And now our second report! Last Friday writer Christina Larkins visited the WrittenHouse show at the Old City location of Triumph Brewing Company. I'd never realized it was a music venue in addition to the food and drinks. Read on for her first-person account...
WrittenHouse
Friday, May 20 at Triumph Brewing Company (10PM)
Report by: Christina Larkins
I’ve stopped in Triumph Brewery a few times for a quick beer after work, dinner with girlfriends, or just to catch a Phillies game, but I’d never been there for a live show before.
I was really interested to see how they were going to pull that off, and I must say, I was very impressed.
I walked in and was immediately greeted by a friendly hostess, and paid my $5.00 fee for the show (which is ridiculously cheap). The performers were a local rap group called WrittenHouse, who have received very critical acclaim and are currently slated to perform with Snoop Dog at the House of Blues in AC this weekend.
I was surprised to find that the crowd was a nice eclectic mix of all ages and races. Usually when you hear of “breweries” in Old City, you immediately think yuppies and college kids. There was a group of 50-something patrons enjoying appetizers and beers, sitting next to 20-something “hipsters” doing the same. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. The bar (which is HUGE) was packed, but the bartender was very quick, friendly and made sure my glass was always full. There was an enormous beer menu which, (for a non-beer aficionado like myself), was a little bit intimidating. But the bartender took the time out to explain the differences in the various choices and was very helpful in navigating through the sea of drafts.
The stage was perfectly set up in the back area of the bar; Large enough to give the performers space and lighting to really put on a good show, but not so large as to interfere with the dining or bar area.
The lighting and sound were terrific. Because this was such an intimate setting, you could literally stand about 2 feet away from the stage (which I did) and just soak up all the enthusiasm and good vibes live music always delivers. There was none of that static from the speakers, or obnoxiously loud microphones that you sometimes suffer through at these types of shows.
The crowd was a small but very dedicated group of fans. Most of them were jumping along with the band, and singing all the lyrics right along with them. The group had VERY good interaction with the crowd, and even if you weren’t a fan, you found yourself at least tapping your foot along with the beats. It felt like you were in your living room with a room full of the coolest people you know, enjoying an amazing band. It was THAT personal.
I would definitely go again to see ANY live music that was being performed here.
They have a nice little outdoor area, where I sat in for a little bit after the show ended, just to people watch. I have to say all in all, it was a beautiful event and a great evening.
One last note, the bathrooms there have GOT to be some of the nicest and cleanest I’ve EVER seen in a Philadelphia bar. You can just tell a lot of pride and hard work goes into the upkeep of this place. I really have to give a big hand to all of the managers and employees there.
Links about Writtenhouse:
WrittenHouse performing the song “Cloud City”.
Facebook page
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Christina Larkins
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