XPN welcomes Aimee Mann and Ted Leo to World Cafe Live at The Queen tonight.  After sharing a bill last fall while Mann was promoting her latest Charmer LP, the singer-songwriter and Ted Leo teamed up for a proper collaboration called #BOTH earlier this year.  The pair will return to their usual roles for this tour, however, with Leo filling in the support slot and probably reprising songs from the discography of his band The Pharmacists, as well as possibly (and hopefully) previewing songs from a new album he’s been working on.  Tickets and information for the Wilmington, DE show can be found here.  Below, watch Aimee Mann perform “Labrador” on Conan with help from Ted Leo.

Sparks headline The Trocadero tonight.  The LA synthpop duo got its start in the early 70s, subsequently making their mark with over 20 albums.  Their quirky stage presence is reflective of their quirky songwriting style, as the band of brothers Ron and Russell Mael have become known for their witty lyrics and cultural references.  Sparks latest studio release was 2009′s The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman and they put out their first ever live recording, titled Two Hands One Mouth, last month.  Tickets and information for the all-ages show can be found here.  Below, watch the band perform “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us.”

Local band Modern Baseball play The Barbary tonight.  Recent headlines for the punk / pop four-piece have made references to their signing with Run for Cover Records, a reissue of their wildly popular Sports debut, a Valentine’s Day split for highly-regarded label Topshelf records and their ability to draw a crowd when they play a show.  Currently on tour along the East Coast, Modern Baseball will help out fellow Philadelphians The Wonder Years with their record release show in May (more information here).  Tickets and information for tonight’s show with Light Years and Safe can be found here.  Below, watch Modern Baseball perform “Broken Cash Machine” for Maggot House Records‘ Piss Couch Sessions.

Local punk rock band Hound help get things started at Kung Fu Necktie tonight.  Led by self-professed nacho eater, t-shirt hobbyist and JEFF the Brotherhood roadie Perry Shall, Hound are a bit of an enigma with just one demo EP up on their Bandcamp, but it’s more than enough to satisfy any headbanging urge you might have.  The lack of online presence for Hound could be due to the fact that Shall is a busy man, creating artwork for the aforementioned Brotherhood as well as a number of record labels when he’s not rocking out with his other (beachy-er) punk trio Dry Feet.  Tickets and information for the 21+ show with Illegals, Dope Stroke and GA$H can be found here.  Stream “Cold Blooded” from Hound’s demo EP below.

South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform at Musikfest Cafe tonight.  Boasting a career of over forty years, Black Mambazo were introduced to the global community through Paul Simon’s mid-eighties album Graceland, which featured the all-male group’s harmonies.  In 2011 Black Mambazo released Songs From A Zulu Farm, earning them both a Grammy Award nomination and a South African Music Awards nomination.  Tickets and information for tonight’s show in Bethlehem can be found here.  Below, them perform “Wentomb’unecala.”

Ross Bellenoit heads out to Puck Live with Auctioneer tonight.  Bellenoit is a local musician with a long list of collaborative partners, including Birdie Busch, Ben Arnold and Sun Airway.  His most recent solo record was 2012′s Home Songs, Volume 3, the third part of an EP trilogy released over the course of last year.  The multi-instrumentalist will be joined by Philly’s Auctioneer, the experiemental pop project of Craig Hendrix that began in 2011. Auctioneer participated in Weathervane Music’s Shaking Through series last year, recording the sonic mosaic “Our Future Faces.”  Check out the full episode here, and watch Ross Bellenoit’s video for “Besides” below.  Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show in Doylestown can be found here.

Philadelphia’s Leather play Kung Fu Necktie tonight.  The hardcore quartet have been slowly spilling details for their upcoming album, hinting at twenty minutes of music and artwork by a local photographer.  What we also know is that the record is going to be a heavy-hitting punch of rock, based on the tracks uploaded to the band’s YouTube account.  Stream “Zek” from 2011 below.  Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show with Antwon and Heathen Reign can be found here.

Noise rockers Dope Body have a free show at The Depot in York, PA tonight.  The Baltimore outfit are touring behind 2012′s Natural History LP, an effort that showed growth from the Drag City signees and somehow managed to walk a line between headbanging thrash rock and colorful bursts of angular (and at times dance-able) math rock.  Tonight they share the stage with Roomrunner and Peals at the 21+ up show – more information can be found here.  Below, stream “Twice the Life” from Natural History.

Phoenixville indie blues rock band Riley Road return to World Cafe Live at The Queen tonight.  After taking first place at the Beta Hi Fi Emerging Music Festival in Philadelphia this past summer, the local trio has continued to work on their already-impressive, classic rock-influenced foundation that was started when the band members met at Phoenixville’s Rock and Roll After School program.  Tonight Riley Road will be joined by Wilmington Beta Hi Fi winners and local favorites The Districts.  Tickets and information can be found here.  Stream Riley Road’s new single “Better Man” below.

XPN welcomes Tommy Conwell to The Blockley tonight.  Conwell was a focal point of the 80s rock scene in Philadelphia when he fronted The Young Rumblers.  The leather-clad heartthrobs reunited this past holiday season for their third annual post-Thanksgiving concert, but not before Conwell stopped in for a Key Studio Session where he recorded an acoustic set including Young Rumblers’ hit “I’m Not Your Man.”  Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show with Jeffrey Gaines can be found here.  Below, watch the original video for “I’m Not Your Man” and stream / download the acoustic Key Studio Session version (along with three other tracks) here.

Ahead of its return to the airwaves on Sunday, XPN2′s Folkadelphia presents ((TACO)) at the Green Line Cafe on Locust St. with Prairie Empire and The Sun Flights.  ((TACO)) (real name David Mitchell Esparza) has been an illusive character in the Philadelphia music community since 2007 and did not release his first full-length, with backing band The Love Club, until this year’s succinctly-titled Full Length.  More information for tonight’s show can be found here.  Below, listen to the bluesy “Mellow Peaches” from ((TACO))’s 13 takes by the krautrock kid.

The Folk Show’s Gene Shay presents We’re About 9 at the PSALM Salon.  Bonded during weekly open mics at the Jahva House in Maryland, We’re About 9 are a trio of harmonizing musicians that have found an age-defying audience thanks to the band’s unique and fun approach to songwriting and performing.  Tonight’s show marks We’re About 9′s first Philly-proper show in eight years (although they played just outside Philly, in Lansdowne, back in the spring). More information can be found here.  Below, watch them perform “Same Seed” live.

XPN welcomes Garland Jeffreys to World Cafe Live at The Queen. In 2011 the Brooklyn-born musician released The King of In Between, an album that found itself on many year-end best-of lists including Rolling Stone and NPR.  Over the course of the four-decade-long career leading up to that release, Jeffreys developed a long list of collaborators including John Cale and Dr. John and he most recently joined Bruce Springsteen on stage in Holland.  Tickets and information for tonight’s show in Wilmington, DE can be found here.  Below, watch a video for Garland Jeffreys’ “Modern Lover” from 1980′s Escape Artist.

Philly power trio Many Arms perform at The Rotunda tonight.  The free-jazz conspirators released their third full-length self-titled record in 2012, an exploration into math rock-informed chaos spanning three extended tracks.  In the realm of avant-garde noise bands, Many Arms has thrashed their way to the forefront with the new record, receiving praise from music tastemakers including Spin.  Tonight Many Arms will be joined by saxophonist/guitarist Colin Fisher.  The show is free, and more information can be found here.  Below, listen to “Rising Artifacts in a Five-Point Field.”

Hot off the release of their sophomore album, New York’s Freelance Whales swim into Union Transfer tonight.  The pop band that brought us the indie gem “Hannah” on 2010′s Weathervanes charmed fans again with Diluvia and the catchy lead single “Locked Out” earlier this month.  Also performing is San Francisco synth-pop band Geographer.  Tickets are $15; with each online ticket purchase you will also get a download of Diluvia in its entirety.  Go here for more information.  The doors will open at 8:00 p.m. for the all-ages show.  Below, watch a backstage/rehearsal video for “Locked Out.”

Foot-stomping Americana band Spirit Family Reunion come to The Abbey Bar at the Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg tonight.  Formed in New York City, the revivalist sextet has been receiving national praise for its debut LP No Separation, a reference to the band’s communal-style shows where the line between performer and audience member is often blurred.  Tickets for tonight’s 21+ show are $7 here; doors are at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch the band perform around Bob Boilen’s desk for an episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.

XPN welcomes Donavon Frankenreiter to World Cafe Live.  Tickets are $23 here for the all-ages show.  HEad over here for tickets and information.  You can pick up tickets here.  XPN also welcomes Shemekia Copeland to the Arden Gild Hall in Arden, Deleware.  Please note that Rickie Lee Jones‘ show at The Sellersville Theater has been postponed until Monday, November 12th, and the Fountains of Wayne show World Cafe Live at The Queen in Wilmington has been canceled.

Acoustic guitar virtuoso Daniel Bachman – who recently moved from Philadelphia back to his native Fredericksburg, Virginia – returns to town tonight for an appearance at Little Berlin with Chris Forsyth and Birds of Maya. Admission to the all-ages show is a $5 to $7 suggested donation at the door; more information is available here. Read Elliot Sharp’s interview with Bachman here, and download his recent Be Nice to your Kids session below.

For a badass early Halloween show, Arrah and the Ferns will be performing the Black Sabbath classic Paranoid in its entirety for the Very PARANOID Halloween showcase at The Fire. Will the countrified indie band be metal-ing it up for the night, or will the metal be made twangy? All questions shall be answered beginning at 9. Also on the bill are Adam and Dave’s Bloodline as The Misfits. More information on the 21+ show can be found here. Below, to go with the seasonal vibe, watch a video of the Ferns playing “Pumpkin” in Kutztown last year.

Speaking of twang, upstate New York folksinger Jess Klein released her eighth album Behind a Veil earlier this year, and the record travels further down country roads compared to her earlier work, chronicling a year of personal struggles using a decidedly Texan sonic palette. She plays Burlap and Bean Coffeehouse in Newtown Square tonight at 8 p.m. with JD Malone; admission to the all-ages show is $12, more information can be found here. Below, watch Klein perform the song “Riverview” from Behind a Veil.

Post-punk band Swans will be performing tonight at Union Transfer. Swans, formed in 1982 by frontman Michael Gira, took a hiatus from 1997 to 2010. Since then, the band has released two new albums, 2010′s My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky and The Seer, which dropped in August. The all-ages show starts at 9; ticket information can be found here. Watch their cover of  Joy Division‘s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” below.

The one and only Robert Glasper Experiment will be playing at World Cafe Live this evening. The jazz pianist and his band released their fifth album, Black Radio in February. The show tonight starts at 8; more details can be found here. Below you can stream his song “Afro Blue” featuring Erykah Badu.

XPN Welcomes alt rocker Mike Doughty to World Cafe Live at the Queen tonight. Doughty’s new album of covers, The Flip is Another Honey, will be available November 6th, and features guest singer Roseanne Cash on Johnny Cash’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The show tonight begins at 8; more ticket information can be found here. Listen to Doughty’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” with Roseanne Cash below.

Shout out to the Royal Potato Family! XPN Welcomes experimental pianist Marco Benevento will be rocking out at The Blockley tonight! Benevento’s fourth full length record, Tigerface, was released in September. This 21+ show begins at 9 PM; more details can be found here. Check out Benevento’s video for “Limbs of a Pine” below.

Philly folk collective Spirit & Dust will be playing tonight at The Fire as Folkadelphia celebrates the upcoming release of Spirit & Dust’s first full-length album as well as the release of Brooklyn band Plume Giant‘s new record, Callithump. The 21+ show tonight begins at 8 PM; ticket information can be found here. You can download Spirit & Dust’s 2009 demo Delight below.

WXPN welcomes blues musician Sonny Landreth as he continues his Elemental Journeys tour this evening at World Cafe Live at The Queen in Wilmington. The show tonight begins at 7:30; more ticket information can be found here. Below, watch Landreth perform “Promise Land” with Eric Clapton in 2010.

Mike Doughty The Flip is Another Honey tracklist

1. Sunshine
2. A Fanfare
3. Jimmy Bell (originally by Cat Iron, based on a version by 15 60 75 the Numbers Band)
4. Take Me Home, Country Roads (feat. Rosanne Cash; originally by John Denver)
5. Southern Girls (originally by Cheap Trick)
6. Tightrope (based around a chorus by The Stone Roses)
7. Send in the Clowns (originally from the musical “Company,” by Stephen Sondheim)
8. Running Back (originally by Thin Lizzy)
9. Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat (originally from “Guys and Dolls,” by Frank Loesser)
10. Boy + Angel (originally by Doveman)
11. Reach Out (originally by Cheap Trick)
12. Ta Douleur (originally by Camille)
13. God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind) (originally by Randy Newman)
14. Mistress (originally by Red House Painters)
15. Words (originally by Low)

Over at Underground Arts, blues-inspired folkie William Elliott Whitmore performs an early set with Santa Fe songwriter Samantha Crain opening. The 21+ show begins at 7:30 p.m., admission is $15, tickets and information are available here. Below, watch Whitmore performing “Hell or High Water” for KEXP.

If you missed Field Report when they played XPoNential Music Festival this summer – and we have a feeling a lot of you did – you’ve got two chances to see them this weekend, beginning tonight at World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington. They open for Melissa Ferrick, tickets to the all-ages show are $30 and available here. Below, watch Field Report performing “Fergus Falls” in the restroom at XPoNential, filmed by Out of Town Films.

Out Of Town Films Presents: Field Report “Fergus Falls” from Out Of Town Films on Vimeo.

WXPN welcomes local psych-popsters Cheers Elephant to the Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenxiville tonight; they’re also performing their first show of the weekend, and co-headline along with up-and-coming rock act Modern Inventors. Admission to the all-ages show is $12, tickets and information are available here. Below, listen to the title track from Cheers Elephant’s latest record, Like Wind Blows Fire.

Touring in support of her latest record, The Gun in Your Hand, Jersey native Danielia Cotton visits The Sellersville Theater tonight for an XPN Welcomes show. The all-ages show begins at 8 p.m., admission is $24, tickets and information are available here. Below, listen to “Save Me,” the opening track on her new record.

In addition to the notably different vibe of the setting, the lineup at The Queen’s Beta Hi-Fi finals was something else altogether from its northerly equivalent. While competing bands in Philly were chosen solely by audience vote, The Queen determined its last round through a mix of audience vote and panels of judges throughout the week – meaning some acts vying for top honors were unconventional and experimental, rather than purely being crowd-pleasers.

Walking away with first place was The Districts, an impressive young four-piece from Lititz, in Lancaster County. The band channeled the rock-and-soul vibe of Cold War Kids and Spoon; singer Rob Grote’s searing voice cut across the concert hall, blending with the band’s smartly-arranged instrumental interplay. They do the very Pixies loud-quiet-LOUD thing, but in a more textured way than simply turning their overdrive pedals on and off. A thundering swell cuts, leaving a clean guitar arpeggio floating in space as Grote catches his breath; the verses build in waves, with the heaviness sometimes derived just from Braden Lawrence’s drums. Grote is an intense, emphatic, occasionally bewildering stage presence – he kicks, stomps and snarls, both at the mic and far away – but guitarist Mark Larson and bassist Connor Jacobus hold their own, shuffling and bobbing and giving the overall band a dynamic stage presence. Check out “Four and Four” from their album Telephone below, and watch these guys close – they’re moving fast.

In second place was Bethlehem duo XVSK, an unconventional collaboration of cellist Trevor Exter and drummer John Morgan Kimock (son of jazz guitarist Steve Kimock). Initial impressions: Exter plays his cello while standing, which I’ve never seen before. And they strongly reminded me of Morphine, which is always sure to catch my ear. But let’s not pigeonhole here – these guys had no saxophone (Morphine’s signature instrument), their melodies and phrasing were more folksy, and they embarked on sound-loop excursions and freak-outs, always returning to Exter’s suave vocal delivery. Both top bands won promo packages from festival sponsor Tri-State Indie; in addition, The Districts won a copy of ProTools 9 from Drexel University. XVSK returns to Philadelphia on September 30 to play a live / improvised score to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind at PhilaMOCA.

Other bands in the running included Political Theatre, a West Chester three-piece whose dramatic delivery and arty tones took cues from Radiohead’s In Rainbows and Jeff Buckley’s Grace; South Jersey’s The Quixote Project, a feel-good folk-pop ensemble and possibly the first band to pair bluegrass stylings with bongo drums; and Glim Dropper, an energetic prog-pop trio from Philadelphia. For more on the competition, its prizes and sponsors, visit the festival website here.

September 7th – Viper Alley – Lincolnshire, IL – w/ Rusted Root
September 11th – Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON – w/ Rusted Root
September 12th – TBA – Buffalo, NY
September 13th – TBA – Boston, MA
September 14th – TBA – Providence, RI
September 15th – The Flying Monkey – Plymouth, NH – w/ Rusted Root
September 16th – Tarrytown Music Hall – Tarrytown, NY – w/ Rusted Root
September 18th – Papermill Island – Baldwinsville, NY – w/ Rusted
September 19th – The Haunt – Ithaca, NY – w/ Rusted Root
September 20th – World Cafe Live at The Queen – Wilmington, DE – w/ Jen Creed
September 21st – State College, PA
September 23rd – The Loft at Harem River Lounge – Lansing, MI – w/ Rusted Root
September 24th – Gas Lamp – Des Moines, IA
September 25th – Mill City Nights – Minneapolis, MN – w/ with Rusted Root and Nathan Miller
September 26th – TBA – Pittsburgh, PA
September 28th – TBA – Philadelphia, PA
September 29th – Pinhead Susan’s Block Party – Schenectady, NY

American descendant of Panamanian parents, Aloe Blacc grew up in Los Angeles and became invested in the California hip hop scene. He worked in troupes such as Emanon and Jazz Liberatorz, and began his solo career in 2006. He has released two LP’s that evoke his R&B style underneath his eclectic singing and rapping skills. He plays tonight at the TLA at 7 p.m. Tickets to this all ages show are $20. Below watch Aloe Blacc’s video for “I Need A Dollar”.

Philadelphians Oldermost produce beautifully-crafted melodies drizzled with soft-spoken vocals, delicate piano strokes and steady rhythmic drumming. You can listen to their EP Lose Your Mind on their bandcamp page. Their warm energy will be flowing tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, along with Capewrath and Daniel Ryan Belski. Tickets to this 21+ show are $10, grab yours here. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The Candlight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness is a concert series taking place in Pennington, NJ. It is a chance to raise funds and awareness about the effects of epilepsy. Tonight’s feature is righteous soulful singer Sharon Little. She recently released her sophomore album, Paper Doll. Catch her tonight at the concert while donating to a worthy cause at the same time. Doors are at 7 p.m., show at 8; tickets are $15. And if you can’t make it out to the show, you can stream it live on StageIt.com.

WXPN welcomes The Spring Standards CD Release Show to World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington, DE. They released their double EP Yellow // Gold, and it reflects their memories of growing up as folksinger children and provides a snapshot living life today in the big city. Also playing tonight is Wilmington’s own, The Spinto Band. The show starts at 8 p.m, tickets are $18-20. Below watch The Spring Standard’s official video for “Heavy Home” off the EP.

French electronic band M83 are bringing their ambient vibes to the Electric Factory before they head to Lollapalooza and then continue their extensive three month-long U.S. tour. The all-ages show starts at 8PM and features support from Big Black Delta. Tickets are $40.40 and can be purchased here. Watch the official music video for the band’s infectious single “Midnight City” from their latest album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming in the player below.

Toronto band Zeus are headlining a show at the North Star Bar tonight along with Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang (featuring Juston Stens formerly of Dr. Dog) and Megan Reilly. The 21+ show starts at 8PM and tickets are available here for $10.

Finally, Philadelphia natives/married couple/musical duo Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon (AKA Kindred the Family Soul) are bringing their soulful sound to World Cafe at the Queen in Wilmington tonight at 8PM. Reserved seats for are sold out, but general admission tickets are still available for $29 here.

South Philly native Lushlife will bring his beat-making swagger with him to Milkboy Philly tonight. Having made a stellar name for himself over the past year, Lushlife blends experimental production and live rapping together into one nuanced sound. Also performing is funky psychedelic duo THEESATISFACTION and indie electronic artist Mast. This show is 21+, doors open at 8 PM. Go here for tickets.

Bucks County native Alec Gross has been making a name for himself in the New York City singer-songwriter scene, but he returns to the region tonight for a show at the Abington Arts Center. The lushly-arranged songs on his album Strip the Lanterns are both introspective and anthemic, recalling Josh Ritter and Bruce Springsteen – you can grab a download of his single “If You Don’t Mind (Baby Go Ahead)” below. The Abington Art Center is located at 515 Meetinghouse Road in Jenkintown. Admission to the all ages show is $5 and music begins at 7 p.m.

A band from California who calls themselves The Growlers will be playing tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. The group experiments with different sounds ranging from psychedelic to classic rock to hip hop. Also playing will be Philadelphia psych rock boys, Mountjoy who just released their Naked Lake EP. To purchase tickets to this 21+ show go here. Doors open at 8PM.

A hot new band from Chicago who call themselves Gold Motel have been playing together for three years creating vivacious indie pop sounds perfect for your summer playlist. Tonight they play at North Star Bar along with local singer/songwriter Lucy Stone, as well as Tailain Rayne and Dark Black. Tickets to this all ages show are $10, doors open at 7pm. Listen to Gold Motel’s song “Leave You in Love” below.

The new dream pop project from Andy Molholt, Laser Background, is having its self-titled EP release party at Kung Fu Necktie tonight. Laser Background takes pieces from zooming laser sound effects to jazzy percussion to vocal tracks resembling Echo & The Bunnymen. Watch his video for “Weird Conscience” below. Supporting acts tonight include Arrah & The Ferns and Circadian Rhythms. This 21+ show is only $5 and starts at 8pm. Go here to get your tickets.

Over at World Cafe Live at the Queen, WXPN welcomes Grammy award winning brothers from New Orleans, the Rebirth Brass Band. The heavy funk group has also just announced that they will be going on tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers starting in November. You can purchase tickets to their show in Wilmington tonight here.

At World Cafe Live Upstairs, singer/songwriter Mindy Smith‘s Closer Tour stops by, with an opening set from Rosi Golan. The show begins at 8pm, tickets are $18 in advanced and $20 day of show.

UPDATE 07/12: The Spinto Band was recently added as a support act for Here We Go Magic’s appearance at Johnny Brenda’s next Wednesday July 18. Tickets and information on that show can be found here.

The son of two folk singers, it is no surprise that Willy Mason followed in his parent’s footsteps. The country/folk singer was discovered by Conor Oberst in 2004, and since has played extensively with bands such as Death Cab for Cutie, Radiohead, and will be on tour with Mumford & Sons this fall. He is currently working on his third studio album, you can go here to his website and download a single from the album entitled “Restless Fugitive.” Willy Mason plays tonight at World Cafe Live Upstairs at 8 PM. Tickets to the all ages show are $12.

Regina Spektor

Dar Williams performs at 8 p.m. Friday, May 11th, at World Cafe Live At The Queen; tickets to the all-ages show are $31-$41.

Regina Spektor performs with Only Son at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12th, at Tower Theatre; tickets to the all-ages show are $36-$74.

Ingrid Michaelson performs with Scars On 45 at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12th, at Electric Factory; tickets to the all-ages show are SOLD OUT.

M. Ward performs with Lee Ranaldo Band at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12th, at Union Transfer; tickets to the all-ages show are $22-$25.

Esperanza Spalding performs at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 13th, at Electric Factory; tickets to the all-ages show are $30.

All photos by Joe del Tufo

Click on the following links to hear the full sets by Bright Eyes, The Cave Singers, The Civil Wars, Givers, The Head And The Heart, Thurston Moore, and Todd Snyder.

Via NPR Music:

A modern-day soul revivalist, Raphael Saadiq (born Charlie Ray Wiggins) is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and record producer. A former member of the R&B trio Tony! Toni! Tone!, Saadiq has produced records for John Legend and Joss Stone and collaborated with the likes of Whitney Houston, D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, The Isley Brothers and The Roots. His 20 years in the soul scene have left a remarkable old-school footprint in the music world, as he’s fused the classic rock and soul sounds of the 1960s and ’70s with his background in classical music, spirituals and jazz.

Listen to Saadiq take the stage at The Queen in Wilmington, Del., and perform songs from his new album, Stone Rollin’.

You can listen to the entire performance here.

At the core of The Jayhawks‘ alt-country sound is the paired talent of Gary Louris and Mark Olson. These guys have it all: impeccable guitar runs, smooth harmonies and tremendous songwriting.

Formed in Minneapolis in 1985, the band perfected its folk-rock style with loads of local gigging. Drawing inspiration from Gram Parsons, the Louvin Brothers, Tim Hardin and Bob Dylan, The Jayhawks released an eponymous debut in 1986. Soon, the band’s Americana sound could be heard all over the Twin Cities.

The Jayhawks’ big breakthrough came with Hollywood Town Hall, which appeared on the top of many critics’ best-of lists in 1991. From then on, despite an evolving lineup, The Jayhawks released a stream of acclaimed albums until taking an unofficial hiatus in 2005.

The band will release a new album in September called Mockingbird Time, and you can hear some of its songs during this live set at The Queen in Wilmington, Del., part of the 11th annual NON-COMMvention radio conference.

You can listen to the entire performance here.

Canadian musician Sam Roberts opened the 21st century as a humble singer-songwriter, but that persona is long gone: Roberts is now one of the best-known rock acts in Canada.

During his decade-long ascent, Roberts has performed with Oasis and The Tragically Hip, signed an international record deal and put together a band. The Sam Roberts Band has released five full-length albums, each of which was nominated or won a Juno award — Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy.

The latest from The Sam Roberts Band, Collider, came out earlier this month. You can hear songs from the album during this performance at the 11th annual NON-COMMvention radio conference, recorded live at World Cafe Live at The Queen in Wilmington, Del.

You can listen to the entire set here.

Over the years, Ben Harper has built a worldwide fan base for his genre-bending rock. The two-time Grammy-winner established himself in the mid-1990s as a solo artist and later with his band Innocent Criminals.

Harper has recorded with several different backing bands, but the new Give Till It’s Gone finds him returning to his roots as a solo singer. He performed songs from the album on Friday during a special afternoon show at The Queen in Wilmington, Del.

You can listen to the entire performance here.

Via NPR Music:

Best known for his role as the harmonica-toting frontman of Blues Traveler, John Popper also sports serious skills as a guitarist and singer, as well as an impressive career dating back to the 1980s.

His new project’s eponymous release, John Popper and the Duskray Troubadours, features 12 original tracks. It’s described by Popper himself as the “liberating, scrappy, roots-rock alter ego of Blues Traveler,” and he’s pretty much on the money.

Popper and his band recently took the stage at The Queen in Wilmington, Del., for a special show at the NON-COMMvention radio conference.

You can listen to last night’s entire performance here.

Six-time Grammy-winning gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama was first formed at Alabama’s Talladega Insitute for the Blind in 1939. It was there that the original five members came together under the moniker “The Happyland,” which was changed to The Blind Boys of Alabama in 1948.

In the group’s incredible 70-year existence, it has released more than 60 albums and been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Maintaining their signature four-part harmonies, the band members have experimented with various styles within the gospel tradition. The Blind Boys’ blend of traditional and contemporary gospel, soul and R&B once confined the group to small gospel venues, but after collaborating with artists such as Mavis Staples, Tom Petty, Prince, Peter Gabriel and Taj Mahal, it’s become a global sensation.

The Blind Boys’ latest release, Take the High Road, continues this expansion into other genres: This time, the group explores the connection between traditional country and gospel. The 13-track collection has an all-star guest list, including Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack and the Oak Ridge Boys. The material mixes old and new with a soulful feel.

Listen to a 25-minute celebration of country and gospel with the Blind Boys of Alabama, recorded live at The Queen in Wilmington, Del.

You can listen to last night’s entire performance here.