This month’s packed with a slew of fun shows you’ll want to catch. I’ve highlighted all the reasons you should see MJ Lenderman below, but I cannot emphasize enough how big of a get this is. I really believe Lenderman could be considered one of the greats someday.
I’d also be remiss not to mention the success of homegrown psych rocker Hunter Root from Lancaster, who’s headlining The Abbey Bar on May 3, kicking off a 13-city tour. Root’s career has really blown up in the best way over the past two years, and this may be your shot to catch Root now so you can say, “I saw him when…” And, if your venue or friends have a show coming up that should be on our radar, drop me a line at [email protected].
LIVING LEGEND
5/9, MC Lyte, XL Live
Stop. Look. Listen. MC Lyte will forever be known as the first female rapper to release a solo, full-length album with 1988’s “Lyte as a Rock,” kicking off a career full of hits before her equally impressive careers in film and in advocacy for artists, serving as a past president and trustee of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy (which you might know more familiarly as the Grammy organization). Lyte’s bringing her “Reflections of Lyte” tour to the stage at XL Live this month for what’s sure to be an incredible night.
STRUMMING ALONG
5/14, WXPN Welcomes MJ Lenderman and The Wind, XL Live
MJ Lenderman’s 2024 solo album, “Manning Fireworks,” stopped me dead in my tracks when I gave the whole thing a thorough listen. I’ve heard him play in the band Wednesday (also v. good), but his solo work is where Lenderman really shines. He’s young, yet his honest songwriting and unexpected melodies, combined with his talents on many instruments you’ll hear on the record, make this an artist I’ve been recommending to friends since I heard him last summer. He’s just released an excellent video for the song, “Wristwatch,” and I can all but guarantee you’ll have the hook for “She’s Leaving You” stuck in your head for days after your first listen. This show should be at the top of your list.
LET’S DANCE
5/25, WXPN Welcomes Future Islands, XL Live
I remember where I was in 2014 when frontman Sam Herring’s viral dance moves, which he joyously shows off for “Seasons (Waiting on You),” were all over indie music meme pages, getting re-blogged on tumblr and Instagram when those were still words young people used. Future Islands is, in short, a hell of a good time. I’ve been to see them in Philly as often as I can and am thrilled that they’re coming to me for a change. Other than the aforementioned “Seasons,” check out tracks “Run,” “A Dream of You and Me,” and “King of Sweden.”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
5/3, Hunter Root, The Abbey Bar
5/4, Saint Jhn with special guest Honey Bxby, XL Live
5/10, Nester & Side of Yams, The Abbey Bar
5/10, Filter, H*MAC
5/16, WXPN Welcomes Tanjo & Crow w/Virginia Masland, Strawberry Square
5/16, Tristin Lynee, Broad Street Market
5/17, Splintered Sunlight, XL Live
5/18, Erica Lyn Everest Presents “Women in Music,” West Shore Theatre
5/24-5/26, various artists at Artsfest, Riverfront Park
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