Here are 12 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.
Sunday 9/29: Michael Kiwanuka and Brittany Howard at The Met Philly
R&B and soul mixed with southern indie and alternative has become a beautiful combination so far this year. Michael Kiwanuka’s melodic craft in hits such as “Cold Little Heart” mixed with the outstanding vocals of Brittany Howard in songs like “I Don’t” won’t disappoint. Expect nothing short of a euphonic experience from this duo at The Met Philly this Sunday. // 6 p.m., $42.25, AA – Jack Clark
Sunday 9/29: The Psychedelic Furs and The Jesus and Mary Chain at Franklin Music Hall
The Jesus and Mary Chain released an outstanding album this year with popular songs like “Jamcod” and “Girl 71.” Now, they’re pairing up with one of the biggest bands of the 80’s, The Psychedelic Furs. With all-time hits like “The Ghost In You” and “Heartbreak Beat,” the much-loved alternative and indie groups come together to deliver a masterpiece of nostalgia and new. // 6 p.m., $55, AA – JC
Monday 9/30: Sting at The Met Philly
After releasing his new single earlier this month, the rock veteran is back for another tour. 17-time Grammy winner Sting is back in action on a sure to be sell-out Monday night. Of course, this is can’t-miss music, with his time-winding classics mixed in with the new favorites, Sting has been and will be nothing short of spectacular in Philadelphia. After already performing on some of the biggest stages so far in this ‘Sting 3.0’ tour, he’ll look to add another special night headlining at The Met. // 6 p.m., $122.90 and up, AA – JC
Tuesday 10/1: X at The Keswick Theatre
We’re just rolling it in with the 80’s. The classic American punk rock band is back on tour at The Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA. Not only are they back to playing their hard-punching songs such as “Los Angeles,” they have a brand new album called Smoke & Fiction. X hasn’t missed a beat, and nor has the album, as they’ve stuck with their powerful, head bobbing music in songs such as “Big Black X” and “Ruby Church.” Don’t let your Tuesday night go to waste, and make sure you get your body jumping for X on October 1st. // 6:30 p.m., $40, AA – JC
Wednesday 10/2: Bruce Hornsby at Scottish Rite Auditorium
Thought we were done? Not quite, we do indeed have another 80’s classic for you. Bruce Hornsby, the singer-songwriter and pianist, known for his extended variety of rock and folk music, is back for his ‘Spirit Trail 25th Anniversary Tour’. Hornsby is joined on tour with The Noisemakers, along with special guest Heavy MakeUp featuring Edie Brickell, CJ Camerieri and Trever Hagan. Don’t miss out and take the drive over to Collingswood, NJ for an outstanding lineup and great tunes. // 7:30 p.m., $49.50 and up, AA – JC
Wednesday 10/2: Deerhoof at Underground Arts
Okay, let’s skip ahead a couple decades: looking for some alternative 2000s music? Well, we’ve got no better place to go than to see Deerhoof at Underground Arts on Wednesday, October 2nd. The experimental rock band is back on tour this fall. After kicking it off with a bang in Greenfield, MA, they’ll look to keep your ears open with their tracks like “I Will Spite Survive” and their creative usage of various instruments, sounds and effects. Locals Grocer and Cold Court open. // 8:30 p.m., $27.20, 21+ – JC
Thursday 10/03: The Red Clay Strays at The Fillmore Philly
The Red Clay Strays are on fire right now, and they have exploded in popularity in the last couple years. The five-member folk, rock and country band (and XPN Artist To Watch) are on tour in support of their new album Made by These Moments. The band took off from their single “Wondering Why” and didn’t look to stop anytime soon with cuts like “I’m Still Fine” and “Drowning” standing out in their newest work. The band takes an approach from a range of classic artists, from Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix. To date, they have nailed these comparisons, without any signs of slowing down. The Red Clay Strays bring the party to The Fillmore on Thursday night. // 7:30 p.m., $55 and up (verified resale), AA – JC
Thursday 10/3: Meshell Ndegeocello at World Cafe Live
One of the most musically adventurous artists of our time, Meshell Ndegeocello, takes the stage Thursday, October 3rd at World Cafe Live for her new tour ‘No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin’. The singer-songwriter released an illustrious and incredibly creative album in 2024, the latest stop in a career highlighted by explorations of R&B and soul to jazz and rock. // 8 p.m., $30, AA – JC
Thursday 10/3: Soul Coughing at Franklin Music Hall
The New York city alternative favorites Soul Coughing are back to the scene this year on an exciting and unexpected reunion tour this fall, hitting some of the best venues across the country. The alternative rock group is especially known for their intricate mixture of jazz, rock, hip-hop, and beat poetry, heard on albums El Oso, Irresistible Bliss and Ruby Vroom; frontperson (and XPN fave) Mike Doughty went on to a notable solo career in the early 2000s but is back with the band to play “Circles” and “Super Bon Bon” to a new generation of fans. // 8 p.m., $40, AA – JC
Friday 10/4: Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise at Kelly Center
A perfect mix of hip-hop, R&B, soul, poetry and more is what we hear in the local favorite duo. Kuf Knotz, a poetic hip hop R&B artist that won Philadelphia Magazine’s Best Rapper of 2022 collabs, teams up with Christine Elise, a vocalist and harp player. The duo recently released a new album called Hypnagogia, an album that is incredibly melodic, poetic and poignant. Ahead of their Philly Music Fest gig, the duo performs together on Friday, October 4th at the Kelly Center in Havertown. // 7:30 p.m., $16.75, AA – JC
Saturday 10/5: The Lone Bellow at World Cafe Live
This pop indie / country group took the 2010’s by storm, and now they’re back on stage with a new album to share. The Lone Bellow, a trio group originally from Brooklyn, build on fan favorites like “‘Honey” and “You’ll Never Need Nobody” on their new album Walk Into A Storm, recalling modern folk crossover faves such as Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers. See them this Saturday at World Cafe Live. // 8 p.m., $40, AA – JC
Saturday 10/5: The Rare Occasions at The Foundry
Lastly, we have a very exciting new alternative pop trio out of Boston The Rare Occasions. The band create a catchy and welcoming with a lead singer and guitarist (Brian McLaughlin), bassist (Jeremy Cohen), and drummer (Luke Imbusch), and their music will keep you on a constant rollercoaster of emotions. The consistent ups and downs of their songs like “Notion” and “Origami” won’t disappoint. The group released their new album Through Moonshot Eyes, embodying various pitches, sounds and mysterious storytelling in a complex and addicting collection. Catch the band live this Saturday at The Foundry of The Fillmore Philadelphia. // 8 p.m., $27.50, AA – JC
