Go Birds! 2025 XPoNential Music Festival Day 3. Thoughts & Photos
The third day of the XPoNential Music Festival presented by Subaru continued the Philly love fest. More artists with deep roots in the city, a surprise visit, and an Australian headliner made the day super special. Also, the fact that the Eagles were playing and everyone was abuzz from excitement of a still-new football season for the defending Super Bowl champs.
And it was simply confirmation that “Go Birds” is not just exclusive to Eagles fans. It’s become a regional greeting, no matter if you even know what a football is. Walk into a Wawa, attend a Greensky Bluegrass set (they’re from Michigan!) or whatever, and someone will scream “Go Birds” at you.
Even with that realization Philadelphia is still full of die-hards for their football team. During Daniel Donato’s set, I noticed a crowd of fans gathered around the XFINITY tent. Mounted on the back of a van was a TV playing the game. And a few minutes later, loud cheers erupted, the Eagles had pulled off a victory.
XFINITY was one of a few sponsors at the fest. Sometimes fests can feel overwhelming with these types of things, but the XPoNential Music Festival kept it very reasonable. Its tents featured way more community-focused services, from Camden County’s presence to other local vendors. The big centerpiece of the entryway was a display from Subaru, who recently relocated their American headquarters to Camden from nearby Cherry Hill. They had some of their vehicles on display and gave away freebies to all who stopped by.
Emily Drinker
“Go Birds! … That’s the best thing ever. When you don’t know what to say or feel nervous or you’re like ‘what was I gonna say next?’ Go Birds! It always Works.” Dressed in green for an Eagles Sunday, Drinker was a crowd favorite from the moment she took the stage. It wasn’t just the hometown pandering, earlier in the year Drinker and her band performed on a cruise ship, and the energy, and ability to connect to and hold the attention of a crowd that may not be familiar with your music was on full display. Drinker’s music channels tons of different influences, and her set even featured a song dedicated to Bernice Johnson Reagon. And with only one minute left in her set, she closed her set with her own take on the Eagles fight song.
Connect with Emily Drinker: insta / website
Zinadelphia
In Day 2’s coverage, I spoke about how the day’s music made me fall in love with Philadelphia all over again. If it didn’t happen on Day 2, Zinadelphia’s set alone would have been enough to trigger those emotions. After her first song, she exclaimed “I’m Home!” and told stories about sneaking on the very stage she was playing back when she was a kid. And her sound is infectious as hell. Incredible grooves, beats, and oh my god HOW is “The Seamstress” not the biggest song of the year? Just a magical set that featured Zina taking a moment to sit on the stage and forge a deep connection with her audience.
Connect with Zinadelphia: insta / website
Michigander
The Philly love continued with Michigander, who, despite being from Michigan, had a bit of a homecoming at XPoNential Music Festival. Lead singer Jason Singer’s appreciation for the city, and WXPN for being so supportive throughout his career was so authentic, you could tell from the smile that beamed as he talked about the city. Their set was a real treat, too, a great blend of what has made the last decade or so very special for indie rock. And hearing “I’ll Be OK” live is just something you need to experience.
connect with Michigander: insta / website
Jade Bird
So, uh, Jade Bird just popped up. On a day where everyone was saying “Go Birds!” I’m not sure if this is what they meant, but the second-most said expression once Bird took the stage was “holy shit!” Bird is an incredible songwriter, and has found a ton of support from XPN, Philly, and the XPoNential Music Festival over the years. She reminisced, and noted this was the first time she’s played the main stage. A charming set, including dedicating a cover to “I’ve Been Everywhere” to someone she spotted wearing a Johnny Cash shirt. Bird really is a special musician and her set was a wonderful, unexpected surprise.
Connect with Jade Bird: insta / website
Spin Doctors
Spin Doctors covered “Purple Rain”. That’s really all you need to know. Seriously, though, they’re a band that’s simply incredible to watch live. You’ll get the hits, they’ll probably close with “Two Princes”, but you really never know what’ll happen before that. Chris Barron spun around, jumped, and kicked around on stage like artists half his age. A set full of uncontrollable energy, with a hint of being delightfully strange. Just the way we love it at Teppen.
Connect with Spin Doctors: insta / website
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
You really can’t pick a better combination of words to describe Daniel Donato’s music than Cosmic Country. A charming performer, usually with a big smile on his face, when he wasn’t hyper-focused on his guitar. His band also was a great complement, and up for anything. While Donato sang or shredded, they’d provide gooey warm bass lines, tight drums, and a complete keyboard assault. A truly fun set from a rising star.
Connect with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country: insta / website
Greensky Bluegrass
Originally scheduled to perform at the festival in 2024, Greensky Bluegrass apologized for being late. But the year wait was worth it just watching that crew do their thing on stage. Mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, and an upright bass was all they needed to captivate the audience. That and the fact they played Springsteen’s “Atlantic City”, just like I asked. Thank you, Greensky Bluegrass. But seriously, they’re a fantastic band playing authentic bluegrass and keeping its sounds alive.
Connect with Greensky Bluegrass: insta / website
Craig Finn
Craig Finn is a legend in our minds. Everything he does is so powerful, whether it’s with The Hold Steady, or his solo releases. Seeing him on the Marina stage was an intimate experience, with banter back and forth with the audience, Finn told stories during his set, which heavily featured his most recent record Always Been. “Luke & Leanna” was an absolute ripper live, specifically. The whole set was full of positive energy, in a way that only Craig Finn can pull off.
Connect with Craig Finn: insta / website
Courtney Barnett
Courtney Barnett knew exactly what song to kick off her set with. A rendition of “City Looks Pretty” as the sun set over an incredible view of the Philadelphia skyline. Barnett brought a career-spanning set going back to “Avant Gardener” and “History Eraser”, crowd pleasers like “Pedestrian at Best”, more recent tracks, and even bringing out Kurt Vile. Her band was also fantastic, featuring long-time bassist Bones Sloane and drummer Stella Mozgawa. Barnett shredded and again, the energy level was off the charts. It’s actually incredible that Barnett’s music and lyrics can feel so laid back at times, and other times be on the verge of explosion. Artists throughout the weekend also made note of a sign on the stage to not curse, as they were being broadcast on air. So of course Barnett played a raw version of “I’m Not Your Mother, I’m Not Your Bitch”. Fuck, that ruled.
Connect with Courtney Barnett: insta / website
And that concludes our coverage of the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival presented by Subaru. It was a blast from start to finish, and we are so grateful to WXPN for allowing us to shoot and cover the festival. I’ve long said WXPN is the greatest radio station on the planet, and this weekend only solidified that opinion. It also exponentially grew my love for Philadelphia. I love this city so much, and it’s thanks to so many of these artists. See you next year, XPN!