Here are ten concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly; details and tickets can be found at the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Sunday 3/21: Caracara at Johnny Brenda’s
Starting off the week strong is this local bill at Johnny Brenda’s. Indie rock group Caracara, full of multi-talented Philly musicians, is back on the scene post their well-regarded 2022 LP New Preoccupations. Their latest single “Colorglut (Lazerbreak Version)”, a remix of an earlier collaboration with Anthony Green, shows there could be more electronica in the band’s future. Steady Hands, Caracara’s rowdier cousin, shares the billing, with newer alt-rock group Ultra-Lite starting off the show. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ — Paige Walter
Monday 4/1: Slaughter Beach, Dog at The State Theatre
Frontperson Jake Ewald gives his band members in Slaughter Beach, Dog a break for this latest run of shows, including this mellow Monday show at The State Theatre. Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling contributing vocalist and songwriter in her own right Erin Rae opens the show. Central PA, we wouldn’t miss this opportunity to see some clever, stripped-down folk music. // 8 p.m., $35, AA — P.W.
Wednesday 4/3: Dear Nora at Johnny Brenda’s
DIY indie group Dear Nora had the most fun in their awkward phase of the late 90s and early aughts, leaning into lo-fi production, cheeky punk-rock lyricism, and youthful spirit. Since returning from a seven-year sabbatical in 2017, they’ve matured their sound while maintaining what made the group special. Their latest, 2022’s human futures, piles onto the mountain of recent self-aware art bemoaning late-stage capitalism, and I mean that in a good way. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ — P.W.
Thursday 4/4: GA-20 at Mauch Chunk Opera House
Contemporary blues favorites GA-20 visit Jim Thorpe’s Mauch Chunk Opera House this Thursday night. If you saw these guys play Free At Noon around this time last year, you know they’re all-star rockers. Definitely recommended for fans of The Black Keys’ Thickfreakness era, but with more soul. // 7:30 p.m., $22, AA — P.W.
Thursday 4/4: TEKE::TEKE at World Cafe Live
Montreal-based, psychedelic rock group TEKE::TEKE is across the hall from the XPN offices at World Cafe Live this Thursday. There’s definitely a lot going on in their eclectic sound: the band cites influences such as Japanese folk and Brazilian surf rock. Give their 2023 LP Hagata a spin to know what you’re getting yourself into with this one. All the band’s sonic excess only gives you more to love. // 8:30 p.m., $16, AA — P.W.
Friday 4/5: Buddy Guy at Parx Casino
At 87, Buddy Guy is one of the last living legends of blues guitar. Born and raised in Lettsworth, Louisiana, he started playing with a two-string guitar his father bought for two dollars. Inspired by pioneers such as John Lee Hooker, Guy has performed with fellow titans of the blues: Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf. In turn, generations of guitarists including Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, John Mayer, and Stevie Ray Vaughn have named him as a key inspiration. Some of Guy’s biggest hits have been unexpected but great collaborations: “Feels Like Rain” with Bonnie Raitt, “Ain’t No Sunshine” with Tracy Chapman, and “Mustang Sally” with Jeff Beck. He’s currently embarking on his last major tour appropriately entitled the “Damn Right Farewell Tour.” On Friday, Bobby Rush will open for Guy at the Parx Casino. // 8 p.m., $40 and up, 21+ — Dylan Itkin
Friday 4/5: Local Honeymoon at Kung Fu Necktie
The rising indie rock group Local Honeymoon hails from South Philly and recently released their first single on streaming: the rousing and witty “Everything is a Lot.” Their next track, “25-29,” drops on April 5th and they’ll be celebrating the release with a performance at Kung Fu Necktie. A trio of openers joins them: Connor Bracken & the Mother Leeds Band, the Far Out, and the Latchkey Kids. // 7 p.m., $12, 21+ — D.I.
Friday 4/5: Shovels and Rope at White Eagle Hall
Shovels and Rope consists of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. husband and wife – both musical powerhouses on their own. As a duo, they combine folk, rock, and Americana influences into a singular and very personal sound. Both Trent and Hearst play just about every instrument – including harmonica – but their duetting voices truly make the band a must-see. // 8 p.m., $30, AA — D.I.
Saturday 4/6: Lady Alma at World Cafe Live
Philly legend Lady Alma is one of the definitive voices of house music. Growing up, she studied singing, dance, and theater at the Settlement Music School and the Freedom Theater. Her music is varied in sound but consistently positive and inspirational. She appeared on 2023’s “A Philly Special Christmas,” singing alongside Eagles player Jordan Mailata. DJ Marley Marl and DJ Reddz will join her at World Cafe Live. // 8 p.m., $25 and up, AA — D.I.
Saturday 4/6: Young Fathers at Underground Arts
Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole, and G. Hastings started performing together in 2008. They were only teenagers at the time but the Edinburgh trio began started to release a series of critically acclaimed mixtapes. In 2014, they won the prestigious Mercury Prize for their debut album, Dead. Their music is often deeply political and always unexpected, switching from hard-hitting hip-hop to experimental pop. Fellow Edinburgh genre-bender Callum Easter will open for the group at Underground Arts. // 8 p.m., $25, 21+ — D.I.
