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An Inside Look at Philly’s DIY Live Music Photos & Story By Sean Driscoll
Philadelphia is a city filled with music and those who love it. Philly’s live music goes past the bars and stadiums, into the basements and backyards of homes. You can hear the raw sounds of young musicians playing to packed crowds of students. On the last Saturday of November 2021, a group of artists joined together to do just that. They brought their equipment and set up right in the middle of Ben Wosczyna’s kitchen. The North Philadelphia house filled with people eager to listen and the show begun.
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Ben Wosczyna planned the show at his house for weeks as part of a collaborative effort with a number of other musicians he calls friends. Fliers were created and spread on social media to draw a crowd. Debates about where to set the stage ensued. The line-up had to be changed and re-announced. Ben had to work out each kink while also practicing for his set, the first of the night. Ben explained, “I wanted to be able to play live music again with friends after the breakup of my last band.” Ben started playing music when he was 10 years old and has been a part of multiple bands since, but currently plays as a solo artist.
Above: A chalkboard by the front door displays the show’s lineup and admission price. Right: Annabelle Oyler flashes her breasts and yells during soundcheck. Below: Molly Dwyer (L) and Mary Bruning (R) wait in the crowd between sets.
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Below: Pauline Autard prepares her gear for the show during soundcheck.
Below: Horror Movie Trailer House, AKA Aiden Pettine, (L) performs a song with the vocal help of audience member, Olivia Gardea (R).
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For his last song, Ben was joined by Annabelle Oyler to perform a cover of Romantic by Slow Hollows. Annabelle writes and produces her own music, some of which she performed this night. Annabelle released her first of four albums in 2018, and the last, a compilation of covers, in September. Annabelle said, “Writing is how I process things that have happened to me, my thoughts, and my feelings. I love entertaining people and getting them to feel something based on what I created.” Live music creates a space full of expression and connection.
“It is important that we get together as a community to enjoy the music and connect, especially after the last year and a half with COVID.” -Annabelle Oyler PHILLY MUSIC 5
Above: Skeletons In Love ajusts the tuning of his guitar during his set, the last of the night. Left: Skeletons In Love prepares his pedal board for his next song.
Right: Tomcha performs the third set of the night, rotating with a friend between guitar and drums.
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Skeletons In Love, AKA Brian Quirple, played the last set of the night. Brian was joined by Dom Lopez and Pauline Autard, two of his bandmates from Good Bad Influences. The three played a mix of Brian’s songs and covers to a crowd of friends and strangers. Brian called on a friend in the crowd, Molly Dwyer, to help him perform Sarah by Alex G. Molly thrilled the crowd with the use of her voice and Dom’s drumsticks. The show ended soon after and the audience dispersed back out into the streets of Philadelphia with music fresh in their minds. The weekdays will pass by until the weekend comes again, and with it more music. The shows go on.
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