7 Shows To See in Philly This Week: Common, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith and More

By Aubrey Nagle· 12/8/2014, 1:28 p.m.

Photo via Facebook.

Monday: Common ($35)

You've seen him on the big screen and the small screen, and now you can see him in person. Rapper, poet, actor, model, and activist Common is on tour promoting his most recent album, Nobody's Smiling, featuring artists like Vince Staples, Big Sean, and Jhene Aiko. This multi-talented artist's show is sure to be uncommon. (Sorry, we had to.) Listen before you go: "Kingdom." Monday, December 8th with Jay Electronica and Chill Moody, 8 p.m., Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South Street.

Photo via Facebook.

Tuesday: The Boombox Collective (Free)

Philly's premier artist showcase, The Boombox Collective, is dedicated to shining a light on the best artists in the area. This week they team up with programming initiative balloonUP (which works with Philly musician Kuf Knotz) to bring local MC D Prime, Pittsburgh singer-songwriter Suzanne Sheer, Hazie Blu, and Jehuti Sun to the stage. Tuesday, December 9th, 8:30 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.

Photo by Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio.

Wednesday: Q102 Jingle Ball ($26-176)

It seems like the entire Top 40 will be in Philly this week. Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, Jessie J, Rixton, Kiesza, Rita Ora, and guest host Nick Jonas will all be in attendance at this annual holiday bash. Get ready for screaming teens. Listen before you go: "Bang Bang" by Jessie J., Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. Wednesday, December 10th, 7:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.

Photo via Facebook.

Thursday: Modern Baseball ($15)

This local band got its start playing house shows around Drexel (where 3 of its members attended) and is now fresh off touring the United Kingdom. In between they joined the tour of Philly-based act The Wonder Years and the rest is history. If you like Say Anything, Dashboard Confessional, or Motion City Soundtrack, you'll love these boys. Listen before you go: "Your Graduation." Thursday, December 11th with Knuckle Puck, Somos, Crying and Foxing, 7 p.m., Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South Street.

Photo via Facebook.

Friday: Quiet Life ($8-10)

Americana foursome Quiet Life comes to Philly's music scene via Portland, Oregon, by way of New London Connecticut. They've spent the last few months touring after releasing their new EP Housebroken Man, this August. Kick off the weekend by getting to know this soulful rising act. Listen before you go: "Housebroken Man." Friday, December 12th with The Bailey Hounds and Mike Quinn, 8:30 p.m., Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut Street.

Photo via Facebook.

Saturday: Live's Ed Kowalczyk at Running of the Santas ($30)

Ok, so this isn't really your typical concert, but we can guarantee you'll make some memories (of all kinds) at this year's Running of the Santas. Former lead singer of Live, Ed Kowalczyk, will perform along with Secret Service, Gypsy Wisdom, The Wayside Shakeup and plenty of DJs. Plus, there will be beer. So there's that. Listen before you go: "Seven" by Ed Kowalczyk. Saturday, December 13th, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street.

Photo via Facebook.

Sunday: Circa Survive ($25)

If you're bummed Saturday's Circa Survive show is sold out, you're in luck. The alternative rock band from Doylestown, PA will play a second show in Philly this weekend. Hot off their fifth album, Descensus, released just last month, they'll be ready to rock all night. Listen before you go: "Child of the Desert." Sunday, December 14th with Title Fight and Pianos Become the Teeth, 8 p.m., Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.

Submit Your Show

Have a show you'd like featured in an upcoming roundup? Email details to Katiera Sordjan at ksordjan@phillymag.com.

7 Shows To See in Philly This Week: Common, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith and More

Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.

Monday: Common ($35)

Tuesday: The Boombox Collective (Free)

Wednesday: Q102 Jingle Ball ($26-176)

Thursday: Modern Baseball ($15)

Friday: Quiet Life ($8-10)

Saturday: Live's Ed Kowalczyk at Running of the Santas ($30)

Sunday: Circa Survive ($25)

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