WXPN’s Concert Picks: Molly Tuttle and Daniel Donato, an emo showcase, jazz trumpeter Steven Bernstein, more
The coming week of shows features a going away performance by singer-songwriter Riley Lauren, California indie rock with local support, a jazz trio comprised of “master improvisers,” Dar Williams’ festival, and more.
Dar Williams | photo by Ebru Yildiz | courtesy of the artist
Friday — The Breeders at The Fillmore
An integral band of the 1990s alt rock scene is coming back to Philly Friday. Twin sisters Kim and Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs, and Jim MacPherson are bringing The Breeders to The Fillmore, where they will be joined by singer-songwriter Sean Solomon. Listen to their 2023 interview and performance on World Cafe here.
Saturday — River Roads Music Festival at Heuser Park
Dar Williams‘ annual festival is back in King of Prussia Saturday, and she’s got a stacked bill behind her. In addition to Williams, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Shawn Colvin, Susan Werner, Miko Marks, and Amythyst Kiah are all set to perform at Heuser Park.
Sunday — Riley Lauren at Kung Fu Necktie
Local singer-songwriter Riley Lauren is throwing a going away show this weekend before she makes her big move to Nashville. The show was initially planned at Silk City, but was moved to Kung Fu Necktie. Also on the bill are Sage Thomas and Daphne Eckman.
Monday — Oolong at Ortlieb’s
Ortlieb’s will host a night of midwest emo, screamo, noisy math rock, and pop punk Monday to kick off the holiday week with Long Island’s Oolong, Second Place from Texas, and Philly’s own armbite and Giant.
Tuesday — Steven Bernstein at Solar Myth
Solar Myth alongside Ars Nova Workshop will host trumpeter Steven Bernstein, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Nasheet Waits as they perform Bernstein’s 2026 release ResoNation Trio, which is described as an “all acoustic” “chordless” project from the three “master improvisers.”
Wednesday — Makeout Reef at Ukie Club
LA-based indie rock outfit Makeout Reef are about halfway through their summer tour and will play Philly with two local bands: alt rock four piece Bleary Eyed and dreamy-yet-doomy shoegazers Slide, who released the sophomore album Forever in early May.
Thursday — Molly Tuttle + Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country at Heuser Park
Pickers extraordinaire Molly Tuttle and Daniel Donato will ease us into the holiday weekend with a bluegrass and country rock showcase at Hueser Park in King of Prussia. What better way to kick off Independence Day celebrations than with some good ol’ American tunes?