Here are ten concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For details and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Sunday 1/28: Tim Reynolds at Phantom Power
Over the course of his decades-spanning career, guitar wizard Tim Reynolds has explored various musical genres with his spectacular and singular instrumental skill. Reynolds formed T3, his own electric trio, in the mid 80’s but first began playing guitar with a gospel group and has gone on to become a guitar collaborator with the Dave Matthews Band. T3 also features bassist Mick Vaugh and drummer Dan Martier and will bring their unique mix of rock, country, and funk to Phantom Power on Sunday. Birddog, Martier’s duo with his wife Laura, will open the show. // 6 p.m., $25, 21+
Monday 1/29: Lucius at Brooklyn Bowl Philly
Indie pop/rock act Lucius are longtime WXPN favorites. They performed a Free at Noon set way back in 2013 and closed out NON-COMM in 2022. On Monday, WXPN welcomes another show from the group – this time at Fishtown’s Brooklyn Bowl. The band’s lead singers, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, have sung on recordings by an astonishing list of artists, ranging from Jeff Tweedy and Jackson Browne to John Legend, Harry Styles, and The War on Drugs. Their current tour celebrates a decade since the release of their album, Wildewoman. In the band’s own words it “was our first born, and in a lot of ways, the one that feels closest to the chest. It was the first time we toured, had fans(!) singing to our songs, traveled the world doing what we loved, and proved that with hard work & dedication, we could make a living as artists.” The band will perform the album, which combined sixties pop melodies with a modern indie-rock edge, front to back – along with a few added surprises. // 8 p.m., $54 and up (verified resale), 21+
Thursday 2/1: William Tyler at MilkBoy
For over a decade, William Tyler has created genre-bending guitar magic – often instrumental, sometimes experimental, and always eclectic and intriguing. His newest tour sees the Nashville artist joined by a new band: William Taylor & The Impossible Truth. The four piece’s first album, Secrete Stratosphere, had a fuller, fuzzier sound and few of its seven live tracks lasted less than seven minutes. The band will stretch those psychedelic tracks out with jam-band chops and genre-bending inventiveness at MilkBoy this Thursday. // 8 p.m., $18, 21+
Thursday 2/1: Air Is Human & Grimace Federation at Johnny Brenda’s
Prepare for a double-bill of exhilarating sonic experimentation from two local acts this Thursday at Johnny Brenda’s. The instrumental electronic prog-rock-duo Air Is Human showcases Josh Aptner and Jeff Lucci playing with sounds and instruments as they explore explosive and fascinating musical directions. They describe their influences as wide-ranging – “from downtempo and ambient with kraut and psych, from groups like Boards of Canada to Talk Talk.” Grimace Federation takes inspiration from a similarly elastic set of genres – post-rock, experimental jazz, underground hip-hop. They have previously collaborated with the beloved rapper Aesop Rock, at one time touring as his live band. Museum Level will open the show with a D.J. set. // 8 p.m., $18, 21+
Friday 2/2: Gambian Griots: Jali Bakary Konteh & Mafu Conteh at Arden Gild Hall
Stemming from a storied tradition of Gambian griot kora musicians, Jali Bakary Konteh & Mafu Conteh bring their stunning musicianship to the Arden Gild Hall this Friday. The duo plays the kora, an exquisite-sounding West African harp lute, and sing together in beautiful harmony. The men are the grandsons of Alhaji Bai Konte, a 1970’s musician who brought huge attention to the Gambian kora. They are committed to sharing, exploring, and pushing forward their traditional music. At times, they have added slide guitars, reggae beats, and electronic drums to their recorded projects. Last year, they partnered with the 23-person chamber orchestra Contemporaneous to create a cross-cultural musical conversation. Their Arden performance is described as a “polyrhythmic duet” and will feature two sets as well as a short film presentation. // 8 p.m., $22.66, AA
Saturday 2/3: Greensky Bluegrass at The Fillmore Philly
Greensky Bluegrass, a Michigan-based string band, will be performing at The Fillmore Philly, showcasing their unique blend of Americana and progressive bluegrass. Originating from regional D.I.Y. roots, the band achieved national recognition in the late 2000s through relentless touring and a series of well-received independent releases. Their music, influenced by rock and traditional acoustic styles, features albums like the 2014 bluegrass chart-topper If Sorrows Swim and 2016’s Shouted, Written Down & Quoted. After a series of live archival releases, Greensky Bluegrass made a comeback with the eclectic album Stress Dreams in early 2022. // 8 p.m., $41.25, AA
Saturday 2/3: Sadie Leigh at MilkBoy
Philadelphia’s Sadie Leigh, a growing talent in the music scene, will grace the stage at MilkBoy on Saturday. Having grown up in a musical environment, she leveraged her singing talents to make an impact on the American Idol stage with her compelling vocal delivery. Post her Idol spotlight and after honing her skills at Temple University, her deep-rooted passion for music led to her releasing a debut EP in November. Come see her impressive vocal in action as she shares her originals with the crowd at MilkBoy this weekend. // 7 p.m., $12, 21+
Saturday 2/3: Hiruy Tirfe at Painted Bride Solar Myth
(UPDATE: This concert has been moved to Solar Myth Bar on Broad and Ellsworth in South Philly.) Hiruy Tirfe, a celebrated saxophonist and musician from Philadelphia, will perform at Painted Bride, bringing his diverse musical expertise to the forefront. His journey, enriched by education at the University of the Arts and collaboration with iconic artists like Patti LaBelle and The Roots, has established him as a versatile and sought-after talent. Tirfe just released his debut album 10,000 Hours, a blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop elements, featuring collaborations with other great artists. // 5 p.m., $20, AA
Saturday 2/3: Jake Blount at Lang Music Hall
Jake Blount, an award-winning musician and scholar (and favorite of the XPN Folk Show’s Ian Zolitor), will present his new album The New Faith at Swarthmore College’s Lang Music Hall. This Afro-futurist concept album, set in a climate-ravaged future, combines spirituals and folk traditions in a unique narrative. Blount, known for his expertise in early Black American folk music, brings a mix of spirituals, blues, and string band music, connecting historical struggles to a speculative future. His extensive performance experience, including appearances at the Kennedy Center and the Newport Folk Festival, promises an immersive and thought-provoking musical experience. // 8 p.m., Free, AA
Saturday 2/3: Steve Forbert at the Sellersville Theater
Steve Forbert, a pioneer in the Americana genre, performs this weekend at the Sellersville Theater, bringing over four decades of folk and roots-rock music to the stage. Known for songs like “Romeo’s Tune” and albums like Jackrabbit Slim, Forbert’s latest work, Moving Through America, showcases his enduring talent and the evolution of his music. His performance, backed by the band from his 2020 album Early Morning Rain, promises a blend of nostalgic hits and new, spirited songs, continuing his legacy as an influential figure in Americana music. // 8 p.m., $33, AA
