popwreckoning

Sometimes, a little DIY ethic can go a long way. In this case, it went as far to bring over 20 folk music acts from across the USA for a two day, all night long festival of music, bonfires, camping, and debauchery. Conceptualized by Philadelphia’s own Hezekiah Jones (Raphael Cutrufello) , and organized with the help of many in the Philadelphia music community, Miles & Maggie Fest was an astounding success. Considering the true DIY ethic involved in putting it all together, the attendance and talent line up rivaled that of some more well known and commercially sponsored events.

Hezekiah Jones

This was actually the second time a festival of this sort was held at the Moonlight Forest (when they aren’t hosting shows, the Moonlight Forest is both a studio and private residence). The first was a little bit more loosely organized and ad-hoc event on October 4, 2008. Emboldened by the success of the last one, Cutrufello and a supportive group of friends and associates pulled off the second one with aplomb.

Sisters3

If you missed it this year, keep your eyes and ears open, as the next show flier you see may be for another one at a yet to be determined date. But make sure you bring your bug spray, a good supply of alcohol, and a sleeping bag, even though you probably won’t get much sleep.

Chris Bathgate

Here is just a partial lineup of acts who played, since as the night got later, the party got wilder and guests were welcomed on stage.

MASON PORTER
http://www.myspace.com/masonporter
JOHNNY MILES
http://www.myspace.com/johnnymiles1
HEZEKIAH JONES
http://www.myspace.com/hezekiah11
WISSAHICKON CHICKEN SHACK
http://www.myspace.com/masonporter
FALCORPS(MI)
http://www.myspace.com/falcorps
CHRIS KASPER
http://www.myspace.com/chriskasper
THE SPINNING LEAVES
http://www.myspace.com/thespinningleaves
SISTERS3
http://www.myspace.com/thesistersthree
J. QUENTIN(MA)
http://www.myspace.com/quentinsong
FRONTIER RUCKUS(MI)
http://www.myspace.com/frontierruckus
THE GREAT UNKNOWN
http://www.myspace.com/thegreatunknownband
THE MATT HELM SCREAM
http://www.myspace.com/matthelm11
TIN BIRD CHOIR
http://www.myspace.com/tinbirdchoir
PSALMSHIPS
http://www.myspace.com/psalmships
PHIL D’AGOSTINO
http://www.myspace.com/philipdagostino
CHRIS GRUNWALD
http://www.myspace.com/grizmusic
BEVIN CAULFIELD
http://www.myspace.com/bevincaulfieldmusic
THE PLUCKIN’ GRASSHOLES
http://www.myspace.com/pluckingrassholes
HUNTER’S CANNON
http://www.myspace.com/hunterscannon
MANATAWNY CREEK RAMBLERS
http://www.myspace.com/themanatawnycreekramblers
EMILY BATE
http://www.myspace.com/emilybate
LATE NIGHT DRIFTERS
http://www.myspace.com/thelatenightdrifters
ANNIE PALMER(MI)
http://www.myspace.com/anniepalmermusic
WHITE PINES(Joseph Patrick Scott)(NY)
http://www.myspace.com/whitepinetrees
THAT’S HIM, THAT’S THE GUY!(NY)
http://www.myspace.com/thatshimthatstheguy

A gaggle of great Philly musicians will take the World Café Live Upstairs by storm on December 21st for the Winter Solstice Party, a benefit show for LiveConnections.org.

Begun in Spring 2008, LiveConnections.org (LCO) is devoted to building community by engaging diverse populations through high quality programs in music, education, workforce development and mentoring. LCO works in partnership with World Café Live to bring together musicians and a variety of community groups, to provide resources for musicians and aspiring musicians and to provide entry points for those interested in the arts, entertainment and hospitality industries.

Check out the amazing line-up:
Andrew Lipke :: (@ north star bar)
Hezekiah Jones :: (@ johnny brenda’s)
Birdie Busch :: (@ the fire)
The Great Unknown
Dana Alexandra
Papertrees
Adrien Reju
Bevin Caulfield
Annachristie Sadler (of Sisters 3) :: (Star Spangled review | @ johnny brenda’s)
Chris Kasper :: (@ north star bar)
Levee Drivers
As Human

During the Winter Solstice Party, World Café Live will also have a Toys 4 Tots drive as well as a Winter Clothing drive.”

World Café Live: website

Philadelphia local Andrew Lipke came through the North Star Bar a while back to present his new album Motherpearl and Dynamite .

He was joined by Philly folk hero Chris Kasper, and local indie band Buried Beds.

Lipke filled the stage with up to 12 musicians at one time. He spent most of the show alternating between instruments and varying the lineup. A true professional, he played a solid set with the power and authority of an artist who seems to be on the rise. Expect to hear more from this great musician in the near future.

Chris Kasper ::

Buried Beds ::

Andrew Lipke::

Chris Kasper: website | myspace
Buried Beds: website | myspace
Andrew Lipke: website | myspace