie Ray Vaughn and The Rolling Stones, and that deep-seeded love for rock and roll is what continues to inspire the self proclaimed “belle of the west.” With a litany of awards and chart topping albums, the Missouri raised singer-guitarist-songwriter has been going strong since her 2009 debut. Fish released Death Wish Blues in May of 2023, a joint LP with blues contemporary Jesse Dayton. The two are currently touring the record and play XL Live on Thursday night. // 8 p.m., $25, AA
Friday 8/18: The War On Drugs at The Stone Pony Summerstage
The war never seems to end for these Philly natives as they relentlessly continue touring and documenting the process via The Super High Quality podcast. Fronted by Adam Granduciel, The War On Drugs returns close to home on Friday to play The Stony Pony Summerstage nearly two years after their latest critically acclaimed album release, I Don’t Live Here Anymore. It’s a stellar lineup, with Lucius and old Philly friend Steve Gunn joining them on the bill, along with Austin troubadour Shakey Graves too. The Drugs been busy perfecting their craft on stage, and we recommend you check them out while you can. // 5 p.m., $45 and up, AA
Friday 8/18: The Heavy Heavy at Arden Gild Hall
UK-based and British Invasion-inspired rock quintet The Heavy Heavy is bringing the third leg of their 2023 North American tour to Arden Gild Hall on Friday. They’ve been on the road since early spring of this year following the release of their debut LP Life and Life Only, including a variety of supporting gigs for alt-rock standouts The Revivalists. With a classic retro-inspired sound emphasized by technically masterful instrumentation, The Heavy Heavy really know how to encapsulate the feeling of 1960s psychedelia (and convey it to a live audience). // 5:30 p.m., $22.66, AA
Saturday 8/19: Susan Werner at Bryn Mawr Gazebo
Contemporary folk singer-songwriter Susan Werner will be headlining an outdoor performance on Saturday at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo (A.K.A. the most perfect place to be serenaded by a multi-instrumentalist that you love). Werner has been drawing influence from jazz, opera, and other folk artists since her debut in 1993, which shines through her music by way of her composition and vocal technique. Just imagine relaxing in the summer breeze, listening to the insightful sounds of ‘90s folk – or buy tickets to the show instead so you don’t have to imagine it. // 7 p.m., $15, AA
Saturday 8/19: Ardmore Rock N’ Ride ft. Rubblebucket, Ivy Sole, Rayland Baxter and more
The annual Ardmore Rock N’ Ride fundraiser returns this Saturday to benefit Narberth Ambulance Emergency Services. As their website suggests, “This free, outdoor, family-friendly event features an official USA Cycling bike race, a multi-stage concert featuring nationally renowned talent produced by Ardmore Music Hall, a youth bike race, and a family fun zone.” So, make sure to bring your friends and family out to Suburban Square to see acts like indie-dance pop band Rubblebucket perform, locally rooted rapper Ivy Sole, Nashville singer-songwriter Rayland Baxter, or join in on some of the cycling fun whilst perusing all that Downtown Ardmore has to offer. // 2 p.m., free, AA
Saturday 8/19: Erin Fox at MilkBoy
Erin Fox has been known around the local music sphere for years, performing alongside some of Philly’s indie/alternative greats. Nevertheless, her most impressive contribution to the scene has got to be her personal work. Playing with her accompanying band, The Hounds, Fox has thus far released two full-length albums and two EPs. Each of which details just how and why she’s become a standout in the local circuit, further supported by her live performances. You can celebrate her new album For Your Loss at MilkBoy this Saturday. // 7:30 p.m., $15, 21+
Saturday 8/19: Humilitarian at World Café Live
This genre-bending local band will rock your world this Saturday. Returning to World Café Live after a top-notch set last year, Humilitarian is an alternative rock quintet led by frontperson Kira Cappello, emerging in 2019 and performing regularly (at houses and larger venues alike) ever since. If you’ve never seen them play a show before – or if you most definitely have but are itching to cross another off of your bucket list – be sure to head to World Café this weekend. Arrive early for a set from moody West Philly rock four-piece Brothers. // 8:30 p.m., $12, 21+
