Summer Solstice brings out a lot of special occasions in Philadelphia. But one of the best might just be the 40+ year tradition of University City’s Clark Park Music & Arts Festival. And today’s fest, taking place from noon to sundown, will be extra special—it’s the first to come to Clark Park since the June 16 reopening of the north section between Baltimore and Chester Aves, which underwent major renovations for most of 2010 & 2011. But it’s also unique because it’s the first to see Cloud Entertainment stepping in to help out with booking duties. As a result, the event will see the return of veteran Clark Park Festival bands including Samsara, Serpent Throne, and Dangerbird, as well as plenty of eclectic newcomers. Kicking off that list will be the wistful yet somber pastoral folk of Lion Versus, and, after Samsara injects a metal massacre, Early Ape will swerve things towards some old school indie alt-rock with a melodic pop-experimental twist. Toss in the metal-infused post-punk beats of Psychic Teens, the vintage rock ‘n’ roll swagger of Mountjoy, the lo-fi, reverb-soaked girl-wave smacks of DJ Maria T. Sciarrino’s killer basement DIY project Bedroom Problems, and the catchy indie tunes of Arrah & The Ferns, and it looks like it’s gonna be a beautiful day for some park life—especially when you add in the usual mix of over 40 vendors, artists, and non-profits that the fest manages to attract. Clark Park, 43rd St. & Chester Ave., FREE, Noon-Sundown, All Ages – Bill McThrill
Related