The Star-Studded NonCommvention Takes Over World Café Live This Week

Insane lineup includes Blondie, The Pixies, Ani Difranco, Paul Shaffer, Hurray for the Riff Raff and more.

Ron Gallo plays with Baskery, Laura Marling and Real Estate on Thursday. (Lindsey Michelle Gardner)

WXPN’s annual NON-COMMvention is really an insidery type deal — a place for music programmers from non-commercial/independent/triple-A radio stations from all over the country to gather for panel discussions and performances by big-name talent. Every night (and some afternoons) from May 17 to 19 features acts with new or coming-soon records. Some of them never play a venue this small.

But Pat, you say, I’m not in the biz. How can I see Wednesday’s Blondie/Ani Difranco/Chicano Batman gig, for example?

Check it out: There are still some tickets available for XPN members. And if you’re not one, I bet you know one.

HERE’S THE FULL LINEUP:

Wednesday, May 17

Downstairs: Brent Cobb, Ani Difranco, Blondie, Chicano Batman
Upstairs: The National Reserve, The Districts, Bash & Pop, Greg Graffin

Thursday, May 18

Free @ Noon: Nancy & Beth, The Pixies
Downstairs: Kyle Craft, Mondo Cozmo , The Mavericks, Gov’t Mule
Upstairs: Baskery, Laura Marling, Real Estate, Ron Gallo

Friday, May 19

Free @ Noon: ALA.NI, Paul Shaffer & The World’s Most Dangerous Band
Downstairs: Holly Macve, Lo Moon, The Dream Syndicate, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm
Upstairs: The Growlers, Benjamin Booker, Hurray For The Riff Raff

All shows at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.