Philly Music Week Spotlight: XPoNential Music Festival, Alabama Shakes, and Eric Church Take Center Stage

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Philly Music This Week: XPoNential Fest, Alabama Shakes, and More

This week in Philly music features a stacked XPoNential Music Festival lineup in Camden, Eric Church and Kali Uchis in South Philly, back-to-back nights with Alabama Shakes and Turnstile at the Mann Center, and the last stadium show of the season with the Lumineers and Dr. Dog at Citizens Bank Park.

On Wednesday, the free Sundown Music Series at Haddon Lake Park in South Jersey finishes off in style with Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes. San Francisco songwriter and bandleader Prophet merged his longtime band Mission Express with central California cumbia band ¡Qiensave! on last year’s Wake the Dead.

there’s a punk-rock double bill at the Fillmore on Wednesday with Canadian band Pup and Long Island songwriter Jeff Rosenstock. The acts have toured together in the past, so this trek is being billed as “A Cataclysmic Rapture of Friendshipness.”

It’s an international garage-rock romance. Singer-guitarist Flavia Couri is Brazilian. Drummer Martin Thorsen is from Denmark. Together, the couple is the Courettes, a ’60s girl-group wall of Sound band that is a Little Steven’s Underground garage favorite.They’re at Kung Fu Necktie on Thursday.

Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard released two forward-looking solo albums with Jaime in 2019 and What Now last year, but hasn’t made music with the Shakes as 2017. The funk-soul-blues-rock powerhouse trio is back on the road, with a new song, “Another life,” that augurs well for the future. They play the Mann Center on Thursday with the Budos Band.

“The English language is violence, I hot-wired it,” Billy Woods raps on his new album, Golliwog. The D.C.-born, Zimbabwe-raised underground rapper, who doesn’t show his face in photographs, plays Underground Arts on Thursday. That same night, Philly jazz-R&B-soul vocalist Bilal sings at City Winery.

Self-styled “Springsteen”-loving country outlaw Eric Church headlines Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday. He’s touring behind his new album,Evangeline vs. the Machine, which includes a cover of Tom Waits’ “clap Hands.”

Dougie Poole has carved out his own place in the cosmic country world with three studio albums that mix philosophical musings with a heartfelt Nashville sound. His new live album, Heaven, features the song “Stoned.” He’s at PhilaMOCA on Thursday.

https://www.thefillmorephilly.com/shows

What makes XPoNential Music Festival a unique experience compared too other music festivals?

Philly Music Week Spotlight: XPoNential music Festival, Alabama Shakes, and eric Church Take Centre Stage

XPoNential Music Festival: A Camden Waterfront Staple

The xponential Music Festival, a cornerstone of Philly Music Week, consistently delivers a diverse lineup and a vibrant atmosphere. Held annually on the Camden Waterfront, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, “Xpo” (as locals affectionately call it) is known for its indie rock, Americana, and alternative music focus.

* 2025 Expectations: While the full 2025 lineup hasn’t been released as of September 18, 2025, past festivals have featured artists like The War on drugs, Brandi Carlile, and Father John Misty. Expect a similar blend of established acts and rising stars.

* Multi-Stage Experience: The festival typically utilizes multiple stages, offering attendees a chance to discover new music alongside their favorites. Stages often include the main stage, a smaller acoustic stage, and a dedicated local artist showcase.

* Beyond the Music: XPoNential isn’t just about the bands. Food trucks, craft beer gardens, and art installations contribute to the festival’s lively ambiance.

* Ticket Information: Tickets usually go on sale in the spring. Early bird pricing and VIP packages are available. check XPoNential’s official website (https://xponentialmusicfestival.com/) for the most up-to-date details.

Alabama Shakes: Blues-Rock Powerhouse Returns

Alabama Shakes, fronted by the incredibly powerful vocalist Brittany Howard, are a force to be reckoned with in the blues-rock scene. Their 2012 debut album, Boys & Girls, catapulted them to fame, and their subsequent work solidified their status as modern music icons.

The Impact of Brittany Howard

Brittany Howard’s raw, emotive vocals and songwriting are central to Alabama Shakes’ appeal. Her solo work has further showcased her versatility and artistry.

* Signature Sound: The band’s sound blends blues, soul, rock, and R&B, creating a unique and captivating sonic landscape.

* Live Performance: Alabama Shakes are renowned for their energetic and passionate live shows. Expect a high-octane performance filled with soulful vocals and blistering guitar riffs.

* Recent Activity: Following a hiatus, Alabama Shakes announced their return to touring in 2024, generating significant excitement among fans.Their Philly Music Week appearance is a highly anticipated event.

Eric Church: Country Music Outlaw

Eric Church has consistently challenged the boundaries of country music, earning a devoted following with his honest lyrics and rebellious spirit. He’s known for his stadium-filling concerts and his dedication to his fanbase, the “Church Choir.”

Chart-Topping Success & Touring Legacy

Church’s albums have consistently topped the Billboard Country charts, and he’s won numerous awards throughout his career. His live shows are legendary for their length and intensity.

* The “Gather again” Tour: Church’s recent “gather Again” tour was a massive success, demonstrating his enduring popularity.

* Songwriting Style: Church’s songwriting often explores themes of heartbreak, redemption, and the struggles of everyday life.

* Philly Connection: Church has a strong following in the Philadelphia area, and his concerts at the Wells Fargo center consistently sell out. Expect a packed house during Philly Music Week.

* Ticket Demand: Due to high demand, tickets for Eric Church concerts are frequently enough expensive. Consider exploring resale options, but be wary of inflated prices and potential scams.

Navigating Philly Music Week: Practical Tips

Philly Music Week offers a plethora of events beyond these headliners. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Plan Ahead: The schedule is packed.Prioritize the artists you want to see and create a realistic itinerary.
2. Transportation: Philadelphia has a robust public transportation system (SEPTA). Consider using it to avoid parking hassles. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
3. Accommodation: Book your hotel or Airbnb well