New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
If These Walls Could Talk by U.S. Girls
There’s something beautiful about the Great Unknown. It’s not only because of the stark and bewitching alt-country they weave, or the yearning intones and the seizing rhythms. It’s also because of their collaboration with the American Society of Composers (ASCAP) and the national after-school program, American SCORES, in late 2010. As part of this team up, the ASCAP Songwriter Residency at America SCORES brought the West Philly outfit in to write and record a collection of songs with public school youth from underserved communities in Washington DC, Cleveland, Milwaukee, New York, and Boston. The result of that is the brilliant and heartwarming 5-track EP, Other Voices, Other Rooms, available July 19 (you can preorder the album HERE and receive a bonus audio commentary with frontman Todd Henkin. All proceeds go to the ASCAP Songwriter Residency). It was a positive, enlightening experience for the four, so much so that Brad Jacobson decided to leave the band to pursue teaching again, according to a recent Making Major Moves interview. And with the lap steel/banjo/guitar player gone, the now-three piece is switching sonic gears, exploring fresh, not-yet-pinned down territory on new material they began recording for their upcoming album. It should be a refreshing change in direction, one in which you can hear twinkles of it tonight when they perform at Kung Fu Necktie with hometown folk eccentrics The Spinning Leaves. But don’t just head out to the show to support the Great Unknown. Go to support the 120 kids they’ve helped inspire. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $7, 8pm, 21+ -Annamarya Scaccia
Since it’s in Chester County and en route to Pottstown, Maysie’s FarmFest 2011, put on by the Maysie Farm Conservation Center, is more than a little off the beaten path for us city folk. But you’d be hard pressed not to love and respect all the sustainability efforts it yields just as much as it shows love and respect for our music community (which is a lot). For over a decade, the Glenmoore-based non-profit has been dedicated to increasing public awareness of “the importance of conservation and ecological thinking.” And with its second annual benefit festival taking place this weekend, it’s all about local food and local music. Over the next two days, you’ll be able to enjoy food and beverage from Boxcar Brewing Company, Cucina Verde, Sweetwater Bakery, and more, purchase goods from local artisans and vendors, and participate in educational workshops (there’s also a ton of fun activities for the little ones including the Maysie’s Children’s Tent and a performance by children’s artist and fitness advocate Miss Amy). But more importantly, you’ll be able to soak in the impressive lineup of music. The Extraordinaires and Dangerous Ponies will be doing Punk Rock Payroll proud, while MAD Dragon Records will be representing with the folk laden tunes of The Spinning Leaves and Toy Soldiers, as well as the hip-hop stylings of Kuf Knotz. And while Hezekiah Jones, Sister 3, and Cowmuddy send you into a whimsical state with their transient songwriting, Cheers Elephant will bring their big rock riffs and catchy melodies. Toss in performances from headliners Hoots & Hellmouth, plus Sweetbriar Rose, Chris Kasper, Adrien Reju, and many more, and you have a festival that is worth the drive! Maysie’s Farm Conservation Center, 15 St. Andrew’s Lane, Glenmoore, $25-$50, Sat: 1pm-10pm, Sun: 1pm-9pm, All Ages -Bill McThrill
INLIQUID is having their annual daytime party Art for the Cash Poor 12 this weekend at the Crane Arts Building in NoLibs. There will be a wide range of our region’s artists selling their works at $199 or less, with many priced well under $100. As always, musical entertainment will be provided by some of the talented local acts including Creeping Weeds, Faux Slang, North Lawrence Midnight Singers, Adam & Dave’s Blodline, Panic Years and many others. There will also be a raffle with plenty of great prizes, as well as some fine food and brews. Rain or shine – this party is goin’ down so check out the deets from the flier above and swing on by.
