WXPN’s Concert Picks: Rush, Johnny Dynamite, Ella Mai, More
You can catch prog rock icons Rush, locals Brittany Ann Tranbaugh and Johnny Dynamite, some math rock, R&B, and more in the week ahead.
Johnny Dynamite | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN
Friday: Gregory Alan Isakov with the Philly Pops at TD Pavilion
Colorado by way of South Africa and Philadelphia folk singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov is linking up with the Philly Pops and conductor Chris Dragon Friday for a night of soothing music. Listen to Isakov’s 2023 World Cafe interview with host Stephen Kallao, in which he discusses his last album, Appaloosa Bones.
Friday and Sunday: Rush at Xfinity Mobile Arena
The standard bearers of progressive rock are playing two nights at Xfinity Mobile Arena on their first in 11 years, and first since the death of drumming legend Neil Peart. German drummer Anika Nilles has taken up Peart’s mantle, and critics agree she’s filling his massive shoes quite well.
Saturday: Johnny Dynamite at PhilaMOCA
Philly’s own post-punk rocker dropped his self-titled fourth album back in May and is out touring on the release. He’s stopping by PhilaMOCA for a hometown show to wrap the tour up, with TORTURETWINN and local outfit Spiral Path supporting. The show will also feature a DJ set from New Desires.
Sunday: Times New Viking at Johnny Brenda’s
You’ve heard of shoegaze, but have you heard of shitgaze? Well, shitgaze scene staple Times New Viking has reunited after a 10-year hiatus and will play the beloved Fishtown venue with Philly’s own noisy, poppy punk outfit Empath to close out the weekend.
Monday: Maps & Atlases at Johnny Brenda’s
Math rockers Maps & Atlases have been at it for more than two decades and are bringing their signature sound to JB’s with two local acts: Bark Culture, which just released a new album, and Loadcard, which also released a new album earlier this year.
Tuesday: Ella Mai at The Skyline Stage at Highmark Mann
British R&B singer-songwriter Ella Mai is performing at The Mann with Ama and Girlfriend Tuesday night. Mai’s breakout single, “Boo’d Up,” earned her the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2019, as well as NAACP, Billboard, and MOBO awards. Her latest album, Do You Still Love Me?, dropped in February this year.
Wednesday: Myles Smith at The Met
Another British musician is coming through Philly, as folk-pop artist Myles Smith is set to play The Met with Americana singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi. Since Smith began dropping singles in 2023, he’s amassed a whopping 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Both Smith and Marcagi dropped their first full length albums earlier this year.
Thursday: Brittany Ann Tranbaugh at Johnny Brenda’s
WXPN favorite Brittany Ann Tranbaugh is throwing an album release show Thursday night at Johnny Brenda’s for her new record Lucky Broke Girl. She’s got shona on the bill, as well as “a very special guest.” Who could it be? Go to the show to find out!