Anthony Green at TileWorks | photo by Kate Schwartz for WXPN
Anthony Green creates a musical sanctuary at TileWorks show benefiting Roy G. Biv of Doylestown
If there is one thing that can be said for Doylestown native, Circa Survive frontperson and singer-songwriter Anthony Green, it is that he has yet to waste a moment of these so called “unprecedented times.” From rerecording fan favorites, releasing a Children’s album, Let’s Start a Band, and taking part in advocacy efforts for the LGBTQ+ and Addiction Awareness communities, it has been a busy year for Green.
But on Sunday, August 15th, Green yet again turned Doylestown into a musical sanctuary in the heart of Bucks County. As the sun hung high over the Moravian TileWorks, the scene was set for this incredible evening fit for families of all forms. The only thing warmer than the weather – the sense of acceptance and inclusion, with proceeds of the event going to Roy G Biv Doylestown, a nonprofit that provides a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community, ages 10 to 14.
The show opened with the soulful, bluegrass sounds of The Waywoods duo with vocalist Pete Mill accompanied by Danny Beaver on a slide guitar. Following was a serene performance from Slow Fauns, with vocalist and guitar player Lolly Hopwood along with keyboard player and flutist, Jesse Chandler of Midlake.
“We want these kids to have the support they need,” said Rae Davis, the founder of Roy G. Biv. “We want them to have access to queer adults and create bonds with other people who are like them. Something that wasn’t always available for people that needed it.” Davis founded Roy G. Biv in just February of this year and hopes to expand the message of inclusion throughout the region.
With the sun finally setting, and the crowds’ blankets and chairs in place, the man of the hour took the stage with his persona as big as his voice. As his signature rasp and unmatched energy radiated through the concrete courtyard, Green played a few newer songs and sprinkled in beloved tracks like “Vera Lynn,” “Love” (a cover of a song from Disney’s Robin Hood) and “Keep Your Mouth Shut” from his 2018 album, Would You Still Be in Love, as well as “You’ll be Fine”, “Cellar” and “Baby Girl.” Bringing even more enthusiasm from the crowd, Green was joined by his daughter, Lucy, for an unforgettable rendition of “Dear Child (I’ve been Dying to Reach You)” from his debut solo album, Avalon. Lucy, being a member of Roy G. Biv, played a major role in the motivation for the night.
“This is just such a great community,” said Green. “And in this time, my child is exploring who they are in a way I never could. I remember it being a nightmare for being a different kid or being a little bit unique. And now I see kids growing up and people being able to explore and be themselves and I’m so happy to be alive during a time like this.”
With growing concerns about the future live entertainment looming in the air, the emotion of the crowd was palpable of just how missed live music has been throughout the area. But before calling the night to an end, Green closed with many thanks to the organizers and vendors of the event along with a positive perspective on the uncertainty in the weeks ahead.
“Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but what I have learned is that I will not miss the chance to say how happy I am to celebrate today with you.”
More information about Green’s upcoming projects along with more about Roy G. Biv can be found on Instagram — @anthonygreen666 and @roy.g.biv.doylestown_.