For anyone stuck at home over the Labor Day weekend, what better way could you spend a Saturday than by grooving to the melodic sounds emanating from Gorgas Park?
For my money, I’d be hard pressed to think of one.
On top of that, the Friends of Gorgas Park picked a delightful late summer day to host the annual Music Jamboree along with the New Ridge Brewing Co. Beer Garden.
With crisp fall-like air and sunny skies above, it was the perfect way to sit back under the tree canopy and forget about life’s problems, if only for a day.
As they do in every park-related event, Friends’ volunteers go all out to provide the community with family-friendly entertainment with quality refreshments in a neighborhood green space that is rival to none.
The Mitchell St. Phillbillies horn section of Kyle Schwirian and Andrew Morgan added punch to the band’s upbeat numbers. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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The Mitchell St. Phillbillies horn section of Kyle Schwirian and Andrew Morgan added punch to the band’s upbeat numbers. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Friends President John Boyce relies on a legion of loyal foot soldiers whose mission is to work behind the scenes to showcase this fabulous park with unforgettable experiences.
That, and, of course, wonderfully generous sponsors like the New Ridge Brewing Co. as well as the Roxborough Development Corporation, Phila. Parks and Recreation, Big Dawg Plumbing, Kershaw Real Estate, Secret Garden, Baker St. Partners, Stanley’s Hardware, and Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. to name a few.
The New Ridge Brewing Co. did yeoman’s work keeping up with the demand for their popular concoctions of first rate adult beverages to quench even the most sophisticated of tastes.
Deke’s BBQ was also on hand to provide grub for the masses. Their reputation for cooking up delicious, mouth-watering ribs et al. will remain intact with scores of satisfied customers in agreement.
Oh, the music. A strong lineup that could appeal to a spectrum of varied musical tastes, guaranteed that there was something for everyone.
Up to bat first was the Hines Creative Arts Jazz Ensemble, who played a tasty set of improv melodies which was impressive in itself.
Not to mention the fact that it was a group of talented teens hammering out tightly wound jazz licks.
Not knowing the musical repertoire of the Big Jangle didn’t stop Joshua Ryan from having a grand time. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Not knowing the musical repertoire of the Big Jangle didn’t stop Joshua Ryan from having a grand time. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
The Mitchell Street Phillbiliies, as the name suggests, are mostly locally bred musicians who play an eclectic blend of covers and originals. With Haley Trainor on lead vocal, the band of Keegan Trainor (bass), Tom Mazza (guitar), Kyle Schwirian (sax), Andrew Morgan (trumpet), and Jonah Nichols (drums) sounded like they could have just as easily been playing at the Freedom Mortgage Pavillion. The polished sound and stylish vocals coupled with the powerful accents from the horn players puts the Phillbillies at the top of the pyramid of local bands.
The Odyssey covered the gamut of R-and-B and Soul classics with superb vocals and a backing band that pumped out “dance in the aisles” rhythms and funking beats. It was hard to stay in one’s lounge chair and resist the temptation to let your inhibitions run wild to their infective and pulsating sound.
The headliner of this mini-Woodstock happening was the Big Jangle who kept the crowd mesmerized with an impeccable steady stream of Tom Petty channeled covers. The Big Jangle did justice to hits like “I Won’t Back Down”, “Refugee”, “American Girl”, “Breakdown”, and a Traveling Wilburys salute as well. It brought back a heap ofnostalgia for those of a certain age. For the younger set, it was just good music…music that could stand up to any demographic in any era.
Lola was one of many canines who were enjoying a full day of musical escapism. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Friends of Gorgas Park do-it-all James Dougherty summed up the day’s success by musing that the Music Jamboree “was one for the books. Everyone had a great time, the musical acts were awesome, and it was such a good vibe.”
And a personal shout out to the New Ridge Brewing Co. and hard-working volunteers who pulled off another seamless event.
The end of the night intrigue generally boils down to who won the 50/50 raffle.
Some lucky soul went home with close to a $1,000 which means the Friends of Gorgas Park will get an equal share to continue to provide the kind of first rate entertainment that occurs each and every summer season. Take that, Wildwood!