Saddle up for this AWESOME double bill!
Sparkle Pony is fun, refreshing, creative and difficult not to love. This little Bluegrass, Newgrass and Folk quartet has quickly earned the reputation for being one of the most well polished, high quality bands on the Philly Folk scene right now. Super tight harmonies,ripping solo's, great arrangements over well crafted original songs is what to expect when you hear Sparkle Pony play live. A guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Lead singer Valentina Raffaelli, from Tuscany Italy is a true vocal powerhouse and brings a unique take on an old familiar style. Lewin Barringer on guitar, the "well seasoned" pro has played with everyone from Randy Travis, to Peter Rowan, Blues Traveler and G. Love & Special Sauce and is one of the best rhythm guitar players in the area. Nick Salcido on bass, is one of the finest and hardest working upright players on the Philadelphia music scene today. There's a rotating cast of players like Sarah Larsen (Hurricane hoss) and Rob Dwyer (Kalob Griffin Band) for example. You never know when they'll show up, so you better come to ALL the shows to find out!
Black Horse Motel conjures a sound that draws on traditional folk roots, along with many other influences, and ties it together with unifying vocal harmonies. Songs are built on the foundations of folk music, but are elevated by an infectious blend of the traditional banjo and mandolin, with guitars, strings, drums and voices. The resulting sound is dexterous, rich, accessible and toe-tapping.
Black Horse Motel is made up of Galen Fitzpatrick, who further reinforces the folk and singer/songwriter foundations of the group, while bringing an additional alt-country vibe to guitar and vocals; Ryann Lynch heightens the foot-stomping with her backcountry-meets-Celtic fiddle style and has added an additional vocal, bringing the total to 5 singers in the band; David Richardson (banjo/mandolin/guitar/vocals); Megan Manning (drums/percussion/vocals); Desireé Haney (cello/keys/vocals). The group continues to hone their sound, expand their fan base, and write new songs for their upcoming recording.
In 2015, Black Horse Motel performed at the Dewey Beach Music Conference in Dewey Beach, DE, Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA, Xtreme Folk Festival in Telford, PA, and due to popular demand, returned for a second consecutive year at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in Schwenksville, PA. Black Horse Motel has been featured as live performers on several radio programs, including Delaware’s WSTW Hometown Heroes show, Gene Shay’s Folk Show on WXPN, Folkadelphia on XPN2, and Y-Not Radio.
PFS and the hosts ask that guests act in a respectful manner and be considerate of the performers and other attendees.
Advance registrations for this performance are REQUIRED.
Admission is free for PFS members and $15 for non-members.
Venue is located in Jenkintown, PA. Precise address given upon registration and again when tickets sell out or the Friday before the event, whichever occurs first.
Please bring something to share! Pot luck at 7pm, music at 8pm.