Here are 16 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to WXPN’s concert calendar.
Sunday 10/6: Merce Lemon at Johnny Brenda’s
On her new album Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild, Pittsburgh native Merce Lemon takes a hypnagogic approach to rustic roots and country, filtering it through a prism of downbeat indie rock psychedelia and building it into big dynamic moods. It’s her fourth full-length album — though her Bandcamp catalog also offers a robust assortment of EPs, singles, and demo comps — and she’ll bring it to the Johnny Brenda’s stage tonight to kick off the week. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – John Vettese
Sunday 10/6: Tarrus Riley at Ardmore Music Hall
Recently heard on WXPN Local’s reggae music special Love, God, and Revolution, the music of Bronx artist Tarrus Riley leans heavily towards matters of the heart. With a six album discography that embraces the breadth of Jamaica’s musical heritage from ska to dancehall, Riley is bringing his music on the road this fall, including a stop at Ardmore Music Hall tonight. // 7 p.m., $39, 21+ – JV
Monday 10/7: Robby Krieger at City Winery
Robby Krieger, the American guitarist and founder of the band The Doors, comes to town at City Winery on Monday, October 7th. The Hollywood native has been jamming for years, and he’s back in Philadelphia for a sure-to-be stellar concert. At other shows on this tour, Krieger has been showcasing Doors classics like “Touch Me” and “Riders on the Storm,” but he also released a new record this year, Robby Krieger & The Soul Savages, and released an autobiography in 2021. Expect a night of timeless rock songs and compelling storytelling. // 7:30 p.m., $65 and up, 21+ – Jack Clark
Tuesday 10/8: Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals at The Mann
How many times have you heard the bass line to Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down” show up in some musical situation or another? It’s never unwelcome. See? You’ve got it in your head right now and you’re totally loving it. The breezy SoCal singer-songwriter-rapper-drummer and vibe aficionado is taking his sophomore album Malibu, it of the funky atmospheres and sweet melodies and Zen surfing samples, for a stroll this autumn. It’s an odd milestone for a play-the-record-in-full tour (just shy of nine years since its release) and an odd time of year to embark on it (the perfectly summer album goes on the road as the air chills). But with his band The Free Nationals bringing it to life onstage, this paradigm-shifting masterpiece will light up the October night at The Mann this Tuesday. Cali duo GAWD opens. // 8 p.m., $32.50 and up, AA – JV
Tuesday 10/8: Sabrina Carpenter at Wells Fargo Center
Along with Billie, Chappell, and Charli, Sabrina Carpenter soundtracked the summer and made 2024 a great year for pop music. The Disney star turned singer-songwriter’s sixth studio album Short N’ Sweet packs its 36 minutes with effervescent bops that are funny, introspective, pissed off, and full of love; “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” are great points of entry, but diving in for the full experience is the way to go. Carpenter’s homecoming-ish concert (she’s a Quakertown native!) is officially sold out, but for those who rock with Ticketmaster’s verified resale system, tickets are available. They’re not cheap, but they’re available. // 7:30 p.m., $487 and up (verified resale), 21+ – JV
Tuesday 10/8: Kishi Bashi at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
Kishi Bashi, one of the most talented multi-instrument artists in recent years, released his fifth album, Kantos, over the summer, and his tour for it comes to Brooklyn Bowl Philly on Tuesday. Kishi Bashi has jumped around a little bit, from Seattle, Washington to Athens, Georgia, and has played in the bands Jupiter One and Of Montreal. As a solo artist, Bashi’s incredible vocals mix with beautiful violin playing as well as guitar and keys, making a unique and exciting sound. // 7:30 p.m., $36 and up, 21+ – JC
Wednesday 10/9: Bilal at World Cafe Live
Bilal, the American singer, songwriter and record producer, is headed back to his hometown of Philadelphia and World Cafe Live to celebrate his new album, Adjust Brightness and its smooth soul songs like “Sunshine.” Bilal, best known for his early 00s debut 1st Born Second, as well as his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking album To Pimp a Butterfly, is an artist who creates intricate and vibrant music topped by a powerful voice that his influenced generations of followers. Melanie Charles opens for his show this Wednesday. // 8 p.m., $55 and up, 21+ – JC
Wednesday 10/9: Steve Wynn at MilkBoy
Rock veteran Steve Wynn (of Dream Syndicate and more) has a lot on his plate this fall. There’s I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True, a memoir of his journey through music and life, and there’s Make It Right, his first new album in 14 years that features contributions from an array musicians who are all longtime fans, friends, and supporters of his, including members of R.E.M., The Bangles, and The Baseball Project. His MilkBoy show Wednesday will feature a mix of readings from the book and music to accompany it, with WXPN’s own Jim McGuinn playing an opening set and highlighting songs from his band The No Good Crowd. // 8 p.m., $20.97, 21+ – JV
Thursday 10/10: Yard Act at Union Transfer
Gnarly UK post-punkers Yard Act leveled up big time with their latest album, Where’s My Utopia?, released earlier this year on Island Records. As they talked about when they stopped by World Cafe, the record explores how getting exactly what you want doesn’t make all your problems go away. Sometimes, it just creates new ones. See the band return to Philly this Thursday at Union Transfer.// 8 p.m., $25, AA
Thursday 10/10: Neko Case at State Theater
If you couldn’t get tickets to Neko Case’s sold out concert at Ardmore Music Hall this Saturday, a road trip might be in order. The veteran indie-country singer-songwriter’s 2024 tour also stops in State College for a show at the State Theater; Case’s last album of new material was 2018’s Hell-On, meaning her setlist is bound to be a showcase of career highs from across her catalog that spans three decades. // 8 p.m., $58 and up, AA – JV
Friday 10/11: The Lemon Twigs at Underground Arts
If you just love those Everly Brothers-style harmonies and haven’t been able to make it to a Milk Carton Kids concert in a minute, you might want to pop over to Underground Arts in Philly’s Callowhill neighborhood this weekend. The folksy poppy Long Island indie duo were named a XPN Artist To Watch earlier this year, and are on tour in support of their latest album, A Dream Is All We Know. MILK N’ COOKIES opens. // 7:30 p.m., $33.74, 21+ – JV
Friday 10/11: Native Harrow at Johnny Brenda’s
Singer-songwriter duo Devin Tuel and Stephen Harms are back in Philly this year and have another gorgeous new album on offer from their nine-years-running project Native Harrow. The duo has roots in folk music that over the years have expanded into smooth 70s pop and gritty rock, and Divided Kind is a breathtaking showcase of all of the above, connecting in a way that feels less retro and more of-the-now than ever. Their previously-scheduled album release party at Johnny Brenda’s had to be postponed due to sickness; don’t miss their do-over this Friday night. Sam and Louise open. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+
Friday 10/11: Local Honeymoon at The Khyber
It’s a going to be a solid night for indie rock and getting in your feelings this Friday upstairs at The Khyber in Old City. Joining forces once again are Local Honeymoon and Bren, two Philly-adjacent artists (the former has Jersey roots, the latter Lehigh Valley) who teamed up at Silk City last December for a ripper of a gig ahead of New Year’s. Both bands played Key Studio Sessions this year and released great new music — Local Honeymoon wowed with explosive, anthemic modern rock on their self-titled EP this spring, while Bren’s yearning single “Madison” is in rotation at WXPN — and for this Friday’s concert at The Khyber, they’re joined by Asbury Park rockers Connor Bracken & The Mother Leeds Band. // 7 p.m., $12, 21+
Friday 10/11: Trampled By Turtles at XL Live
Fresh off their appearance at the XPoNential Music Festival, the Minnesota jam band Trampled By Turtles comes to Harrisburg on Friday at XL Live for some of the best folk music around. The band consistently ranks high in the Billboard bluegrass chart, and it’s easy to see why. The six- member band comprises guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, and of course vocals, wrapped up in a whirlwind of energy . Hear them play their latest album, Always Here, out now on Banjodad Records, as well as back-catalog favorites in this week’s show. // 7:30 p.m., $46, 21+ – JC
Saturday 10/12: Marcus King at The Fillmore
Blues, southern rock, and soul comes to town on Saturday as Marcus King takes the stage at The Fillmore. King, who was originally leader of his own band, is now touring solo for his new album Mood Swings which was released this year back in April. Mood Swings . In addition, King’s 2020 album El Dorado received a nomination for best Americana album at the 63rd annual Grammys. With his excellent guitar playing and powerful voice, King’s music will have your feet swaying and head bobbing. // 8 p.m., $59, AA – JC
Saturday 10/12: Tigers Jaw at Union Transfer
Scranton favorites Tigers Jaw takes the floor Saturday at Union Transfer for what’s sure to be a great modern rock concert. Though the band has roots in indie and emo they have an excellent way of mixing in harder riffs and rhythms that can pack a punch. From softer pop hooks to stronger, vibrant rock and vocal harmonies by founding members Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins, Tigers Jaw never misses a beat, and you hear that balance on songs such as “The Sun” and “Nervous.” The band is still on tour in support of 2021’s I Won’t Care How You Remember Me; Oso Oso and Snoozer open. // 8 p.m., $26, AA – JC
