First Unitarian Church moshers beware: a 6-foot-4, 240-pound NFL linebacker rocks amongst you.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Connor Barwin has become a Philly music scene regular since signing with the team in March of 2013 and relocating to the City of Brotherly Love. He affectionately refers to the previously mentioned venue as “the church,” regularly attends live shows all around the city and oh, by the way, has befriended Sean Agnew of R5 Productions.
But Barwin has bigger plans in the works than just attending shows. Recognizing his place at the intersection of Philly’s music and sports worlds, Barwin has set into motion a plan to combine his celebrity and passions in order to give back to his new city.
Enter Friday night’s “Make the World Better” show at Union Transfer, starring the likes of Kurt Vile and the Violators, The Districts and The Tontons. The concert will be the first event of Barwin’s Make the World Better foundation, with 100 percent of proceeds (from tickets to booze) being matched by the organization and going to Point Breeze’s Ralph Brooks Park. See here for tickets.
Named after a 7-year-old who was struck down by gun fire in 1988, the park has fallen into disrepair and is in need of a face lift. Barwin plans to not only restore it but make it better than ever with a new basketball court, community garden, tables, benches, fencing and more.
Our Kyle Bagenstose asked him about the project and his participation in the Philly music scene.
So it seems like this event has kind of come out of a relationship that you and Sean Agnew have developed. How did you guys first meet, and also work together to come up with this event?
Well, I think I met Sean last year at Union Transfer. He had read the article that Grantland did on me, when they kind of followed me one day and I went to an Animal Collective show at Union Transfer. And we met after that.
We kind of stayed in touch because I had been going to some shows and then I reached out to him to ask him for coffee and to ask him what he thought about my vision for hosting this benefit show. And he was right on board from the beginning. People are saying that I’m hosting this benefit but, I mean, it could easily be Sean who’s hosting the show because he’s done so much to make this happen.
This is the first event for your foundation, Make the World Better, right?
Yeah. I started the foundation last year, and this is our first show. The idea is to do more events like this, but this one is the jump-off.
What was your inspiration for the foundation?
Well, my dad was a city manager, so I grew up being involved in our local community where we lived. I grew up learning the importance and power of community. And when I got to Philly, I felt like I was going to be here for a while and I was 27 and felt it was time to do something. I believe you can make a difference in the world and I think doing it with athletics and the arts and doing it local is the way I could make a big difference.
The idea is to live in that kind of triangle for the foundation. That’s the way I thought of it when I first came up with the idea and it’s where I want to stay now.
A lot of athletes start charities and foundations. I’m sure that it’s often genuine but sometimes it can feel like it’s just meant to bolster their public image. This seems more like something near and dear to you?
I think that’s fair to say. I think the only reason that Sean was down to do what he’s done for me in helping to pull this whole thing off – and the only reason Kurt Vile agreed to do the show – was not because I’m an Eagles player but because there’s a tangible thing this is all going to. I think that makes the difference and I think it’s what makes it special. It’s not just raising money for my foundation. My foundation is actually going to match the funding and it’s all going to something right here in Philadelphia.
The idea was to connect the show with a tangible project. And as always, I met the people who have done great work organizing the project down in South Philadelphia and allowed my foundation to come in and really add some help to it.
Let’s talk about the project. I understand you looked at a few different potential places before picking this one out. What stuck out to you about this park?
Well there are two things. One, it was the first park that I saw, which actually happened just riding my bike. And then redoing a park is a lot of work, so when I found this park, I started doing some research and made some phone calls and pulled together a mini meeting and found out that this park is in really bad shape and that people had been trying to fix it for a couple years. There’s been plans in the works but the project’s been kind of stalled and so I realized that by doing the show to give a little push, we could move this thing forward and make it happen.
So there’s been a community organization working on this? Did they hit a funding wall?
Yeah, exactly. Urban Roots had been organizing it. I started doing some research on it, and there was one news article that said like, D Wade, Cole Hamels, and a bunch of athletes were helping. And I thought there was no way they shouldn’t have this thing completely funded. But I found out that was just something where they had donated items for a silent auction to try and raise funds.
But Jeff Tubbs of Urban Roots had done all this planning and councilman Kenyatta Johnson had offered a large amount of money to go to the project. So it was in the works, but there wasn’t enough money and enough push in the system. So with this show, we’ll have the amount of money needed to push the park forward.
So this one event will make this happen?
Yeah, it’s going to happen with funding from the concert. We’ve had meetings with the city, the head of Parks and Recreation, with Kenyatta, Urban Roots and we’re hoping to break ground this fall.
You grew up near Detroit, a city with plenty of challenges. And you grew up interacting with youth from all different neighborhoods. Do you see any parallels between Detroit and Philly?
Yeah, I’d say they’re closer than the place where I played last, in Houston (laughing). People ask me where my civic pride comes from or whatever and I don’t really know where it comes from. It has a lot to do with my dad but I think when you give to where you live, you actually get more in return.
And I believe that people are people. I interacted with a lot of different kinds of people where I grew up and I was lucky to have that diversity in my life at a young age and appreciate it. And so I try and do that wherever I live. I decided that when I first got into the NFL, that wherever I live I would be there year round. And that’s what I’ve done in Philadelphia. I’m at the age where it’s time to take the leadership role and make a difference.
This is a pretty awesome lineup. Were you fans of these bands before you put this together, and what were their reactions when asked?
As soon as I got to Philly one of my good buddies put me on to Kurt Vile, so I had been listening to them. And then thanks to Sean I was able to get a hold of him and have a meeting with his manager, and they were right on board right from the beginning.
Kurt’s a pretty big artist now so we had to work through some things to get him to play because he had contracts and all that kind of stuff. But Sean was great, his team was great, and we were able to make it happen.
I hadn’t started listening to The Districts until we were trying to fill up the lineup. We were thinking we should try and get, ideally, a really big local headliner, and then a young, up-and-coming local band. And The Districts couldn’t fit that any better. Sean told me about them and ironically I went and saw them like a week later down at the Church. They were awesome, I took a whole bunch of my teammates – Riley (Cooper), (Jason) Kelce, Brandon (Graham), (Will) Murphy and everyone was kind of blown away how good they are live. And I’ve been listening to them a ton ever since and can’t wait to see them again.
The Tontons I knew from when I was in Houston. I was kind of like a groupie going to all their live shows (laughs). They’re doing a lot of shows and are playing at Firefly anyway, so I got in touch with them and they were totally down with this.
Not that Philly music fans really need an excuse to go see Kurt Vile and The Districts (below) but inspire us anyway.
We’re trying to sell this thing out. It’s going to be a lot of money that goes right to the park and it’s going to be a really dynamic park once it’s done next spring.
Also, people are writing about me. But Urban Roots did all of the planning for the park and Sean and the musicians are the ones who really deserve the credit.
Text and images by Andrew Mendelson.
Kacey Musgraves, a relative newcomer to the country scene, opened the night of country music at The Mann on Friday with her five-piece band. They performed a rockabilly-infused set for 45 minutes to an enthusiastic crowd, closing with an a cappella version of “Happy Trails” as the band members’ jackets were lit up with LEDs.
Allison Krauss and Union Station followed, opening with “Let me touch you for awhile.” They played a 75-minute set with the virtuoso backed by impeccable bluegrass harmonies and a group of musicians who have played together for more than two decades.
Willie Nelson and Family opened with Whiskey River and moved deftly from one song to another, with few pauses in between. The audience sang along to many of the songs, reacting as if they were seeing an old friend.
The 81-year-old Willie still plays a crisp sounding guitar, while his voice is sorrowful and rich. The “family” is his five-piece band.
The other two groups joined Willie on stage for an encore of standards, including “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Roll me up and Smoke Me When I Die” and “I Saw the Light.”
Likers: Wait, Like, Seriously?
Text and images by Michael Bucher.
Steel Panther’s “Party All Day,” 2 Chainz’ “Birthday Song” and Gang Starr’s “Above the Clouds” all play at 2nd Street Brew House while South Philly-based band Likers grabs a few drinks after a quick practice. The songs are hard to take seriously when all played together. The members of Likers also, at times, can say things that leave one wondering whether to take them seriously.
“Take pop ideals and drag them through grit, gain and gloss,” says bass player Ted Quann. “I wrote a little bio about ourselves. It’s fucking terrible. It’s the best I could come up with.”
“I actually think that’s a good way to describe it,” jokes Andrew Chase, who plays organ and guitar.
This is where Likers exists – a tongue-in-cheek outer layer masking a serious and developed musical core.
Perry Shall: The Music Hustler.
Text and image bu Urszula Pruchniewska.
Perry Shall is a man of many jobs. He works in construction during the week and at Long in the Tooth records on Sundays. He plays in two bands (Hound, a hard-rock power trio, and Dry Feet, a surf rock outfit) and books shows for out-of-town musicians, including JEFF the Brotherhood, Screaming Females, Tenement, Bad Side and Ted Leo. He is also a freelance artist working on a variety of projects. Currently, he’s painting a menu on the wall of Honest Tom’s Taco Shop in West Philly.
“A hustler,” Shall explains, laughing. “That’s the best way to describe me. I’m constantly finding ways to make money doing stuff that I like to do. I feel like I’m Ice-T or something, which is more than OK with me!”
The 28-year-old Shall recently animated his first music video for “Operation Bikini” by Obits, drawing each cell by hand. He also works regularly with bands on merchandise and promotional design, as well as album artwork. The piece that Shall feels is his most important yet is his artwork for We Are the Champions, the 2011 album by rock duo JEFF the Brotherhood.
“He did exactly what we expected but added a lot of ‘Perry’s Personal Flair’ as well,” says Jake Orrall, one half of JEFF the Brotherhood. “For Champs, we just wanted a text-based cover and I had some nudes that I wanted on the insert and the gatefold. He used them quite tastefully in his original collages.”
We Are the Champions was a success and when JEFF the Brotherhood performed on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” Shall went along to the show.
“Jimmy Fallon is sitting at his desk, holding my artwork and I’m like, ‘What the hell is going on in my life right now?’” Shall recalls thinking. “I’m standing here watching this famous person holding up my artwork for millions of people to see thinking, ‘Whoa, I made what he’s touching.’ That was the first time that I really thought, maybe, I could make a living off of this.”
Modern Baseball: Seasoned Hitters.
Text by Beth Ann Downey. Images by Jessica Flynn.
Looking at their new record – and holding it in their hands – means more to the members of Modern Baseball than one might think.
The youthful punk band is scattered between the car seat-furnished living room and the kitchen of the West Philly rowhome that three of the four members share. Being mailed eight boxes of the album, You’re Gonna Miss It All, a few weeks prior to its February release date via Run For Cover records, is one of the first topics of conversation among them between sips of Earl Grey tea and talk of ordering Domino’s for dinner.
“They’re wrapped with real shit,” says guitarist and vocalist Brendan Lukens, mentioning that the albums are ready to be sold for retail and not just packaged in sleeves for the band to distribute themselves. “It’s weird.”
“It’s like, actually a record,” adds bassist Ian Farmer.
“It’s like Hot Topic edition,” follows guitarist Jake Ewald, and all three band members erupt in laughter.
BANKS @ Underground Arts.
Text by Laura Fanciullacci. Images by Grace Dickinson.
Tightly packed together in a full Underground Arts on Saturday night, sticky and sweaty bodies fanned themselves as they patiently waited for some musical relief from the sultry lady of the hour: BANKS.
As the 25-year-old singer took the stage, the crowd quickly forgot about the physical heat and started moving and singing to BANKS’ energetic opener, “This is What It Feels Like.”
Wearing a long black dress and blazer combo, with her dark brown hair obscuring half of her face, it would seem that the new artist would desire to give off an air of mysteriousness. To everyone’s surprise, BANKS was not afraid to cast her hypnotic gaze and sing directly to one of her many supporters there that night, making the show very intimate and personal from the start.
Jillian Banks only emerged on the music scene last year by releasing some of her first songs on Soundcloud, with high play-count numbers that speak for themselves. Along with some very enticing black and white music videos on YouTube featuring some of her most well-known songs such as “Waiting Game” and “Warm Water,” LA-based BANKS is on several to-watch lists.
Often compared to Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Fiona Apple and even Lana Del-Rey, a more careful listen will reveal BANKS’ own unique R&B sound, which interlaces powerful electronic elements with her soulful, seductive voice. Partnered with relatable lyrics about love, loss, soul-searching, and heartbreak, BANKS’ vulnerabilities shine through beautifully, ultimately creating a feeling of self-assurance.
“When I first started writing I had all these bits and pieces in my head that I thought were crazy and I had all these insecurities and weaknesses,” BANKS revealed to the crowd, who cheered her on. “But those things just make you powerful and it is important to feel beautiful…no matter fucking what.”
Appropriately, the next song was “Goddess,” a slower, yet enchanting song that enforces a strong sense of female-empowerment: “You shoulda crowned her, because she’s a goddess/You never got this.”
After releasing her debut EP, London, and having an opening spot on the Weeknd’s Fall 2013 tour, BANKS is keeping busy to finish her new album that is due to come out this September. Despite all the sudden success, the up-and-coming singer admitted that everything is still very new for her.
“I’ve never has been to Philadelphia before and was feeling a little bit tired today,” she said. “Touring is a new thing for me. You guys have given me so much energy.”
BANKS went on to say that her song-writing process always just begin with her voice and a keyboard, nothing else. With that, she played a soft introduction to “Fall Over,” a song with simple but dark lyrics, and then slowly added more dynamic beats, creating a very severe atmosphere.
The mood lightened when Banks’ did her popular Allyiah cover of “Are You That Somebody,” and darkened slightly yet again when she ended with her haunting single, “Waiting Game.”
Luckily, we’ll just have to wait another three months for BANKS to release her new material.
Communion Philadelphia @ Underground Arts, with Tutlie, Jessica Hernandez, Katie Frank, Dirty Dollhouse and More.
Text by Kyle Bagenstose. Images by Jason Melcher.
The Brits might be on to something here.
Philadelphia was treated to its first Communion of summer 2014 last Thursday as the artist showcase returned to Underground Arts after a successful debut season last year.
Started at London’s Notting Hill Arts Club in the summer of ’06, Communion showcases have spread to dozens of cities in multiple continents, bringing together rising artists from both host cities and far-off locales. For Philly last week, that meant a rapid-fire night featuring six bands, including local folks Katie Frank and the Pheromones, Tutlie (above) and Dirty Dollhouse. Read more…
The Low Profile Life of RJD2.
Text and images by Grace Dickinson.
Ramble John Khron, better known as RJ, the man behind electronica sounds of RJD2, wanders into Reading Terminal and heads straight to DiNic’s. Without hesitation, he orders the pulled pork and then grabs a spot at the counter, loading up on the hot peppers before diving in.
It’s a rare occasion for RJ. Trekking from West Philly, his neighborhood for the past 12 years, RJ only makes it downtown once every few months. When he does, DiNic’s lands itself among a handful of memorable spots he chooses to revisit.
“I hate to say this but I’m kind of a food snob,” says RJ.
He simultaneously shrugs his shoulders and shudders his body after the label leaves his mouth.
It doesn’t take long before DiNic’s co-owner Joe Nicolosi leaves his cutting board and wanders over to say hello to the multi-instrumentalist who has performed around the world – but sits alone at the counter. Conversation quickly jumps to RJ’s son, Charlie, and the new group music classes in which the 2-year-old is enrolled.
“Outside of fatherhood, my life’s not as interesting these days,” RJ says. “I’m a dad through-and-through. That’s what I do.”
Text by Shauna Bannan. Images by Michael Bucher.
If you looked up any definition of dancing, you’ll find that most dictionaries simplify the term to moving rhythmically. But for Illstyle & Peace Productions, the art form isn’t only about movement. It’s about inspiration.
Founded in 2002 by artistic director Brandon “Peace” Albright, the multicultural company incorporates contemporary dance with hip-hop moves, along with West African steps and a variety of other dance styles – from tap to ballet and beyond.
“Movement can make a difference,” Albright says. “Movement can make change. Movement can make a career out of somebody. Movement can bring forth peace, love and respect for everyone.”
Picked by the U.S. State Department’s Dance Motion series in 2013, Illstyle & Peace Productions represented the country as a cultural ambassador in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia last year.
Text and images by Brendan Menapace.
Remember Bill and Ted’s band Wyld Stallyns? The two-lead guitar band with constant Van Halen-like shredding that eventually became the basis of future society? With four lead guitarists, all of whom can spew out ripping solos, and one of the most energetic and fun live shows out there, Diarrhea Planet makes them sound like gentle folk music.
Spending too much time focusing on their unorthodox name only takes away from valuable time that could be used to describe their actual musical ability.
The Nashville sextet packed the small stage at The Barbary on Monday with their four guitars, bass and drums. They had support from their fellow Nashvillers Music Band as well as Left and Right.
The four guitarists lined up in the front, forming a wall between the crowd and the rhythm section. They opened their set with a fast-paced pounding intro to “Separations,” the second track off their latest LP, 2013’s I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.
JUMP: The Philly Music Project 