7 Concerts Not to Miss in Philly This Week
This week, Philly’s newest music venue The Fillmore has a hit lineup of concerts, from bluesy rock singer Grace Potter to the bossa nova-infused melodies of Thievery Corporation. Or check out a different type of act: harpist and singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom hits Union Transfer in support of her latest record. But be warned fellow music lovers: Newsom and a few other acts are already sold out, so check out our alternative links for third-party tickets. Scroll down for all this week’s picks, or click through to the day of the week you’re most interested in here:
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY
MONDAY: Edelweiss at Bourbon & Branch
Named for the flowering and symbolic plant, Edelweiss started as a group of childhood friends from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. With melodic, upbeat but dreamy songs, the Pennsylvania indie group brings their latest four-track EP Philadelphia to the city itself. Listen before you go: “Cookies & Brownies.” Monday, December 7th, 8 pm.
TUESDAY: Monica at the Theatre of Living Arts
Monica’s gorgeous vocals have helped her make her claims to fame in the R&B world, charting since the ’90s and making Billboard’s list of Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop artists of the past 25 years. She’s touring in anticipation of her latest album, Code Red, which will be released December 18th. The record features the likes of Timbaland, Missy Elliot and Lil Wayne. Listen before you go: “Just Right For Me Ft. Lil Wayne.” Tuesday, December 8th, 8 pm.
WEDNESDAY: Joanna Newsom at Union Transfer
Newsom‘s story is something of a magical love affair: discovering the harp at a young age, she expanded her knowledge of the instrument and practiced frequently in the woods at Lark Camp, a summer weeklong get-together of folk musicians. A singer with her own unique flair, she comes to Union Transfer after the release of her fourth album Divers in the fall. Listen before you go: “Sapokanikan.” Wednesday, December 9th, 8:30 pm.
THURSDAY: Thievery Corporation at the Fillmore
Don’t be so quick to write off Thievery Corporation as just another electronic pair. The D.C. duo bonded over their shared passion for bossa nova, which very much comes to life in their 2014 record. The LP Saudade comes from the Portuguese word that describes a longing for something or someone lost. Listen before you go: “Depth of My Soul ft. Shana Halligan.” Thursday, December 10th, 8 pm.
FRIDAY: Grace Potter at the Fillmore
Not long after her summer show at the Susquehanna Bank Center, Grace Potter returns to Philly with her band after the release of her first solo album, Midnight. Her shows are marked not only by a voice that was made for rock, but she has an unforgettable energy on stage. Listen before you go: “Alive Tonight.” Friday, December 11th, 8 pm.
SATURDAY: Mac Miller at the Fillmore
The young Pittsburgh rapper has made a name for himself — from appearing on pop songs like Ariana Grande’s “The Way” and his references to the infamous Donald Trump to his own heartfelt confessions of seeing through drug abuse and depression. But with his GO:OD AM tour, Miller shows us there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Listen before you go: “Brand Name.” Saturday, December 12th, 8 pm.
SUNDAY: We Are Scientists at Boot & Saddle
Cali-to-New York band We Are Scientists have the elements of post-punk with tracks that also show off a sunnier side. In honor of Records Day this year, they released TV en Français, Sous la Mer, a reworked version of their 2014 album TV en Français. Listen before you go: “Overreacting.” Sunday, December 13th, 8 pm.
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