The air was electric at Underground Arts on October 26th as Devon Gilfillian, Philly native son and Grammy-nominated soul singer/songwriter, headlined a night of music that would leave the city buzzing. This set marked the second-to-last night of the weeklong 2024 Philly Music Fest, with a crowd consisting of both longtime fans and newcomers united by their love of music and the tangible sense of community that permeated the week of music.
The night included a diverse and impressive lineup, beginning with Emily Drinker, an indie folk rock singer-songwriter whose voice could melt glaciers. She and her band captivated the audience with her intimate and heartfelt lyrics. Next came The Tisburys, an indie rock outfit with a knack for crafting catchy melodies and earnest lyrics reminiscent of The Hold Steady. They performed a variety of tunes, including their latest single, “The Anniversaries.” They treated the audience to unexpected mini covers between songs, including Roy Hargrove’s “Strasbourg / St. Denis” and Steely Dan’s “Peg,” showcasing their influences and musical versatility.
Mondo Cozmo took the stage next and kept the energy high with a description-defying blend of indie rock and pop. Josh Ostrander and his band spent much of the set exploring their latest album, It’s PRINCIPLE!, and treated longtime fans to the music that put them on the map, including an early-in-the-set performance of “Plastic Soul,” their breakout 2017 single that gained a broad awareness with support from local trendsetting radio station WXPN. The band brought the house down longtime cover “Bittersweet Symphony,” sending the crowd into a frenzy of sing-alongs and cheers.
Then came Gilfillian’s turn to deliver a performance that further highlighted the sense of community and shared passion for music that underscores the Philly Music Fest. From the soulful grooves of “All I Really Wanna Do” to the uplifting message of the low-key “The Good Life,” Gilfillian showcased his expansive vocal range and charismatic stage presence to the delight of the reverent audience. In a highlight of the night, he invited members of SNACKTIME, Philly’s genre-bending seven-piece band, to join during the set, and everybody went home with a smile on their face.
The buzz in the room was about more than just the music: it was about shared experience and the celebration of a city known for its musical heritage. The impressive lineup of acts delivered a performance that embodies the spirit of the Philly Music Fest, resulting in a renewed appreciation of live music and the vibrant local community that makes it all possible.
Photos by Mark Franzen.
