The quiet atmosphere of rural downtown Kimberton, Pa., will change dramatically on July 7, as live bands, including the Llama Dalis, Tin Bird Choir and Mostly Maybe, take the stage during the first annual Kimberton Community Block Party. The free event will also include a beginner’s square dance called by WXPN Radio Host Keith Brand, food, beer and beverages for sale, and children’s activities. The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. across from Kimberton Whole Foods at 2140 Kimberton Rd., Kimberton, PA 19442.
Presented by the Kimberton Village Business Association (KVBA), sponsored by Kimberton Whole Foods, and produced by Seven Stars Music and Arts, the block party is the kickoff event of the new Kimberton Summer Arts Series, which will feature live theater and music events throughout the summer.
According to KVBA member and Seven Stars Music and Arts Producer Dave Biddison, “The immediate goal of the block party is to bring fun and energy into the heart of Kimberton, and to showcase the town’s unique character.” Ultimately, KVBA’s vision is the creation of “Walkable Kimberton,” a community with pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, connections to the regional bike/walk trail system, and an active cultural scene. The group is working towards creating a sustainable community by promoting heritage and arts tourism, and the adaptive reuse and preservation of Kimberton’s historic resources. “We also just enjoy presenting cool events that showcase Kimberton’s unique vibe and fun quotient,” says Biddison.
In another nod to local culture, the live music focus of the Kimberton Community Block Party is a natural outgrowth of the highly popular music festivals produced by Seven Stars Music and Arts and held in Kimberton in the early 2000s. Dave Biddison was the organizer of the Seven Stars Music Festivals along with his wife, Trish Keegan, and a group of like-minded volunteers. “When the block party idea was raised, we were asked to take charge of creating an event with the same energy that made the Seven Stars events so memorable,” said Biddison. “Our original festival team is back – and we’ve added many other willing volunteers. We expect the block party to be a great time for the bands and audience members alike.”
Tin Bird Choir, an alt-folk, barn rock band from Chester County, Pa., has a distinctive sound that is becoming well-known across the county. The band’s first album, Barn Rock, debuted at #9 on the roots music chart, and has been prominently featured on Philadelphia radio station WXPN.
With a sound described as “antique, yet modern,” Mostly Maybe is a harmony-heavy, folk-rock band, consisting of Kimberton-area musicians Elliot Wilson, Emily Neblock and Pelle Gunther. The band’s sound has been likened to The Shins, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Iron & Wine, and The Civil Wars
Presented by the Kimberton Village Business Association (KVBA), sponsored by Kimberton Whole Foods, and produced by Seven Stars Music and Arts, the block party is the kickoff event of the new Kimberton Summer Arts Series, which will feature live theater and music events throughout the summer.
According to KVBA member and Seven Stars Music and Arts Producer Dave Biddison, “The immediate goal of the block party is to bring fun and energy into the heart of Kimberton, and to showcase the town’s unique character.” Ultimately, KVBA’s vision is the creation of “Walkable Kimberton,” a community with pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, connections to the regional bike/walk trail system, and an active cultural scene. The group is working towards creating a sustainable community by promoting heritage and arts tourism, and the adaptive reuse and preservation of Kimberton’s historic resources. “We also just enjoy presenting cool events that showcase Kimberton’s unique vibe and fun quotient,” says Biddison.
Local Event. Local Roots.
Promoting local artists, farmers and culture was a core objective in developing the event. Terry Brett, owner of Kimberton Whole Foods, noted that, “We have such a wealth of talent in this area and wanted people to see that diversity and depth of capability,” he said. All three bands are from the area, and food offered for sale is grown and raised primarily on local farms. Additionally, WXPN host and square dance caller Keith Brand, is a local Phoenixville native, who’s mom owned Kimberton’s downtown hair salon for many years.In another nod to local culture, the live music focus of the Kimberton Community Block Party is a natural outgrowth of the highly popular music festivals produced by Seven Stars Music and Arts and held in Kimberton in the early 2000s. Dave Biddison was the organizer of the Seven Stars Music Festivals along with his wife, Trish Keegan, and a group of like-minded volunteers. “When the block party idea was raised, we were asked to take charge of creating an event with the same energy that made the Seven Stars events so memorable,” said Biddison. “Our original festival team is back – and we’ve added many other willing volunteers. We expect the block party to be a great time for the bands and audience members alike.”
Unique Sounds
Bands selected for the block party stage include a mix of musical styles with a common theme of originality, high energy and great songwriting. Headliners, the Llama Dalis, will set the mood for the party with their soulful and energetic music often described as danceable rock-folk. The band has a large and loyal following resulting from their many performances throughout the region, and from the individual band members’ roots in many well-known Philadelphia area bands.Tin Bird Choir, an alt-folk, barn rock band from Chester County, Pa., has a distinctive sound that is becoming well-known across the county. The band’s first album, Barn Rock, debuted at #9 on the roots music chart, and has been prominently featured on Philadelphia radio station WXPN.
With a sound described as “antique, yet modern,” Mostly Maybe is a harmony-heavy, folk-rock band, consisting of Kimberton-area musicians Elliot Wilson, Emily Neblock and Pelle Gunther. The band’s sound has been likened to The Shins, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Iron & Wine, and The Civil Wars
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