VOID VISION
VOID VISION Void Vision is the electronic solo project of Philadelphia-based musician, Shari Vari, formed around 2009 when the minimal synth and coldwave genres were undergoing a revival and rebirth thanks to labels such as Wierd Records (home to acts such as Xeno & Oaklander, Led Er Est, Martial Canterel, Automelodi, etc.) and Veronica Vasicka’s Minimal Wave, among others. Void Vision’s debut album, ‘Sub Rosa’ was released on Mannequin Records (Berlin) to much acclaim, and sold out of multiple pressings. Void Vision’s cold, analog tracks are dominated by Vari’s haunting, powerful voice. But unlike many others associated with the genre, the songs are quite dynamic in range and structure, referencing a cross-section of the last 30 years of electronic music, while retaining a strong sense of personality and soul that speaks for itself. The past few years have been spent touring and sharing the stage with the likes of ADULT., Gary Numan, Boy Harsher, Clock DVA, Drab Majesty, Crash Course In Science, Eleven Pond and many others. RONNIE STONE Who is Ronnie Stone? He seems to have traveled from both the past and future simultaneously, bringing with him a unique style of contemporary synth-pop that seamlessly blends nostalgia with the bleeding-edge of modern dance music. The NYC-based producer and multi-instrumentalist writes and records all of his music at an undisclosed location, where he utilizes a massive arsenal of 80’s synthesizers to cook up dance-pop gold for the freaks and the loners. His forthcoming album, Ride Again (Feeltrip Records), is the culmination of a decade spent dwelling in the shadows at nightclubs and warehouse parties. Inspired by the solace and epiphanies he found on the dance floor, he blends New Wave with the groovy and persistent infectiousness of Techno and House. Since the inception of the project in 2014, Ronnie has built up a loyal following in the NYC scene. His debut album, 2015’s Motorcycle Yearbook, was greeted as a revelation, and his live shows quickly gained a reputation as quasi-religious events. Emerging from the haze in full leather, Ronnie takes the stage as if every nightclub was a packed stadium. As soon as he starts to sing, you believe him. RYDER HOUSTON Ryder Houston is an American filmmaker and musician born and bred just outside of Dallas, Texas. As much as his evocative sound dotes on alternative pop acts Depeche Mode, Garbage, and even Madonna at her most controversial, it also seems to suggest something greater operating on the periphery: a dark, omnipresent melodrama not unlike the crooning music of David Lynch composer Angelo Badalamenti and the baroque sensibilities of Lana Del Rey. Nevertheless, Houston’s discography remains adhered to a certain groovy allusion to chopped-and-screwed electronica with his spidery vocals weaving clichés of lust and rock ‘n’ roll menace anew. THE MODEL THE MODEL is an American electronic music band, composed of founding member Markie and longtime collaborator and DJ Justin Paul. While their origins are to be found in philosophic-kraut-pop parties held in late ‘90s Philly warehouses, THE MODEL went on to record and release two studio albums. It was on Physical that the band embraced more traditional ideas of song structure and arrangement, as well as the sounds of their youth. Physical was given a generally favorable reception among fans and press in both Philadelphia and New York, and reviewed in national and international magazines and sites. Markie went on to co-write and produce several albums for Class Actress.
Hotel Fiction
Hotel Fiction:Hotel Fiction is an Athens, Georgia-based band comprised of Jade Long and JessicaThompson. Both women have been playing music for over ten years and began writing,performing, and playing together in January 2019. In August of that year, Hotel Fiction releasedtheir debut single “Astronaut Kids” which received a warm welcome from the indie scene, andwent on to amass over 2 million global streams.Hotel Fiction’s sound has often been described as genre-fluid, with indie, pop and rockinfluences. With Jade’s dynamic vocals and piano, and Jessica’s complementary lead guitar andharmonies, the two create a sound that invites listeners to settle in and stay a while. For HotelFiction, the no vacancy sign is never illuminated, everyone is accommodated here.During quarantine, the two finished recording their debut album Soft Focus which was releasedin the fall of 2021. The project was met with praise from Atwood Magazine, Early Rising, A1234,and We Are the Guard, and was placed on Spotify editorial lists Fresh Finds and Fresh FindsRock, where it spent eight weeks straight.Most recently, Hotel Fiction has supported Beach Fossils, Adam Melchor, flipturn and TheBrooke and The Bluff. The band released their new EP Enjoy Your Stay on October 28, 2022.Supported By:Air DeviAll shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Solid Bronze
Solid Bronze – Groove-based, psychedelicly-tinged, jazz-informed, hazy funk. Hot off the heels of their sophomore album, Mt. Fuji, the six-piece live lineup brings it all to the stage from deep rhythm section grooves to meditative airiness. The Third Arrangement – In a blend of jazz, funk, rock, and even pop, the sounds range from warm and imaginative to jarring shuffles, which can be heard on their 2019 release Scarecrows up to their newest single “The Look”. Moustapha Noumbissi -Moustapha grew up a participant of many musical traditions, including West African drumming, American pop, and choral music. His latest recordings with producer Lee Clarke favor indie rock and psychedelic soul.
LUNACY
BLOODSTREAM Presents:LUNACYShanghai BeachChains of DesireThe Dolphin Friday, August 16$12 Advance, $15 Door21+ LUNACY LUNACY, a dystopian shadow figure located in rural Pennsylvania – which is a character set in the empty corroded future that focuses on themes of loneliness, emptiness, and mental illness. A character that often fits the description of late 80’s and early 90’s post-apocalyptic films. The project rose to the surface in 2016 releasing a set of 4 track demo recordings and consistently released material every 6 months until the release of the debut album “Age Of Truth” on Third Coming Records in Winter 2019. All releases have always been based around art and design of a specific release and have always been released in limited colorways, always selling out quickly. The project often described as lo-fi, noise and ambient explores different elements of shoegaze, minimal synth & post punk while developing a sound unique and identifiable to the project. https://lunacy.bandcamp.com/ Shanghai BeachShanghai Beach is the dark minimal synthpop solo project of Brooklyn-based Steven Salazar. With influences running from obscure 80s minimal synth music and noir style films, Shanghai Beach creates a cinematic environment for your ears. He has been a staple in Brooklyn’s dark underground scene for the past several years and has toured extensively in the US. https://shanghaibeach.bandcamp.com/ Chains of DesireChains Of Desire is a Columbus, OH based solo project of Jonathan Thompson (Child of Night). The sound is an amalgam of synthpop and industrial that channels the sounds of decay.https://chainsofdesire.bandcamp.com/
Scorched Koser Bee Monsters
KOSER is an award winning fun and frisky five piece, with Thin Lizzy guitars and Amy Winehouse vocals. KOSER swims in the alt rock pool, diving deep into the galactic glitter grunge side. KOSER is known for their infectious stage presence, punchy hook writing, and impressive genre melting. If you’ve ever wondered what a two-headed sax man looks like, come to a KOSER gig and they’ll show you. Scorched Waves, is an indie rock sensation hailing from Stevens Point, WI. Self described as “Groove-Punk” The quintet has comparable sounds to the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Bravery, and The Kooks offering a unique blend of Indie/Alternative Rock, Post Punk, and Pop Punk. BEES! is an Arcade Rock band from Philadelphia. It’s not like they’re the bees; it’s more like you’re in a horror movie being chased by giant radioactive bees, screaming “BEES!” Inspired by The Presidents of the United States of America, Queens of the Stone Age, and the music from Super Mario World, a BEES! show feels like you’re back in a 90s arcade. Sacred Monsters bring forth a unique blend of raw emotion and unapologetic energy, crafting what they proudly dub as “sad girl rock.” Drawing inspiration from the grunge-infused sounds of Veruca Salt and the Breeders, while also tipping their hat to the infectious hooks of Weezer, Sacred Monsters carve out their own sonic niche in the Philly indie rock scene. ALL EVENTS AT DOLPHIN TAVERN ARE 21+
KulfiGirls
KulfiGirls are a Philly based band whose style is a cross-cultural tapestry marked by prominent use of the Saraswati veena. Front woman and veena player, Abi and Joan, the guitarist, fuse melancholic harmonies and aggressive distortions of various Western influences with Abi’s Carnatic roots. Underpinned by Adesola’s relentlessly in-your-face rhythms and the wide-spanning multi-talent Stephanie, the Kulfi Girls are one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic, evocative, and diverse new groups on the music scene. Their debut album “Divinity” from earlier this year combines classic rock elements with an experimental ensemble of instruments. https://www.kulfigirls.com/ Scuzzy-indie-glitter-rock from Brooklyn! Big Girl’s performances are surreal, heavy-hitting, and high-energy, with angular melodic guitar parts, ferocious vocals, and over-the-top onstage theatrics. The result is their own blend of biting punk mixed with intimate Mitski-like lyrical authenticity. It’s campy, it’s fun, and it feels like friendship. Liable to make you dance, cry, and maybe even quit your job. Instagram The Noisy is a dream pop/synth soft rock band based in Philly, originally formed in Knoxville, TN, where frontperson Sara Mae studied poetry. They released The Secret Ingredient is More Meat, their debut LP, spring 2024. For fans of Japanese Breakfast and Jay Som, with a touch of Chappell Roan. The Noisy is currently working on LP2, and is releasing a deluxe album, The Secret Ingredient is Even More Meat, with Audio Antihero in the fall of 2025. Instagram All events at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Sweet Juice Fundraiser
Sweet Juice Fundraiser Presents:Popcorn DaddyjustmadniceThe Lunar Yearhosted by: Sug Daniels The Lunar Year The Lunar Year is the art rock project of Philadelphia based musician and producer Katie Hackett. She has released two full length albums (Herodias, 2017) (katie bird, 2020) and in September 2022 released single Mist of the Teal Mara in anticipation of her new record, due out later this year. The band has gone on two U.S. tours (East and West Coast) and will be embarking on their third at the end of March 2023. Hackett has also scored for film, being featured at the London International Animation Festival, Viet Film Fest, and MAM Festival. Her songs have been featured on comedian Chris Gethard’s New Jersey is the World, MTV’s Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2. justmadnice justmadnice is a Philadelphia based ensemble fronted by Alex Far. Collectively described as blues-dipped psychedelic jazz, Farr’s vocals are reminiscent of Lianne La Havas and Billie Holiday. Originally a solo project, their debut EP, Small, was released in 2021 followed by a music video for their song “Lost,” a handful of live recording sessions, and their single “Resolution” released in 2022. From minimalist, delicate, folk tunes to a stage performance that will shake you to your soul, justmadnice is entering into an era of experimental sound. While still holding onto their love of minimalism, they are clearly influenced by elements of noise, psychedelic rock, and negro spirituals. Popcorn Daddy Popcorn Daddy is a pop-folk duo created by Melina Harris and Shona Carr. With an immense appreciation for harmony, these two artists mix earnest, vulnerable songwriting with tongue in cheek social commentary to develop musical performances that are both deep and whimsical. Through their engaging and catchy tunes, Popcorn Daddy aims to share the chemistry and passion of their friendship – or their ‘poppity-pop’ as they like to call it – with audiences everywhere. Sug Daniels (host) Sug Daniels is a Delaware born singer-songwriter and producer based out of Philadelphia who is using the tools around her to capture the emotions of an era. Daniels’ work is as colorful, vulnerable, and charismatic as her personality. She thoughtfully combines elements of folk, R&B, and soul alternatives to create personal and tender music interlaced with messages of truth and positive change.
Dead Bars
Dead Bars Seattle, WA A-F Records/Dirt Cult Records DIY…but can you help? Two New Jersey drummers meet in Seattle; magic occurs. Neither (usually) plays drums. A Tom Petty riff over an Iron Chic chorus, where everyone is a regular. This one is for the freaks. Spirit Weak Philly Mazz Cardxne & comrades emerge from quarantine disarrary with gruff, anthemtic pop-punk Olivine Philly Four-Person post-hardcore band. Established 2019, realized 2022. “I am trying my absolute best.”All Shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Crossed Keys
CROSSED KEYS Full-length record BELIEVES IN YOU out now! Chances are, if you’ve been paying attention to the Philadelphia underground music scene in the past two decades, you’ve seen one or two members of Crossed Keys before, although it’s very likely that you’ve seen them all. The members of Crossed Keys have a long history of playing in hardcore and punk bands from the area including Kid Dynamite, Ink & Dagger, Step Ahead, Kill The Man Who Questions, Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, Halo of Snakes, and The Curse. Crossed Keys draw from an eclectic palette of influences to create a unique twist on a sound that has been cultured in years of basement shows and record shops. Crossed Keys has gotten a lot older, a little wiser, and lost varying amounts of hair, but still makes music perfect for sweaty singalongs and all around good time. KATIE ARROSA Katie is a Philadelphia-based writer and comedian. You might have seen her last year at Fest 20 as one of the comedy hosts! REVELATOURS Revelatours are four friends from Philly playing fast songs! ERRTH Errth is a new band featuring current and former members of Aspiga, Public Serpents, Reunions, and Seeing Snakes.All shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+
Scan & Dan
Dan Finnemore, one of the two founding members and original songwriters for Low Cut Connie, is returning to the US after 7 years back home in Birmingham, England. Finnemore is joined by his two old tourmates James Everhart (Cosmic Guilt and Scantron) and Will Donnelly (Low Cut Connie, Scantron, Lady HD) and an all-star band composed of members of Philly buzz band, Cosmic Guilt. Expect a night of pure garage rock versions of Finnemore, Scantron, and Cosmic Guilt songs as well as a deep selection of covers. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. All shows at Dolphin Tavern are 21+