The holiday season is here and while buying Christmas presents, cooking up lavish feasts and making appearances at all of those holiday parties can be fun, it can also be stressful. Going to concerts is a great way to relieve stress, no matter what kind of music you’re into. From jazz to rock to r&b, there are a ton of live music events happening in and around Philadelphia to add a little soul to the holiday season.
The Jost Project
Sunday, Nov. 19
3 p.m., $10 suggested donation
First Presbyterian Church
Hughes & Decatur, Cape May
thejostproject.com
Love the music of the 60s and 70s? Love jazz? Then you should check out the Philly-based jazz group, The Jost Project, at their Cape May show this weekend. Featuring virtuoso vocalist Paul Jost, Tony Miceli on vibraphones and Kevin MacConnell on acoustic bass, if the shore doesn’t have you feeling easy and breezy, their set certainly will.
Vinnie Paolizzi
Wednesday, Nov. 22
8:30 p.m., Free
Boxcar Brewpub
142 E. Market St., West Chester
boxcarbrewingcompany.com
Looking for something fun and free to do the night before Thanksgiving? Check out the CD release show for local artist, Vinnie Paolizzi, at Boxcar Brewpub in West Chester. If you’re a fan of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne, you’ll probably dig his guitar-driven tunes with thoughtful lyrics.
Post War Dream
Wednesday, Dec. 6
8 p.m., $8-$10
Milkboy Philly
1100 Chestnut St.
milkboyphilly.com
Love the Lumineers and Death Cab for Cutie? Maybe you should check out Philly’s own Post War Dream performing at Milkboy in December. The four-piece indie rock band draws inspiration from folk, pop as well as indie sounds to set millennial struggles to music. They will be supporting the Portland band SeepeopleS.
The York Street Hustle Holiday Spectacular
Friday, Dec. 8
8:30 p.m., $15-$17
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden St.
utphilly.com
This 10-piece Motown band has gone from performing tiny bars on South Street to repeatedly selling out World Cafe Live. With a repertoire of over 90 songs covering Detroit, Memphis and Chicago soul, they’re bringing their annual holiday show to Union Transfer for an unforgettable night of good times.
A Night for Cranberry
Wednesday, Dec. 20
6 p.m., $10
World Cafe Live (Upstairs)
3025 Walnut St.
worldcafelive.com
How about attending a concert that gives back? Local artists Princess K, After the Bar, Dave Quicks Band, NIIC the Singing Dog, Harlowe Jones, TJ McGlinchy, Gene Smith Band, Paul Keen, Minerva and Laura Cheadle will be performing to benefit the PSPCA. The event is named after Cranberry, a pup that was found last holiday season in a trash bag in Fairmount Park and saved.
