When Steve Poponi passed away suddenly on October 31st, the impact on the local music community was enormous, and the response was heartfelt. Memorial posts poured in from artists he toured with, artists he recorded, friends and family, folks on the receiving end of one of his legendary sick burns.
Now, many of those artists and friends have gathered together to stage a two-night tribute to Poponi at Union Transfer, a venue he could often be found mixing sound at when an artist he worked with was on stage. The concerts take place on Friday, January 26th and Saturday, January 27th.
Night one features Alex G, Hop Along, and Saintseneca, three artists Poponi was a touring front of house sound person for. Hop Along also plays night two, along with Brooklyn emo band A Great Big Pile Of Leaves, and a reunion of the surviving members of Poponi’s influential emo band Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start, with a rotating cast of surprise guests filling in for Steve on vocals. (Fittingly, this show recreates the lineup of Up Up’s farewell show at Union Transfer in 2013.)
In a statement along with the concert announcement, Union Transfer had this to say:
“On October 31st we tragically lost Steve Poponi — a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend and teacher to so many. Steve was an absolute pioneer and catalyst of the Philadelphia and South Jersey music community, with an extensive resume spanning three decades as a songwriter, engineer, producer, performer and business owner.
“Steve touched so many lives throughout his 47 years, with an unapologetic approach to life and a wit beyond compare. We invite you to join us in remembering his life and legacy in a two night event featuring some of his favorite bands, and a special performance by his own band — Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start.”
One More: The Show For Steve will act as a benefit for Poponi’s family, in particular helping support a college fund for his daughters Jane and Clara. Tickets for the tribute go on sale this Friday, December 8th at noon, and more information can be found at WXPN’s Concerts and Events page.
