philly

On Thursday night, I made the trip out to West Philly's Green Line Cafe [the 43/Locust one] to see my friend and co-worker Andrew Keller play some music. I wasn't able to see him play in his band Hermit Thrushes on several occasions, but I was very glad I could make it out this time. I've listened to his music on his MySpace page before, but like always, seeing it live is another story.

The new Green Line Cafe at 4305 Locust St is a nice spot. Seating for 40 – 50 or so with enough lighting to not strain, but not so much as to feel uncomfortable at a show. Andrew played a nice set with a friend filling with a second guitar. I missed the first band The Great Unknown as I was too busy getting my act together to head out to West Philly, but the rest of the show, that I didn't specifically head out there to see, was great.

Next up was a 5 piece indie/folk band complete with clarinet (my old instrument) and tuba. Midwest Dilemma made it to Philly all the way from Omaha, NE. Justin, on lead vocals and guitar, dropped his tuner just before going on stage, but the show went on. They're currently on tour east of the Mississippi for the next month or so and I'm glad they were able to stop by in Philly to play the show I went to.

The crowd really liked their stuff, myself included. They brought an upbeat tempo which contrasted nicely with the rest of the lineup. I spoke with Liz, on clarinet and vocals, after their set for a bit and wished them luck on the rest of their trip. I parted the show with their CD in my bag and quite happy I made it out.

Closing out the show was Birdie Busch bringing her roots/blues to the stage with a twangy guitar and voice to match. She had a guy on upright bass plucking away as well.

I'd say her sound was the most polished out of the 3 sets I listened in on. She's got a bunch of nice writeups quoted on her MySpace. Her Penny Arcade was featured as a 'Best of' picks by iTunes staff last year. Birdie will be back at the Green Line in December. I think I'll be back out this way before long as well.

For $5, I saw 3 great sets one of which was a friend's. Add in another $10 and I got to take home a CD and help a traveling troupe get to their next stop and back home to Omaha. Philly's got a great music scene. I gotta get out and take advantage of it more often than once almost never. Who wants to go to a show?

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