Looseleaf Trio, Gypsy Wig, Caffeine Machine and Leoce @ Connie’s Ric Rac.
Text and images by Luong Huynh.
If you’ve never stepped foot into Connie’s Ric Rac, then you’re missing out on experiencing what a South Philly dive bar should be. The beer is cheap, people are there to socialize and they only accept cash.
Connie’s also makes it a point to be a great venue for local artists and Friday night was no exception.
Richboro natives Leoce started the show with their usual mix of rock, reggae and punk-infused tunes, effortlessly changing from more mellow numbers such as “Sit and Wonder” to an energetic cover of Sublime’s “Date Rape.”
Second to the stage was Philly’s Caffeine Machine, an octet brainchild of front man Quinn Waters. Recording for their album, Race Music, started from a dare and finished despite Quinn suffering a gunshot wound that exited from his neck. Of note from the set were the smooth female vocals of Lia Atanat and the soulful trumpet playing of Daued El-Bakara (right), which combined to get a few first takers to start dancing.
Next up was Gypsy Wig (right), a six member indie rock band from New Jersey. They got even more of the small but eager crowd going by turning the spotlights off and inviting everyone to come closer to the stage. At times, all six members turned and played towards the center of the stage, as if lost in their own inner circle ritual, only to snap back to the dancing crowd in front of them.
Starting well into the midnight hour, Philly-based Looseleaf Trio (top image) finished off the night with an eclectic set from their album, Word on the Street. On their song “Tell a Vision,” the band showed what they’re known for – catchy three-part harmonies mixed with guitarist Rhett Tierney’s soulful harmonica playing.
JUMP: The Philly Music Project 
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