concert – That Music Magazine

Out Of Office is where you should be, Something Corporate reunites

Kilian O’Neil — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:56:32 +0000

Written & Photographed by : Killian O’Neil

It’s a very rare occasion when I am in North Philadelphia and actually feel safe; this last Saturday was one of those times. As my Uber pulled up to The Met Theatre, I was greeted by a hand full of security guards, accompanied by a wall of walk-through metal detectors. The entrance of The Met was sectioned off with chain link fences that had fake grass woven throughout the openings. It turned out to be a pop-up beer garden, and a DJ was spinning Emo/EDM remixes. Everyone either had a drink in hand or was chatting amongst themselves, bopping around. Despite the heatwave that was ripping through the city, the excitement of the night seemed to trump the thermostat reading 100 degrees.

Once I entered the venue, it was wall-to-wall with people every which way. I had about 10 minutes to kill before the night began, so I did what anyone would do, and I went to stand in line for merchandise. The line was wrapped around the staircase, overflowing onto the second floor of the venue. I overheard the couple behind me getting frantic because they were worried they’d miss Something Corporate because the line was “so long.” It really shouldn’t come as a shock, seeing as it’s been nearly 14 years since they went on tour. What makes it even wilder is that this was the first time in 20 years that all five of the original members were on the road together. We were definitely in store for a very special night. I myself have been waiting for this moment patiently since I was 14. A little longer wasn’t going to make a difference.

Something Corporate came on right after nine p.m., following their opener, Days Away, who had one hell of a set. Keeping the theme of indie rock for the evening, they got the crowd roaring to go and singing along to every song they played. It was my first time seeing them, but it was quite clear they have been doing this for a very long time. I was only able to catch the end of their set, but what I did catch was profound. Right before they played their last song, the lead singer said, “It’s kind of beautiful that you can write a piece of something and give it to the world,” and immediately after, everyone went crazy.

Once Days Away ended, it was finally time for something corporate. The music cut and the lights dimmed, and next thing you know, Andrew McMahon is skipping out onto the stage. He was dressed in a white button-down, black suspenders, and black dress pants, which completely suited the evening that was in store. The band immediately went into the song “Straw Dog” without anybody in the audience missing a beat with the lyrics.

Continuing the high energy of the night, they bang out “I Want to Save You” and “She Paints Me Blue,” with a mix of nostalgia and memories penetrating the air. There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t singing along with their eyes closed, getting transported to their formative years. There were 21 songs played that night, and the band left little time for pauses and transitions.

They played every hit, including “Punk Rock Princess.” During this song, Andrew went and grabbed his daughter, bringing her out on stage. They both sang it together and danced around the stage, e

ating up every moment. Ending that song on a strong note, Andrew jumped into the crowd and ran around singing to finish it off. Following it was “I Woke Up in A Car,” and that is when I believe I lost my voice. The last time I sang along this much, it was at Taylor Swift! The lights cut and all filed off.

A few moments later, after echos of “one more song” chants and screaming from the crowd, Andrew walks out on stage, walks to his piano, and takes a seat. At this point, everyone was losing it because there was still one song in particular that had yet to be played. The first key was hit, and the crowd started to sing in unison, “Konstantine.” It’s a seven-minute beautiful song, mainly on the piano, and seeing it live was out of this world. The emotions were swirling for everyone that was in the crowd that night. I swear I saw a girl crying in front of me. The second-to-last song that evening was a throwback of all throwbacks to close out the night, for real this time. It was none other than “If You See Jordan.”.

The synergy I saw that night on the stage between the bands is something that you don’t see often. It is quite clear that their brotherhood has weathered the seasons of life together. Which has transferred beautifully to the stage. Every single one of the members of Something Corporate was having the time of their life, and you could tell that. Everyone was feeling something on some level that night. In the middle of the evening, Andrew said to the crowd, “You can’t manufacture magic; you just have to try to put yourself on the path, and if goddamn, tonight wasn’t magic.” That’s exactly what this night was to not only them but to everyone in attendance.

GLORIA DEI OLD SWEDES FAMILY PICNIC

Brenda Hillegas — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:09:58 +0000

MEMORIAL DEI MUSIC FEST

HOSTED BY: SEXTON SIDESHOW

By: Julianne Cassidy

Barbecue? Check. Friends and family? Check. Live music? Check. Looks like you’re going to the Gloria Dei Old Swedes Family Picnic for Memorial Day!

Hosted by Jim and Paula Minacci, aka. Sexton Sideshow, the Memorial Dei Music Fest will be held Noon to 6pm on Monday the 28th, on the grounds of Gloria Dei Old Swedes Church, 916 S Swanson Street.

No strangers to musical affairs, the Minacci’s family calling is to unite local musicians, along with local businesses, and create fellowship. Originally running Bluebond Guitar Music School shows at church, with the help of Bluebond Guitars owner/operator, Richard Chodack, they grew to host their first festival, the Bluebond Music & Arts Festival.

A Woodstock Tribute followed in 2009, as each band per Jim’s request, performed a song played at Woodstock. Held on three stages, Ladyfingers (now in a band called Low Cut Connie) played, as well as a highlighted performance by Jim and Paula’s son, Dillon. Dillon’s band, Dillon & Ray, joined Lucy Stone and Jamie Lozoff (Uke Ellington) singing back-ups, with Stephan Sirochman (Modern Colour) on lead guitar, for a memorable rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends.”

After another phenomenal event proceeded on 11-11-11 featuring Dangermuffin and North Lawrence All-Stars, the Sexton Sideshow is bringing an even more spectacular festival to their adored community this Memorial Day!

From Ben O’Niell, who’s currently a freelance guitarist for such acts as: Kid Cudi and Musiq Soulchild, to Drexel University students, Wild Rompit and W.C. Lindsay, there’s an act for everyone. Also featuring: Sweetbriar Rose, The Dillon and Ray Show (with Stefan Superti & Sam ‘The Sax Man’ Metz), Emmett Drueding, Irish Mist, Lucy Stone, Modern Colour. Americana and Bluegrass, to Rock, Pop, Electronic, and the Blues, Memorial Dei Music Fest is going to be electric. Not to mention, promised, Saxophone interludes. Who can resist?

And with every great festival, comes great food. A member of Sweetbriar Rose, owns Kennet So. 2, and will be sponsoring. Additional sponsors include: The Artful Dodger, TriState Indie, and Philadelphia Brewing Company. It is hoped that guests graciously bring a side-dish to compliment the barbecue, as well.

As 13 year sextons [the Minacci’s] of Old Swedes Church, all ticketing funds will benefit the legendary grounds of this beloved sanctuary in Queen Village. [$5 – Under 21 = 2 Food Tickets. $10 – Individual = 4 Food & Drink Tickets. $20 – Family Ticket = 8 Food and Drink Tickets.]

There will be horseshoes, croquet, bocce, sprinklers, and hopefully, YOU!

On a day worth commemorating our fallen service men and women, open your hearts, and ears, and come join in this remarkable community event.

PRICE:

$10 – Individual = 4 Food & Drink Tickets

$20 – Family Ticket = 8 Food & Drink Tickets

$5 – Under 21 = 2 Food Tickets

[FREE: Chips, Sodas, Water. Side-Dishes are encouraged!]

* Please bring a chair! Dogs [on leash] are also welcome!

(A TENTATIVE) FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

1:00pm – 1:40pm Sweetbriar Rose http://www.littleredrecords.com/music.html

1:50pm – 2:15pm The Dillon and Ray Show feat. Stefan Superti & Sam “The Sax Man” Metz http://www.myspace.com/dillonminacci

2:25pm – 2:50pm W. C. Lindsay www.WCLindsay.com