WXPN’s Concert Picks: Paul Simon, Patti LaBelle, mc chris, more
From Patti LaBelle and Sarah McLachlan, to nerdcore hip-hop and the stacked July 4 concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway (with fireworks), the holiday weekend and following days have plenty of live music in store.
Sarah McLachlan | photo by John Vettese for WXPN
Friday — Ikechi Onyenaka at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Kick off your holiday weekend with a free performance by Upper Darby-based Jazz saxophonist Ikechi Onyenaka along the Delaware River Friday. His performance is part of Spruce Street Harbor Park’s Friday Night Jazz series, which includes Spaga, SNACKTIME, and more. Click the link above to see the full lineup.
Saturday — One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This year’s Independence Day concert on the Parkway features some big names: Christina Aguilera, Meek Mill, Jill Scott, The Roots, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, State Property, Seal, Kathy Sledge, and Infinity song. Special guests include Gillia Da King, Wallo 267, and more. On top of all that, it’s hosted by stand up comedian Wanda Sykes, is free to attend, and will close with a fireworks display!
Sunday — Paul Simon at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann
The legendary and prolific singer-songwriter is closing out the July 4th weekend with a performance at Highmark Mann, which recently opened its newly renovated entry area and the many bells and whistles that have been added.
Monday — corto.alto at Nikki Lopez
Scottish multi-instrumentalist Liam Shortall is bringing his experimental jazz project corto.alto to South Street’s Nikki Lopez on what appears to be a quiet night for live music in the Philly region. corto.alto’s new album SOME SMALL FORTUNE is due out in September, but five tracks have dropped so far: “THIEF,” “APRIL,” “GO,” “DON’T LISTEN,” and “WHODIS.”
Tuesday — Sarah McLachlan at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann
The Mann is hosting another iconic singer-songwriter for a night of soothing tunes, as Sarah McLachlan is set to grace the stage at TD Pavilion, with Allison Russell supporting. Listen to McLachlan’s 2025 interview with World Cafe host Raina Douris here, where she talks about her toughest critic: daughter.
Wednesday — mc chris at Kung Fu Necktie
Kung Fu Necktie is going all in on nerdcore hip-hop in the middle of the week, with rapper, comedian, and voice actor mc chris (known by millennials for his work on Adult Swim series such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021) and Philly native, Grammy Award-winning kindie rapper Mega Ran serving up rhymes. Check out our interview with Mega Ran here.
Thursday — Patti LaBelle at The Dell Music Center
Philadelphia royalty is coming to The Dell Thursday: the Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle will perform at the storied West Philly venue with Delco native Avery Sunshine, Philly R&B group Pieces of a Dream, and local jazz-funk-soul-hip-hop trombonist Jeff Bradshaw.