Free at Noon Flashback: Paul Keen of Pawnshop Roses warms up for Wayne Music Fest at World Cafe Live

Paul Keen | photo by Emily DeHart for WXPN

Pawnshop Roses may call Philadelphia home, but the band’s sound is not inherent to the area. They make music heavily influenced by blues and bluegrass, but with that familiar Philly grit. Banjos and typical grass bass is coupled with more typical rock vocals. Band members Paul Keen, Kevin Bentley, Jason Jonik, and Zila are veterans to the local music scene, they have played together for 17 years.

Keen, the lead singer of the group, took the audience by surprise with a solo performance at WXPN’s Free at Noon on June 7th. Accompanied just by the guitar slung over his shoulder, he was able to show off his captivating voice. Without the rest of the band, all eyes were on Keen, but he more than managed to take control of the stage.

Pawnshop Roses is on the lineup for Wayne Music Festival on Saturday, June 8th. The band will perform at the N. Wayne Ave Stage at 5 p.m. Admission is free, but more information on the event can be accessed on the festival’s website.