15 concerts to see this week including Lauren Mayberry, Jason Isbell, Mdou Moctar 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.

Monday 2/17: Lauren Mayberry at Union Transfer

After a decade-plus at the front of dynamic Glaswegian synth-rock outfit CHVRCHES, singer-songwriter Lauren Mayberry’s long-awaited solo debut made its way into the world late last year. Vicious Creature is full of body-moving energy and pop bangers — its opening anthem “Something In The Air,” the Billie Eilish-esque groover “Change Shapes” — but also some of her most nuanced, sensitive moments — “Anywhere But Dancing” and “Oh Mother” are emotional journeys both. Mayberry brings her tour behind the album to Union Transfer to kick off the week Monday; Cult of Venus opens. // 8 p.m., $35 and up, AA – John Vettese

Monday 2/17: MC Lyte at City Winery Philadelphia

Rap icon MC Lyte made her name in the 80s and 90s, collaborating with the legendary Boogie Down Productions collective, featuring on Sinead O’Connor’s “I Want Your (Hands On Me),” making storied appearances on Yo! MTV Raps, and cracking the Billboard Hot 100 with “Poor Georgie.” Three decades later, she’s still at it; her ninth studio LP 1 of 1 released last year, and her tour behind it comes to City Winery on Monday. // 7:30 p.m., $40 and up, 21+ – J.V.

Tuesday 2/18: Travis at The Keswick Theatre

Travis (no, not Kelce) takes the stage Tuesday at The Keswick in Glenside for a special night with the Glasgow native band. Formed in the 1990s, Travis has always been a hitmaker, with top songs such as “Sing”, “Side” and “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?”. The band is on the road in support of a new album, L.A. Times. // 8 p.m., $49, AA – Jack Clark

Wednesday 2/19: FINNEAS at The Fillmore Philadelphia

FINNEAS, the multi-instrumental sibling and collaborator of Billie Eilish, brings his North American tour to The Fillmore Philly this week. In addition to work with his sister, FINNEAS has also teamed up with stars like Camilla Cabello, Selena Gomez, Tove Lo, and others. All the while he’s has made a name for himself and his own work as well, gaining over eight million monthly listeners on Spotify. // 8 p.m., $59, AA – J.C.

Thursday 2/20: Mdou Moctar at The First Unitarian Church

Yes, it’s admittedly strange to have the incredible Tuareg rock band Mdou Moctar in our concert picks two weeks in a row but, well, they are incredible after all. After a gig at Delaware’s Arden Gild Hall last Monday, they’re bringing their acoustic tour to the First Unitarian Church Thursday; if you missed the one, don’t miss the other. // 8 p.m., $27.50, AA – J.V.

Thursday 2/20: Froggy at MilkBoy

Whether they’re rocking all-ages shows in DIY spaces or gigging at some of Philly’s favorite bar/venues, Froggy knows how to command a crowd. The Doylestown-born punk trio headlines MilkBoy this Thursday, still riding high on their self-titled EP from last spring. They’ll share the stage with the surfy basement show rockers Party Nerves, plus HOT SEAT and Ronald Reagan? The Actor?. // 8 p.m., $22.29, 21+ – J.V.

Friday 2/21: Hezekiah Jones and friends at Godfrey Daniels

Local folk favorite Hezekiah Jones anchors an in-the-round night of music at Bethlehem’s Godfrey Daniels this Friday, with Eve Sheldon of Manatawny Creek Ramblers, and Daniel Bower of an array of projects including Reading faves Frog Holler joining him. It’ll be a downbeat evening of contemplative songwriting to warm your soul. // 8 p.m., $21.50 and up, AA – J.V.

Friday 2/21: Sovei at Moravian TileWorks

Following up on their knockout set at the Philadelphia Museum of Art back in November, and a V-Day gig at Forever Changes last week, experimental pop artist Sovei — who draws inspiration from jazz, ambient electronica, folk, and blues — plays at another non-traditional venue this Friday. They’ll be at Moravian TileWorks in Doylestown, playing songs and telling stories alongside Sug Daniels. // 6:30 p.m., $35, AA – J.V.

Friday 2/21: JEWELSSEA at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Speaking of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, their Friday Night Lounge has returned in a big way over the past year. This week, local electronic artist, soundscaper, and DJ JEWELSSEA will hold court and set the vibes for the night, beginning at 5 p.m. Grab a spot to stretch out on the venue’s Great Stair hall, claim space to dance up front, or wander down the galleries and let the music guide you from 19th century European art to the modern and contemporary. // 5 p.m., $15, AA – J.V.

Saturday 2/22: Richard Thompson at McCarter Theatre

One of our most beloved artists at XPN, Richard Thompson upcoming concert at Princeton’s McCarter Theater is undeniably one of our favorite concerts of the week. The British folk artist played for Free at Noon back in the fall, showcasing the legacy of folk music he’s shared since the 60s. // 7:30 p.m., $53 and up, AA – J.C.

Saturday 2/22: Chioke at Johnny Brenda’s

Rock-infused Philly singer-songwriter Chioke made a splash last year on the Roots Picnic lineup, and she’s back in her hometown to headline beloved Fishtown spot Johnny Brenda’s. With roots in the spoken word scene and an equal degree of fandom for disco, funk, and modern rock. With an infectious, Santigold-esque single out now, she headlines Johnny Brenda’s Saturday with THE .WAVVV, DJ Sylo, Cadre Noir, and Scuemi. // 8 p.m., $15, 21+ – J.V.

Saturday 2/22: Nylon Ghost at Anchor Rock Club

Since launching in 2021, Atlantic City’s Anchor Rock Club has historically had a great track record of being a home for local talent, and this weekend’s bill offers four great reasons to head down the shore in February. Philly art rockers Nylon Ghost mix it up with Asbury Park’s Teen Idle, with the elegant alternative tones of Lambertville’s Those Looks and the poppy Philly singer-songwriter Maria Mirenzi rounding out the bill. // 8 p.m., $10.65, 18+ – J.V.

Sunday 2/23: The Bad Plus at Ardmore Music Hall

Our first jazz group of the week, The Bad Plus, will arrive in Lower Merion at Ardmore Music Hall for a special night from the Minnesota veterans. The group originally formed in 2000 as a piano trio, but expanded under the leadership of percussionist David King into the present day quartet with drums, saxophone and guitar. Their latest, Complex Emotions, came out last year and found them stretching their sound even further, in collaboration with sax player Chris Speed and guitarist Ben Monder. // 7 p.m., $25, 21+ – J.C.

Sunday 2/23: Jason Isbell at McCarter Theatre Center

Revered rock and country singer-songwriter Jason Isbell brings his solo acoustic tour to Princeton on Sunday. Widely recognized for his membership in Drive-By Truckers and leadership of The 400 Unit, his new album Foxes In The Snow finds him returning to his acoustic roots. // 7 p.m., $133 and up, AA – J.C.

Sunday 2/23: Kulfi Girls at Johnny Brenda’s

Fusing pop-punk, atmospheric indie, and Desi classical tones — they call it veena rock, for South Indian Saraswati veena played by frontperson Abi Natesh — Philly’s Kulfi Girls celebrate the release of their debut album at Johnny Brenda’s. Their singles run the gamut from atmospheric ambient (“F.O.F.”) to gripping numetal (“Bite”) and soaring pop-punk (“Red Light”), and they’ll be joined at this show by the stacked undercard of Kelsey Cork & The Swigs and Kikashima. // 8 p.m., $12, 21+ – J.V.