A.M. Mills | photo by Joshua Cicetti | courtesy of the artist // Octave Cat | photo by Ben Wong | courtesy of the artist // Beano French | photo courtesy of the artist
Beano French, A.M. Mills, Octave Cat and more join the Waterfront Sessions July lineup
On a Thursday night in the summer, there’s no better place to be than Spruce Street Harbor Park. The park’s annual Waterfront Sessions encourage you to “tap your toes and groove to jams by some of Philly’s finest artists,” with a free concert each week throughout the season. The sessions kicked off last week, and the July lineup has just been announced, bringing us four more weeks of music to look forward to.
July 3: Octave Cat with Grimace Federation
The Fourth of July holiday starts a day early this year, with a performance by the one and only Octave Cat. The collaborative band started as an experiment a few years back, but their funky, jazzy, synthy sound took off. They’ve found their place in the Philly scene, and are currently teasing a new album. Before the band plays at 8:30, there will be a two-hour DJ set from Grimace Federation.
July 11: Beano French with DJ Ricochet
The following week brings local R&B singer Beano French to the waterfront. The West Philly native got his start performing at open mics around town, and has since made a name for himself with his soulful sound that mixes vintage R&B influences with modern hip-hop and trap. DJ Ricochet will have the floor before Beano’s set.
July 18: The West Kensingtons with DJ Sir Phillpotts
Founded by veterans of the local reggae, ska and soul scenes, The West Kensingtons came together to do what they love most — playing music. Their “Reggae Club” of guest collaborators is ever-growing, and they frequently join forces with other musicians for releases and performances. DJ Sir Phillpotts, of House of Roots Soundsystem, will get the evening started.
July 25: A.M. Mills with DJs Zita Carroll & Tracy S.
Singer-songwriter A.M. Mills will bring his moody rock and roll to the waterfront to close out the month. His thoughtful songs weave stories with a retro-inspired sound, making Mills stand out as one of the few artists of his kind. DJs Zita Carroll and Tracy Stanton will be spinning tunes ahead of his set.
Find more information on the Watefront Sessions on the XPN Concert Calendar, and don’t forget about the rest of the June lineup, which continues this week with Armani White.