Celebrate Labor Day weekend and the arts as WHYY presents a wide-array of artistic presentations including live music from Dr. Dog, The Baseball Project, Kuf Knotz, Birdie Busch, Toy Soldiers and more; live painting demonstrations from students at the Hussian School of Art; dance performances, classical music and more.
Saturday, September 3
The Great Plaza at Penns Landing
Chestnut Street and Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Directions & Parking »
Dr. Dog (Indie Rock/Pop/Alt-Country)
Philadelphia indie pop act Dr. Dog blends unapologetic '60s pop with lo-fi recording techniques, quirky eclecticism, straightforward pop hooks and tape hiss to create a sound that has been compared to The Flaming Lips, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. The band has released six albums, including 2010's Shame, Shame, which has received acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Justin Townes Earle (Americana/Folk/Country/Western)
The son of maverick Texas songwriter Steve Earle (and carrying the middle name of his dad's mentor, Townes Van Zandt), Justin Townes Earle has developed his own writing and playing style -- a hybrid mixing folk and blues with strong early country leanings. In 2009 he was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Awards.
The Baseball Project (Rock/Indie)
Comprised of musicians Scott McCaughey (the Minus 5, the Young Fresh Fellows), Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate, Gutterball), Linda Pitmon (Miracle Three, Golden Smog) and longtime friend and guitarist Peter Buck (R.E.M.), The Baseball Project plays modern rock songs about the fascinating stories and stars of America's national pastime. The result is an often tongue-in-cheek set of narrative songs about baseball legends Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Satchel Paige, Phillies ace Roy Halladay and others done up in an alternative rock and roots fashion.
(Please note, Peter Buck (of REM) has sustained a back injury and will not be touring with The Baseball Project this fall. Have no fear! Sal Maida of the bands Cracker and Roxy Music will be filling in during the tour/at the Connections Fest. We wish Peter our best/a speedy recovery! More news to come... )
Toy Soldiers (Blues / Roots Music / Indie/Soul) Toy Soldiers first album "Whisper Down the Lane", has been described as a "gritty, dirty collection of Americana music. Shifting flawlessly from roots, to blues, to country, to rockabilly...an undeniable barn-burner." The band was nominated in three categories and won an Independent Music Award for their song "Throw Me Down", toured behind and released a brand new EP titled "Get Through the Time." A new album, recorded in Nashville with good friend and songwriter Jordan Hull, will be released in 2011.
Kuf Knotz (Hip-Hop)
No stranger to Philadelphia 's live music scene Kuf Knotz has created quite a name for himself accompanying nationally renowned tours with the likes of artists ranging from Common to The New York Dolls. Kuf even battered down historical barriers by becoming the first ever hip-hop act to open up for the legendary "Boss" -- Mr. Bruce Springsteen, himself -- at the internationally covered rally for then presidential candidate, Barack Obama on Philly's Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Birdie Busch (Singer/Songwriter)
Critics from the Village Voice to American Songwriter have admiringly found Birdie Busch to be a kindred spirit to everyone from Syd Barrett to Eudora Welty and All Music Guide exclaimed that she is one of the "most affecting altos around". Birdie's last release, Everyone Will Take You In, is a group of songs inspired by her hometown of Philadelphia.
