January 22, 2015

Local bluegrass bands showcase Philly's folk roots

Three local acts will join together for a show at Bourbon & Branch

By Aubrey Nagle
PhillyVoice Contributor

Man About a Horse/for PhillyVoice

Local folk band Man About a Horse will play Bourbon & Branch Jan. 23.

If the continuation of WXPN's "Folk Show" when legendary DJ Gene Shay retires is any indication, Philadelphia still loves folk music. As if to signal a rallying cry of confirmation, an upcoming showcase at Bourbon & Branch in Northern Liberties is featuring three hot, local bluegrass bands Friday, Jan. 23.

The headliners, the Jersey Corn Pickers, are veteran performers who have appeared on Shay's show and played at the famous Philadelphia Folk Festival. Their sound is a mix of traditional bluegrass and Americana with hints of rock, blues, country and folk.

Folk band Man About a Horse will perform their unique mix of popular tunes and Americana, complete with a banjo, mandolin and vocal harmonies. Rounding out the set are The White Cheddar Boys, who play fast-paced, traditional Appalachian music.

Noah Swistak, associate director of the Philadelphia Folksong Society, has faith that local bands like these will carry on Philly's folk scene.

“It is exciting to see a new generation of pickers carrying forward the tradition of acoustic string band music," he said in a statement announcing the showcase.