New Jersey folk-punk band The Front Bottoms recently put on their annual “Champagne Jam” at The Fillmore Complex in Philadelphia, with a variety of acts spanning across 3 different stages. Sadly, I didn’t make it over to The Punch Line where the comedy acts were going on, but I did bounce back and forth between The Fillmore and The Foundry, which is the smaller club-stage upstairs from The Fillmore.

This almost festival-like setting made for an evening with nonstop music, as when one band stopped playing, the next band was starting on the other stage, and I really appreciated being able to bounce around to discover some new artists rather than just standing around to wait for the next act.

A nice added touch was the ‘Champagne Jam’ IPA beer being sold on-premises, a craft brew from Asbury Park brewery that I actually didn’t mind spending the $10 on since it was something specially curated for the event.

While having so many bands playing was great, the venue really didn’t get packed until The Front Bottoms came on, at which point you could certainly tell that this was indeed a sold-out show. Front man Brian Sella came out in a wheelchair in a hospital gown, alluding to the fact that he recently had to have emergency surgery and is still recovering from his appendicitis. He quickly got up out of the wheelchair though, running around the stage and engaging with the crowd. He talked about how strange it was to play a show without his guitar, but still went on to say that this would be his answer if anyone ever asks what the ‘best show they’ve ever played’ is. He said that last year’s Champagne Jam would’ve been his previous answer as he talked about how great of a tradition this little holiday celebration has become for them. One of my favorite things I overheard in the crowd was “I’ll keep coming to Champagne Jam until I die or they stop doing it,” and honestly? I respect that.

MANNEQUIN PUSSY

CHAMPAGNE JAM - PHILADELPHIA, PA - 21.12.19

MANNEQUIN PUSSY

ILLITERATE LIGHT

THE WORLD IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

SHANNEN MOSER

VUNDABAR

THE SO SO GLOS

WHY?

THE FRONT BOTTOMS