Might I suggest a new Thanksgiving activity this year? Instead of going around the table listing what you and your fellow celebrants are thankful for, ask your loved ones what song or concert deepened their love for music discovery. Maybe you’ll learn more about sweet Great Aunt Carole’s “brief spell in San Francisco” than you ever imagined.
A BIT OF PUNK
Brian Fallon, 11/14, H*MAC
Brian Fallon, perhaps best known as the lead vocalist/songwriter and rhythm guitarist for New Jersey’s *other* heartland rock sensation, The Gaslight Anthem, is bringing his latest solo tour to H*MAC this month, and it should be a hell of a great show. If you’re not familiar with the Gaslight Anthem’s punk Springsteen sound, I highly recommend acquainting yourself (the band has been a favorite of mine for years), and a key part of the band’s talent comes from Fallon’s great lyrics and an urgency in his vocals that I can’t describe as anything other than equal parts rebellious and romantic.
SIX DEGREES OF ROCK’N’ROLL
The Bacon Brothers, 11/19, The Englewood
One of Philadelphia’s favorite sons, Kevin Bacon (yes, THAT Kevin Bacon) and his brother Michael have been playing amazing music for the better part of a quarter century, and their material just keeps getting better and better. The duo’s 2022 brief but soulful release, “Erato,” is an eclectic set and should make for a really fun live show.
SWOON FOR A NEW CLASSIC
HU Presents Stephen Sanchez, 11/30, XL Live
Consider me smitten. The first time I heard 20-year-old Stephen Sanchez’s “Evangeline” on the radio this spring, I was completely floored by his dreamy crooning and quickly Shazam’d the track for later listening. His whole vibe is a modern take on retro love songs, and I’m so here for it. His latest album, “Angel Face,” is just fantastic, but I recommend getting started with the brilliant “Easy On My Eyes,” released last year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Legwarmers, 11/3, XL Live
Dirty Honey, 11/4, H*MAC
Mama’s Broke, 11/7, Fort Hunter Centennial Barn
Mutoid Man, 11/9, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
Barely Alive, 11/9, XL Live
HU Presents Lucero, 11/10, XL Live
Cinder Well, 11/16, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg
Andrew McMahon w/Michigander, Wildermiss, 11/18, H*MAC
The Bad Toupees 30th Anniversary Reunion, 11/18, The Englewood
The Wild Hymns w/Public Disco Porch, 11/22, The Englewood
Jon Spencer, 11/24, H*MAC
The Badlees, 11/25, XL Live
York Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular, 11/25, The Appell Center for the Performing Arts
Jared James Nichols, 11/29, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
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