Sunday 11/12: The Menzingers at Franklin Music Hall
The Menzingers, punk legends and Philly locals, are set to take the stage at Franklin Music Hall tonight. Known for an impressive music catalog, their seventh album, Some Of It Was True, expertly captures the band’s signature live energy, resulting in a rich and raw sound that complements their evolving songwriting style. After a COVID-19-induced hiatus, this album is a triumphant return for the Menzingers, reaffirming their enduring presence in the music scene. // 7:30 p.m., $35, AA
Monday 11/13: Sampha at Franklin Music Hall
From his humble beginnings in South London to becoming a global icon, Sampha’s impact on contemporary culture is undeniable. With a career marked by era-defining releases like the breakthrough Dual EP and his Mercury Prize-winning debut album Process in 2017, Sampha’s soulful and emotive sound has earned him collaborations with some of the greatest artists of our time, from Solange to Kendrick Lamar, making his Franklin Music Hall show Monday a must-see. Don’t miss the chance to witness the voice that has left an indelible mark on the music world. // 7 p.m., $34.50, AA
Tuesday 11/14: Ava Mirzadegan at Johnny Brenda’s
Indie-folk singer-songwriter Ava Mirzadegan’s music is full of gentle guitar melodies and themes of longing, self-discovery, and the complexities of human connection. Her debut solo album, Dark Dark Blue, explores the intricacies of unmet needs and misplaced attachments, offering a compassionate perspective on the struggles of young love. Head to Johnny Brenda’s on Tuesday to experience Mirzadegan’s soulful tunes, perfect for fans of Stina Nordenstam and Julie Doiron. // 7 p.m., $12, 21+
Tuesday 11/14: Brian Fallon at HMAC
Brian Fallon, the acclaimed singer and songwriter known for his fusion of punk rock urgency and heartland rock passion, will be gracing the stage at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) in Central Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Rising to fame as the frontman of the Gaslight Anthem before embarking on a successful solo career, Fallon’s musical journey has seen him release a series of compelling albums, including Handwritten and Sleepwalkers. With a rich musical background and a knack for crafting deeply personal songs, Brian Fallon’s performance promises a night of unforgettable music and storytelling. // 8 p.m., $35, AA
Wednesday 11/15: The Pharcyde at Brooklyn Bowl Philly
Los Angeles hip-hop icons The Pharcyde left an incredible mark on the music scene during their run in the 90s, working with names from J-Swift to J Dilla and releasing hits like “Passin’ Me By” and “Runnin’.” Their debut album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde went gold, and is still celebrated to this day. While member Bootie Brown is no longer touring with the group, Fatlip, Slimkid3, and Imani will bring the party to Brooklyn Bowl Philly on Wednesday. // 8 p.m., $25, 21+
Thursday 11/16: Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real at Brooklyn Bowl Philly
The Cali-based country rock artist Lukas Nelson and his band Promise of the Real (also referred to as POTR) have been jamming since 2008, and with Lukas being kin to music legend Willie Nelson, their career took off after opening for his father’s tour in 2009. POTR collaborated with Neil Young from 2015 to 2019 as a backing band for five album recordings, and they have released nine studio albums of their own. Their latest, Sticks and Stones, came out in July, and you can hear them showcase it at Brooklyn Bowl Philly on Thursday. // 8 p.m., $35, 21+
Thursday 11/16: Men I Trust at Franklin Music Hall
Montreal indie stars Men I Trust blend dreampop tones and an electro underbelly with studious jazz stylings, an infectious blend that drove their 2018 single “Show Me How” to TikTok viral status. With 2021’s Untourable Album, they are four records deep in a career that sees them continuing to self-release and maintain artistic control while playing large spaces like Franklin Music Hall, where you can find them Thursday. Fellow Montreal popsters TOPS join Men I Trust on this tour; we last heard from them on 2020’s I Feel Alive, so arrive early to find out what they’ve been up to. // 8:30 p.m., $32.50, AA
Thursday 11/16: Lizdelise at Fringe Bar
Head to Fringe Bar in Old City this Thursday for a tremendous all-local bill starring Lizdelise, who just released their transportive new project I Swore I Heard You Laughing in September. The project’s supple synth soundscapes will play tremendously well alongside a set by electronic pop producer and songwriter Kilamanzego, and its knack for musical storytelling will be echoed by singer-songwriter Brittany Ann Tranbaugh. The Philly-centric show is free with RSVP, which you can do at Lizdelise’s website. // 8:30 p.m., free, 21+
Friday 11/17: Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Thao, and Yasmin Williams at The Colonial Theatre
After Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Thao, and Yasmin Williams performed together at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, and they decided to bring their music and message on the road. Composed of four uniquely talented women from differing backgrounds, this songwriters’ circle loops in musical conversations with one another while tying in a strong connection with their audience. A portion of the ticket revenue from this unique Friday night show at Phoenixville’s Colonial Theatre will be donated to the national non-profit organization Girls Write Now. // 8 p.m., $32.50, AA
Friday 11/17: Armand Hammer at The First Unitarian Church
The NYC-based rap duo Armand Hammer, composed of artists Billy Woods and ELUCID, perform at The First Unitarian Church this Friday with opening support from Quelle Chris. On the road for their newest studio album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, Armand Hammer has worked with renowned producers that helped them conjure up their experimental sounds, including The Alchemist, DJ Harlem, JPEGMAFIA, and Black Noi$e. Their collective effort has earned acclaim for the introspective lyricism that ties in with their unique musical production style. // 8 p.m., $20, AA
Friday 11/17: Medea at The Living Room
Medea started as a wedding band in 1999, simply looking for a stage to showcase their talents. Eventually, they turned into much more, and through much strife and hardship, the local ensemble has evolved into a beacon of expression for its members. Their sound is bold and unique, reminiscent of Portishead and Madeleine Peyroux, covering heavy themes with personal anecdotes. These stories are told through skillful instrumentation and Irene Lambrou’s dynamic, commanding vocals. Reunited after a hiatus, Medea returns on Friday at the Living Room in Ardmore, showcasing their new record GhostBox. // 8 p.m., $25, AA
Saturday 11/18: Slaughter Beach Dog at The Fillmore Philly
WXPN named Slaughter Beach, Dog as our artist to watch for August of 2023, and they have done nothing but continue to prove their phenomenal abilities since. The illustrious indie band rose to acclaim in the aftermath of beloved band Modern Baseball, and they have steadily garnered attention and acclaim with their transformative sound. The band’s newest album, Crying, Laughing, Waving, and Smiling, features Jake Ewald’s introspective and witty songwriting, along with the band’s indiefolk charm. They will play their first full-band hometown headliner since 2021 at The Fillmore this Saturday. // 8 p.m., $26, AA
Saturday 11/18: Ron Gallo at The First Unitarian Church
Ron Gallo’s distinctive vocals and heavy, distorted guitar pack a real punch, and the Philly native brings his spin on modern rock and roll — and his newest album FOREGROUND MUSIC — to the basement of the First Unitarian Church on Saturday. Gallo will be joined by his Welsh tourmates The Bug Club as well as Santa Chiara, aka Gallo’s bassist (and spouse) Chiara D’Anzieri, who just put out a terrific album of her own called Imported. // 8 p.m., $18, AA
Saturday 11/18: John-Allison Weiss at Ukie Club
John-Allison Weiss is a real DIY superstar, and their indie flair will be showcased at Ukie Club on November 18th. Their newest album, The Long Way‘ explores themes of lost love, growing up, and anxiety. These topics are all backed by pop punk drums, gentle piano, and classic guitar lines. In addition to new music, Weiss is celebrating the tenth anniversary of their album Say What You Mean, and this show features support from Future Teens and Paper Bee, as well as the hometown comedy debut of Rachel Dispenza of Coping Skills, who is fresh off their long-running gig production-managing Japanese Breakfast’s Jubilee tour. // 7 p.m., $23.79, AA