The Top Concerts of the Summer, by Genre

The Mann Music Center (Photo Courtesy Of: Uwishunu)
The Mann Music Center (Photo Courtesy Of: Uwishunu)

Summertime is the best time for concerts, especially at Philadelphia venues like The Mann Center and Susquehanna Bank Center with their breezy outdoor lawns. As a city full of cultural diversity, Philadelphia is bringing a large range of music this season. At Philly PR Girl we’re also about diversity, and it just so happens that each team member has a different favorite genre. We’ve covered the top concerts in a variety of genres for you!

INDIE ROCK by Jess

  1. Three of Philly’s finest on the alt-rock scene will take to the stage at Union Transfer on July 18th for a night of feel good vibes and legendary haircuts. The psychedelic pop-rock quartet Cheers Elephant is headlining the all-ages performance, with local favorites Toy Soldier and power pop group Cheerleaders, who have made an awful lot of noise with just three songs and a music video to date.
  2. On July 21st, for one night only, Jeff Mangum will grace the stage at the Mann Center as Neutral Milk Hotel plays what the band has announced will be their final headline shows in the NYC, Philadelphia and DC area for the foreseeable future.
  3. Celebrate the recent release of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s newest album with a cozy performance at Johnny Brenda’s on June 27th for those 21+. The band, whose second LP “Only Run” dropped just last week, will be playing alongside siblings Bryan and Douglass Enas, whose act Stagnant Pools has been compared to Joy Division and Sonic Youth.
  4. WXPN brings out a killer lineup of group and solo artists for the 2014 XPoNential Music Festival across the water at Wiggins Park and the Susquehanna Bank Center. From July 25-27, kick back with three days’ worth of blues, folk, indie pop and alt rock goodness from the likes of Beck, Band of Horses, Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Lewis, The Hold Steady, and more.

POP by Amanda

  1. Mix 106 presents SUMMER JAM 2014! The Susquehanna Bank Center will heat up on June 28th as the show is starring The Script and One Republic. This will be the second year in a row The Script will perform for Summer Jam. Also, don’t miss the Mix Summer Jam after party hosted by TV personality, Mario Lopez, at Coastline Bar & Grill in Cherry Hill from 10PM- 3AM!
  2. Attendees will be on their feet all night long as the outspoken wild child, Miley Cyrus, and Swedish DJ duo, Icona Pop, take the stage at The Wells Fargo Center on August 2nd. If you missed Miley’s performance in April, now is your chance to catch the Bangerz Tour!
  3. Also on August 2nd, John Legend comes to Philadelphia to perform at The Mann Center for his All Of Me Tour. Stay connected by utilizing the hashtag #ALLOFMETOUR.
  4. As Katy Perry travels the world for her Prism World Tour 2014, she will be stopping at the Wells Fargo Center for – not just one – but two nights in a row on August 4th and 5th.
  5. On August 13th and 14th, One Direction will perform at Lincoln Financial Field with Australian pop-rock boy band, 5 Seconds of Summer, as part of the Where We Are Tour. If you’re a boy band fan, this is one concert you don’t want to miss!

EDM by Alex

  1. Diplo, Dillon Francis, Chance the Rapper, and more take over Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing on August 8th. The Mad Decent Block Party is back in Philadelphia for its third consecutive year. Enjoy the riverside view of this fun outdoor venue while dancing the entire day away with Diplo & Friends. 
  2. Enjoy sun, sand and sounds on June 28th. Head to Wildwood, New Jersey to be a part of the Beach Blanket Bingo concert. Vibe to Cash Cash, LOUDPVCK, Candyland, Pegboard Nerds, gLAdiator, and 12th Planet while getting your tan on. Bikinis and bass… is there really anything better?
  3. A Tommorowland mainstage performer is on his way to the City of Brotherly Love.  On June 27th, District N9ne on Spring Garden St. will be hosting DJ Mak J with an upcoming opener, Peyote.

COUNTRY  by Victoria

  1. This year, Luke Bryan takes over Kenny Chesney’s six-year country concert residency at Lincoln Financial Field with his That’s My Kind of Night Tour. On August 15th, get ready for the 2014 Billboard Music Top Country Artist to bring the party to Philly! Luke will be joined by his friends Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Cole Swindell. Undoubtedly, tailgating will begin early and the party will have the audience singing I Don’t Want This Night to End all night long. 
  2. One half of country music’s ultimate power couple will be coming to Philadelphia on June 15th. Tim McGraw brings his Sundown Heaven Town Tour to the Susquehanna Bank Center with Kip Moore and Season 3 winner of NBC’s The Voice, Cassadee Pope. His shows have been described by Billboard Music as “high-octane,” and you can even get a VIP ticket to the exclusive pre-show VIP party featuring an acoustic performance from Tim!
  3. Not one but TWO nights in June, Zac Brown Band will grace the Susquehanna Bank Center on their Great American Road Trip Tour. This is a must-see country show of the summer as you lay on the lawn and kick back to songs like Toes, Knee Deep, and Jump Right In. Take your pick from either Thursday, June 19th or Friday, June 20th.
  4. On August 1st, Jason Aldean will make Philadelphia history by performing the first-ever country show at Citizens Bank Park. This platinum-selling artist will be joined by the chart-topping duo Florida Georgia Line and Redneck Crazy singer Tyler Farr. Together, these guys are sure to show the city why it’s called the Burn It Down Tour.
  5. This summer, several thousand lucky fans will have tickets to two FREE concerts on the shores of Atlantic City. Blake Shelton brings his Ten Times Crazier Tour on July 31st, and Lady Antebellum’s Take Me Downtown Tour is on August 3rd. Can’t think of a better way to “Do AC” than that!

Want to see ALL the greatest country concerts next year? Keep your eyes peeled for 92.5 XTU’s Country Megaticket, which is a package deal that includes one concert ticket to six shows. Prices range from $290 to deluxe packages for over $1,000.

RAP, HIP HOP, AND R&B by Jordan

  1. For the first time in over a decade, the living legend Diana Ross will be gracing the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. As the headliner for this year’s Party in the Park Gala, Ms. Ross is bringing her In The Name of Love Tour to The Mann Center’s stage on Wednesday, June 25th. Whether you’re looking to score major romance points or just want to plan an amazing night with friends, a once-in-a-lifetime Diana Ross show can never disappoint.
  2. It’s something special when musical couples join forces to create one incredible show. Power couple Beyonce and Jay Z’s On the Run Tour promises to be extraordinary. Fresh off the heels of their own respective tours, the dynamic duo will be combining their expansive repertoires on Saturday, July 5th at Citizens Bank Park for us.
  3. Best-selling American girl group of all time, TLC, will be bringing their classic songs, high energy, and iconic dance moves to the House of Blues in Atlantic City on Saturday, July 12th. If you’re looking for a good time, then look no further. These women have been selling out shows for decades and know how to entertain a crowd, so get ready to dance the night away!
  4. If it were anyone but Bruno Mars, we might be skeptical about something called The Moonshine Jungle Tour… however, he’s allowed an exception. After rocking the crowd at Super Bowl XLVIII and winning the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album earlier this year, Bruno Mars is hotter than ever, and his tour promises to be nothing less than scorching. Head out to the Susquehanna Bank Center on July 17th if you’re ready for a wild night with the Hooligans!
  5. More star power arrives at the Susquehanna Bank Center on July 25th when Wiz Khalifa’s Under the Influence Tour stops by. With an amazing lineup featuring Jeezy, Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign and more, this show is sure to bring out a huge crowd to the Camden Riverfront. Grab your tickets today, because they are sure to move fast!

What is your favorite genre, and what concerts are you most excited to see this summer?