15 concerts to see this week, including Philadelphia Folk Fest, Rayland Baxter, Khalil Amaru and more

Here are 15 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.

Sun. 8/11: The Lox at Franklin Music Hall

This one’s for the oldheads; the LOX (Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss) are still going strong thirty years after their founding. A sixteen-year hiatus was nothing; these Yonkers icons still tour, and they’re stopping at Franklin Music Hall this Saturday. You might know them for their late-90s classics like “Recognize” and “Money, Power & Respect,” but their 2020 album Living Off Xperience is nothing to sleep on. // 8 p.m., $39.50, AA – Claire Brown

Tue. 8/13: Kid Congo Powers at PhilaMOCA

The Gun Club. The Cramps. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. What do they all have in common? Kid Congo Powers, the legendary punk guitarist and frontman of The Pink Monkey Birds, who’ll be playing at PhilaMOCA on Tuesday. Opening is the Ramoms; yes, you read that right, the Ramoms, an all-moms Ramones tribute act. // 8 p.m., $18.66, AA – C.B.

Tue. 8/13: Wild Nothing at Underground Arts

I’m officially bored of the indie sleaze revival. What else were hipsters doing in the late 2000s? Oh right, Chillwave. We should all get really into Chillwave again. And we can start by seeing Wild Nothing this Tuesday at Underground Arts, one of the OG Chillwavers and one of the few still putting out great music. Peel Dream Magazine opens. // 7 p.m., $36.57, 21+ – C.B.

Wed. 8/14: Friendship at Johnny Brenda’s

The country-fried sister act of Philly power-pop band 2nd Grade, Friendship manages to cut through the increasingly-oversaturated alt-country scene with a real-deal rootsy (but still indie) sound. It’s fun, it’s light, it’s twangy, and it’s definitely worth checking out at Johnny Brenda’s. Styrofoam Winds and Jacob Augustine round out the bill. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – C.B.

Thu. 8/15: Ami Dang at W Philadelphia

Experimental sitar player Ami Dang is joined by ambient pop wizard Claire Roussay for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night of transcendental electronic ecstasy. Did we mention it’s happening at the W hotel’s rooftop pool? And the pool will be open? And it’s free. Maybe I shouldn’t opine like this, but I’ll say it – this could be the most relaxing concert we’ve ever written about. Party promoter and DJ Dave P opens. // 5 p.m. free, 21+ – C.B.

Thu. 8/15: Shallow Alcove at Johnny Brenda’s

Dreamy indie band Shallow Alcove are bringing soft, warm vibes to Johnny Brenda’s this week. A group of friends who started out by writing songs in bedrooms and basements, they are now based in between Philadelphia and NYC when not on the road. Always whimsical and personal, the band have dubbed their run of shows a “picnic tour.” What does that mean? Plenty of gingham outfits, strawberry accessories, and a great time. // 8 p.m., $20, 21+ – Emma Zoe Polyak

Thu. 8/15: The Lower Aetna at World Cafe Live

The Lower Aetna’s latest record Pine just came out on August 9. Named after the lake where co-vocalists Dylan Gallimore and Kayla Rae Molocznik spent much of their childhood, the group is an ever-evolving project, with storytelling at the forefront of their songs. Catch the Philly-based indie rockers at World Cafe Live this Thursday, where they’ll play the album in its entirety. // 8:30 p.m., $15, AA – E.Z.P.

Thu. 8/15: Ida Wise at The Deacon

Another album release show! This one is in celebration of Ida Wise’s debut album Vanity, Waltz In, out August 9. Recorded in a loft in Kingston, NY earlier this year, its three singles are warm folk tracks with a lot to give. The show will be made all the more special with special guests Rae Dianz and Mandy Valentine, two fellow Philly artists. // 6:30 p.m., $22.50, AA – E.Z.P.

Fri. 8/16: Amythyst Kiah at The Mann Downstage

Fun, rootsy, alt-rock, and Tennessee native are only a few ways to describe Amythyst Kiah. The acclaimed singer-songwriter uses her music to explore her identity as a Black and Queer woman, resulting in a powerful collection of songs that reach out and grasp listeners. Her upcoming album Still + Bright is set to release October 25. Until then, catch her intimate set at The Mann, where you’ll be able to share the TD Pavilion stage with Kiah as part of the Downstage performance series. // 8 p.m., $30, AA – E.Z.P.

Fri. 8/16: Donavan Frankenreiter at Upper Merion Township Park

A surfer-turned-musician, Donavan Frankenreiter’s music carries with it a carefree, summery breeze. His upcoming album Get Outta Your Mind, out September 20, follows his EP All I Ever Wanted, released this July. Although there’ll be no waves to surf at Upper Merion Township Park, Frankenreiter is sure to shred the stage this Friday. He’ll be joined by folk-rock band Goodnight, Texas. // 8 p.m., $25, AA – E.Z.P.

Friday. 8/16 through Sun. 8/18: Philadelphia Folk Festival

After a hiatus last year (the first of its kind in 60 years), the Philly Folk Fest is back again! Now a revamped fest occupying the Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville, John Oates will be headlining PFS along with Gangstagrass. Come support Philly’s rich history in folk music by checking them out as well as local bands like Jackson Pines and Emily Drinker, and so much more. // various times, $80 and up, AA – Maeve Zeleniak

Sat. 8/17: Dengue Fever at City Winery

With a sound combining Cambodian rock music, 60s and 70s pop, and psychedelic rock, it’s easy to tell that LA-based Dengue Fever is no ordinary band. The six-piece has been making music since 2003, with last year’s Ting Mong taking a more moody turn in their discography. As if Dengue Fever’s sound wasn’t enough, the group has routinely supported philanthropic efforts to the Sweet Relief Musician’s fund. What are you waiting for? Go check them out! // 7:30 p.m., $30 and up, 21+ – M.Z.

Sat. 8/17: Khalil Amaru at I Am Phresh

This July, Khalil Amaru became the winner of WXPN’s first-ever 24-hour song challenge through “Dear June”, a story about a summer fling that was written “through tooth and nail.” Amaru will be performing at I Am Phresh in Northeast Philly before he takes the stage at the XPoNential Music Festival this September. Though “Dear June” isn’t on Spotify yet, you can check out his latest EP, Love Pains, Pt. 1, on streaming services. // 7 p.m., $25, AA – M.Z.

Sat. 8/17: Della Mae at The State Theatre

This Grammy-nominated string roots band on a mission is back in PA. Della Mae has always strived to amplify female voices and improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming and performance. With Kimber Ludiker on fiddle, lead vocalist Celia Woodsmith, Avirl Smith on guitar, and Vickie Vaughn on bass, they’re bringing all they’ve got to State College. // 8 p.m., $40, AA – M.Z.

Sat. 8/17: Rayland Baxter at Building Park

Nashville singer-songwriter Ryland Baxter is so back. His latest album, made in a former rubber-band factory, was written on impulse and contains not just country, but psychedelia and pop. It took a lot for Baxter to find music, but now, he’s traveling from Kentucky to KOP as an artist who takes nothing for granted. // 7 p.m., $22, AA – M.Z.