The Show Goes On: Escape the Pope weekend crowds with these awesome gigs just outside of Philly

Yesterday we gave those of you spending pope weekend in Philly some tips on what is going on and how exactly you should get there. But many are probably wary of what will be one of the most crowded weekends in the city’s history – and thankfully, there’s plenty of live music a short roadtrip away. Today, we bring you a roundup of concerts that are worth venturing outside of Popeville to catch.

XPN favorites Dr. Dog will be playing a show in Bethlehem, PA at Steel Stacks as a part of the Yuengling Summer Concert series. The band recently finished up a stint at Union Transfer performing a rock opera of sorts based on their EP The Psychadelic Swamp, but they will back to the more traditional set at Steel Stacks. For more information on the show, click here.

Art rockers Man Man will be taking their high-energy show to The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company on Friday. Though a bit of hike from Philly, Man Man’s wild live show will be more than worth the road trip. Click here for more information.

If you are looking for something a little closer to home, look no further than Doylestown’s Siren Records which will host the single release party for Sonnder’s newest single, “New Direction”.  The alt rockers will be joined by Eunoia, The Rescue and A Day Without Love. Go here for more information on the show.

At the Sellersville Theater Friday night, two veterans of the Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Music Festival will perform a sweet double-bill. Ceramic Animal, who won 10 hours or of recording time this past summer, will headline the show with their mix of indie and alt-rock. They will be joined by sister soul-funk duo Nalani and Sarina, finalists at Beta Hi-Fi 2014, bringing an eclectic mix of styles to Sellersville Theater. Go to the XPN Concert Calendar for more information.

West Chester’s Ben Smith will play Kennett Flash in Kennett Square, PA on Friday night alongside Jimmy Brett, Gina Degnars, WILD NORTH, Michael Rudolph Cummings. Smith will bring his years and years of expertise in songwriter and performing to the stage giving a concert that is sure to please fans and newcomers alike. For more information on the show go here.

If escaping the Pope mania and seeing an awesome show wasn’t enough, how about a FREE show courtesy of the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series. Regional bizarro-rock hero Dean Ween and his band (which is pretty much the band Ween, minus Aaron Freeman) will rock the stage Saturday night, bringing his trademark energy and antics to Capital Green in Trenton. For more information, click here.

Indie-rock veterans The Airborne Toxic Event are set to perform at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside Saturday night. The band continues to tour in support of 2015’s Dope Machines, which marked a change in their sound, showing a willingness to continuously adapt their sound. For more information on the show, go to the XPN Concert Calendar.

Also at the Keswick Theatre this weekend is the English folk singer-songwriter Passenger. The brainchild and stage name of Michael Rosenberg, Passenger is known for their introspective lyrics and spare, acoustic instrumentation. Rosenberg will be joined by fellow singer-songwriter, Gregory Alan Isakov. Click here for more information.

You may not be able to hit your favorite Philly venue this weekend, but as you can see, there is still plenty going on in the area worth checking out. For a full list of shows this weekend, go to the XPN Concert Calendar.