The Minacci Family: Sexton Sideshow Hosts Their 2nd Annual Memorial Dei Family Picnic and Music Festival
By Julianne Cassidy
2nd Annual takes on two stages… This Memorial Dei will go down in Sexton Sideshow history!
Join the Sexton Sideshow: [husband and wife] Jim and Paula Minacci, alongside their son, Dillon, in celebration of their 2nd Annual Memorial Dei Family Picnic and Music Festival, tomorrow, Monday, May 27, 2013, from 11AM to 6PM.
Hosted on the legendary sacred grounds of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church, 916 S Swanson Street, by the actual Sextons: the Minacci’s, all funds collected are used for the upkeep of this beloved sanctuary, historic as the oldest Pennsylvania church. “We live and work on these grounds,” says Jim Minacci. “Our job is to keep them looking good and proper, as well as setting up other church events and rental functions throughout the year.” Subsequently, Jim explains, “it only made sense to start having our own.”
And although this is technically the Sexton Sideshow’s “2nd” Memorial Dei Music Festival, this is their sixth family-run event. “We want to continue to build community in the area where we live, to make for a more lively and engaging place to live,” says Jim. Their Bluebond Music and Arts Festival kicked off in 2004, followed by a ’09 Woodstock Tribute, then “11-11-11,” which officially brought us the first Memorial Dei Family Picnic and Music Festival in 2012. Throw in “Exile on Water Street – 12/12/12”, and here we are. As our events have grown, “[our hopes are] to have the community aware of local grown music,” says Jim. “All the musicians live in the area, so we are helping to build that trust and connection through this and other events.”
Where else do you get the haunting, yet beautiful experience of a stage overlooking a graveyard? With two stages, this year amplifies the locally Philly-bred line-up indefinitely. “The double stage is a huge deal,” says Dillon. “We have grown every year, taking little baby steps, and we have finally gotten to a place that is like a real festival.” Not only is the list of artists multiplying, but diversity of genres too. “We generally stick to Americana/Folk/Blues, but like to branch out with artists like: Ben O’Neill, and Lucy Stone.”
Grammy-nominated songwriter-guitarist, Ben O’Neill, who’s performance resume includes: Jay-Z’s Made In America Fest to Kanye West, and Christina Aguilera, is “pleased to be asked back [for a second year.]” O’Neill adds, “the best part [of last year] was performing for an appreciative audience, to then sit back and enjoy more music as part of that audience.” Also, “the baked beans. Looking forward to them.”
Lucy Stone is not so patiently waiting for, “food, beer, Modern Colour, and beer.” Having just worked with multi-Platinum recording artist, Rusted Root, this Folky Blues-based indie-Pop artist, is teaming up with electro-Pop friend W.C. Lindsay, “to perform versions of our original tunes [from our respective projects,] but in a way that’s more raw and intimate.” Not able to work together often, Stone also assures, “we interact a lot on stage, and are very funny when together. We think so at least.” She also promises they’ll cover some classics, that they “wouldn’t dare touch in any other environment.”
With hopes of “getting Lukas Nelson, one day” for Jim, and hosting “something in the church building itself, as the acoustics in there are so great you do not even need a microphone,” for Dillon, the Sexton Sideshow never ceases to look toward future productions, yet humbly appreciates their current blessings. “My dad and I like music, a lot,” says Dillon. “Without this community, our events would not be possible. I hope people continue to leave with the feeling that they are contributing to something greater than themselves.”
A recent Belmont graduate, Dillon currently resides in Nashville, TN, saying, “to me, Philadelphia is a party, and Nashville is work.” However, “one of the greatest virtues I have learned from being away from home, and still working with my parents, is patience,” says Dillon. With a mother [a dancer] sharing the know-how of backstage and production, and a dad who can promote and network, Dillon’s career is rooted in his parents experiences, “I have also learned how much preparation it takes to start [and build] something like this.” And in turn, his parents are indubitably impressed by their son and his maturing career. “Living in Nashville, working for New Frontier Touring, we could not be happier or more proud of this young man, who has grown each and every year,” says Jim.
As the music festival fellowship extends another city block further every year, this undeniably is a family event, with a family-style picnic. “Our Sexton Sidekick’s take care of the grilling and beer pouring: John Paul Karvell (For Pete’s Sake – 900 S Front St) and church family-friend Brent Allen will resume the reins again this year,” says Jim. “Bill and Nancy Barton [Philly Brewing Company] have also been close supporters of all Sexton Sideshow projects, as these events could not take place without their help.” Kennett Restaurant (848 S 2nd St) will additionally provide vegetarian alternatives. But don’t forget to bring your own side-dish to share, as well!
Also, along with the kids, please bring your family dog. Gloria Dei is partnering with QVK9, a Queen Village Dog Organization, and hosting their 1st Annual Mr./Ms. Queen Village Pageant [for dogs], during the festival between bands: 11AM to 4:30PM. “This is a new addition that came from a church family member, Deirdre Flint (Three Bitchin’ Babes), who was our emcee last year,” says Jim. Entrance fee is $5 [.50 to vote], and funds will benefit QVK9, while providing pet education/outreach. Trophy and sash will be awarded to winners at 5PM.
Music, food, beer, and dressed-up dogs. This is the place to be on Memorial Day. “Come join us and leave your worries behind,” says Jim. The Midnight Singers’ Jaime Olson adds, “with most of the ‘Exile’ performers in attendance, expect a reprise of ‘12/12/12,’ oh, and no one throws a party like Jim, Paula, and Dillon!” And if that doesn’t convince you, Lucy Stone will. “Honestly, we’re [Stone and Lindsay] 99% sure that we had the best day of our lives [last year.] Have you ever done a craft-beer keg-stand?”
Stephan Sirochman of Modern Colour says it best, “Memorial Day is a day where we remember all the fallen heroes, who have given their lives for us to be able to do something like Gloria De Memorial Festival. To live in a free country where we are allowed to pursue such dreams, as making art and music.”
The 2013 Memorial Dei Family Picnic and Music Festival will respectfully honor SGT Edward Belanger Jr. from Wayland, NY, an active Afghanistan SGT.
PRICE:
$10 – Individual 21+ = Voucher – 1 Beer, 1 Burger, 1 Hotdog
$20 – Family Ticket [2 Adults + Up to 4 Children: Under 21) = Voucher – 2 Beers, 2 Burgers, 2 Hotdogs + Additional Voucher – 1 Burger and 1 Hotdog [Per child in family.]
+ Separate (extra) vouchers!
[Remember: Side-Dishes are encouraged!]
* Please bring a chair! Dogs [on leash] are also welcome + dog show! Enjoy games: including, horseshoe and croquet. And hope for hot weather, sprinklers!
(A TENTATIVE) FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
Sexton Stage 1: Located – Outside [Riverside Hall, if rain.]
12:00PM-12:45PM SWEETBRIAR ROSE
1:00PM-1:45PM IRISH MIST
2:00PM-2:45PM EMMETT DRUDING
3:00PM-3:45PM MODERN COLOUR
4:00PM-4:45PM BEN O’NEILL
5:00PM-5:45PM THE MIDNIGHT SINGERS
6:00PM-6:30PM ENCORE JAM…..EXILE SONGS
Sideshow Stage II: Located – Riverside Hall [Gloria Dei Church, if rain.]
11:30AM-12PM PAUL FEJKO AND HOLLY WESTERGREN
12:30PM-1PM TBA
1:30PM-2PM RESONATERS
2:30PM-3PM LUCY STONE AND W.C.LINDSAY
3:30PM-4PM SUNFLIGHTS
4:30PM-5PM ERIC 13 AND JOHNNY RICHIE
5:15PM-5:45PM JOSH OLMSTEAD
Please visit and share the following festival links:
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SextonSideshow
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/445759375508762/
QVK9: http://www.facebook.com/queenvillagek9
