Philadelphia is a cesspool for festivals, drawing in all types of music and bands from everywhere. Why shouldn’t our city host these big touring festivals? Clearly, Philly loves music. Did you hear…Jay-Z has something planned for September here (hint: check out That Music Mag’s News section). Now that June has arrived, so has the first string of music festivals.
On the 9th this year, The Journey’s Backyard BBQ is leaving Greenville, SC and making it’s next stop Philadelphia. Don’t miss it because then the tour’s headed to Indianapolis and not coming back toward us. It’s a limited event, only stopping in 12 cities. Oh, it’s free, too. And all ages. So, no excuses. If you’re in the city and feel the need to rock, the Philadelphia stop is right in the suburbs at the King of Prussia Mall. Perfect.
If you’re only goals this summer are to work on your tan or lose those extra pounds you put on this winter, do those things later. Promise me that everyone will find one new band to listen to or one new event to check out that they haven’t before. This tour will feature five bands who are certainly worth your time; Marianas Trench, Amyst, Robots and Racecars and First Things First.
Circa Survive hails from another Philly suburb, Doylestown. They’ve been performing since 2004 and have toured with bands like My Chemical Romance, Coheed and Cambria, and Motion City Soundtrack. They’re no stranger to touring festivals, having played at both Bamboozle and The Vans Warped Tour.
Marianas Trench is Canadian pop-rock and certified platinum in Canada. Last year, the band joined The Glamour Kills Tour and that fall they toured the US with Simple Plan.
Amyst is a local band as well, coming from Drexel Hill and their also joining Warped Tour this summer. Check out their bad-ass version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”.
Also based in Philadelphia is Robots and Racecars, a not-so-typical pop/punk band. This band promises to be unlike other bands you’ve heard of by expressing their inner nerd and getting you hooked with one listen.
First Things First is a band influenced by the masters of punk who’ve come before them- Green Day, Blink 182, New Found Glory. This local band will be touring the US this summer with A Hero’s Fate.
Along with the non-stop music, Journey’s King of Prussia show will also feature BMX races. Listen to some music, watch some awesome athletes do amazing tricks on their bikes, and buy an album or two. Support Philly’s local bands at a mall you’ll end up going to this summer anyway.
