Come out and hear Philadelphia's musical memories and be a part of the video documentary City of Brotherly Love: A Musical Journey !! Featuring: Charlie Gracie, The Original Orlons, The Soul Survivors, Dexter Wansel, Gil Saunders (former lead vocalist of Harold Melvin & Blue Notes), Byard Lancaster Band w/ guest Rufus Harley, Stewkey's Nazz. Also - Kenn Kweder, Linda Cohen w/ guest Michael Kac, Nik Everett, Skip Denenberg & Johnny Crescendo. Plus Special guests!
Charlie Gracie is a native son of South Philadelphia whose big hit, "Butterfly," a pop/rockabilly hybrid, went all the way to number one. In 2000 Paul McCartney covered Charlie's hit "Fabulous" for the DVD release Live At The Cavern Club.
The Soul Survivors hit song "Expressway" was voted the number one record ever to come out of Philadelphia in polls taken by the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia's City Paper. Today Charlie & Richie Ingui have released a new Soul Survivors CD titled Released.
The Orlons of Philadelphia had some dance and novelty gems in the early '60s for Cameo-Parkway. The 1962 hit "The Wah Watusi" went to number five on the R&B chart and number two on the pop chart, while the follow-ups, "Don't Hang Up" and "South Street," were also Top Ten R&B and pop successes.
Nazz formed in Philadelphia in 1967 with Todd Rundgren, Robert 'Stewkey' Antoni, Carson Van Osten & Thom Mooney. Stewkey was the lead singer on their single "Hello It's Me" which reached # 71. After Nazz broke up, Stewkey was in the bands Sick Man of Europe and Fuse with Rick Nielson & Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick. Today Stewkey leads the powerful Stewkey's Nazz.
Byard Lancaster, another native of Philadelphia, is a multi-instrumentalist, and Pennsylvania's first jazz lobbyist. is part of a second generation of African-American "new jazz" players who viewed themselves as John Coltrane's spiritual heirs, or "John's Children." Byard played with Sunny Murray, Bill Dixon, Sun Ra and fellow Philadelphian McCoy Tyner. Byard has also played on recordings with blues artist Johnny Copeland.
Rufus Harley, Philadelphia's only jazz bagpipe specialist, proved that jazz can be played on any instrument. Rufus recorded with the likes of Sonny Stitt, Sonny Rollins and Herbie Mann. He has also crossed over to the rock & hip-hop world recording in the 80's with Laurie Anderson & in the 90's on the Roots album Do You Want More?!!!??!.
Linda Cohen a Philadelphia native began studying classical guitar at Settlement Music School while in high school. Linda soon forged her own personal instrumental style of combining classical & popular elements. Linda has also given successful workshops for NARAS (Grammy people). Her latest CD is titled Naked Under The Moon.
Kenn Kweder, a product of a working-class neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia, first made his mark in the mid-1970's with his first band, the storied Secret Kidds. Kweder is still known for his live performances and, once again, he has transformed that energy, intelligence and passion onto recordings that reaffirm his unique position in contemporary music.
Nik Everett is a musician in the classic rock mold. Strong vocals and harmonica add depth of style not forgettiong his resonating melodies and insightful lyrics.
Skip Denenberg is a Philadelphia singer-songwriter. His new CD was just released (2004) by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Gil Saunders, a native Philadelphia singer/songwriter holds a solid record of accomplishment as a lead vocalist and dynamic entertainer. In 1982, Gil took position as lead singer for “Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes”, which lasted for 10 years. During a PBS Special, fellow Bluenote, Bill Spratley, introduced Gil as the answer to all their unanswered questions.
Saturday, April 9, 2005 Tickets: $33.00 (Includes all processing fees)
Ticket Holders: Full Dinner Service Available at Your Table for the Show!
Dinner Seating Begins at 6:00 PM for the 7:30 PM Show!
