Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
You are viewing 22 posts for September 2011
Behind The Screen With Maori: Thunder Soul - The True Story Of Conrad Johnson & The Kashmere Stage Band
On Monday night in University City, a sold-out crowd of Philadelphia cinephiles had the good fortune of previewing Thunder Soul: The True Story of Conrad Johnson & The Kashmere Stage Band at the Rave Theater. The film, a moving and lovingly-executed documentary, tells the story of Conrad “Prof” Johnson and one of the greatest funk ensembles ever assembled, which was comprised of 38 musicians who released 8 records—all while in high school.
From 1968 to 1977, the Kashmere High School Stage Band, nicknamed “The Thunder Soul,” won a record number of titles in numerous competitions, often breaking the color barrier, for their innovative funk arrangements. They made history when they won the top honors at the prestigious All-American High School Stage Band Festival amidst an atmosphere of racial hostility. Johnson’s goal was to use music to raise the morale of the young people he taught at Kashmere High School in Houston, Texas’ Fifth Ward.
Johnson had been a professional musician in the big bands of the 1940s. He was a go-to saxophone player in Houston. After marrying and starting a family, he wanted to stay close to the nest and made a decision to enter teaching. Johnson joined the faculty at Kashmere in the 1960s. He willed the energy of the young people from twiddling their thumbs and getting involved in potential street nonsense and directed them into expressing themselves creatively, which ultimately had a positive effect on the entire school. Training in the band gave the students discipline that they carried with them into their adult lives. When they return to form an alumni ensemble for a reunion concert, they are all thriving and model citizens—doctors, lawyers, and teachers.
Prof recorded the band each year and was a father figure to most members. He had strict discipline and rehearsed them like professional musicians. They played gigs—bar mitzvahs, proms, etc.—to raise the money to keep the program going. They weren’t the marching band. Johnson realized he needed to harness the energy of the kids who would unwind by playing funk tracks instead of practicing the de rigueur rigidly arranged jazz compositions from the 1930s and 1940s. Prof, in his 50s at the time, wondered what this music was that they were playing.
“He was interested in their personal expression,” says Mark Landsman, the film’s director.
Thunder Soul had its premiere at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival. Landsman first heard about the band on NPR after Stones Throw Records released Texas Thunder Soul in 2006. He recalls hearing a “wall of funk” and was blown away. He couldn’t believe they were high school students and set out to find them. Landsman googled every Conrad Johnson he could find and started calling them. The first one he called turned out to be Prof’s son. Initially he thought about a fictional film until he heard about the reunion that was being planned by some of his former students. Over 30 of the students come back to Houston 35 years later, from all over the world, and reunite to do a tribute concert. Still fly at 92 years old when the film was shot in 2008, Johnson appears beatific and sanguine and one can almost feel the love his students have for him.
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx signed on as executive producer in part inspired by his own high school music education. In an interview in the NY Daily News he says that music education played a big part in preparing him for his career.
“It’s a right to have access to music education. It’s part of our national legacy,” Landsman said in an interview with PBS.
At the first rehearsal the band is a bit rusty—will they do it? Will they be able to live up to Prof’s legacy? You have to see the film to find out.
Check out the trailer here.
DesignPhiladelphia: October 13-23
DesignPhiladelphia will take over the city between October 13-24 as part of National Design Week.
From industrial designs to fashion, graphics and more, DesignPhiladelphia highlights multiple
aspects and disciplines With over 450 designers contributing and over 150 events--exhibitions,
public installations, workshops, runway shows, lectures and more--DesignPhiladelphia is one of the
largest festivals of its kind. We've hand-picked a few must-see events during the festival. For a full
listing, go here.
Where to start:
Some highlights:
Thursday, October 13
6:00 p.m.
Throughout 300 block of N. 11th Street
Stop 1 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.: The Liao Collection (310 N. 11th Street), an Asian antique emporium, with a benefit party for DesignPhiladelphia. Plus, the first annual Design Champion Award will be presented to Mayor Nutter. Tickets are $50.
Stop 2 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Vox Populi, Grizzly Grizzly Gallery and The Action Mill (319 N. 11th Street), will feature gallery openings, food trucks and atmospheric projections by Klip Collective outside. This event is free.
Stop 3 - 7:00 p.m.: The Trestle Inn will feature “Curlie Show,” a flirtatious design of burlesque hair styles from Richard Nicholas Hair Studio. This event is free.
Ongoing during DesignPhiladelphia
Through out Philadelphia
The public is invited to Old City Windows 2011, a neighborhood art exhibition and competition. Old City becomes a visual art gallery, hosting over 50 storefront windows designed by students, recent grads, professionals and artists in various fields of design. Public voting takes place October 1-23, 2011 via text and online votes.
State of Young Philly Final Showcase & Reception
Friday, October 14
6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
University of the Arts
Gershman Y
401 S. Broad Street
This year's State of Young Philly event will focus on "Building our Future" in the following areas: Education, Creative Economy, Planning & Sustainability and Community Engagement. And, network with hundreds of young professionals. Admission: Two for $20, $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Alexis Bittar: Cocktails + Conversations
Friday, October 14
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Scarlett Alley
241 Race Street
Learn about Alexis’ journey from the streets of SOHO to recipient of the Council of Fashion Designers Accessory Designer of the Year. Alexis will showcase her three distinct jewelry collections for fall 2011.
Saturday, October 15
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Anthropologie
1801 Walnut Street
Create a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece with accessories designer Lenora Dame. This event is free. RSVP to anthroevents@anthropologie.com.
Saturday, October 15 - Sunday, October 23
4:00 p.m. Tastings begin
More Than Old
144-146 N 3rd Street
A celebration of vintage barware – cocktail shakers, decanters, and accessories including glassware.
Sunday, October 16
Noon - 4:00 p.m.
The Crane Arts Building
1400 N. American Street
Through CAFe, art, design and environmental organizations and audiences of all ages from around the Philadelphia area will gather to make a show of solidarity to support art, the environment and each other. This event features live music, performances and delicious food from Philly's most innovative food truck entrepreneurs.
Sunday, October 16
3:30-8:30 p.m.
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Join Data Garden at the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America for an interactive exhibition exploring the relationship between plants, music and technology. Wander Bartram’s Garden and connect with the natural environment through live music, performance and sculpture that blurs the distinction between biological and digital worlds.
Monday, October 17
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The Market + Shops at the Comcast Center
1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Campus Philly is presenting a creative job fair and professional development event for Philadelphia college students and recent graduate students interested in all fields of design. This event will give students and recent grads a cahnce to meet employers and experts in graphic arts, fashion, entertainment, environmental and museum design.
Tuesday, October 18
5:00 p.m.
Café Cret
16th Street & The Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Express yourself with four-foot tall “sidewalk chalk” crayons. Big Chalkers allow you to leave your temporary tag on Philadelphia’s urban canvas while invigorating your inner child.
Wednesday, October 19 - Sunday, October 23
313 S. Broad Street
Located across from the Kimmel Center and next to Philadelphia International Records, a lot has been repurposed by Penn Design students, independent curator Marianne Bernstein and The University of the Arts. The five-day exhibition will showcase cutting-edge, temporary programming, cultural offerings and landscape design, studded with live performances changing daily, as well as video showings at night.
Thursday, October 20 - Saturday, October 22
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Anderson Hall
333 S. Broad Street
Project the Peace is an outdoor projection installation of socially-conscious images produced by 25 Bartram High School students during a summer 2011 service learning program offered by MYX: Multicultural Youth Exchange. During the six-week program, students explored different acts of intolerance committed against people, animals and the environment, then collaborated on pro-social images in response. Funded by Philadelphia Youth Network, special thanks to the University of the Arts.
Saturday, October 22
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Joan Shepp Boutique
1616 Walnut Street
This event features artist Denise Fike painting a model getting dressed in Joan Shepp's window. The model will be wearing a collection of Bela Shehu's NINO brand and Joan Shepp accessories. King Britt will be setting the tone of the event with his music production. This event is free.
DesignPhiladelphia asked people to describe what design means to them. Watch the video below. We spy a few people who we know!
James' Arts & Culture Revival: Imagine Africa With The Penn Museum
How do you imagine Africa? Do you think of the beauty of African people, the color and vibrancy of their dress or even the intricacy of African artwork and masks? Or, maybe you see yourself and your own heritage? These are a few of the questions posed by the Penn Museum in its newest exhibition and 12-month community engagement project, Imagine Africa.
The Penn Museum has selected works from their extraordinary African collection, and curated an exhibition of 50 items around 8 universal themes, including Fashion, Strength, Healing, The Divine, Power, Creating, Changing and Beauty. The museum's African artifacts, in combination with a variety of interactive activities and multimedia, allow for a more personal and in-depth exploration of the themes' relevance to Africa, the museum's collection and also to the viewer. Throughout the exhibit, the museum has placed whiteboards for visitors to express their ideas on each theme and what could make the collection a more engaging and enlightening experience.
One of my favorite pieces included in the exhibit is the Zulu Love Letter. Instead of writing notes, Zulu women wore pins that contained a combination of shapes and colors to send their messages of love or even displeasure. Other highlights include the 30-foot Interactive Digital Wall where visitors can create their own interpretation of Africa and the African Music Jukebox, where you can explore the eclectic and lively sounds of African music.
Of course, everyone knows you can't fully understand a culture until you have tasted it's cuisine! So, every Saturday through April, the museum's cafe will offer a "Taste of Africa" featuring delectable African dishes, like Roasted Chicken & Fufu, Black Eyed Pea Fritters, Groundnut Stew and more.
Presenting much more than just an exhibit of artifacts through Imagine Africa, the Penn Museum has opened its doors in an unique way and invited the Philadelphia community to be a partner in this project. In addition to the exhibit, the museum will offer exciting programs including ceramic art and African dance workshops, a lecture series, community nights and even a showcase featuring the Philly Youth Poetry Movement.
The Penn Museum plans on using the community feedback gathered through the exhibit to guide and plan for the redesign of their main African Collection. Imagine Africa is a phenomenal project that invites the public to the table in a sincere and groundbreaking way. So, definitely make time to visit and share your thoughts on what Africa means to you.
Click here to visit the Penn Museum's exciting new interactive website for the full program schedule and to start sharing your ideas now!
James' Arts & Culture Revival: Mixing Metaphors With AAMP
Mixing Metaphors: The Aesthetic, the Social and the Political in African American Art
Now through December 31
African American Museum of Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Last week, I got a sneak preview of The African American Museum of Philadelphia's new exhibition, Mixing Metaphors: The Aesthetic, the Social and the Political in African American Art. This powerful collection of work explores art's role in interpreting the fullness of the African American experience and includes more than 90 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and sculptures by 36 artists.
Mixing Metaphors is organized into three thematic sections that provide a lens through which to view the art; Reflections and Likeness, Constructing Place and Rituals of Existence. Each of these sections include a fantastic selection of images by noted photographers, all of which provide a very tangible sense of the collection's historical context and significance. The exhibit includes proud images of inner-city youth and southern families, Martin Luther King marching on Washington and on the first non-segregated bus, and intimate images of period icons like John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan and Muhammad Ali.
"This show will bring people into a context of where their life is and what it has been, reflected through other people's memories and experiences." said AAMP curator, Richard Watson during our walk through the exhibition. "You will see young people who will see themselves in these pieces. You will see older people who will see themselves in the memories reflected in these pieces."
Mixing Metaphors presents the work of luminary African-American artists like, photographer, Gordon Parks, storyteller and quilt-artist, Faith Ringgold, and also contains work by significant emerging artists from around the country. Some the show's artists use their work to tell the stories of day-today living, or to reflect on ideas about identity, politics, music or love, while others use more abstract constructs like lines, colors and shapes to explore their subjects. In its entirety, Mixing Metaphors challenges the viewer to examines art's role in our community and how one's own experiences can affect the interpretation of the art.
The exhibit will also include film screening of Separate, But Equal with a discussion with filmmaker Shawn Wilson, art-making workshops with local artists, artists’ talk with local artist Allen Edmunds, whose work is featured in the exhibit, and a musical poetry slam.
Together, the artists found within Mixing Metaphors truly represent the richness found within the African American story and true breadth and diversity found within our artistic community. You can checkout AAMP's website for the full programming schedule and exhibition details.
POPPED! Music Festival & Food Bazaar - Venue Changes
The POPPED! Music Festival is changing venues due to poor weather conditions expected for this weekend. The beat will go on for the POPPED! Music Festival at the Liacouras Center. And, bring your appetite to the new home of the POPPED! Food Bazaar at the popular spot in Northern Liberties, The Piazza. Details are below.
POPPED! Music Festival
Friday, September 23 - Saturday, September 24
2:30 - 10:00 p.m. on Friday
10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Saturday
Liacouras Center
1776 N. Broad Street
Insider tip: All previously purchased tickets will be honored, and advance tickets are on sale now for the Liacouras shows through Ticketmaster and also at The Liacouras Center Box Office and the Electric Factory Box Office. Day-of-event tickets will be $65 each, available at the Liacouras Center box office.
The music lineup:
Friday, September 23
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, The Hold Steady, Panda Bear, The Shins, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Elbow, Cage The Elephant, Dead Confederate, Miniature Tigers, Yuck, Joy Formidable and Company of Theives
Saturday, September 24
Mates of State, Cults, Titus Andronicus, Rakim, Girl Talk, The Budos Band, Charles Bradley, Kreayshawn, Foster the People, Pretty Lights, Nikki Jean, Anamanaguchi, Patty Crash, Black Landord, Zee Avi, Sun Airway, Asap Rocky and DJ Questlove
POPPED! Food Bazaar
Saturday, September 24
3:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Piazza at Schmidt's
N. 2nd Street (2nd Street and Germantown Avenue)
If your heading to the Girard Avenue Festival or Philly F/M Festival, or if you feel like popping in for some delicious eats, stop by the Piazza for the POPPED! Food Bazaar.
Insider tip: No cost to enter the food bazaar. It is pay as you go.
Confirmed Food Vendors:
Sweetbox
Hardena's
Nomad Pizza
Gigi & Big R
Made in the Shade
King of Rock-and-Roll Treats
For more on Philly's food scene, check out Philly Homegrown.
Halloween Haunts And Happenings Around Philly
There's a crisp chill in the air and trees are just starting to change colors. Fall is coming and Halloween is just around the corner. It's time to start picking out costumes, stocking up on candy and getting together with friends and family for some chills and thrills around Philly.
From famous and feared places like Eastern State Penitentiary and Pennhurst Asylum, to eerie adventures through some of the region’s most historic sites, to learning the dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller, to the Mummies of the World: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute,one thing is for sure--Philly knows how to do Halloween.
Haunted Attractions and Tours:
Terror Behind the Walls
September 23 - November 5
2027 Fairmount Avenue
Terror Behind the Walls is celebrating its 20th year of spooking the brave who dare to enter. The nation’s first prison has many claims of paranormal activity at any time of the year, but for over a month, the reports are brought to life with Hollywood-quality sets, 200 actors, custom-designed props, animatronics and digital sound effects. Plus, they've added two new attractions, “The Gauntlet” a new, high energy opening attraction and “Break Out!,” a new finale with an outdoor scare zone. True fear-seekers can take scary to the next level during the ESP After Dark VIP Tour, which includes a rare view of the cellblocks at night, followed by Terror Behind the Walls.
Insider fact: Eastern State Penitentiary is rated the “#1 Haunted House in America” by AOL City Guide.
Bates Motel
September 30, October 1-2, 7-31
1835 Middletown Road (Route 352),
Glen Mills, PA
Bates Motel will keep you scared all night long with their three attractions--part haunted house, part haunted hayride, part haunted corn maze. They have been scaring thrill-seekers for over 20 years, and this year, they added a new section to the trail. Located on a farm in a wooded setting outside of Philadelphia, you will really feel like you are in another world.
Insider fact: Bates Motel was named one of America’s scariest haunts by Hauntworld Magazine, USA Today and the Travel Channel.
Pennhurst Asylum
September 23-25, September 30-October 2, October 7-9, Thursdays through Sundays October 13-30, November 4-6, November 11
Church Street and Bridge Road
Spring City, PA
The reportedly haunted Pennhurst Asylum opened its doors for the first time last year as a haunted attraction. This year, the tour areas include: "The Pennhurst Haunted Attraction," a hosptial themed attraction; the "Dungeon of Lost Souls," a new labyrinth of old cells and halls; "The Tunnel Terror," a tour underneath the grounds; and "Ghost Hunt," a self-guided, flashlight tour through what is believed to be the most active building at Pennhurst.
Dining with the Dead and Halloween Flashlight Tours
October 27, BYOB Tour
October 28-29, Halloween Flashlight Tours
3822 Ridge Avenue
Spend a ghostly evening at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, at Dining With the Dead, a catered, candlelit BYOB dinner and evening tour. During the hour-long Halloween Flashlight Tours, visitors wind through a maze of gravestones and sculptures scattered throughout the elaborate Victorian-era cemetery, and they meet some restless spirits along the way.
Spirit of ‘76 Ghost Tour
Ongoing
Cosi Restaurant - Tour meeting point
325 Chestnut Street
The 75-minute walking tour Spirit of ‘76 Ghost Tour takes the brave to Historic Philadelphia’s 20 most haunted sites and attractions, including Carpenters’ Hall, Old Pine Street Church and Cemetery, Independence Hall and the Benjamin Rush House.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Ongoing
Signer's Garden - Tour meeting point
5th and Chestnut Streets
When night falls, the secrets of America’s most historic and most supernatural city are revealed in the shadows on The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, a candlelight walk through Independence National Historical Park and Society Hill.
Haunted Trolley Tour
Ongoing
Haunted Trolley Tour meeting point
11 S. 5th Street
Ninety minutes on a Victorian-style, narrated trolley ride is all it takes to unearth the undead secrets of the city. On the Haunted Trolley Tour, passengers visit close to 20 locations around the city and stop off at three particularly peculiar sites.
Festivals and Family-Friendly Happenings:
Pumpkinland Harvest Festival
September 10-November 6, Festival
September 30-October 2, 7-9 14-30, Hayrides
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA
Grab the family and head over to Linvilla Orchards for the Pumpkinland Harvest Festival, where you can enjoy activities like pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, a jack-o’-lantern exhibit and pie-eating contests. There's also a costume parade for kids, face painting, music and pony rides. Then, check out the Autumn Moon Hayrides and the Hayrides to the Witches’ House. After both hayrides, get toasty by the campfire with marshmallow roasting and apple cider.
Halloween Fun in Franklin Square
Every Friday-Sunday in October, Spooky Mini Golf
October 22-23, Pumpkin picking and decorating
October 29-30, Trick-Or-Treat Trail
October 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, Lightning Bolt Express
October 29, PumpkinFest
6th & Race Streets
Franklin Square gets into the Halloween spirit all month with Spooky Mini Golf, pumpkin picking and decorating, the Trick-Or-Treat Trail and train rides on the Lightning Bolt Express. Plus the ticketed PumpkinFest with pumpkin and face painting, cupcake decorating, a costume parade, carnival games and more.
Dracula Festival
October 7-31
2008-10 Delancey Place
The Dracula Festival features a month-long series of events inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula. The festival offers guided hands-on tours of Stoker’s notes; a book talk by Leslie Klinger, author of New Annotated Dracula; and a one-man performance of Dracula by Josh Hitchens. There are also Dracula-themed crafting workshops.
Boo at the Zoo
October 22-23, 29-30
3400 W. Girard Avenue
It's not just the lions, and tigers and bears that will have you saying oh my. Boo at the Zoo hosts a masquerade party and a trick-or-treat adventure around the cages and tanks. Games, crafts, music and storytelling add to the festivities.
Rittenhouse Row Halloween Celebration
October 29
18th and Walnut Streets
Restaurants, shops and hotels open their doors for little trick-or-treaters looking to get some delicious Halloween treats. There will also be activity stations throughout Rittenhouse Square for kids.
Halloween Parties, Shows and More:
Philly Zombie Prom
September 24
1003 Arch Street
Vampires are out. Zombies are in--and you can be a part of the trend at the Philly Zombie Prom. DJs will keep the party going as you kill it on the dance floor. There will also be on-site makeup artists to make sure you're looking your worst. And, don't forget to pose for your prom photos.
Society Hill Dance Academy's Halloween Party
October 28
409 S. 2nd Street
We hope you came to dance, dance, dance all night at the Society Hill Dance Academy’s annual Halloween Party. This BYOB event includes a Thriller dance lesson, costume contests and more.
Halloween Masquerade Ball
October 29
18th and Walnut Street
Rittenhouse Row’s Whisper nightclub is the setting for a Halloween masquerade ball. The party will include costume contests, creepy cocktails and deadly dancing.
Exhibit:
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition
Through October 23
222 N. 20th Street
Prepare for a jaw-dropping experience as Mummies of the World brings the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts to Philadelphia. The exhibit features a compelling collection of ancient mummies and important artifacts from Asia, Oceania, South America, Europe, as well as ancient Egypt, dating as far back as 6,500 years.
On The Reel: Throwback Video - Boyz II Men Celebrate Their 20th Anniversary
Last Saturday, September 17, marked Boyz II Men's 20th anniversary. Boyz II Men celebrated their anniversary by returning to their hometown for a special concert at the Temple Performing Arts Center with a 34-piece orchestra, Broad Street Sinfonia.
The Grammy winning group is the biggest selling R&B group of all time with over 60 million recordings sold. Our video pick is a throwback video from the beginning of their careers.
Watch "End of the Road" below.
Local radio personality Tiffany Bacon did a review of their anniversary concert. Make sure you check out the 4:00 mark to see their performance from Saturday.
James’ Arts & Culture Revival: Insider Interview with Fred Yonnet
This weekend, I caught up with master jazz harmonicist, Frederic Yonnet for an exclusive Philly 360 Insider interview to discuss his music and upcoming performance at the Painted Bride. You can read the interview below, but first be sure to watch this awe-inspiring performance by Frederic Yonnet at Philly's own Warmdaddy's during the Hump Wednesday Jam Session.
Frederic Yonnet in Concert
Saturday, September 24
Performances: 7pm & 9pm
After Party with DJ Joey Blanco: 10:30pm
230 Vine Street
Insider Tip: Use the promo code Philly360 for a 20% off discount on your tickets!
Frederic Yonnet performing live at Warmdaddy's:
James' Philly 360° Insider Interview with Frederic Yonnet:
James: I was doing my homework on you and saw a whole bunch of Philly representing on your website! You have your upcoming show at The Painted Bride, and I see you just did music with Philly’s own, Kindred the Family Soul. So have you been to Philly before?
Fred: So as an immigrant from Paris, I had to stop by Philly to get a dose of education and learn the history of the country. I’ve actually performed in Philly before with John Legend at the KImmel Center. We did a fundraiser there. I also performed recently with Kindred the Family Soul at Warmdaddy’s.
James: Well we’re excited to have you back in town!
Fred: And I’m excited to come back! (laughs)
James: Tell me about how you chose to play harmonica. When did you start playing?
Fred: Well I started playing as a young adult. Kind of late, considering that a lot of musicians play when they are like teenagers or even as a child. I started late, but I put a lot of hard work and time into it. One of the things I realized is that the harmonica was always used as a blues, bluegrass or country side-instrument. I realized that there was a big opportunity for the instrument to be exposed to a wider audience and wider styles and genres of music. I basically started digging it and realized there was a lot of need for a renovation of the harmonica.
James: I like that term, the renovation of the harmonica! Did you run into any difficulties by choosing the harmonica? It’s not as traditional as some of the other more standard instruments, like the bass, guitar or drums.
Fred: Well first there were technical difficulties with the particular type of harmonica I’m playing. I had to overcome that before I could consider myself communicating properly with the rest of the musical world. To keep it simple, the harmonica I am playing is called a Diatonic harmonica. It has 20 reeds and each reed gives you one specific note, but it only delivers 19 notes over three octaves. So it only give you some of the white note on the piano, not even all of them! That’s fine when you are playing basic and simple music but when you start to get into something more a little more elaborate, like Gospel, R&B, Funk and then Jazz and Fusion. Oh my gosh, you’re in trouble! (laughs) So I had to figure out the rest of the notes and then create a link between my inner voice and the tools I chose to express myself - the harmonica.
James: Tell me about your upcoming show at the Painted Bride and the music that you will present there. What can your audiences expect?
Fred: Oh wow. Describing in words what is being experienced by your eyes and ears, is always a challenge. I would describe the music as very energetic and very spontaneous as well! We have a starting point of where we are going to play from, but every performance is catered to the vibe we are getting from the audience. So every audience is getting a different show and I’m hoping it changes the way people think about the harmonica once they leave the venue. What they can expect is to forget about whatever happened earlier that week and just to take a musical journey for the few hours we have together and hopefully take that home with them for a long time after that.
James: The list of artists you have have worked with is tremendous and so diverse, everyone from Stevie Wonder to Justin Beiber, India Arie, Kindred the Family Soul, John Legend and even Prince. So what are some of the top highlights of your career thus far.
Fred: You know, it’s funny, it feels like you are living a dream before you get to dream it. I would have never in my wildest expectations or wildest dreams imagined sharing the stage with Stevie Wonder not once but several times in the last few years. So it’s kind of hard for me to pinpoint some top highlights. It’s been a roller-coaster ride and you have highs and lows. You go from fame to starvation but I’m really enjoying that ride. I really am!
James: Is there a particular genre you use to describe your own music?
Fred: It would have to fit in the jazz or jazz fusion genre, for the simple reason that it’s not pop. To people who have never heard it, I like to describe it as the music that fits between Jimi Hendrix and Louis Armstrong with some John Coltrane sprinkled on top with a serious funk foundation.
James: That’s a serious line-up and world of influence!
Fred: Yeah, but those happen to be the people I really go back to when I feel like I am empty of ideas. They are just a few of the anchors that I really to place myself between. Stevie of course, is a humongous influence. Prince as well, not just for his musical and artistic perspectives, but for the way he promotes himself and manages his musical business. With all those artist, you have to be smart enough to hear what they say not only through their work, but also through their actions.
James: Can you tell me a little bit about your current project, Reed My Lips and also about your concept of a “Reality CD”.
Fred: Sure, and as a matter of fact I invite you to be a part of the process! The idea is to open the doors of the studio to the audience and share the creative process. I want to share some snapshots of the creative process of putting a CD together with the audience. People are very interested in the process of things right now and I feel like I could benefit from their creative perspectives as well, if I only open the door and give them an opportunity to express themselves. It’s always interesting to plant a seed in somebody else’s mind and see what come out of it. You might actually get some cool ideas and we have already ! So right now on the website, you have access to the rough cuts of the album and we’ve actually started to upload new updated version of those songs. It’s almost like a membership, where you can comeback and download the album at several stages of evolution. So are you going to join us?
James: I definitely will join you! I think it’s so excellent when musicians, artist and art spaces invite the audience in for a very personal experience that feels catered to them. It feels that is the way music and art is moving. We're no longer going into a bubble to create and then presenting something to audiences, but we're opening the door to give the public insight into the process and sometimes even a slight hand at guiding its direction. It really creates something meaningful for both sides!
Fred: I definitely agree with that. You know a lot of artists are very protective about their work while they are creating it and then all of a sudden when they are done with it - they feel like they are ready to release it to the world. But the moment of creativity is what I want to explore the most. I feel like it’s about curing the fear factor of creating and exposing to the audience. You know the anxiety you can have when it’s time to pull the sheet off the sculpture? or turn the light on the painting? You know what I mean? I remember when I was younger, watching some very interesting videos of Picasso painting over a piece of glass. You could see the whole painting taking life on the other side of the canvas. I never forgot that piece and I think it inspired the Reed My Lips project, as least from a musical perspective.
James: What’s next for your career and your musical ventures? What should we be on the lookout for? Any big goals on the horizon?
Fred: My big goal is to put a harmonica in everybody’s mouths! (laughs) Everybody needs a harmonica! I really love that instrument, it's really understated. Anybody who really starts looking at its limitations will find a world of possibilities. The big lesson I learned by playing the harmonic is that the limitations aren’t within the instrument but they are only in the mind. So if you start from that perspective, tomorrow is really open to you in ways you can’t expect.
Visit www.fredyonnet.com to find the latest information on Fred’s music and performances.
Your Guide To POPPED! Music Festival - September 23 -24, 2011
POPPED! Music Festival
Friday, September 23 - Saturday, September 24
2:30 - 10:00 p.m. on Friday
10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Saturday
Liacouras Center
Broad Street and Pattison Avenue
The POPPED! Music Festival is a two-day, outdoor fusion of music and comedy. Now in its fourth year, the music festival is coming back better and hotter than ever. Plus, POPPED! Music Festival is featuring a locally sourced premium food bazaar with the help of Philly Homegrown and the Food Trust, Corey Fair, Chef and Blogger of The Modern Farm Table, and Drew Lazor of Meal Ticket. Check out the complete lineup and food vendor listing here.
Entertainment Lineup:
Friday, September 23
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr
The Hold Steady
Panda Bear
The Shins
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Elbow
Cage The Elephant
Dead Confederate
Miniature Tigers
Yuck
Joy Formidable
Company of Theives
Saturday, September 24
Mates of State
Cults
Titus Andronicus
Rakim
Girl Talk
The Budos Band
Charles Bradley
Kreayshawn
Foster the People
Pretty Lights
Anamanaguchi
Patty Crash
Black Landord
Zee Avi
Sun Airway
Asap Rocky
Tickets:
Single Day $59.50
VIP Single Day $110
2 Day Pass $110
VIP 2 Day Pass $200
For more ticket info and to purchase tickets, click here.
The 19 Most Fashionable Women In Philly
We were on the scene at the 2nd Annual XIX Most Fashionable Women in Philadelphia event that happened this week as part of the Philadelphia Collection. The event was presented by fashionista and world renowned designer Nicole Miller and owner of the Bellevue's Nicole Miller boutique Mary K. Dougherty. And, our own Rakia Reynolds was one of the ladies honored!
Check out who the 19 women are that keep Philly looking fabulous!
Lisa Nutter, wife of Mayor Nutter
Lauren Pronger, wife of Philadelphia Flyer Chris Pronger
Karen Dougherty Buchholz, Comcast VP
Bhavna Shyamalan, psychologist and wife of director M. Night Shyamalan
Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Associates
Joan and Ellen Shepp, owners of Joan Shepp
Norinda Brown, Brown Betty Dessert Boutique
Beka Rendell, daughter-in-law of former governor Ed Rendell
Nydia Han, Action News 6 anchor
Risa Vetri Ferman, district attorney of Montgomery County
Sharon Quick, Rotary Club of Philadelphia
Rakia Reynolds, Skai Blue Media and Philly 360 Insider and Ambassador
Tina Wells, Buzz Marketing Group
Sabrina Tamburino Thorne, GPTMC and wife of auto-parts magnate Steve Thorne
Dr. DaCarla Albright, Penn Medicine
Lilliana Vazquez, fashion blogger
Holly Kinser, Wojdak & Associates
Alana Tosti, Philadelphia Wedding
Randee Janiszewski, Janiszewski Insurance Agency
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- Philly360: Video: Will Smith on the set of MIB3 http://t.co/xKfxl1h5
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- Philly360: Planning a family trip to Philly? Check out @MommyFactor's list of attractions: @TheFranklin @aampmuseum @phillyzoo http://t.co/HIQocJ31
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- Philly360: Enjoying lunch with @mommyfactor and @KyleenTheDiva at City Tavern!
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- Philly360: Have you toured the @muralarts African-American Iconic Images Collections? http://t.co/SNzJNo0g #withartphl
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