I have this theory that there is a musical strata that runs underneath the currents and crosscurrents of any local music scene, there below the bedrock it flows like groundwater. In New York it seems to be the Ramones and the Velvet Underground who form the groundwater of the well that these acts draw from. This is isn't a bad thing, just a thing. In Philadelphia, it's Todd Rundgren (that is a bad thing) and folk music. Philadelphia is home one of the largest folk festivals in the country, the scene in the campground is a four-day bacchanal and the end result is that even the staunchest hard-rocker knows a folk song or two (even if they don't know that it's a folk song). Seems like a perfect place for antifolk to thrive.
Antifolk does thrive in Philadelphia in fits and starts, with pockets appearing and then disappearing. The longest running supporter of antifolk has been Fergie's Pub. For Three years the second Wednesday of every month has been the antihoot run by Adam Brodsky. Adam Brodsky is synonymous with antifolk in this town and has been it's most vocal supporter (since Lach anyway) most of this city's antifolk types gravitate to this monthly hang. The scene tends toward punkish energy, raspy semi-tonal singing, clever and quite often funny lyrics ala Mr. Brodsky. The show begins with a random drawing for slots (based on the card you choose) then Adam plays a few tunes and the show begins, Adam is as much a carnival barker as an MC has more songs about hookers than Tom Waits and as a result the night's events can take on a Moulin Rouge atmosphere. The middle slot is reserved for a feature act usually 30 minutes long. When the list is rather short, which sometimes happens, Adam will set up chairs in a circle in the middle of the room and everyone will close the night by sitting around swapping songs. http://fergies.com/
The Fire (in the Philadelphia Bar and Grill) is another local venue that supports the antifolk scene. Past performers have included Pamela Means, James O'Brien and Ani Difranco alum Sara Lee. Located in the soon-to-be-hip Northern Liberties section the Fire (which is actually a room inside a corner bar called the Philadelphia Bar and Grill) is a wonderful listening room set smack in the middle of a Dashiell Hammett dive. Booker Derek Dorsey and owner Danny McShane have an eye toward alt.country acts but are true-blue music lovers and will totally book because they think you are good and not because you draw. Because the neighborhood is a little off the beaten path, attendance is sketchy and it can be hard to get your fans out to this place. But, it's growing a reputation as a great music venue and has begun to draw a built-in crowd of artists and other musicians just there for the hang and the Schmidts on tap. http://www.iourecords.com/thefire/
The Pontiac Grill located on South St. is the former location of the venerable J. C. Dobbs. Almost anyone who is now huge has played Dobbs or the Pontiac. Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Hamell on Trial all played here their first time through. And local legends like George Thorogood and the Hooters got their reputations (and record deals) from playing Saturday nights at the club. They used to hold an antifolk Thursday, it's gone away now but they know the term and still book acts such as Mike Ill and Lach. (currently no website)
Built next door to the legendary and long defunct rock venue The Main Point (The picture of Springsteen on the cover of "Tracks" was taken there and was a regular stop for 70's cats like the Boss, Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, etc.) The Point in Bryn Mawr is a suburban coffee-shop listening room that is well liked by the WXPN set. That can make it daunting for the average antifolk performer to get his foot in the door. But booker Jesse Lundy has a great ear for music and an open mind. Dan Bern, Erin McKeown, James O'Brien and Toshi Regan have all made stops in recent months. If you have a good act, some commercial appeal and aren't prone to profanity (or virulent anti-yuppie rants) you might do well to try this venerable listening room. http://atthepoint.com/index.htm
Well, that's about it. There are other rooms in the city but I chose to focus on the ones that have had or have an understanding of antifolk and what it is. Good luck to ya and if you need crash space you can probably stay at my place.
