Here are ten concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philadelphia. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Sunday 12/10: Holiday Gift Songs at Fergie’s Pub
Tis the season for a good benefit concert, and Philadelphia singer-songwriter Brian Seymour rounded up a huge cast of Philly singer-songwriter favorites for a matinee at Fergie’s to raise funds for two music education nonprofits, Play On Philly and iCreate. The bill includes a vast array of local talent: Aaron Parnell Brown, Andrea Nardello, Emily Drinker, recent Free At Noon star Greg Sover, current Free At Noon star James Everhart (of Cosmic Guilt), Jamie And The Guarded heart, and much more. Show up early, tip your bartender, and pay twice at the door. // 4 p.m., Pay What You Wish, 21+
Monday 12/11: Open Mike Eagle at MilkBoy
Shake off your Monday night blues at MilkBoy this week for an unforgettable evening with Open Mike Eagle, a master of experimental art rap. Prepare to be captivated as this lyrical wizard takes the stage, delivering freestyles that soar before your very eyes. His tour along the east coast, which kicked off last week in Houston, coincides with the release of his latest album, Another Triumph of Ghetto Engineering, an album that pays tribute to the music and memories that have shaped Eagle’s character and career. // 8 p.m., $20, 21+
Tuesday 12/12: The Orphan The Poet at MilkBoy
The Orphan The Poet, an Ohio-based alternative midwest duo consisting of David Eselgroth and Jake Floyd, had an electrifying past few years. Since the release of their first EP Queen Cobra in 2019, the boys have been playing sets in renowned festivals, collaborated with legendary producer Matt Squire (of Panic! At The Disco and Ariana Grande fame), and provided opening support for the recent Weathers’ tour. Embarking on a string of headline shows, The Orphan The Poet will be performing at MilkBoy this Tuesday, December 12th. // 8 p.m., $16, 21+
Wednesday 12/13: The National Reserve at Johnny Brenda’s
Experience the timeless beauty of a great American bar band this Wednesday. Originally hailing from New Jersey, The National Reserve’s Sean Walsh relocated to Brooklyn in the early 20-teens and began crafting soulful songs. The band, veterans of the XPoNential Music Festival, bring their fall tour to Johnny Brenda’s Wednesday night, and you can expect a night filled with energy, emotion, and fan-favorite tunes as they take the stage. While there have been no recent releases, their performance promises to be a nostalgic journey through The National Reserve’s back catalog, and perhaps a hint at what’s next. // 8 p.m., $20, 21
Wednesday 12/13: Savannah Cristina at MilkBoy
R&B soul singer Savannah Cristina makes an appearance in Philly this Wednesday at MilkBoy. Cristina became an overnight sensation after uploading a YouTube video of her song “Self Care” in 2019, and released her first LP the following year through Warner Records. With a brand new single “The Divine Feminine” freshly released, Cristina is continuing to capture listeners’ ears. Aryeè The Gem and James Savage open Wednesday’s show at MilkBoy. // 8 p.m., $18, 21+
Thursday 12/14: Darlene Love at The Keswick Theatre
The beloved singer and actress Darlene Love has been an inspiration since “He’s a Rebel” became the No. 1 single on US Charts in 1962. Finding her voice and passion for singing during church as a child, Love pursued the art professionally by becoming the lead singer in the group Blossom, sang on the famous Christmas album A Christmas Gift for You, which featured the iconic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”; the song and album are impactful enough that XPN’s own Eric Schuman regards her as The Queen Of Christmas, and she brings some holiday spirit and beyond to The Keswick Theatre Thursday. // 8 p.m., $39 and up, AA
Thursday 12/14: Omar Wilson at World Cafe Live
After making waves in clubs at New York City and Connecticut, performing with artists such as Boy II Men and The Neville Brothers, and being named Best R&B Male of the Year at the Underground Music Awards, Omar Wilson is a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by some of the greatest R&B artists including Marvin Gaye, Lauren Hill, and Sam Cooke, Wilson has become one the top new soul singers in the industry. On tour for his newest record Omar Wilson Sings The Classics, Wilson plays World Cafe Live this Thursday. // 8 p.m., $30 and up, 21+
Friday 12/15: Bouncing Souls at The Fillmore Philly
Experience classic east coast shout-along punk rock with The Bouncing Souls and Friends this Friday at The Fillmore Philly. Emerging from the punk surge of the late 80s, and staking their claim on the scene in the late 90s / early 00s Warped Tour era (along with tourmates 7 Seconds) their infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, and driving rhythms are sure to ignite the mosh pit. The band hails from Asbury Park, but played The Troc often enough back in the day that Philly claims them as hometown-adjacent, and there’s an additional bit of hometown appeal on this show; Philly’s own Catbite opens the night, so get there early! // 7 p.m., $29.50, AA
Saturday 12/16: Cosmic Guilt at Arden Gild Hall
Get ready for a musical journey with the ten-piece Del Val psychedelic country band Cosmic Guilt. With many members hailing from Delaware, their show Saturday at Arden Gild Hall is indeed a hometown throwdown, and their lush folk instrumentation, infused with hints of spaghetti western and Brit folk influences, has earned them a place among Philly’s finest alt/roots rock performers. Following the release of their latest single “Yesterday’s In The Astral Plane” — and a Free At Noon concert on Friday — the band joins John Andrews and The Yawns in Arden on Saturday for their final show of 2023. // 8 p.m., $20.49, AA
Saturday 12/16: Chelsea Reed and the Fairweather Nine’s Christmas Swing at World Café Live
Kick off the holiday season with Chelsea Reed and the Fairweather Nine’s Christmas Swing at World Café Live. Whether you’re a fan of swing dances, jazz clubs, or concert halls, this group knows how to create a festive atmosphere. Join them for a night of classic holiday tunes infused with jazz, blues, and folk influences, highlighting Chelsea Reed’s enchanting vocals and swing style. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. // 8:30 p.m., $20, AA
