The strong center-festival run of talent on Musikfest’s free stages winds up today before the second weekend arrives.
Today is another of our favorite days on the free stages. Here are our Picks of the Platzes:
THURSDAY, Aug. 9
Marshall Crenshaw, 9 p.m. Americaplatz. A pop-music master, Crenshaw had his biggest commercial success with his 1982 self-titled debut album, which included the hits “Someday Someway” and “Cynical Girl,” and had the radio hits “There She Goes Again” and “Mary Ann.” His 1983 sophomore disc “Field Day” included “Whenever You’re on My Mind.” Crenshaw has released eight critically acclaimed albums since, and also co-wrote the Gin Blossoms’ 1995 hit “Til I Hear It from You.”
Wild Adriatic, 9:30 p.m. Plaza Tropical. The upstate New York was signed by an agent after playing Musikfest in 2014, and has returned several times since. “They are the perfect combination of funk, rock ‘n’ roll and an energized live show for a great summer night at a music festival,” Brogan says.
Jamie Kent, 7 p.m. Americaplatz. Massachusetts folk, roots, country and rock singer-songwriter with his band played a great Levitt SteelStacks show last summer. Check out his songs “Ain’t No Jesus” and “Home.”
Grandchildren, 3:30 p.m., Plaza Tropical. The six-piece Philadelphia indie-rock band plays airy, evocative orchestral pop music.
Kevin Miller’s Smashed, 9 p.m., Musikfest Café. Eastern Pennsylvania native Mill was drummer for the rock band Fuel in the late 1990s and early 2000s, playing on the hits “Shimmer,” “Hemorrhage (In My Hands),” “Innocent” and “Bad Day.” His band plays mostly covers of modern rock.
