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Articles by Bridget Massa
Paris Paloma cast spells of sisterhood in Philly
Paris Paloma brought “The Fatal Flaw Tour” to Philadelphia’s Franklin Music Hall on Oct. 23, where the atmosphere felt more like a community gathering than a concert. Fans arrived as the most mystical versions of themselves, their outfits ranging from long, ethereal gowns and flower crowns to dark angel wings and elf ears. Inside, they exchanged handmade “fairy gifts,” including fortunes and illustrations, while sharing stories rooted in both their fandom and girlhood.
Mo Lowda & the Humble keep Philly moving at Johnny Brenda’s
Wednesday’s Philly Music Fest lineup brought together three acts with distinct sounds and personalities, from Clover Stieve’s confessional songwriting to Noah Richardson’s conversational stage presence and Mo Lowda & the Humble’s free-flowing indie rock. Throughout the night, all of them made clear just how much Philadelphia’s music community means to them. Clover Stieve opened the night with songs from her debut album, Born to Live, released in September.
Medium Build brings maximum joy to Theatre of Living Arts
Some artists are clearly destined for greatness. Seeing them in smaller venues feels like a little secret you’re being let in on, and following their growth is its own special adventure. Admittedly, I felt late to the party at Medium Build’s Philadelphia show, having only found his music this year. Theatre of Living Arts was packed with fans who have been with him since his early days.
WXPN’s Concert Picks: Bright Eyes, The Linda Lindas, Phantom Planet, more
Friday: beabadoobee at The Liacouras Center Bedroom pop rocker-turned festival and arena-headlining star beabadoobee is set to bring the house down on Temple’s campus Friday night with Wisp as part of her world tour that’s supporting her fourth album, Pylon. She discussed the new record on World Cafe.
Long-running Philly venue The Fire closing
It’s the end of an era for the Philadelphia music scene: The Fire on Girard Avenue in Northern Liberties is closing at the end of its last show Wednesday. Owner Karen Lauria Saillant said she was closing the venue after opening it in 1999 inside Philadelphia Bar & Grille. “I am not able to continue after the death of my beloved son, Christian Bygott, who was our manager & our backbone,” she said in announcing the closure. Saillant, who bought the space in 1988 with her late husband Bernard F.
Zach Roumaya of Rising Sun Presents goes doom, punk, more for Ears We Trust
During XPoNential Music Fest we ran into our friend Zach Roumaya, Marketing Accounts Manager at Rising Sun Presents. As someone who’s deeply involved in the local music scene, we asked him to jump in for an Ears We Trust. Despite being a jam band fan, Roumaya leaned into some doom metal, psych rock, punk, garage rock, and more. Check out his selections below. Philadelphia punk rock mannnnn! I’ve been relying heavily on Dark Thoughts to keep my own ‘dark thoughts’ at bay these last few months.
Lost in Phoebe Bridgers
After experiencing Phoebe Bridgers and Alex G live, I’m tempted to just say, “It was incredible. You had to be there.” That being said, I’ll try to let you in. The show’s phone-free atmosphere highlighted a generational shift that came with cellphones and, even more so, social media. When we sensationalize and monetize the ability to go viral, every experience can become a competition. We find ourselves grasping for curated documentation rather than reality.
Full moon, full MUNA
A full moon broke through the clouds overhead as a cool breeze moved across the lawn. By Saturday morning, a nor’easter would sweep through the region, canceling events throughout the Northeast. But that night, the breeze, clouds, and moonlight functioned as stage lighting as thousands gathered on the hill for a night that felt equal parts loving reunion, cathartic release, and completely unrestrained dance party.
Holly Humberstone leans on the rock of pop rock at TLA show
Holly Humberstone’s show at Theatre of Living Arts was more rock than a pop, with her backing band and her own guitar work giving the performance a weightier and more electric vibe. Holly Humberstone | Photo by Bridget Massa for WXPN Long before the doors opened Tuesday night, a line stretched down South Street for Holly Humberstone’s sold-out show at the Theatre of Living Arts.
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