The Philadelphia Jug Band will play a goodtime mix of folk and old-time country blues in a free outdoor concert on the back deck of the Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD on Saturday September 7 at 7:00 p.m. Bring a comfortable chair. The concert will move indoors to the Mainstay in case of rain or extreme heat. For information, call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org. The Mainstay’s free outdoor summer concert series is sponsored by the Rock Hall Business Association, the Kent County Arts Council and The Mainstay.
“If this music doesn’t make you smile, nothing will!” That’s the slogan of the Philadelphia Jug Band who trace their roots to the second Philadelphia Folk Festival in 1963. Two of the then high school student band members were members of a folk band called the Ridgerunners but when they heard Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band at that festival, they were inspired to start playing the eclectic goodtime mix of rags, blues, stomps and hollers that the Kweskin Band was known for.
According to one of the band members, “In 1963 we discovered jug band music via Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band at the second annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. To say we were transformed, not to mention transfixed, would be an understatement. It immediately became our sound”.
Since then the Philadelphia Jug Band has performed throughout the Delaware Valley and further afield but they always return to the Philadelphia Folk Festival in both official and unofficial capacities and have done so for 50 years.
The core band is Frank Zemlan on guitar and vocals, Jim Klingler on guitar and vocals, Bob Beach on harmonica, flute and vocals, Dave Gauck on washtub bass and jug and Steve Miller, on washboard, blues kazoo and vocals.
In its early years the Philadelphia Jug Band played street fairs, church basements, civic events, private parties, and coffee houses throughout the Delaware Valley. They always play New Year’s Eve at a band member’s home.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival remains near and dear to their hearts and at the 50th Festival in 2011, they played the main stage and participated in a blues and acoustic workshop with folk legends Tom Rush, Roy Book Binder, Dave Bromberg and Jorma Kaukonen.
You might just say that in 50 years of playing jug band tunes – and they claim that any song can be a jug band tune given the right treatment – they have become the tradition bearers they once emulated.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.
The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
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