Concert review/photos: Marnie Stern @ Johnny Brenda’s
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Stern's fingers arched and glided with the agility of an arachnid.
[ 5/9 ] Chords of wonder struck the ears of Johnny Brenda’s denizens on Friday by way of shredding master Marnie Stern. Though her 11-song, 45-minute set may have been brief, it had maximum impact on a healthy-sized crowd. Stern’s fingers arched and glided with the agility of an arachnid as she played a set heavy on 2013’s The Chronicles of Marnia.
With the typical mood of Johnny Brenda’s saturated hues, Stern showed why she is not only deserving of a spot in Seth Meyers’ Late Night band, but also as one of the premier guitarists of our time. Backed by bassist (and birthday boy) Nithin Kalvakota and drummer Mason Macias, Stern rocked out in the perfect end to a lovely Friday in springtime.
Philadelphia’s own Joints Chiefs of Math (and their gigantic pedal contraption) and Mumblr opened.
More reviews and photos by Chris Sikich:
- Drivin’ ’N’ Cryin @ World Cafe Live at The Queen
- Jessica Lea Mayfield @ Johnny Brenda's
- Ani DiFranco @ World Cafe Live
- Escovedo @ World Cafe Live
- The Sounds @ Union Transfer
- The Stray Birds @ World Cafe Live
- Okkervil River/Typhoon @ Union Transfer
- Tinariwen @ Prince Music Theater
- Suzanne Vega @ Two Rivers Theater
- Drive-By Truckers @ World Cafe Live at The Queen
- Arcade Fire @ Wells Fargo Center
- Throwing Muses @ Bowery Ballroom (NYC)
- Paul Simon and Sting @ Wells Fargo Center
- Ex Hex @ the Ottobar (Baltimore)
