Concert Review/Photos: NON-COMM 2015 @ World Café Live
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.
Elle King, Best Coast, Ryley Walker, Buffy Saint-Marie, Houndmouth, Dr. Dog, Blues Traveler, Glen Hansard, Natalie Prass, Tallest Man on Earth and more.
Two weeks ago, World Café Live once again played host to the NON-COMMvention, which featured 29 different artists playing to music industry and independent radio audiences. I caught 21 of the performers (and, alas, one of them I missed was Brian Wilson). I’ll run down the most memorable moments from the May 13-15 festivities:
- Glen Hansard, playing solo, unspooled some gorgeous new tunes. He spoke of walking in Philly and hearing two beautiful buskers. This story translated into reality when they came on stage to play violin. Certainly this was the highlight of the convention.
- Playing with only one other performer rather than a full band, Natalie Prass delighted with stripped down versions of her songs from her breakout self-titled album. There was some expectation of Ryan Adams joining her for one tune as he was present and played guitar tech for a moment. Adams never sang, so Prass’ moment to shine was even greater.
- Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear were fantastic. The mother and son duo layered thick harmonies on top of folksy blues. They are destined for headlining much bigger stages than World Café Live Upstairs.
- To watch Kristian Matsson, aka The Tallest Man on Earth, skip across the stage with guitar in tow and unique ballads at the ready is to see a high end performance piece. Playing with a full band for the first time ever, he was a fantastic performer for the final night.
- Philadelphia-based Son Little opened up Thursday with a stellar showcase of his voice and guitar artistry.
- Ryley Walker delivered a fantastic showcase of acoustic know-how.
- 1995 was alive and well with Blues Traveler ripping through “Come Around” in their set.
- And one cannot forget the live brilliance of Philly’s Dr. Dog as well as Buffy Sainte-Marie, among many others.
For more photos by Chris Sikich, see sikichphotography.com.
