14 concerts to see this week, including Sammy Rae And The Friends, Sunny War, Brigitte Calls Me Baby and more

Here are 14 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For details and more information, head to WXPN’s Concert Calendar.

Sunday 2/11: Cheeky at The Dolphin

The Dolphin has some great shows booked for 2024, and we love to see it. Solo, experimental synth artist Cheeky will give a fantastical and beautifully eerie perfect for a Sunday night. Though their classical music background informs their music, Cheeky’s set will feel fresh and boundary-pushing. // 7 p.m., $12, 21+ – Paige Walter

Monday 2/12: Mali Velasquez at PhilaMOCA

PhilaMOCA hosts excellent, emerging touring talent from time to time, and this show is no exception. Texas-raised, Nashville-based Mali Velasquez brings her soft and sentimental folk-rock to the arty, Spring Garden St. venue. Be sure to check out her delicate 2023 release I’m Green before you get to the show. // 8 p.m., $15, AA – P.W.

Tuesday 2/13: Josh Ritter at Union Transfer

Josh Ritter’s show at Union Transfer on Tuesday will be a vibrant testament to his enduring talent as one of folk and Americana music’s most insightful songwriters. His deep, expressive voice and keen wit captivates audiences, embodies the spirit of folk legends who inspired his journey, from Bob Dylan to Leonard Cohen. For the tour that brings him to Union Transfer, Ritter is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakout album Hello Starling. // 8 p.m., $37.50 and up, AA – Izabella Patrizio

Tuesday 2/13: Cat Power at The Keswick Theatre

There’s a lot to love about Cat Power’s latest, Sings Dylan. First of all, she covered the entire 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert. And secondly, it doesn’t fall flat, not in the least. Relive one of history’s greatest setlists with Cat Power, the woman ballsy and talented enough to pull it off, at The Keswick Theatre this Tuesday night. // 8 p.m., $54, AA – P.W.

Wednesday 2/14: Sammy Rae and the Friends at The Fillmore Philly

Sammy Rae & The Friends lit up the gloomy skies at XPN Fest and are back in Philly to perform indoors at The Fillmore. Their radiant energy from charismatic lead singer Sammy Rae will fill the room. If you are looking for a vibrant celebration of music and community spreading joy and friendship this show is for you. The band’s sound is a classic rock, folk, funk, soul, and jazz frenzy that captivates audiences through their virtuosity and tight-knit chemistry. With every note, they are not just a band but a family, that will leave you with smiles and a sense of belonging. // 8 p.m., $37.50, AA – I.P.

Wednesday 2/14: Tigers Jaw at Phantom Power

Tigers Jaw are set to deliver an unforgettable performance for Central PA fans at Phantom Power this Valentine’s Day, part of their acoustic tour for the romantic season that also stops at City Winery Philly on Friday. Striking a balance between the timeless allure of Fleetwood Mac and the raw energy of Saves the Day, If you haven’t had the chance to see this deep-rooted Scranton punk band, this is a unique moment to do so. The band encourages fans “invite a friend, lover, or enemy and we’ll play plenty of songs, tell a few stories, and have a nice time at these intimate acoustic shows.” Fenne Lily opens. // 8 p.m., $5 and up, AA – I.P.

Thursday 2/15: Great Lake Swimmers at Tellus360

Great Lake Swimmers will be playing a show at Tellus360 on Thursday, sharing their latest album, Uncertain Country. The performance will be a journey through a collection of 11 songs, Tony Dekker’s lyrics, steeped in the contemplation of modern “uncertain country”—a metaphor for the times—exploring themes from the climate crisis to profound industry changes. The show will showcase the beauty of what inspired the album, allowing the band to connect deeply with fans and first-time listeners alike. // 8 p.m., $17 and up, 21+ – I.P.

Thursday 2/15: Sunny War at MilkBoy

Sunny War describes her music as folk-punk and titled her last album Anarchist Gospel. She once played in an L.A. punk trio called Anus Kings but her recent music is a soulful mix of gritty blues and singer-songwriter honesty. Her recent project highlighted her virtuosic guitar playing and also featured collaborations with singers such as Allison Russell, David Rawlings, and Chris Pierce. Sunny War has talked about a revolving list of favorite artists throughout her life including AC/DC and Daniel Johnston and her music reflects an unpredictable mix between self-destructive emotion and spiritual serenity. This Thursday you can experience it live at MilkBoy in Philly; folk singer Brian Dunne will perform an opening set. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – Dylan Itkin

Thursday 2/15: Brigitte Calls Me Baby at World Cafe Live

WXPN recently crowned Brigitte Calls Me Baby as the Artist to Watch for the month of February. We wrote that the Chicago band makes “riveting, retro rock and roll music that feels calmly nostalgic yet eerily new.” Their sound – jangly but not jokey, breezy yet brooding – is wrapped up in a quilt of influences including Roy Orbinson, The Cars, and The Strokes yet the group updates the rockabilly of the 50’s with a smooth modern sheen. You won’t want to miss their Philadelphia debut at World Cafe Live. // 8:30 p.m., $15, AA – D.I.

Thursday 2/15: Korine at PhilaMOCA

Last year, Korine released Tear, a bold indie-pop record filled with electronic production suffusing the sound with a widescreen scope. Formed in Philadelphia, the duo consists of Trey Frey and Morgy Ramone. They brought their thrilling, moody live show to WXPN’s studios for a Key Studio Session last year, changing the vibe by bathing the entire room in blue light and utilizing a unique collection of pedals and pads. After an extensive tour across Europe and North America, they will celebrate the anniversary of Tear and the release of the remix version of the album. Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers and Born Losers DJs will open the show. // 8 p.m., $14.93, AA – D.I.

Friday 2/16: Sug Daniels at Kennett Flash

Even alone with only a ukulele in hand, Sug Daniels is a captivating and charismatic performer combining a variety of genres with a distinct personality. She describes her sound as “queer, vulnerable, and powerful folk-rock” and focuses on “messages of truth and positive change.” Born in Delaware but based in Philadelphia, she also fronts a funk-rock group from Wilmington, Hoochi Coochi, but will perform her solo music at a can’t-miss show at the Kennett Flash. Abbie Gardner will also perform, bringing their unique dobro-playing style to the festivities. // 7 p.m., $15 and up, AA – D.I.

Friday 2/16: Boogarins at Johnny Brenda’s

After breaking out of Goiânia, Brazil over a decade ago, the heady rock four-piece Boogarins has released an impressive and immersive run of material. Though their output since 2019 has veered towards vault-diving and repackaging — demos collections, live recordings, and a brand new 10th anniversary edition of their debut As Plantas Que Curam, recent collaborative singles with like-minded psychedelic artists like Rio’s Troá (last year’s “Cerveja Quente”) and LA’s JJUUJJUU (this year’s “SOME”) hint at something new on the horizon. Take a trip and find out more this Friday at Johnny Brenda’s. // 9 p.m., $20, 21+ – John Vettese

Saturday 2/17: Boyz II Men at The Met Philly

Getting roses from Nathan Morris, Shawna Stockman, or Wanyá Morris has become a Philly tradition around Valentine’s. The locally-rooted R&B/pop icons Boyz II Men only do a couple hometown appearances per year, and lately, The Met has been their venue of choice. With a catalog of songs you know by heart, from “I’ll Make Love To You” to “On Bended Knee” and “End Of The Road,” love will be in the air, as will a ton of energy when they break out “Motownphilly.” This Saturday’s concert is sold out as far as general admission goes, but you can still get tickets at a markup from LiveNation’s verified resale system. // 8 p.m., $115 and up (verified resale), AA – J.V.

Saturday 2/17: Jamila Woods at TLA

Chicago poet, singer and songwriter Jamila Woods is all about introspection and emotion. On her new album, Water Made Us — released last October on Jagjaguwar — the focus is love in its various states, which makes this post-Valentine’s appearance at South Street’s TLA appropriate as ever. Groove to the Saba-featuring, Iverson-referencing “Practice” and lose yourself in the meditative spoken word expanse of “I Miss All My Exes,” as well as Woods’ impressive back-catalog. Uwade opens this show on Saturday. // 8 p.m., $38.50, AA – J.V.