Here are 13 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. Tickets and information can be found at WXPN’s Concerts and Events page.
Sunday 8/27: Local Natives at Franklin Music Hall
Local Natives, though based in Los Angeles (contrary to what may be implied by their band name), are no strangers to the open road. They recently embarked on their Time Will Wait For No One Tour, aptly named after their latest album, which was released on July 7th. Heralded for their complex arrangements, slight post-punk and soul inflection, and dynamic harmonies, alongside songs that are just downright fun to listen to, this indie quintet is doing something really special. Seeing them live would undoubtedly prove just how effortlessly they do what they do despite putting in tireless hours of work and energy into their craft, as demonstrated by their most recent body of work. Catch them at Franklin Music Hall tonight with Annika Bennett. // 8 p.m., $35, AA
Sunday 8/27: Melissa Menago at City Winery Philadelphia
Local powerhouse vocalist Melissa Menago has been on the scene since she was a 00s Drexel Student, fronting the celebrated local alternative band June Divided. A decade later, she’s still got a killer voice and a poppy spirit, and is preparing the release of her second solo record, Echo The Optimist. It’s out today and is packed with stratospheric pop/rock melodies, plus collabs with local staples like Matt Duke. Celebrate with Menago Sunday night at City Winery Philadelphia’s Loft stage. // 6 p.m., $18, AA
Sunday 8/27: Broke Body at MilkBoy
Gnarly Philly post-punk power trio Broke Body heads out on the road in a month’s time, testing out new material from the full length they plan to release in the winter. Consider tonight’s MilkBoy gig a warmup with a killer lineup; they’ll share the stage with HUEY, The Cosmonut, as well as Boston’s Q-Tip Bandits. // 7:30 p.m., $15, AA
Monday 8/28: Lalah Hathaway at City Winery Philly
Five-time Grammy award-winner Lalah Hathaway will be gracing the presence of City Winery this Monday, where she’ll be reaffirming her position as a figure in the world of R&B singer/songwriters. Her first project in five years debuts this fall following the release of the single “The Energy”, which expertly paints a picture of a smooth kind of summer love, underscored by irresistible drum pockets and an impeccable lower vocal register. As the daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway, it’s no wonder that her virtuosity comes so naturally, which will be on full display this Monday at City Winery. Make sure to stop by to see Hathaway’s iconic “energy” for yourself. // 6 p.m., $60 and up, 21+
Wednesday 8/30: Jai Wolf at Brooklyn Bowl Philly
Jai Wolf has been a renowned staple in the electronic music sphere for nearly a decade now, starting out making remixes and transitioning into creating singles, EPs, and full-length projects that he can proudly call his own. Hailing from Long Island, Wolf’s distinctive style and ability to reinterpret sound, reimagine art, and start new projects from scratch are what set him apart from other producers and DJs. He’ll be bringing the Blue Babu tour to Brooklyn Bowl this Wednesday, where you can hear new tracks such as “Don’t Look Down” featuring alternative singer/songwriter BANKS, as well as his older favorites. // 8 p.m., $25 and up, 21+
Wednesday 8/30: Seraiah Nicole at World Cafe Live
Performer, actress, activist, poet, and all-around altruist Seraiah Nicole will be visiting World Cafe Live this Wednesday to bring her message of self-love, peace, and unity to fruition. Nicole has remained at the forefront of Philadelphia’s community of music and culture for years, uplifting the voices of others while using hers to sing and speak in the name of all she is passionate about. In fusing spoken word poetry with hip-hop and profoundly soulful vocals, Nicole is a powerhouse of sorts, combining important elements of culture and art to extend a hand to listeners who need a voice of reassurance and strength. Be sure to stop by WCL this week for an interactive experience that will both inspire you and urge you to dig deeper into your purpose. // 8 p.m., $12, AA
Thursday 8/31: Brittany Ann Tranbaugh at The Lounge at World Cafe Live
With an EP on the way this Thursday, Brittany Ann Tranbaugh is heading to World Cafe Live’s lounge to demonstrate the modern appeal of one of the U.S.’s most classic genres of music. Branding her artistry as “Queer Americana”, Tranbaugh’s music speaks to people from all walks of life, particularly in the form of traditional acoustic guitar, an ear-catching southern twang, and a perspective all her own. Tranbaugh showcases her musical upbringing and an unapologetic expression of her innermost self to Philly, having gone to Temple University and experienced all the local scene has to offer. Her new self-titled EP comes out on September 1st, so make sure to come help celebrate at this release show. // 8 p.m., $12, AA
Thursday 8/31: The Groove Merchants at Brooklyn Bowl Philly
Grizzly Philly Americana stalwarts The Groove Merchants have a new single dropping this week and a release party to celebrate at Brooklyn Bowl Philly this Thursday. It’s an exciting show not only for the chance to catch some fluid roots rocker jams from these seasoned players, but also for the folks they brought to the party with them. Sharing the stage are Tubey Frank, Emily Drinker, and Stella Ruze, some of the finest folk-adjacent rock the region has to offer. Folk Fest might have skipped a year in 2023, but sneak in a hammock, pretend you’re watching this set under the stars, and it’ll feel like you’re there. // 7:30 p.m., $20, 21+
Friday 9/1: Carsie Blanton at Bryn Mawr Gazebo
Philadelphia’s own Carsie Blanton will be stopping at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo on Friday amid a busy 2023 tour schedule. Throughout Blanton’s career, she has built a sustainable fanbase through her live shows, political protest, and folk-inspired sound. Fellow Philadelphian Marielle Kraft will be joining Blanton for the night. Her new album After the Revolution is on the horizon as well, stated to be releasing in March 2024. // 7 p.m., $15, AA
Friday 9/1: Sarah Shook and the Disarmers at Elkton Music Hall
Self-described as “gritty twangy country rock,” Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are an intriguing band from North Carolina bringing Americana music to Maryland on Friday. Since 2017, the group has released three albums, with their most recent Nightroamer being from February 2022. Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter River Shook plays double-duty, also fronting the band Mightmare, who made their Kill Rock Stars debut in 2022. Shook has stated that they plan to release albums with both bands by the summer of 2024. // 7 p.m., $22.60, AA
Saturday 9/2: Anthony Green at Tellus360
Doylestown modern rock star Anthony Green is on the road this week, taking a solo jaunt around the northeast in support of last year’s Boom. Done. The record came out on local imprint Born Losers Records and dresses its acoustic bones up in horn arrangements and dreamy, expansive psychedlia. Between his celebrated current project L.S. Dunes and his other bands Circa Survive, Saosin, and The Sound of Animals Fighting, Green is perpetually busy, but this is a nice opportunity to hear the reflective songwriting on his latest solo work played live in an intimate setting: Doylestown’s Tellus360. // 7 p.m., $25, 21+
Saturday 9/2: Chatham Rabbits at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
Roots duo Chatham Rabbits will be playing a free show at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks on Saturday, part of the Bethlehem venue’s ongoing summer series of free concerts. Sarah and Austin McCombie bring the classic traditions of country music such as personal storytelling, warm plucky arrangements, and acoustic instrumentation to their performances. With three studio albums out, the Rabbits have grown a sizable following, leading them around the country on tour this year. In May, the duo’s TV series On the Road with Chatham Rabbits debuted on PBS, and is available for streaming now. // 7:30 p.m., free, AA
Saturday 9/2: DIY Super Bowl ft Ovlov, TAGABOW and more at Ukie Club
The young Philadelphia music scene will come together for the DIY Super Bowl on Sept. 2nd at the Ukie Club. Presented by 4333 Collective, this stacked bill contains the established CT group Ovlov, Philly shoegaze front runner They Are Gutting a Body of Water (TAGABOW), noisy newcomers Cold Court, lo-fi rockers Halloween, and basement show staple band Attack Dog. This event is a great chance to support and tune into rising acts in the Philadelphia area, as well as acquaint yourself with some of the groups that inspire the current youthful scene. // 6 p.m., $24.99, AA
