It was a love fest of hellos and goodbyes on Wednesday at Johnny Brenda’s when three artists traveling singular lanes in the independent pop zone shared the stage.
Great Time played a hard hitting, dynamic set that embraced the breadth of their thoughtfully eclectic style — and electronic rock opening to a disco wave in the middle to a numetal finale — but did so in a bittersweet way. Frontperson Jill Ryan told the crowd that this was the band’s final Philadelphia gig before moving to Los Angeles; during their time in Philly, she said they’ve grown as individuals and as a collective, and felt blessed to find a home in such a supportive scene.
Recent Key Studio Sessions star Taylor Kelly and her expansive band’s set leaned into the realms of R&B and jazz, with the charismatic singer and songwriter acting as conductor, cueing solos and signaling change-ups and finales all while dancing, grooving, and delivering gorgeous melodies from R&B slow jams to uptempo drum & bass explosions.
After a sublime performance to start the night, singer-songwriter Jasmine Cassell joined Kelly and Ryan during Great Time’s set for a duet on “California,” which was sent out to Ryan and her bandmates with wishes for a safe and successful journey.
Check out photos from the show below; revisit Kelly’s recent Key Studio Session here.
Great Time | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN
Great Time | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN
Jasmine Cassell and Jill Ryan of Great Time | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN
Taylor Kelly | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN
Taylor Kelly | photo by Megan Matuzak for WXPN