August 29th, 2010 by Brenda Hillegas

So many music venues are in the “dime a dozen” category. You pay a cover, wait until the band comes on (and they rarely start on time), have a few drinks (maybe there’s a minimum purchase rate per person), sit through an opener or realize the money you paid at the door isn’t worth what you’re seeing. We’ve all done it and we will all continue to do it. And that’s fine. It’s what we’re used to. But every so often, it’s nice to step away from the norm and have an experience that makes you want to come back again and again, no matter who is playing.
When I was in Nashville this past June, my friend and I spent a Sunday night at the Bluebird Café. If you’ve read about my Tennessee trip in the latest issue of Origivation, I explain that we went to the famed listening room to see a few friends play during the weekly artists showcase. I met Brent Lindley that night, a singer/songwriter from Georgia who played the customary three songs per person time slot and absolutely blew me away. I’m ashamed to say that the genres of music most the artists played that night aren’t exactly my forte, but after hearing Brent with his sweet, southern voice belt out some fantastic lyrics as he played guitar, I knew he could be bigger than big one day. So, I introduced myself after the show, gave him my card and told him I’d try my best to get him a gig in Philadelphia.
Trying to find a bar or venue that would be down with hosting a way out of town-er with southern appeal was difficult. He isn’t know around here and most places have their regular weekly bands play. So, I Googled. Looking for something similar to the Bluebird Café, the first thing I found was the PSALM Salon in Philadelphia, near St. Joseph’s University. And even though they are booked solid through 2011, they were able to make some room and offer Brent a co-headlining show with the California group, Blame Sally.
There’s nothing bad to be said about The Pennsylvania Society of Arts, Music and Literature (PSALM). The venue is in the home of PSALM’s chairman Jamey Reilly and his gorgeous family. Entirely too much could be said about this place, so I encourage all of you to go to the website, check out upcoming shows and read all about the Salon. Performers from all over- local, regional, national and international come here to play the small stage. Comfy red velvet folding chairs cover the first floor, but there are only 60 seats so ordering tickets in advance is certainly encouraged. All performances are recorded live and can be viewed online. Jamey Reilly also interviews each artist before they play. Every full performance is archived for viewing anytime, so exploring the Salon‘s website will help you discover new music at home. Jamey and his family offer up their kitchen during each show where artists socialize and sell their merchandise. You can even purchase a gourmet buffet dinner made specifically for each show by Chef Gatti of Avril Restaurant. And the venue is BYO. As an artist, you’ll love the ‘green room’- the Reilly family’s basement has a comfy couch, a shower, a sauna and plenty of interesting things to look at.
Brent Lindley and Blame Sally were both seriously kick-ass the night of the performance. Even with a few technical difficulties, Brent didn’t stop. Jumping off stage and onto a chair, he performed acoustic and without a mic for the crowd. A place like this is small enough for improvising and getting your voice heard. Blame Sally, fresh from the Philly Folk Fest and a long way from home, gave it their all. Four extremely talented and beautiful female solo artists collaborate with one amazing guy on bass (who was celebrating his birthday that night by donning some Superman briefs) to form this band. Mandolin, banjo, harmonica, accordion…they can play everything. Every performer on stage that night deserved to be seen by all fans of live music in Philadelphia…too bad the crowd wasn’t bigger.
I could name about 100 places around here for musicians to play, but it wasn’t until the power of the internet that I stumbled upon the PSALM Salon. If you love live music, I encourage you all to support musicians and take in a show here. I cannot express enough how perfect this place is and how talented all the performers are who play there. Take a few steps off course next time you’re in the mood to go out and listen to music. Please. Please go here. And please check out the videos of Brent Lindley and Blame Sally’s performances. We need some change in the music scene around this town and I’ve mentioned a few good starts. Take a look around before you go to your usual stomping grounds. Trust me on this one.

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