Considering that the Main Line and western suburbs are home to so many great venues and Philadelphia is hub for a number of electric artists, it’s only fitting that there’s rocking live music year round. With autumn on the way, there’s no time like the present to plan out which shows to see before tickets sell out. To make things easy, here are some of our top picks for upcoming concerts around the Main Line area this fall.
23 E Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
September 6
View this post on Instagram
These California-based rockers met at Berklee and have blown up since the release of their 2021 debut album “-!-” (pronounced The Exclamation Album). The leading track from that album, “.intodeep.” has over 15 million plays on Spotify, while the band itself accrues nearly 450,000 monthly listeners. Dead Poet Society’s influence continues to grow, so go check out their show at this intimate venue before they officially go mainstream.
5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia
September 8
View this post on Instagram
The Mann Center is lucky enough to host these two iconoclasts for a show this September. Beck, of course, rose to prominence in the ‘90s with counter-culture hits like “Loser” and “Girl,” staying relevant with his 2017 album “Colors.” Phoenix, out of Paris, France, won acclaim with their 2009 hit album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,” which took home Best Alternative Album at the 2010 Grammys.
104 Cricket Ave., Ardmore
September 16
View this post on Instagram
If you haven’t been before, The Living Room is an intimate BYOB venue in the heart of Ardmore. The destination took home our 2020 Best of the Main Line Award for Unique Live Music Venue and relocated to a new space in 2021. Leslie Mendelson has been compared to ‘70s artists like Carloe King and Carly Simon for her truly honest music experience.
5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia
September 21
View this post on Instagram
The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie have distinct overlap in the form of Benjamin Gibbard, the lead man for the two groups. Both captured the iconic sound of the mid-2000s, an exploratory descent into alt rock’s softer side. With solemn and meaningful lyrics, both groups accrued massive followings, and Death Cab continues to release new music to this day.
23 E Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
September 23
View this post on Instagram
Old 97’s, out of Dallas, TX, began releasing music as far back as 1994 and have since released 12 studio albums. Pioneers of the alt-country music of the mid-’90s, their music has been described as “loud folk.” Their Ardmore show takes place toward the end of September.
5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia
September 29
View this post on Instagram
Known best for 2013 smash-hit “Take Me to Church,” Hozier’s music has swept the world. Over two billion streams later, Hozier’s latest album “Unreal Unearth” has continued to wow longtime fans and new listeners alike.
118 N Wayne Ave., Wayne
October 8
View this post on Instagram
Just 21 years old, this singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, OH found her footing with the June 2022 release of “Sleeve,” which has garnered almost a million plays across streaming platforms. Through her music, Coburn looks to emulate bands like Cage the Elephant, Arctic Monkeys and Fall Out Boy.
23 E Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
October 9-10
View this post on Instagram
Philly Music Fest begins at Ardmore Music Hall, headlined by Kurt Vile on both Oct. 9 and Oct. 10. Supporting acts like Schooly D and Emily Robb will play shows at the fall concert on Oct. 9, while Oct. 10 sees Purling Hiss and Florry take the stage.
23 E Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
October 25
View this post on Instagram
On tour for his latest album from summer 2023 titled “supernatural thing,” M. Ward brings a soft sound to folk and Americana blues. Out of Portland, OR, Ward is perhaps best recognized for his hit “Chinese Translation” from his 2006 release, “Post-War.”
118 N Wayne Ave., Wayne
October 29
View this post on Instagram
This solo guitarist from Wauwatosa, WI was recently inducted into the Wisconsin Music Area Hall of Fame for his hybrid picking style and one-of-a-kind guitar-playing ability. Koch’s discography spans 19 albums, and his prolific skill makes his concerts a must-see.
Related: Mt. Joy Returns to Their Main Line Area Roots