The Best Music Is Found Before the Bridge

Collingswood's second-ever Before the Bridge music festival, sponsored by coffee house, is coming back—with a vengeance.

Saturday, September 24, from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m., Haddon and Woodlawn avenues will be alive with the sounds of the area's best original musicians.

Featuring headliners such as Wakey! Wakey!, Walter Schreifels, Roadside Graves, Gunfight!, Steve Waitt, and Sara O’Brien, the second-annual Before the Bridge music festival will sound even better than its original debut.

"This is the festival's second year, but—with the lineup that's scheduled—this year will be double the size of the first," said Grooveground manager Colin Moran of the event.

The festival is founded on highlighting Collingswood's support for independent artists—bringing in bands from Brooklyn, all the way to Virginia. 

And Grooveground owner Mikey Snyder said the event's premise also centers around the ability to enjoy original music without leaving hometown borders.

"Originally, we came up with the concept (for Before the Bridge) so that people would realize you don't have to go to Philadelphia, or cross the bridge, in order to experience real artists playing real music," said Snyder. "That's where the festival's name originated, and that's the message that stands."

Artisans will also be showcased during the one-day festival, with vendors selling their merchandise along the avenue.

Grooveground will be open for business during the event, and festival-goers can sip java at the outdoor Garden Bar while enjoying live music throughout the day.

But Before the Bridge doesn't end at 9 p.m.—Grooveground is even sponsoring an after-party, from 9 p.m. until midnight, where patrons can continue the festivities long after the day's last chord has been strummed—on the stage, at least.

For more information about Before the Bridge, or its founding organization, The Plant Life, visit beforethebridge.com/index.html.