WXPN’s Concert Picks: Rhiannon Giddens, The Lemon Twigs, George Thorogood, More
From a massive festival in Fishtown to iconic folk artists coming through the region, this upcoming week has a ton of great live music in store.
Ani DiFranco | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN
Friday: The Afghan Whigs at Union Transfer
Formed in 1986, Ohio rockers The Afghan Whigs are out on a 40th anniversary tour and are stopping in Philly. They just released two new songs, “Duvateen” and “House of I,” the latter being in regular rotation on our airwaves lately and touted by our own Dan Reed in a recent installment of Ears We Trust.
Saturday: Fishtown Music & Arts Festival at Front and Palmer Streets
Front Street under the el in Fishtown will be bumping Saturday, as a slew of bands, DJs, and more are set to perform at the Fishtown Music & Arts Festival. Performers include Cadre Noir, Jewelsea, Bad Leather, Cameo, and Friends of Jerry. Hit the link for the full artist and vendor lineups.
Sunday: George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Penn’s Peak
Classic rock mainstay George Thorogood and his band are popping into Jim Thorpe for a stop on their “The Baddest Show On Earth Tour,” with Alastair Greene supporting. If you like to tipple, maybe buy yourself one bourbon, one shot, and one beer (as long as you have a designated driver!) at the show.
Monday: Gia Margaret at Philadelphia Ethical Society
Chicago singer-songwriter Gia Margaret is celebrating the release of her fourth album, Singing, with a tour that includes a Philly date with Brendan Eder Ensemble. You may have heard the tracks “Good Friend” and “Everyone Around Me Dancing” from her new record on the air here at WXPN.
Tuesday: Rhiannon Giddens at Miller Theatre
The Grammy-award and Pulitzer Prize-winning multi-instrumentalist folk star is set to dazzle on Broad Street next week. Check out her performances of “Better Get It Right the First Time” and “Love We Almost Had” from the 2017 XPoNential Festival.
Wednesday: Ani DiFranco at Lansdowne Theater
Prolific folk singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco dropped a new track, “Shy,” in March, and it’s gotten regular airtime here at WXPN. She’ll be in Delco for a show with Valerie June. Watch her full set from the 2021 XPoNential Festival here and listen to her dish on her 2024 album Unprecedented Shit with World Cafe’s Kallao here.
Thursday: The Lemon Twigs at Union Transfer
Rock duo The Lemon Twigs, who were our June 2024 Artist to Watch, are releasing their seventh album, Look For Your Mind!, Friday, May 8, and are playing at Union Transfer the day before. We’ve been spinning the tracks “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You” and “2 or 3” from the upcoming record pretty regularly on air. They delivered an acoustic set for Free At Noon in 2024, which you can watch here.