The folks at the fourth annual 2nd Street Festival are ramping up for a big Sunday in Northern Liberties this weekend. On Saturday, they announced their full lineup for Sunday Aug. 5 in a handy-dandy schedule spreadsheet. Additions include new bands, new DJs and even a pie-eating contest. We’re pretty psyched about that last one, so let’s hit it first – 3:00 p.m. at the festival’s Germantown stage, presumably during a set by Variable Elements, a funk cover band also added to the lineup. That stage opens with singer-songwriter Orion Freeman and wraps with a flamenco band.
A big addition to the festival’s main stage in the Piazza is Philly hip-hop impressionist Lushlife (listen to his Key Studio Session here). The Poplar stage now opens with a set from soulful songwriter John Francis (hear his Key Studio Session here), feisty Philly rockers Purples (their Key Session can be downloaded here) and ubiquitous MC Kuf Knotz (he did a Key Session too, and it’s here). Also on Poplar are mind-blowing Baltimore psych heads Secret Mountains, as well as DJ DNA of Johnny Brenda’s popular gospel brunch and twangy rockers Brooke Shive and the 45s.
Last, there’s the Fairmount Stage, which is pretty much entirely new additions. Two Philly dance troupes will perform – Philareyto, which specializes in Puerto Rican dance, as well as Fuego Nuevo, a group preserving Aztec dance and culture. Opening that stage will be The Webbs and a jam session with John Fuhr, as well as a set in the middle of the afternoon from the Philly School of Rock.
The 2nd Street Festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. along 2nd street in Northern Liberties; the day also includes craft and food vendors, is free and open to the public. More information at 2nd Street Fest’s Facebook page.
A four-band bill at The Fire tonight will raise money for Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts along the Jersey Shore. Headlining the show is Philly avant rock trio Purples (pictured), who are joined by the soulful swing of Juston Stens and the Get Real Gang, the big-beat meyhem of City Rain and the dynamite voice of Kate Faust. The 21+ show begins at 8 p.m., admission is $10 at the door, more information can be found here. Below, watch Purples record their Key Studio Session earlier this year (as filmed by Bands in the Backyard).
