Key Fest 2016 In Photos: Hardwork Movement to Kississippi, Madalean Gauze to Lou, and much more

Kississippi at Key Fest | Photo by Rachel Del Sordo for WXPN

Last weekend we took up residence on the second floor of MilkBoy in center city for our second-ever KEY FEST – a celebration of the Philadelphia music community, curated by us here The Key, spread out over three nights. It was once again filled with great music and positive vibes, and major thanks are due to all the performers, as well as the folks at MilkBoy and Bonfire Entertainment for graciously allowing us to bring artists into their space.

Below, check out an assortment of scenes from the weekend, by Key photographer Rachel Del Sordo and Key editor John Vettese.

Rapper Joie Kathos got the weekend started and the got the crowd moving with a fierce selection of songs from her recent Floaters EP.

Nine-piece hip-hop collective Hardwork Movement had the place packed from the front to the back on Friday night, and brought a high-energy party atmosphere to the Fest.

Vibing out with Kate Faust. She played a large handful of new songs during her set, and we’re more excited than ever for her new EP.

ILL Doots bringing opening night to a thunderous close. I’ve been an admirer of their music for a while now, but this was my first experience seeing them live, and I was blown away.

Madalean Gauze kicked night two into gear with an energetic set recalling Patti Smith and PJ Harvey.

A shimmering performance from Cherry kept the show moving – Russell Edling and co. continue to show off their serious indie pop songcraft.

On record, Shelf Life is a bit askew and experimental; in concert, they kick out the indie rock jams in a big way. The songs range from super pretty to playful (ie. one tune where they just repeat the lyrics “North Korea” over and over).

Fresh off a month and a half tour, Kississippi delivered a set filled with feeling that culminated in frontwoman and songwriter Zoe Reynolds laying on the venue floor, singing as the crowd stood above in awe. Just beautiful.

Friendship started the roots-centered Sunday night with a test run of several new songs that are already making us excited for album number two.

The always impressive Lou dives in to their set, which was nicely immersed in jangling rock melodies and plaintive vocals by Tess Emma.

Mark Watter’s Howlish got loud and boisterous, channeling their Tom Petty and War On Drugs-isms with punk energy.

Hezekiah Jones closed out the weekend on a mellow and introspective note, with some choice moments of garage rock in the mix.

Check out a full gallery from the event below!