Summer Concert Preview: 15 local must-see bands

The local acts you need to see this season

From left to right, Wild Orphan, PhillyBloco and Ben Kessler.
Abigail Townsend Reimold/Facebook/Howard Pitkow/for PhillyVoice

There are tons of great musical acts gracing Philly stages this summer. So many, in fact, that we need two summer music previews to fit them all in. From Underground Arts to World Cafe Live, the city's music venues will be pumping all season long with local talent. Don't miss your neighbors in action - and then keep an eye out for our top choices for national acts coming to town.

Gothic Americana Folk & Blues Concert

The Bailey Hounds and their melancholic, blues-influenced Americana sound will feel right at home in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, food and beverages.

Saturday, June 6
8 p.m. | $12
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave.
(215) 228-8200


Mo Lowda & the Humble

In this three-for-one deal, local alternative rock trio Mo Lowda & the Humble will headline with Philly bands Flight School and Family Vacation opening up.

Saturday, June 6
9 p.m. | $10
Underground Arts
1200 Callowhill St.


Ben Kessler

High schooler by day and singer-songwriter by night Ben Kessler will play his signature acoustic jams and pop-rock trio Religion & Rocketry will open. 

Friday, June 12
8 p.m. | $10
Tin Angel
20 S. 2nd St.
215-928-0978


Bahamas with Hayden and Wild Orphan

Afie Jurvanen or Bahamas is a Finnish-Canadian and Hayden is from Toronto, but Wild Orphan is a soul band hailing from West Philly. 

Thursday, June 18
7:15 p.m. | $16-18
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400


Summer Fiction Album Release Show

Since he released his self-titled debut in 2010, Bill Ricchini aka Summer Fiction moved from South Philly to Brooklyn. But he's home for a release show for his new album "Himalaya" with local opener Paul and Beril.

Saturday, June 20
8:30 p.m. | $12
Boot & Saddle
1131 S. Broad St.
(267) 639-4528


"Traces of Blue" Release Show

Bucks County indie emo band Eunoia is releasing their new album, "Traces of Blue," and they're celebrating with a show featuring Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy, Sonnder and Church Girls. 

Saturday, June 27
6 p.m. | $5
Private Residence
2585 County Line Rd, Telford, PA


The Unknown Release Show

Andrew Brubaker, Sean Cullen, Tom Amey and Blaine Minnich make up The Unknown, a Newtown Square-based hard rock band. Stealing Fame and Ryan Downs will open.

Friday, July 3
9 p.m. | $10-12
North Star Bar
2639 W. Poplar St.
(215) 787-0488


Bill O'Meara Band Release Show

Philly-based musician Bill O'Meara will be releasing new music at this show featuring Caleb & Carolyn, an indie-folk duo from Buffalo.

Saturday, July 11
8:30 p.m. | $10
Milkboy
1100 Chestnut St.
(215) 925-6455


The Swollen Fox Anniversary with the Lawsuits

This Temple-formed band has seen lots of critical praise since its start. Now it's celebrating local music blog Swollen Fox with openers Doylestown's Commonwealth Choir and Philly indie folk band Lou.

Saturday, July 11
9 p.m. | $10-12
Johnny Brenda's
1201 N. Frankford Ave.
(215) 739-9684


Say Anything

Though Say Anything's Max Bemis is from New York, local indie rock band Modern Baseball will open this special performance featuring a string quartet.

Sunday, June 12
7 p.m. | $22-25
Electric Factory
421 N. 7th St.
(215) 627-1332


Hivelords

Philly-based rock group Hivelords is releasing an album, "Anthropic," with the help of Primitive Man and Opium Lord at this release show. 

Friday, July 24
7 p.m. | $10
Kung Fu Necktie
1250 N. Front St.
(215) 291-4919


Josh Olmstead

This guitarist/singer-songwriter has been slowly putting out new singles since September. Check out Olmstead and Austin-based musician Elijah Ford for a relaxing evening.

Thursday, July 30
8 p.m. | $8-10
Milkboy
1100 Chestnut St.
(215) 925-6455


PhillyBloco

With over 20 members and a whole lot of energy, PhillyBloco's infectious mix of samba, funk and reggae make for an instant party. 

Friday, August 7
8 p.m. | $15
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400


The Burgeoning at Hollystock

Bensalem's The Burgeoning, an indie alternative pop band, will head to Mount Holly's Hollystock Music and Arts Fest, an epic lineup of regional bands.

Saturday, August 8
Showtime to be determined | Free admission
Hilton Garden Inn Mount Holly/Westampton
111 Hancock Ln., Westampton, NJ
(609) 288 – 4101


Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Artist Festival

Experience the region's best up-and-comers with this week-long festival featuring over 25 performances. 

Tuesday, August 18 through Sunday, August 23
Showtimes vary | Free admission
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400