XPN Fest Recap: Cliff Hillis kicks off day two with power pop energy

Cliff Hillis | photo by Jeremy Zimmerman

Day two of the XPoNential Music Festival got under way with a shimmering set of homegrown power pop from local scene vet, Cliff Hillis. He’s been a fixture in Philly music going back to his time in the John Faye Power Trip in the 90s, and last year released his sixth project, Love Not War, the uplifting tones of which resonated from the Marina Stage this afternoon.

Hillis’ sound recalled anyone from The Beatles to Tommy Keane to Matthew Sweet and Semisonic, and he was joined onstage by fellow Philly vets Patrick Berkery on drums and Ben Arnold, who sat in for a few numbers. Check out a gallery of photos along with the setlist below.

Setlist
Keep the Blue Skies
Time An Evangelist
Many Happy Returns
Superfluous
Dashboard
Love Not War
Turn On A Dime
The Buddha’s Belly
Ways and Means