The first ever Blow The Scene Fest took place in Philadelphia on June 29th at the Broad Street Ministry, featuring performances by leading underground talents Dropdead, Iron Reagan, Dead In The Dirt, Masakari, Heartless, Backslider, Less Life, and Dying. Blow The Fest 2013 was dubbed “Artists For Animals” as this event along with its simultaneous art exhibit and benefit drive “Homeward Bound,” all benefiting P.A.W.S. (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society).
Apart from the stellar lineup of performers, Blow The Scene Fest 2013 also featured tabling exhibits by P.A.W.S., Wooden Shoe anarchist bookstore, BTS Photographer Dante Torrieri and his amazing picture prints on metal, and fantastic art contributions by Ryann Casey and her team of artists.
P.A.W.S. is Philadelphia’s largest no-kill animal shelter providing adoption and vet services at an affordable cost to help combat the immense number of abandoned, neglected, and abused animals in the Philadelphia area.
Earlier this year, Blow The Scene Editor-in-Chief, Joshua T. Cohen linked up with his organizing partner Ryann Casey (Professor of Photography and Art History at the Richard Stockton College in New Jersey) as BTS covered two of Casey’s previous animal-related art benefits in Philadelphia. Casey and Cohen immediately found a common interest in art and animals. The duo quickly recruited friends and leading booking teams R5 and Philly Hardcore Shows who helped with promotion and ticketing. We were fortunate to have leading underground PR firm, Earsplit PR come on board as our official sponsor. With this first fest and corresponding art drives under their collective belt, the duo is already preparing next year’s benefit drives and Blow The Scene Fest 2014.
In the weeks leading up to Blow The Scene Fest 2013, Blow The Scene had the pleasure of debuting new song streams from Dropdead, Backslider, Less Life and Dying! Be sure to click band links to get in on all the glorious sonic action. Hand-chosen for this event, many of the performing acts have showed a continued interest in animal-related topics, non-more-so than legendary hardcore punk headliners Dropdead, whose black and white visual aesthetic often depicting scenes of animal cruelty, have influenced a generation of thought-provoking hardcore and other sub niches of aggressive music.
Music and animal lovers rolled in with physical donations ready including paper towels, crate carriers, toys, food, and more! Heartfelt performances were the theme of the day as every artist put in emotional and engaging sets that spanned many genres and sub-genres of hardcore punk and metal. Apart from the tireless crew of volunteers and show hands, BTS photographers Dante Torrieri (Useless Rebel Imaging) and Anne Spina (Anne Spina Photography) were on hand to deliver a massive double feature show gallery below the fold, chock full of amazing photos.
Please take time and follow all of the band links for additional information and please support by buying band merch.
For more information on P.A.W.S. and donation info please visit: PhillyPaws.org
Very special thanks to all who contributed by coming to the show, volunteering time, donating, contributing to our fundraiser, running door, helping with promo, and insurance..Thank you!!
And a gigantic thank you to Black Orchid Foods for feeding all the bands and staff with an amazing vegan food spread that lasted all day and night.
Dying Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Dying Round 2 by Anne Spina
Less Life Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Less Life Round 2 by Anne Spina
Backslider Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Backslider Round 2 by Anne Spina
Heartless Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Heartless Round 2 by Anne Spina
Masakari Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Masakari Round 2 by Anne Spina
Dead In The Dirt Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Dead In The Dirt Round 2 by Anne Spina
Iron Reagan – Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Iron Reagan Round 2 by Anne Spina
Dropdead Round 1 by Dante Torrieri
Dropdead Round 2 by Anne Spina
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