I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: February 23, 2024] Snacktime

I had heard of Snacktime, but I wasn’t all that excited to see them.

SNACKTIME is Philadelphia’s already beloved seven-piece band, blazing a path cut from their soul, funk, punk, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Created during the height of the pandemic, the group began performing free shows that combined their love of music, food, and togetherness in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square. They quickly amassed huge crowds and became a symbol of positivity and lockdown release, while showcasing the richness of their city’s musical history and community. This progressed to sold-out headlining shows, curation of neighborhood festivals, multiple appearances at Philadelphia 76ers halftime shows, and slots at major music festivals.

It wasn’t that I wouldn’t like them.  I mean, obviously, they were going to be a lot of fun.  I assumed they would play horn-filled songs that were catchy and fun and dancey.  And I felt like I had heard that before, so it didn’t excite me.

And when they came out, that’s exactly what they played.  Super fun bouncy horn filled melodies with occasional words (most encouraging people to get up, stand up or dance).

I was in a crabby mood when they started because it was super crowded and I realized for the third time how much I dislike The Stone Pony as a venue (especially when it is crowded).   I couldn’t really see the band and the lights weren’t very helpful, so it was not a great scene.  But their music cheered me up pretty much from the get go.

They played soulful music and implored us to Step Up to The Dance Floor.

I thought about how they were promoting a message of positivity, but “I Don’t Give a Damn” was kind of an odd choice.

However, I really enjoyed the stupid shout-along “Smokin’ Drinkin’ Talkin’ Shit”

The rest of the show was more of the same, with solos, chanting, clapping and good feelings.  There were a lot of people who were there to see Snacktime.  And I totally get it.  It’s just not quite my thing (except when it is).

Having said that, I did enjoy their set quite a bit.  Camden’s own Michael Spearman plays an amazing trombone solo.  And I enjoyed the chant that “if he’s not shredding, it’s not Larry.” Because Larry Monroe Jr shredded like a beast.  He was pretty great.  As was Sam Gellerstein on sousaphone.  In addition to playing a great low end, he had effects pedals on his horn that introduced all kinds of interesting sounds to the set.  And he was a funny MC with a booming deep voice.

Lead singer Yesseh Furaha-Ali was a good front man too, making sure that everyone is Asbury knew they were there to have a good time.

I never saw Austin Marlow on drums, but he was a force to be sure.  That leaves Eric Sherman on trumpet and guitar (it was fun seeing him switch back and forth) and Ben Stocker on tenor saxophone.  I was really impressed with how well they played their main musical lines.  Some of which were really fast and complicated.

So it turned out to be exactly what I was expecting and that was okay.  Because even when I’m crabby I can still have a good time.

1. Step Up To The Dance Floor
2. I Don’t Give a Damn
3. Smokin’ Drinkin’ Talkin’ Shit
4. SWEET TREAT
5. SNACKMFTIME
6. Bean Skin
7. Littenhouse
8. The High Life
9. Space Love
10. Together