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June 05, 2015

Summer Concert Preview: 15 big names coming to Philly

From arena tours to lawn concerts, national acts are on their way

Now that you've seen the 15 local must-see bands playing around Philly this summer, take a look at which big-name acts are coming to town. Of course, you've heard that a Beatle is dropping by, celebs will be holding court at Firefly Music Festival, and The Roots are heading up the Fourth of July Jam. Plus, someone named Taylor Swift is playing two shows at Lincoln Financial Field. 

But there's plenty more where that came from. Don't miss the radio regulars, award-winners and indie darlings headed to regional stages this season. 

Tori Kelly

Singer-songwriter Tori Kelly got into the biz by posting videos to YouTube at 14. Now, after a stint on "American Idol" and touring with Sam Smith, she's releasing her debut studio album "Unbreakable Smile" June 23.

Thursday, June 18
8 p.m. | $25
Theater of Living Arts
334 South St.
(215) 922-1011


Radio 104.5 Presents: Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional

Nostalgia factory Third Eye Blind is teaming up with emo idol Dashboard Confessional for a performance that's sure to give you high school flashbacks. 

Saturday, June 20
7 p.m. | $45
Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
Columbus Boulevard & Spring Garden Street
(215) 629-3200


D'Angelo and The Vanguard

After the public spent 14 years without new music from D'Angelo, his December 2014 album "Black Messiah" had critics and fans alike eating it up. Luckily for all involved, he's back on stage this summer. 

Tuesday, June 23
8 p.m. | $75-$175
Keswick Theatre
291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, Montgomery County
(215) 572-7650


Ingrid Michaelson

Indie singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson is known for her pop hits like "Be OK" and "Girls Chase Boys." She's ending her North American tour here in Philly. 

Tuesday, June 30
7 p.m. | $30
The Mann Center, Skyline Stage
5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park
(215) 546-7900


Toddlerz Ball

You know YouTube star Todrick Hall from his song-and-dance-filled takes on pop culture like "Beauty and the Beat Boots." His live show is sure to be an energetic, hilarious good time.

Wednesday, July 8
7:30 p.m. | $25
Theater of Living Arts
334 South St.
(215) 922-1011


Frankie Grande

Whether you know Frankie Grande from his time as a Broadway performer and producer, his YouTube videos, his stint on "Big Brother" or as Ariana Grande's brother, the multi-talented performer will definitely be putting on a show. 

Saturday, July 11
8 p.m. | $25
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
(215) 222-1400


Idina Menzel

Between her roles in "Rent," "Wicked" and "Frozen," Idina Menzel is possibly the most popular Broadway star of her generation. On her world tour, she'll be singing pop, her own catalogue and theater classics.

Thursday, July 16
8 p.m. | $29.50-$125
The Mann Center
5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park
(215) 546-7900


Grace Potter and George Ezra

Popular indie rocker and critical darling Grace Potter is supporting her latest album "Alive Tonight," and charming English singer-songwriter George Ezra is fresh off four Brit Award nominations. The pair will be joined by The Wailers.

Sunday, July 26
5 p.m. | $25-$45
Susquehanna Bank Center
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.
(856) 225-0163


Jason Isbell

Alabama native and bluesy rocker Jason Isbell is winning over fans with his take on Americana. His next album, "Something More Than Free," is due out in July. 

Wednesday, July 29
7 p.m. | $30-$34
The Mann Center, Skyline Stage
5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park
(215) 546-7900


J. Cole Forest Hills Drive Tour

With this show, hip-hop and R&B fans get a lot of bang for their buck: J. Cole will perform with YG, Big Sean and Jeremih. It's a nice way to spend a summer Friday night.

Friday, July 31
6:30 p.m. | $26-$80.75
Susquehanna Bank Center
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.
(856) 225-0163


Meghan Trainor

Singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor made it onto the charts with 2014's breakout single "All About That Bass." Her peppy tunes and throwback style have made her an instant radio regular.

Wednesday, Aug. 5
7 p.m. | $29.50
Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
Columbus Boulevard & Spring Garden Street
(215) 629-3200


Nicki Minaj: The Pinkprint Tour

The self-proclaimed Queen of Rap is busy supporting hit album "The Pinkprint" and dodging rumors of a breakup with Philly's Meek Mill, but luckily, she has time to stop in Camden for a show.

Thursday, Aug. 6
7 p.m. | $25-$125
Susquehanna Bank Center
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.
(856) 225-0163


Machine Gun Kelly

Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly, is rising fast through the rap ranks with hits like "Till I Die." He's also currently dating Philly's own Amber Rose. 

Friday, Aug. 14
8 p.m. | $23
Theater of Living Arts
334 South St.
(215) 922-1011


O.A.R.

If O.A.R. is not on your playlist, are you even doing summer right? The rock band, which is coming up on its 20th anniversary in 2016, will perform with Allen Stone and Brynn Elliott.

Friday, Aug. 28
6:30 p.m. | $35
Festival Pier at Penn's Landing
Columbus Boulevard & Spring Garden Street
(215) 629-3200


Of Monsters and Men

It's been four long years since Of Monsters and Men released their hit album "My Head Is An Animal." With their new album, "Beneath the Skin," finally being released on June 9, their upcoming show will be a happy one for fans. 

Tuesday, Sept. 15
7 p.m. | $35
The Mann Center, Skyline Stage
5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park
(215) 546-7900

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