Here are 18 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Monday 9/23: Sigur Ros with Wordless Music Orchestra at The Met Philly
If post-rock is the new contemporary classical — and if you’ve heard Stars Of The Lid or Godspeed You! Black Emperor at any point over the past 25 years, you know there’s a good case for that point of view — than Icelandic titans Sigur Ros touring with a full orchestra could not make more perfect sense. Playing legendary elegant venues like Detroit’s Masonic Temple and LA’s The Greek on this North American tour, the band is teamed up with NYC’s Wordless Music Orchestra for a grand re-imagining of their back catalog. Experience them locally this Monday night at The Met Philly. // 8 p.m., $119 and up, AA – John Vettese
Monday 9/23: Kings of Leon at The Mann Center
Hard working Tennessee rockers Kings Of Leon always pack a punch, whether delivering raw rock hits like “Use Somebody” and stratospheric anthems like “Sex On Fire,” or showcasing their ninth studio album Can We Please Have Fun. They’ll pay Philly fans a visit on Monday for the first Autumn concert at The Mann Center. // 7:30 p.m., $42 and up, AA – JV
Tuesday 9/24: Ibibio Sound Machine at World Cafe Live
Fusing the clubby electronic tones of London with vibrant melodies and rhythms echoing frontperson Eno Williams’ Nigerian heritage, Ibibio Sound Machine is a band that will make you move, and has been an impressive force on the indie music scene over the past decade. Their fifth album (and fourth for Merge Records) Pull the Rope came out this year, and the band headlines World Cafe Live in support of it on Tuesday. // 8 p.m., $25, AA – JV
Tuesday 9/24: Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at The Mann Center
It’s a Beatle in Philly — what more convincing do you need? Leading his long-running All Starr band into 2024, Ringo’s shows are a lively mix of Fab Four faves and rock hits from over the decades. His current collaborators include Toto’s Steve Lukather, Men At Work’s Colin Hay, Edgar Winter and more. // 8 p.m., $38 and up, AA – JV
Tuesday 9/24: Maya de Vitry at World Cafe Live
Singer-songwriter Maya de Vitry continues her streak of compelling roots rock releases on this year’s The Only Moment. It’s her fourth solo LP and finds her moving futher away from her folk origins and towards introspective, atmospheric indie songwriting that sounds thrilling on headphones. She sings about the personas we embody, the stories we tell our circles of acquaintances, the truths we discover about ourselves only through intense reflection. It’s moving, it’s uplifting, and you’ve got two chances to see it performed live this week: when de Vitry plays World Cafe Live on Tuesday and also at her homecoming show at Lancaster’s West Art on Saturday. // 8 p.m., $18, AA – JV
Wednesday 9/25: Madi Diaz at West Art
It’s a week for Nashville-based Lancaster natives to make a return home, apparently. The compelling Madi Diaz — most recently seen headlining World Cafe Live this spring in support of this year’s Weird Faith — is back in Central PA to play West Art this Wednesday. Diaz has built up quite the resume in recent years, opening for My Morning Jacket and Kacey Musgraves on tour, playing in Harry Styles’ live band, but her own heavy and heartrending music is by far the best reason to pay attention to her. Kiely Connell opens. // 7:30 p.m., $25 and up, AA – JV
Wednesday 9/25: Charli XCX at Wells Fargo Center
The latest from British pop star Charli XCX was so ubiquitous that it had an entire season named for it in 2024. But if you missed out on your own personal Brat Summer — first, I’m so sorry for you — but second, it is never too late to dive into an incredible record. Charli’s latest is packed with body-moving bangers (“Von Dutch,” “Talk Talk,” “Rewind,” “Apple”), moments of personal reflection (“Girl, So Confusing,” “I think about it all the time”) and club club classics of the future. Her Philly appearance sold out in its initial onsale, but you can get verified resale tix this week and spend a pop icon Wednesday with her and Troye Sivan. // 7:30 p.m., $115 and up (verified resale), AA – JV
Thursday 9/26: My Morning Jacket at The Mann Center
In the mood to soar? Look no further than Kentucky jammers My Morning Jacket, who follow up last fall’s two-night stand at The Met with an early autumn engagement at The Mann. Has it really been three years since MMJ released a record of new material? Will this tour show signs that they’re remedying that? Stay tuned to find out. // 7:30 p.m., $28 and up, AA – JV
Thursday 9/26: Another Michael at Spruce Street Harbor Park
One of our favorite happenings on the local music scene this summer is the return of Spruce Street Harbor Park’s famed free, Philly-centric concert series. Booked in part by the good folks at 4333 Collective this year, this Thursday brings reflective indie pop four-piece Another Michael to the banks of the Delaware for a Thursday night gig showcasing Wishes To Fulfill and Pick Me Up, Turn Me Upside Down, the two terrific albums they’ve released over the past year. Dogs on Shady Lane opens. // 6 p.m., free, AA – JV
Thursday 9/26: Red Birds at Open Sound Lansdowne
Seriously though, we love a good free local-centric concert series, and Open Sound Lansdowne is another one you need to be aware of. Nestled in the Delco borough just west of West Philly, the final night of its 2024 run features a host of WXPN Local faves: the indie power popsters Night Windows (love any band named for a Weakerthans song), the atmospheric folk duo Love? Said The Commander, and visiting from nearby Elkton, Maryland, Red Birds. The latter band first caught our attention at an Open Sound Lansdowne a couple years back, and have built up a spin-worthy catalog on Bandcamp of music indebted to emotive roots troubadours like Jason Molina, Gillian Welch and more. The Pink To Black EP is their latest, and we expect to hear it and more live this Thursday night in the alley adjoining the rather awesome curiosity shop Scrappy Cat (you can browse their offerings of vinyl, books, and ephemera between sets). // 8 p.m., free, AA – JV
Friday 9/27: Mannequin Pussy at Asbury Lanes
It’s that point on the calendar when we have to start thinking about our AOTY lists, so let me give you a hand with that: I Got Heaven by Mannequin Pussy at the top, everything else beneath. The Philly punk outfit is profound, poetic, and powerfully galvanizing on its fourth LP, and its run of sold out Union Transfer concerts this spring were a dang near spiritual experience. Miss out on them? Like the aforementioned Brat Summer, I’m so sorry for you, but it’s never to late to see one of Philly’s best to ever do it hit the stage. Get in your car or hitch a ride with a friend, and spend Friday night in Asbury watching MP headline the city’s legendary Lanes. // 8 p.m., $25, AA – JV
Friday 9/27 and Sunday 9/29: Lancaster Roots and Blues Festival
My goodness, are you still up for another weekend-long festival? You’re a trooper, and we here at XPN salute you! And quite honestly, we’re right there with you at the 2024 edition of the Lancaster Roots and Blues Festival. With a lineup featuring Morgan James, Marcia Ball, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and 60+ other artists, it’s going to be a hot ticket for the early fall, spread out across various venues in the Central Pennsylvania city. Keep a special eye out for Philly’s Greg Sover, Wilmington’s Blues Reincarnation Project, and XPNFest vets Sarah Shook and the Disarmers at this massive throwdown. // various times, $69 and up, AA – JV
Friday 9/27: Dora Jar at World Cafe Live
With her dreamy bedroom pop tracks, Dora Jar is the perfect artist to see if you’re looking for a chill start to the weekend. Her debut album No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire came out earlier this month; an expansive debut, the album circles around existential questions of “Who am I?” and self-discovery. Although Dora Jar toured larger venues when she supported Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever Tour, her current run of shows will allow fans to embrace her music in intimate settings. // 8 p.m., $23 and up, AA – Emma Zoe Polyak
Friday 9/27: Sprints at The Foundry
Irish garage-punk band Sprints are coming to Philly! Formed in 2019, the four-piece is composed of Karla Chubb on vocals and guitar, Colm O’Reilly on guitar, Sam McCann on bass, and Jack Callan on drums. Their debut album Letter To Self was released at the start of 2024, and they’ve had a successful year since then, to say the least. Fresh off a run of summer dates in Europe supporting IDLES and the Pixies, their high-energy show will be all the more spectacular in an intimate setting – get ready to dance, shake your head, and mosh. // 8 p.m., $27.50, AA – EZP
Saturday 9/28: Graham Nash and Judy Collins at Scottish Rite Auditorium
Legendary artist Graham Nash has a plethora of accomplishments under his belt. From being the founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, to being a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, his legacy has spanned the better part of six decades. He’ll be joined by Judy Collins, an equally influential singer in her own right. With expansive catalogs to choose from, Nash and Collins are certain to deliver a stellar show. // 8 p.m., $69 and up, AA – EZP
Saturday 9/28: Nilüfer Yanya at Underground Arts
Nilüfer Yanya’s music blends indie-rock, jazz, pop, and psychedelia to create thrilling and captivating tracks. Her latest album My Method Actor was released earlier this month and is full of lush tracks that invite you to a special place. Her show at Underground Arts will kick off her North America tour, don’t miss it! // 8 p.m., $33.74, 21+ – EZP
Saturday 9/28: Vampire Weekend at The Mann Center
Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us was a smashing release earlier this year in April. Since then, the band have been touring across North America, bringing their best tracks to life. Formed in 2006, they undoubtedly defined the indie-rock scene of the mid-2000s. While not necessarily experimental, their recent album was a turn from their previous album, Father of the Bride. A bit more psychedelic and aggressive, the songs translate well into live format, especially with the support of their full touring ensemble, complete with extra percussion, strings, and more. // 7 p.m., $55 and up (verified resale), AA – EZP
Saturday 9/28: Stevie Nicks at Hersheypark Stadium
Magical, mystical, and ethereal, Stevie Nicks is the artist to put on when you’re going through tough times and need reassurance that you’ll make it through… at least that’s what I do! Her raspy vocals are the balm for the burn of heartache and loss, and her songs always portray a subtle optimism. Her show on Saturday is the rescheduled date for her June show, which was postponed due to an illness in her band. While resulting in an extra wait for many fans, it offers others a renewed chance to score tickets to see the woman, the myth, and the legend that is Stevie Nicks. // 7 p.m., $150 and up, AA – EZP
