Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory | photo by Paige Walter for WXPN
WXPN’s Concert Picks: The Bouncing Souls, Sharon Van Etten, Devo, Allison Russell, and More
WXPN’s John Vettese is back to bring you this week’s concert picks and provide a snapshot of Philadelphia’s evolving music landscape. Here’s your guide to just a few must-see performances:
Wednesday, April 30: Sharon Van Etten with The Attachment Theory at Union Transfer
In her recent work with The Attachment Theory, Sharon Van Etten embraces a process she described as a ‘sonic trust fall’ in the studio, while her live shows continue to highlight her reputation as a compelling, charismatic performer.
Thursday, May 1: Gigi Pérez at TLA
Hear Gigi Pérez showcase tracks from her latest album At the Beach, In Every Life. As noted in WXPN’s recent Press Play.
Thursday, May 1: Devo at The Met Philadelphia
From their 1978 debut Q: Are We Not Men? to a recent Tiny Desk Concert, Devo’s sound remains a blueprint for generations of experimental pop. Expect classics like “Whip It” alongside deeper cuts from their almost 50-year catalog.
Friday, May 2: Allison Russell at TLA
Grammy-nominated Allison Russell brings her dynamic blend of folk, soul, and jazz to the stage. During her recent World Cafe Live set, she captivated a sold-out audience with a performance that underscored the emotional resonance of her songwriting.
Sunday, May 4: BADBADNOTGOOD at Franklin Music Hall
BADBADNOTGOOD is a Toronto based trio renowned for pushing the envelope with inventive, genre-defying jazz-fusion that challenges expectations.
Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4: Sing Us Home Festival at Venice Island PAC (Manayunk Canal Towpath)
A weekend-long event featuring The Bouncing Souls, a band NPR Music calls “New Jersey punk heroes [who] turn every show into a communal sing-along.” Speedy Ortiz, led by Sadie Dupuis, delivers what WXPN describes as “jagged, cerebral indie-rock that rewards close listening,” while Dave Hause (of The Loved Ones) blends “punk’s urgency with Springsteen-esque storytelling.”