Here are 13 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Sunday 6/30: Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets at Upper Merion Township Park
Kicking off this week are Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets out at Upper Merion Township Park in King of Prussia. Nick Lowe – the singer behind the impossibly catchy “Cruel to Be Kind” – has been playing with Los Straitjackets since 2018 when they paired up to release a slew of EPs. Los Straitjackets bring a rockier backing sound to Lowe’s crooning vocals. They recently released “Went to a Party,” on June 11, the first single from their upcoming album Indoor Safari. // 6 p.m., $35, AA – Emma Zoe Polyak
Monday 7/1: King Hannah at Johnny Brenda’s
Hailing from Liverpool, UK, indie rock duo King Hannah are bringing their North American tour to Johnny Brenda’s this Monday. Made up of Hannah Merrick and Craig Whittle, King Hannah released their album Big Swimmer in May. Written during their last US tour, it captures the energy of live shows while simultaneously reflecting on the backside of touring. From stretching highways to bustling cities they had only previously seen in films, the duo’s experiences found their way into their delicately crafted album. // 8 p.m., $18, 21+ – E.Z.P.
Tuesday 7/2: Alanis Morissette at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Get your hands out of your pockets and get ready to sing along with Alanis Morissette at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion this Tuesday. Best known for her alt-rock, angst-ridden album Jagged Little Pill, Morissette was a defining artist of the 90s. Her current tour comes on the heels of her successful 2021-2022 tour for the 25th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill, and promises to be a night to remember. She will be joined by fellow icons Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and Morgan Wade. // 7 p.m., $54, AA – E.Z.P.
Tuesday 7/2: Julia Pratt at Eagleview Town Center
What better way to spend a Tuesday evening than at a free concert? Trick question – none! Head over to Eagleview Town Center this Tuesday to catch Julia Pratt’s breathtaking set. An emerging Philly musician, Pratt’s confessional songs balance heartbreak, nostalgia, and love. Her new EP Family Feud came out in May and combines her varied influences, from jazz to pop to folk. Her haunting vocals truly come alive, making this show not one you want to miss. // 7 p.m., Free, AA – E.Z.P.
Tuesday 7/2: Pedro The Lion at The Foundry
Veteran Seattle band Pedro the Lion comes to The Foundry this Tuesday hot off the release of their new record Santa Cruz, a dreary collection of indie rock ballads that sound as cloudy and rain-soaked as the city they come from. Joining Pedro the Lion on the bill is Flock of Dimes, AKA Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak. // 8 p.m., $41.25, AA – Claire Brown
Wednesday 7/3: The Make Up at Johnny Brenda’s
The gods of “Gospel Yeh-Yeh,” a genre-ideology-hybrid that centers anti-capitalism and garage rock, D.C. rockers The Make Up bring their revolutionary sound to Johnny Brenda’s. Led by Ian Svenonius (of Nation of Ulysses fame), The Make Up plays a loud, highly participatory live show that you won’t wanna miss. Modern girl group Tchotchke opens. // 8 p.m., $30, 21+ – C.B.
Thursday 7/4: Kesha and Ne-Yo on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Picture this with a kodak: two icons of the 2010s are coming to this year’s Wawa Welcome America festival. Last year, Kesha released her phenomenal record Gag Order, a surprisingly dark foray into art pop helmed by Rick Rubin; I don’t know what Ne-Yo did last year, but that’s okay, because I’m still jamming “Time Of Our Lives.” // 7 p.m., Free, AA – C.B.
Thursday 7/4: Willie Nelson’s 4th Of July Picnic at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Willie Nelson’s long-running annual concert series comes to Camden for the first time, with guests Celisse, Mavis Staples, Maren Morris, Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, and Bob Dylan. What better way to celebrate the birth of our nation than seeing a lineup of living folk and country legends playing in front of the Delaware River? America, baby. // 2:30 p.m., $59.95 and up, AA – C.B.
Friday 7/5: Rachel Reale at Kung Fu Necktie
Though she’s still in college, Rachel Reale is gaining traction in Philly and beyond. The Drexel University-based singer-songwriter makes it her mission to empower women through gorgeous vocals and personal stories. The music video for her latest single, “The Real World”, dropped last Friday – check it out below before heading to Kung Fu Necktie, where she’ll be playing with gloss and Eliora. // doors at 7p.m., $12, AA – Maeve Zeleniak
Saturday 7/6: Marah at Anchor Rock Club
Philly rock stalwarts Marah headline an XPN Welcomes gig this weekend in Atlantic City. Marah’s classic rock and roll sound is perfect for an extended holiday weekend down the shore, but the band really shines when singing about their home in Philly. With fellow PA band, alt-country Ma’aM, the vibes will be high. // 8 pm, $25, 18+ – M.Z.
Saturday 7/6: Janet Jackson at Hersheypark Stadium
In honor of 50 years in entertainment, icon Janet Jackson is bringing all her greatest hits and more to Hersheypark stadium this Saturday. As an extension of her Together Again tour, the set will emphasize three of her greatest albums: Rhythm Nation 1814, Janet and The Velvet Rope. Opening for her is Nelly, three-time Grammy winner, showcasing hits of his own. // 8 p.m., $17.95, AA – M.Z.
Saturday 7/6: Sweet Juice Fest at Awbury Arboretum
Busy Saturday? Now you are – it’s the third annual Sweet Juice fest at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown! Started by four friends and local artists, the one-day festival is a true collective, offering an art and clothing swap, a DIY merch printing station, and more. The lineup features Noun, solo project of Marissa from the Screaming Females, Kelsey Cork and the Swigs, Sam Rise, Lars, Luke Simo and Koof and Alyssa. Plus, special performances by Hannibal Lickher, the students of Rock to the Future, and more. // 1:30 p.m., $28, AA – M.Z.
Saturday 7/6: So Totally at Johnny Brenda’s
Local four-piece So Totally manages to stand out in the often-crowded Philly shoegaze scene with an emphasis on mixing hooky, effervescent pop into their overdriven guitar atmospheres. The band recently released Double Your Relaxation on the revamped Tiny Engines label, and this Johnny Brenda’s headliner serves as the Philly release party. Joining them are space rock friends Golden Apples, and the literary indie folk / post-rock collective The Goalie’s Anxiety At The Penalty Kick. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – John Vettese
