The month in concerts: Ariana Grande, ZZ Top and more

Celebrate spring's return with live music all month

Now that winter is almost (insert crossed fingers here) done, it's time to get back out in the world. Head to local venues for Top 40 artists, up-and-coming acts and legendary musicians for live music all March long. 

Nadjah Nicole

This Delaware-based singer mixes pop, jazz and soul with Gospel-inspired vocals. She and her band cite Erykah Badu, Corinne Bailey Rae and others as inspirations.

Tuesday, March 3
8 p.m. | $7
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400

Howie Day

Remember the 2004 pop hit "Collide"? Well, Howie Day is still making music. In fact, he's currently working on a new album being released Tuesday, April 14.

Saturday, March 7
8 p.m. | $22
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400

Ariana Grande

The pint-sized diva is making waves on the pop charts with her big voice. Her Top 40 hits "The Way" and "Problem" cemented the former child actress's sudden rise to fame. 

Thursday, March 12
7:30 p.m. | $29.50-275
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S. Broad St.
(215) 336-3600 

Cashmere Cat

Norwegian musician-producer-DJ Cashmere Cat has worked with Kanye West, Sia and Charli XCX. Ariana Grande's been testing out their recent collaboration on her Honeymoon tour. 

Thursday, March 12
8:30 p.m. | $15-18
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden
(215) 232-2100

G. Love & Special Sauce

This Philly duo creates alternative hip-hop music mixed with blues and classic R&B, making for an eclectic sound. They'll play two dates in town before heading to New York on tour.

Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14
8:30 p.m. | $31 each, or $58.50 for both nights
Theatre of the Living Arts
334 South St. 
(215) 922-1011

ZZ Top

The famous Texas blues-rockers are finally coming to Philly. Though this show was rescheduled from a previous date there are still tickets available. 

Saturday, March 14
9 p.m. | $75-275
Electric Factory
421 N. 7th St.
(215) 627-1332

Neil Diamond World Tour 2015

The prolific and legendary singer-songwriter comes to Philly for one night. It's basically guaranteed he'll play "Sweet Caroline."

Sunday, March 15
8 p.m. | $65-150
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S. Broad St.
(215) 336-3600 

Afrojack

This DJ/producer wunderkind has taken the EDM world by storm, earning top sellers and Grammy awards along the way.

Thursday, March 19
8:30 p.m. | $40
Theatre of the Living Arts
334 South St. 
(215) 922-1011

Meek Mill

This Philly native's "Welcome Back Concert" is aptly named. Meek Mill will hit the stage with Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti and Jadakiss.

Saturday, March 21
7 p.m. | $36-95
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S. Broad St.
(215) 336-3600 

Taking Back Sunday

Luckily for fans TBS is playing two shows, since the Saturday, March 21 date is sold out. The rock band will be playing with openers The Menzingers and letlive.

Sunday, March 22
7 p.m. | $27.50-30
Electric Factory
421 N. 7th St.
(215) 627-1332

Shark Tape and Future Thieves

Local rock trio Shark Tape teams up with Nashville import Future Thieves, an indie Americana band. Pompton Lakes will open up for the main acts.

Tuesday, March 24
8:30 p.m. | $10
Boot & Saddle
1131 S. Broad St.
(267) 639-4528

Fifth Harmony: The Reflection Tour

These five young women became a powerhouse group when they got together on "The X Factor." With their latest hit, "Sledgehammer," they've hit the big leagues.

Friday, March 27
7 p.m. | $32.50-42.50
291 N. Keswick Ave. Glenside, PA
(215) 572-7650

Ms. Lauryn Hill

In this acoustic session, the New Jersey-born Hill continues her comeback. After a few years of very little touring or new music, Hill fortunately isn't letting us forget about her. 

Saturday, March 28
9 p.m. | $65-125
291 N. Keswick Ave. Glenside, PA
(215) 572-7650

Philadelphia Folksong Society Benefit Show

Goose Creek Pioneers, Psych-A-Billy, Lover's League and Black Horse Motel are all locally loved for their folk sounds. See them all on one stage to benefit PFS and the Folk Festival. 

Sunday, March 29
6:30 p.m. | $15 in advance, $20 at the door
23 E. Lancaster Ave. Ardmore, PA
(610) 649-8389

Philly Spring Jam

Doug E. Fresh hosts Ginuwine, 112, Whodini, Rob Base and Keith Sweat in this showcase of R&B and hip-hop talent.

Sunday, March 29
7 p.m. | $45.50-79.50
Liacouras Center
1776 N. Broad St.
(800) 298-4200