WXPN’s Homegrown Live returns Thursday, August 12, at The Lounge at World Stage — free, live, in-person performances from three Philadelphia-area artists, part of the station’s ongoing series celebrating original talent growing in its own backyard. The show starts at 7:30pm. It’s free to attend, but registration is required.

Dylan Zangwill and Max Davey: Two Rising Philly Voices

Dylan Zangwill has one of the more unusual bios on this Homegrown Live bill. Now 19, Zangwill appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2021 at just 14 years old, then competed on American Idol the following year, making it all the way to the Hollywood round. His song “Running the Hell Out” was produced by Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie — a real vote of confidence from one of Philadelphia’s own established rock acts.

Max Davey, a rising singer-songwriter in the local folk, Americana, and bluegrass scene, arrives at Homegrown Live in the middle of a genuinely packed summer. She played with Valley Flowers at 118 North in Wayne on July 19, supported Sixpence None the Richer in Haddon Heights on July 29, and plays a free gig in Exton on August 11 — the night before this show. That’s the schedule of an artist with real momentum, not just a single local booking.

Birdie Busch Returns With a New Album and Decades of Philly Roots

Birdie Busch anchors the bill with real Philadelphia music-scene history behind her. A native of Collingswood now based in Germantown, Busch started performing in the early 2000s at open mics at The Fire on South Street, in her early 20s. Along the way she built lasting creative friendships with musician “Cowmuddy” (Michael McShane) and a gospel singer named Mr. Huff, who she met while waitressing a gospel brunch. She’s spent years curating an annual event called Philly Opry at Johnny Brenda’s, mixing local and touring acts — the mark of someone who’s spent as much time building the scene as performing in it.

Busch released her latest album, Night Blooming, in March — a warm, inviting collection that’s already put the track “Our Own Cure” into regular WXPN rotation. “Birdie Busch has long been a favorite of XPN and we’re thrilled that she’s back with a new album,” said WXPN Midday host Mike Vasilikos. “It’s a warm and inviting collection of songs that we can’t wait for folks to hear live! Plus, Dylan Zangwill and Max Davey are both exciting up & comers on the Philly Music scene. They are both primed to win over the crowd!”

Registration for Homegrown Live is free via Eventbrite. A veteran songwriter with a new album, a rising folk artist mid-tour, and a 19-year-old with two national TV competitions already behind him — Homegrown Live keeps finding ways to make one free night feel like a genuine snapshot of where Philadelphia music is right now.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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