![](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/05/hold_steady.jpg)
Once a year, industry professionals of the non-commercial radio world gather at XPN’s facilities in Philadelphia to discuss trends and hurdles, share a drink or two, and watch some amazing music at the annual NON-COMMvention, or simply Non-Comm.
In between performances from The Both, Asgeir, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Shovels & Rope, and Jessica Lea Mayfield, I attended panels discussing whether or not to play the new Tori Amos (we’re not), how to make the most of your digital footprint (we try), etc. This is a conference, not a festival: it’s more chatting and plotting than anything else, but the performers always make this business trip a pleasure.
Here are the stand out acts of 2014's Non-Comm:
![photo: The Hold Steady at NON-COMM](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/06/hold_steady.jpg)
While I’ve never felt quite angsty enough to consider the Hold Steady a personal favorite, the charm of their live performance is undeniable. Craig Finn bounces around the stage with an energy I haven’t possessed since the age of 12.
![photo: Chet Faker at NON-COMM](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/06/chetfaker-1.jpg)
Chet Faker is not only a highlight of the week, but a highlight of the last couple years. This guy has it. A beautiful voice, slick beats, and he layers sound in a way makes you feel simultaneously hollow and whole. He took the stage alone and mesmerized.
![photo: Strand of Oaks at NON-COMM](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/06/strandofoaks_0-1.jpg)
I love what I’d heard from the upcoming album "Heal," and when I met the lead singer Tim in person, I fell for him too. A good person, making good music. When he announced: “This is JM going out to Jason Molina,” I melted and the room spun.
![photo: PHOX at NON-COMM](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/06/phox_1-1.jpg)
Anytime I can see Wisconsin's PHOX is a true treat. But while I've had the pleasure of catching them on stage and in an OpenAir studio session, I got to see them in a totally unique environment in Philly. During an incredible dinner courtesy of Songlines, they scooted from table to table playing from their new album for the diners. While this was probably a once-in-a-lifetime scenario, you can see them live at the Hi-Dive on July 9.
![photo: Bob Boilen at NON-COMM](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/06/boilensanshat-1.jpg)