It's no secret that we at Phillyist positively adore Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, both as individuals and as collaborators—better known in that context as The Swell Season. And so it should be no surprise to you that we'll be at Glen and Mar's show tonight at the Tower Theater.

When last we saw The Swell Season, they were playing to a half-full crowd at the TLA. What a difference an Oscar (Best Original Song, for "Falling Slowly" from Once) makes! People are taking note of The Swell Season, as well they should have long before the award—or even the nomination. Of course, it's not like Swell is new on the music scene: Glen Hansard has been fronting Irish rock outfit The Frames since 1990, and Marketa Irglova, though barely twenty years old, has been playing piano for thirteen years. The pair has been touring on and off since Once hit the festival circuit (including the Philadelphia Film Festival) over a year ago—those off periods, of course, include the period during which Glen and The Frames were opening for Bob Dylan. Needless to say, here are some serious musical chops.

Unfortunately, so many people have discovered the pair since Once received wide release last summer that tonight's concert appears to be sold out. But if you can find secondhand tickets (try checking craigslist—it looks like there are plenty of tickets for sale there!), you should make a point of catching the show. Glen and Marketa are consummate performers with a staggering amount of talent between them—and everyone should get to see that kind of a live performance at least once.

The Swell Season with Interference
The Tower Theater (69th and Ludlow Streets, Upper Darby)
TONIGHT, May 20, 2008
Doors @ 7; Show @ 8
Sorry, this show seems to be sold out.