Here are 14 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Sunday 2/25: Melissa Menago at 118 North
Renowned for her role in Philly’s June Divided, modern rock singer-songwriter Melissa Menago is a versatile artist whose talents extend beyond the conventional. Her captivating lead vocals, the gentle strums of her guitar, and the melodious chords of her keyboard, seamlessly blend with her exceptional songwriting skills. Last year she released her second album, Echo The Optimist, and tonight Menago plays a set of those songs and more performed at 118 North in Wayne. // 7:30 p.m., $15, 21+ – Izabella Patrizio
Monday 2/26: Two Door Cinema Club at The Fillmore
Since their 2010 breakout, the UK band Two Door Cinema Club have evolved from indie darlings to chart-topping artists with a knack for infectious tunes that blend post-punk vivacity with electronic light-heartedness. From their early hits like “Something Good Can Work” to the synth-laden tracks of their latest albums, this is a band of enduring appeal and musical dexterity, and we expect their Fillmore headliner on Monday to highlight not only their decade-spanning career their ability to meld genres. // 8 p.m., $82.28 (verified resale), AA – I.P.
Tuesday 2/27: Lilly Hiatt at Johnny Brenda’s
Nashville’s Lilly Hiatt is set to bring her latest musical explorations to Johnny Brenda’s this Tuesday, showcasing her deeply introspective album Lately. The album stands as Hiatt’s fifth release, striking a delicate balance between her music’s rugged rock qualities and its softer, country roots. The project is a reflection of Hiatt’s journey towards self-acceptance, living freely, and embracing life’s uncertainties. Following the success of her 2020 album Walking Proof, which saw her compared to artists from John Prine to Margo Price, Hiatt’s JBs show promises an evening of raw, heartfelt storytelling through music. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – I.P.
Tuesday 2/27: Trombone Shorty at F.M. Kirby Center
Trombone Shorty is set to bring an electrifying performance to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre this Tuesday. Fresh off the heels of a few other dynamic shows and the release of his new single “Mardi Gras Morning” from latest album, Lifted, audiences can expect a fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock that captures the essence of his legendary live shows. // 8 p.m., $30.50 and up, AA – I.P.
Wednesday 2/28: Bilal at City Winery Philadelphia
The often enigmatic R&B singer Bilal enchanted a generation with the release of his breakout masterpiece 1st Born Second in 2000. Many fans quickly crowned him one of the defining artists of the neo-soul movement, which also included D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, similarly singular artists rethinking soul music. In the years since, he has released a small selection of albums, collaborated frequently with Robert Glasper and the Roots, and added vocals to songs by Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Mac Miller. The singer was born and raised in Philly, where he grew up watching jazz shows and graduated from the famous CAPA high school. He returns for a hometown show this Wednesday at City Winery. // 6 p.m., $35 and up, 21+ – Dylan Itkin
Wednesday 2/28: Madi Diaz at World Cafe Live
Madi Diaz has already lent her supreme songwriting skills to artists such as Kesha and Miranda Lambert while releasing sincere folk-rock records for over a decade. In 2022, World Cafe named her “one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets” and featured a session of Diaz performing while backed by members of Dr. Dog and Paramore. Earlier this month, she released a critically-acclaimed new album Weird Faith featuring the single “Don’t Do Me Good” with Kacey Musgraves. She brings it to World Cafe Live this Wednesday with Olivia Barton. // 8 p.m., $22, AA – D.I.
Thursday 2/29: Jay Electronica at City Winery Philadelphia
With a booming voice and dazzling wordplay, Jay Electronica has achieved influential legendary status even with a remarkably small output of recorded music. He first achieved breakout success with the mixtape Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge) and then secured a record deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation after the release of his stunning Just Blaze-produced single “Exhibit C.” The New-Orleans born MC memorably shouted out his onetime home of Philly on the track, rapping “I was on Cecil B., Broad Street, Master/North Philly, South Philly, 23rd, Tasker.” He’s back this Thursday, headlining City Winery with always-on-the-go Philly MC Dell-P. // 6 p.m., $35 and up, 21+ – D.I.
Thursday 2/29: Mary Timony at Johnny Brenda’s
As a veteran of the indie music world, Mary Timony has a lengthy resume reflecting her time playing with different groups. She led Helium, started the supergroup WILD FLAG, played in Autoclave, and performed in Ex Hex. As both a guitarist and a singer-songwriter, Timony has inspired many artists including Snail Mail, Speedy Oritz, and Sleater-Kinney. She just released Untame the Tiger, her first solo project in 15 years, and plays it live this Thursday at Johnny Brenda’s. // 8 p.m., $20, 21+ – D.I.
Thursday 2/29: Omni at PhilaMOCA
Sub Pop’s response to the jagged-edge, industrial, post-punk trend (think Yard Act, IDLES, Parquet Courts) is the Atlanta trio, Omni. The band’s latest, 2024’s Souvenir, is a quirky and fun listen. It’s also arguably danceable — another factor that makes this PhilaMOCA show a good time. // 8 p.m., $18.66, AA – Paige Walter
Friday 3/1: Hurray for the Riff Raff at The Foundry
Everyone’s going country, even Beyoncé. Famously nomadic songwriter Alynda Segarra is no exception with her project Hurray for the Riff Raff. The band’s new album The Past Is Still Alive, complete with delightful midwest titles like “Buffalo” and “Ogallala” (the aquifer covering a large tract of land in the Great Plains region), is an easy listen, though it’s full of tough life lessons. Get to the top of Fishtown’s Fillmore to find The Foundry (Live Nation’s 450-capacity room) and this special show on Friday night. Vibrant Chicago artist NNAMDÏ opens. // 8 p.m., $39.75, AA – P.W.
Friday 3/1: Wax Jaw at Ortlieb’s
Celebrating a year on the scene this month, Philly local Wax Jaw has grown a dedicated following on the strength of their surf-punk sound. Get out to see this DIY five-piece where you most-reliably see shows of that nature: Ortlieb’s in Northern Liberties. And stick around: reps from local rock label Born Losers are spinning records after the show. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – P.W.
Saturday 3/2: Joan Osborne at The Englewood
Veteran singer-songwriter Joan Osborne is a longtime XPN favorite, going back to the mid-90s and her captivating album Relish. In the decades since, she remains busy as ever, jamming with members of The Black Crowes in Trigger Hippie, and just last year releasing her 11th studio album, the introspective Nobody Owns You. She’ll play it live this Saturday for Central Pennsylvania fans at The Englewood in Lititz. // 8 p.m., $40 and up, 21+ – John Vettese
Saturday 3/2: Velvet Rouge at Underground Arts
We love an all-local bill, and the one at Underground Arts this Saturday is cause for exceptional excitement. Modern rockers Velvet Rouge are beginning to tease a new project for 2024, and what better way to do so than with their biggest Philly headlining gig yet? Joining them are the soul pop outfit Stereo League — co-vocalist Turquoise Cobb recently posted around some exciting in-studio photos of the band working on their own next thing — as well as Mega Mango, who launched in the 20-teens but saw rush of viral success during the pandemic, and once they were able to tour again, they pounced. Suffice it to say the energy should be high at this show. // 8 p.m., $18, 21+ – J.V.
Saturday 3/2: Porno For Pyros at Parx Casino
A rare chance to see icons of alternative rock in a relatively small setting: Porno For Pyros, the post-Jane’s Addiction project of vocalist and songwriter Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins, is playing Parx Casino in Bensalem on Saturday. After releasing two cult favorite albums in the mid-90s — 1993’s self titled, which gave us the spectacular hit “Pets,” and 1996’s high-energy Good God’s Urge , its underrated follow-up — the band reformed in 2022 with bassist Mike Watt of Minutemen fame, as well as founding guitarist Peter DiStefano to reconnect with old fans and play live for new ones. PFP is billing its current stretch of tour dates as a farewell run, meaning it’ll be worth the trip on literal and metaphorical levels. // 8 p.m., $45 and up, 21+ – J.V.
