Media Theatre's 'One Song Rock Festival' Hits the Stage in August

MEDIA THEATRE’S ONE SONG ROCK FESTIVAL MAY HAVE BROADWAY’S NEXT SENSATION IN THE LINE-UP

The puts the spotlight on area rock bands and performers in August with The One Song Rock Festival. Various genres of rock—with a few layers of pop—will allow the summer to close with a fast tempo, guitar jams, and meaningful lyrics on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings August 9-25.

The Media Theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline, whose Camp Media Theatre uses the slogan “Express Yourself” points out the ties to the theatre’s mission statement. “When a young actor or performer is truly in the moment of whatever play they perform or song they sing, that is a power of communication in which the bond between the audience and the performer is at its peak,” he explained.

Cline continued, “Our mission statement reflects that we are committed to performing new and classic musicals that, in some way or another, have the power to change the world through their definitive meaning. In the same manner, that is what these bands will do during the summer rock festival. So, the title reflects the main ingredient of self-expression and commitment to having a purpose beyond simply performing.”

Cline also points out that many of today’s successful Broadway musicals are based on popular radio and recorded hit songs of the past. “Green Day’s “American Idiot” musical is a prime example of changing the world through a song. The band’s album was so popular, and created such a movement of expression, that eventually it became a Broadway show,” he said.

He continued, “Another example of that is U2’s Bono creating the score for the “Spiderman” musical. Without his recording career, and all of his fans, plus the example he leads as a humanitarian on so many levels, Bono would not have been asked to create a Broadway score. His music has certainly touched so many lives it has, in many positive ways, changed the world.”

In keeping with the Broadway perspective, Cline has solidified Saturday night August 11 as the night that Gregory Raposo, who has an extensive theatrical background, will entertain the One Song Rock Festival crowd.

“He was a member of the pop group Dream Street, which had a large following in the ‘90’s,” Cline said. “A trained musical theatre actor and singer, he is someone whose background and career aspirations tie-in with our mission statement.”

Raposo has performed as a solo artist on some of New York’s most renowned stages including The Nassau Coliseum, Jones Beach Amphitheatre, and Irving Plaza. On YouTube, he has a combined viewership of over 200,000 views for his videos including his latest release “That Day.” New artists Ali Kramer, Alison Taylor, and Talinday will open for Raposo on Saturday, August 11.

The festival opens on August 9 with Philadelphia’s own Dan Collins. A part of the region’s alternative folk scene since 2005, his debut album was “You Can’t Go Home.” He has been featured on WXPN and UPENN Radio WQHS. Audiences see him regularly at The Tin Angel and The Khyber. He has also appeared at The Bitter End, 169 Café, and Pianos in New York City.

Acts are still being determined for August 10 and 16, while August 17 brings The Great Socio, who recreate the feel of Classic Rock meshed with catchy hooks for ‘the A.D.D. Generation.’ A combination of late '60s jazz fusion with '70s acid rock and modern alternative rock, The Great Socio sound draws from such influences as The Doors, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against The Machine.

On August 18, High Olives takes The Media Theatre stage with their mix of pop and rock, tight harmonies, and Beach Boys influence. Cousins Andrew and Nick Arbutina created the band in 1998 at a time when the airwaves were saturated with boy bands and decided to draw upon their classic rock influences with an original sound.

The Matt Lyons Band will be the headliner on August 23, the final week of the festival. Based out of Philadelphia, they blend soulful grooves over gritty blues riffs and build a layered structure of melody and tone to deliver a unique style.

August 24 brings The Tressels, an indie rock band from Drexel Hill. With music that is energetic, emotional, and haunting, they are a Philadelphia City Paper ‘Critics’ Pick’ for Best Album of 2006. They share the stage with The Sparklers, a rock band from Philadelphia, and The Quelle Source who were chosen as Philadelphia’s Best Indie Rock Band by Origvation Magazine.

The festival closes on Saturday night August 26 with Spotted Atrocious, who believe that ‘music is meant to express human ideas and emotions void of preconceptions.’ Whitewater Pass, of Ardmore, who have been seen in almost every Philadelphia rock club or venue, bring their brand of rock to the stage with them to say goodbye to summer.

“Any of these up and coming acts could potentially be composing music for a Broadway musical in the future,” Cline said. “Years ago, we would never have believed that popular hits or bands would be responsible for Broadway scores, but the world has definitely changed. We have seen Elton John, Phil Collins—even alternative rocker Duncan Sheik who wrote the music for “Spring Awakening”—win awards for their Broadway shows. The One Song Rock Festival just may have in its line-up the next rocker or pop singer that will follow in their footsteps.”

For tickets to The One Song Rock Festival, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. The bar and concession area will be open each night during the event. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m.