All Around Pennsauken

The eighth annual Merchantville Music Festival goes live on Saturday, Sept. 25, in the triangular parking area bordered by E. Park Ave, E. Chestnut Ave. and Eclipse Brewery. Music starts at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.  

In 2020, the Music Fest team of local residents, Jon Hoffmann, Charlene Thellmann, and Matt Sutin, produced and live-streamed the festival since a live festival was not possible. The festival featured over 15 solo performers and bands who submitted pre-recorded material for the event. It also incorporated interviews with local businesses as a way to help promote local businesses during the pandemic. Five of the bands that participated in last year’s virtual fest are back and LIVE!

“We knew that we were not going to be able to produce a live event in 2020 and felt that by creating a virtual festival, we could keep the connection of music and community going until we could go live again.” says Charlene Thellmann.

The festival opens with the acoustic garage punk inspired duo The Koosmans, followed by Lounge Act led by Charlie Koury, owner of Merchantville’s Charlie’s Crepes. Lounge Act will be playing original songs and “Loungify” select covers. Following Lounge Act is Baltimore’s Ari & the Buffalo Kings. Ari is originally from Pennsauken. Their original tunes are inspired by Spanish guitar, classical flute, folksy three-part harmonies, and rhythms from around the globe. Also originally from Pennsauken, Mark Evans brings his band back to his old stomping grounds. Rounding out Mark’s songwriting and vocals is a rhythm section of Philly stalwarts Roy Fisher and Jeff Pancoast with Grammy winner Pat Robinson on keys as well as Rob Brodie on guitar. Headlining the festival are fan favorites Arsenal, fronted by Alby Miller. Arsenal’s Classic Rock Show will have you on your feet, cheering, dancing and crowd singing. In addition to five bands, Avocado Fiesta, Mary’s Mobile Diner and Latin Bites will be on hand to satisfy your taste buds.

The festival falls under the umbrella of the Merchantville Task Force. It’s a big undertaking and there are lots of moving pieces for the small volunteer team, who raised funds to pay the bands, production costs, and sound engineering. 

“We are thrilled that we can go live this year and are completely overwhelmed by the community’s support. We are very grateful for all of our sponsors and those who personally donated for without them this would not be possible. We would especially like to thank our Gold Sponsor, Gasper Roofing,“ says Matt Sutin.

Band Lineup:
3:00 p.m. The Koosmans 
4:00 p.m. Lounge Act
5:00 p.m. Ari & the Buffalo Kings               
6:00 p.m. Mark Evans Band
7:00 p.m. Arsenal

For information on how to become a volunteer, sponsor or food truck, contact the organizers through facebook.com/merchantvillemusicfest or email: merchantvillemusicfest@gmail.com