Live Music

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Peter Hook, MEMORIALS, Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, more

Friday to Sunday: Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival at the Salem County Fair AssociationThe three-day bluegrass festival in New Jersey will kick off Friday at…

By Max Bennett

XPoNential Music Festival set times announced

Our 2026 XPoNential Music Festival is nearly here. And you may have been wondering when the heck is everyone playing, and on what stage?…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Tim Motzer, Arlo Parks, Sovei, more

Friday: Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration with The Philly Pops at TD Pavilion at Highmark MannThe Mann is hosting a night of The Grateful Dead…

By Max Bennett

Grace Potter treats jam-packed Free At Noon crowd to rocking jams

Grace Potter Free At Noon – 8.28.26 A shoulder-to-shoulder crowd packed into the Music Hall at World Stage to catch rock star Grace Potter…

By Max Bennett

Gregory Alan Isakov is Philly Music Fest’s surprise headliner this year

Back in May, the lineup for Philly Music Fest 2026 dropped. The shows feature a range of artists and genres, including Mo Lowda &…

By Max Bennett

Kiwi Jr. rocks out to new, old tunes at joyous Free At Noon

Kiwi Jr. Free At Noon – 8.21.26 Hot off their latest record, indie rockers Kiwi Jr. are out on tour and putting on extremely…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Rush, Johnny Dynamite, Ella Mai, More

Friday: Gregory Alan Isakov with the Philly Pops at TD PavilionColorado by way of South Africa and Philadelphia folk singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov is…

By Max Bennett

Yard Act throws punky dance party at Free At Noon

Yard Act, the UK’s eminent post-punk export, played a high-energy Free At Noon gig Friday as they wind their way around the Eastern seaboard…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Kingfish, Rhett Miller, Philly Folk Fest, Dungeon Crawl, more

Friday through Sunday: Philadelphia Folk FestivalOne of the longest-running folk music festivals in the nation, the 63rd Philly Folk Fest is back this weekend…

By Max Bennett

Homegrown Live! serves up folk and Americana with a rock ‘n’ roll cherry on top

Wednesday night at The Lounge at World Stage Wednesday night was a corker of an evening, as we hosted another Homegrown Live! show with…

By Max Bennett

Tift Merritt regales Free At Noon crowd with songs of love, resistance, and art

Tift Merritt Free At Noon – 8.7.26 North Carolina-based singer-songwriter Tift Merritt is celebrating the release of her ninth studio album and first in…

By Max Bennett

Low Cut Connie gives love to South Philly’s diversity and toughness at steamy, free street show

“We’re getting down here with the people,” quite literally. That’s the first line of the chorus of Low Cut Connie’s “Boozophilia,” the breakthrough hit…

By George Murphy

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Mannequin Pussy, Steve Forbert, Hilary Duff, more

Friday: Owen Stewart at Abington Art CenterA WXPN favorite, Owen Stewart, will be in Abington with fellow Philly rockers Speeding Arrow for a free…

By Max Bennett

Electric Free At Noon set draws new fans to Te Vista

Te Vista Free At Noon – 7.31.26 Te Vista is one of the region’s hottest up-and-coming acts, and their first-ever Free At Noon here…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Mitch-A-Palooza, Buddy Guy, The Happy Together Tour, More

Friday: Joe P at Ruba ClubAsbury Park basement rocker Joe P is rolling through Ruba Club to kick the weekend off right. The artist…

By Max Bennett

Jill Scott plays the hits on ‘To Whom This May Concern’ tour at The Met

There’s a scene in the 2005 concert documentary Dave Chappelle’s Block Party where Jill Scott tells us exactly who she is. Seated in the…

By John Morrison

Make The World Better concerts rock The Dell to help rehab Philly parks and rec centers

Night One — Pavement and Ratboys It was a perfect summer night at the Dell Music Center as two of the finest alt-rock outfits…

By WXPN

Man Man makes triumphant return to Philly

The prodigious son of Philly indie music absurdism, Honus Honus, aka Ryan Kattner, returned to Underground Arts Thursday to mark Man Man’s hometown stop…

By Megan Matuzak

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Bruce Hornsby, Muse, Red Meat Conspiracy, more

Friday: Read Meat Conspiracy at MilkboyPhilly’s self-described “electronic funk cow band” Red Meat Conspiracy will bring their genre-bending tunes to Milkboy. Baltimore funk-jam-psych rock…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Wild Pink, Chicago, Catbite, more

Friday: Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards at Scottish Rite AuditoriumThe two folk icons are hosting a joint show across the river in Camden to…

By Max Bennett

Homegrown Live to feature Birdie Busch, Max Davey, and Dylan Zangwill Aug. 12

Another night of free music from WXPN? That’s right. We’ve got another Homegrown Live show on the calendar, and you’re invited to catch three…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Owen Stewart, IRIS Music Festival, Bob Dylan, more

Friday and Saturday — Dave Matthews Band at Freedom Mortgage PavilionDave is back in town for a two-night stint at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion after…

By Max Bennett

Riley Lauren’s goodbye to Philly

Riley Lauren isn’t wasting time. The math major-turned-stylist-turned-singer-songwriter grew up in the Philly area, and in just three years has built a music career…

By Maeve Zeleniak

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Paul Simon, Patti LaBelle, mc chris, more

Friday — Ikechi Onyenaka at Spruce Street Harbor ParkKick off your holiday weekend with a free performance by Upper Darby-based Jazz saxophonist Ikechi Onyenaka…

By Max Bennett

The Strokes highlight classic 2000s tracks at sold-out Philly show

The Strokes are a sort of generational band. Created in the late 90’s and putting out records semi-regularly since, they’ve garnered an all-ages fan…

By Danielle Ciampaglia

Trout Fishing In America’s bittersweet Free At Noon bids Kathy O’Connell, Kids Corner farewell

Trout Fishing in America Free At Noon – 6.26.26 The Music Hall at World Stage hosted a true all-ages show Friday with Trout Fishing…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Molly Tuttle and Daniel Donato, an emo showcase, jazz trumpeter Steven Bernstein, more

Friday — The Breeders at The FillmoreAn integral band of the 1990s alt rock scene is coming back to Philly Friday. Twin sisters Kim…

By Max Bennett

Spoon gets the crowd moving at The Fillmore

Indie rock rarely sits still long enough to be studied or defined, but it has suffered the same criticisms since The Clean and the…

By Patrick Rapa

Philly’s A Country Western, Ruth in the Bardo join Horse Jumper of Love for riverside show

The Spruce Harbor Live & Local Series of concerts is in full swing, and last Thursday Massachusetts-based Horse Jumper of Love were joined by…

By Megan Matuzak

The Mann’s new campus gives concertgoers enhanced, revamped experiences

People attending performances at Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts will see quite a few news features and designs upon entry as the…

By Max Bennett

Local musicians to celebrate The Kinks at benefit tribute show Saturday

This Saturday, The Fallser Club will celebrate the iconic British rock band The Kinks with KINKSTRAVAGANZA, which will bring out local acts and specials…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: SG Goodman, Del Amitri, Sound of History, more

Friday — Jimmy Eat World at Skyline Stage at Highmark MannJimmy Eat World’s breakout album Bleed American is old enough to drink alcohol now,…

By Max Bennett

Jack Antonoff brings the full Bleachers band in return to Philly

On a beautiful summer night, Jack Antonoff and his band Bleachers took us from The Mann to New Jersey. Walking out to Sinatra classic,…

By Danielle Ciampaglia

Snapshots from Break Free Fest 2026

Break Free Fest, Philly’s three-day festival featuring BIPOC bands across the punk and hardcore spectrum, returned for its eighth year over the weekend. Tristate,…

By Megan Matuzak

Holly Humberstone leans on the rock of pop rock at TLA show

Long before the doors opened Tuesday night, a line stretched down South Street for Holly Humberstone’s sold-out show at the Theatre of Living Arts.…

By Bridget Massa

Deer Tick rocks with indie folk country tunes, and a punk cover, at a sold out Free At Noon

Deer Tick Free At Noon – 06.12.26 Providence, Rhode Island’s Deer Tick drew a massive crowd to The Music Hall at World Stage (formerly…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Dead Calm, Brother Wallace, Sun Within release show, more

Friday — Maxwell Stern & The Good Light Band at Johnny Brenda’sIt’s all local at JB’s Friday night. Maxwell Stern, Labrador, and Old Souls…

By Max Bennett

James Blake brings a fluid, unfixed set to Franklin Music Hall

James Blake’s music is often discussed in terms of production. Since emerging from the UK’s post-dubstep scene in the late 2000s, the British singer,…

By Rita Thompson

Philly, European musicians play collaborative show for inaugural Transatlantic Stars Music Program

A select number of Philadelphian and European musicians have been spending time together to exchange industry experiences, skills, lessons, and of course music as…

By Ellen Miller

Son Little keeps it cool during Free At Noon on a scorching Philly Friday

Son Little dropped his latest album in late March, and before he hits the road to support Cityfolk, he came by WXPN to play…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Alex Savoth album release show, Jill Sobule tribute, Kevin Morby, Sadie Gust, more

Friday — Jillith Fair – Loving Jill Sobule at The Fallser ClubJim Boggia and Marykate O’Neil are hosting a night celebrating the late folk-pop…

By Max Bennett

KulfiGirls celebrating new deluxe album with mini tour

Philly’s Carnatic rock outfit KulfiGirls dropped their first album Divinity in February 2025. Online audiences got to know the band better after their Key…

By Max Bennett

Roots Picnic celebrates local acts alongside headliners JAŸ-Z and Erykah Badu at Belmont Plateau

Belmont Plateau was the center of the music world this past weekend as people flocked to the 18th annual Roots Picnic. For nearly the…

By Max Bennett

BalletX and Dan Deacon team up to reimagine Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’

Dan Deacon is known for many things: his orchestral electronic music, live shows with heavy crowd participation, the viral “Drinking Out of Cups” audio…

By Max Bennett

Dar Williams dazzles packed Free At Noon in Ardmore

Ardmore Music Hall was bursting at the seams Friday, as fans of singer-songwriter Dar Williams packed into the Main Line venue to catch her…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Erin Fox album release show, Ben Folds, Kid Cudi and Big Boi, more

Friday — Chet Faker at Union TransferMelbourne, Australia native Chet Faker (real name Nicholas James Murphy) dropped his fourth album, A Love For Strangers,…

By Max Bennett

Ladybug Music Festival offering tons of free tunes and community in Wilmington

The largest free, women-led music festival in the nation is back in Wilmington this weekend, and its new leader is hoping to further spread…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s guide to Philly-area music festivals

We here at WXPN not only love introducing you to new music on our airwaves, but also shepherding you to the best live music…

By Max Bennett

Jazz, metal, indie rock, more in store for Philly Music Fest 2026

In mid October, six venues in the Philadelphia area will host more than two dozen eclectic bands for the 10th Philly Music Fest. The…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Samantha Fish, Lucinda Williams, Trainwreck Boyfriend, more

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: They Might Be Giants at Union TransferGeek alt rockers They Might Be Giants just released their 24th album, yes they’ve got…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: The Lone Bellow, Iron & Wine, Gladie, More

Friday: Wheatus at 118 NorthBack in 2000, Long Island rockers Wheatus released one of the most iconic pop rock songs for a generation of…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Rhiannon Giddens, The Lemon Twigs, George Thorogood, More

Friday: The Afghan Whigs at Union TransferFormed in 1986, Ohio rockers The Afghan Whigs are out on a 40th anniversary tour and are stopping…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Stick Men, SNACKTIME, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore, More

Friday: The New Pornographers at Kewsick TheatreHot off the release of their new album, The Former Site Of, the Canadian supergroup is on a…

By Max Bennett

Slomo Sapiens’ Immersive Audio-Visual Show Hits Kensington

St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Kensington is hosting a feast for both the eyes and ears Saturday, with Philly psych rockers Slomo Sapiens headlining…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: José González, The Boss, Christina Ward, More

Friday: Lily Allen at The MetLily Allen’s latest album, West End Girl, is both a triumph and a bummer: she largely drew from her…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Rufus Wainwright, Snail Mail, Band of Horses, More

Friday: JR Everhart At Johnny Brenda’sThe former Scantron frontman and current bandleader of Cosmic Guilt is in for a solo show (with the help…

By Max Bennett

The Belair Lip Bombs Show Off Guitar Mastery In Free At Noon Performance

The Belair Lip Bombs Free At Noon – 4.10.26 Australian indie rock outfit The Belair Lip Bombs put on a fiery Free At Noon…

By Max Bennett

46 Years Later, Rockpile’s ‘Seconds Of Pleasure’ Gets A Response Album

Philly’s pub rockers The Donuts are hosting a vinyl release show Saturday night at Kung Fu Necktie with power-pop group Foxycontin for their album…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Glen Hansard, Old 97’s, Graham Nash, More

Thursday: Madison Cunningham At Ardmore Music HallSinger-songwriter Madison Cunningham will bring her Americana folk stylings to the Main Line Thursday. The California native dropped Ace,…

By Max Bennett

Pavement, Kurt Vile, Ratboys, More Playing Former Eagles Player’s 2-Day Benefit Concert

Indie rock legends Pavement and Philly’s own Kurt Vile are tag teaming both nights of the 11th annual Make The World Better benefit concerts,…

By Max Bennett

WXPN’s Concert Picks: Moustapha Noumbissi, Perfume Genius, The Surfrajettes, More

Jazz, funk, indie pop, and more genres will fill the air at venues in and around Philadelphia soon. See below for our round up…

By Max Bennett

Yaya Bey Serves Up Soulful, Relaxed R&B To Free At Noon

Yaya Bey made the trip down from Queens to Philadelphia Friday for another installment of Free At Noon, and the R&B artist delivered a…

By Max Bennett

Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., More Joining JAŸ-Z And Erykah Badu At Roots Picnic

Organizers of Roots Picnic Friday revealed the full lineup of performers on the heels of announcing JAŸ-Z and Erykah Badu as headliners. The festival…

By Max Bennett

Erykah Badu, JAŸ-Z Headlining Roots Picnic At Belmont Plateau

UPDATE: The full Roots Picnic lineup has been announced. See who’s joining the festival here. The 18th Annual Roots Picnic is taking place May…

By Max Bennett

XPN Welcomes Indigo Girls, Béla Fleck, and more for Concerts Under The Stars

Now in its 40th year, Concerts Under the Stars returns May 22 at Upper Merion Township Building Park, kicking off with the Boat House…

By WXPN

Meet Kingspy, The DJ and Creator Behind the Rhythm Nation Party

Long before he was moving dance floors across the city, Kingspy was Malik Robinson — a Girard College student discovering the magic of filmmaking…

By Abdur Rahman

boygenius didn’t disappoint at their sold-out show at The Mann

By Paige Walter

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire put on a show for the ages at Wells Fargo Center

By Melissa Simpson

Two chances to see XPoNential artists this fall: Say She She and Allison Russell announce tours

By Gavyn Green

The National sell out two nights at The Met Philly

By Paige Walter

Wayne Music Festival announces show-stopping lineup including Wheatus, Cosmic Guilt, Sug Daniels and more

By Paige Walter

Black Belt Eagle Scout play their first Philly headliner at Johnny Brenda’s

By Paige Walter

Caroline Polachek brings her full creative vision to Franklin Music Hall

By Paige Walter

Lissie made a full band return to the World Cafe Live stage

By WXPN

Brittney Spencer showcased her range at Free at Noon

By WXPN

Mannequin Pussy takes a cathartic victory lap for their sold-out Union Transfer homecoming

By WXPN

XPoNential Music Festival issues new safety protocols and entry requirements

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: 8 New Albums out September 3rd!

By WXPN