philadelphia show

[moldymind]

anyone know if there's an opening band?

[fleabag]

Don't think so.  

I'm looking for reviews of the venue....I've heard only bad things, and I've never been to a show there.

[October]

Don't think so.  

I'm looking for reviews of the venue....I've heard only bad things, and I've never been to a show there.

i actually saw mmj open for wilco at the festival pier back in 2005(?).

at the time, mmj wasn't the big draw, so i got there early and was basically front row, with plenty of room to rock for mmj's set.  i managed to maintain my great location until halfway through wilco's set when i had to pee.

if the weather is nice, it's not a bad venue.  basically, just a pier that juts out into the river with the philly skyline behind.  it's GA, so all the general rules of GA apply.  try to avoid d-bags...get there early to get a good standing spot...try to pee so you don't have to move...etc.

only big negative i remember is that there was some dance club on the next pier over playing really loud music all night.  it pissed tweedy off and he kept asking if somebody could go over there and turn the shit off.  made for some great banter, but the bass was annoying.

i'll be back in september with my sister (her first jacket show!).

not sure it will top radio city, but should be great!

[fleabag]

Ah, thanks for the info.  It's the only Philly-area venue I've never been to.  Early September is a toss-up for weather.  

[moldymind]

well, it's advertised as an 'evening with' so maybe they go on at 7:30...  guess they gotta wrap things up around ten anyway...  what time did the wilco show end...
wilco plays brooklyn in august...  i'll be there...

[j_rud]

The Festival Pier is decent. Drinks are horrendously expensive ($10 beers, $12 mixed drinks last time I was there). The admission process is also kind of lame. You line up outside but when the open the gate there are half a dozen turnstiles and security/search points, so you might wait all day and not necessarily get right up front. I plan on camping out there more or less all day, probably get there around 2 or 3.

Thats going to be a great week. MMJ Wednesday in DC, the Giants open their Super Bowl defense Thursday at home against the Redskins, and MMJ Friday in Philly. Really looking forward to that week!

[Penny Lane]

The Festival Pier is decent. Drinks are horrendously expensive ($10 beers, $12 mixed drinks last time I was there). The admission process is also kind of lame. You line up outside but when the open the gate there are half a dozen turnstiles and security/search points, so you might wait all day and not necessarily get right up front. I plan on camping out there more or less all day, probably get there around 2 or 3.

Thats going to be a great week. MMJ Wednesday in DC, the Giants open their Super Bowl defense Thursday at home against the Redskins, and MMJ Friday in Philly. Really looking forward to that week!

wow-really? i'll have to leave work super early or take off that day? that stinks--i hope the weather holds up!

[fleabag]

Maybe I'll take the day off.  This my first MMJ show.  I was hoping to catch a meal and drinks on South Street with my wife & friend, but maybe I'll be standing in line.  

[j_rud]

I would definitely take the day off Penny. Just make it a long weekend ;D

fleabag-If you're stopping by South St I would suggest going to Jon's on the corner of 3rd and South (very nice 2 level patio, good food) and drinks at Fat Tuesdays or Manny Browns. Fat Tuesdays is famous for ridiculously strong daiquiri-type "girly drinks". I dont know if you're one of those "I only drink micro brews, those drinks are for sissies" kind of guys, but it'll get you loose pretty quick lol. Manny Browns is a Mexican/dive bar. It gets pretty crowded at night (anything on South does, really), but I like going there in the afternoon. Nice, laid back atmoshpere with a good jukebox.

[fleabag]

Haven't been down to that neighborhood since my sister moved out of town about 4 years ago.  The tricky part is balancing the general admission issues with the fun stuff.  

Thanks j_rud & crew!!  Time will be crawlin' until the 5th  :-/

[Penny Lane]

i might try to take the whole day off because of the GA issue---i'm hoping to find a place close to the entrance so i can keep an eye on the line to get up front. thanks for all the info---

[Penny Lane]

i just booked my room for this show and the boston show--let me know if/and/where people are meeting. 26 days!!

[j_rud]

i just booked my room for this show and the boston show--let me know if/and/where people are meeting. 26 days!!

I cant really think of any decent bars within walking distance of the Festival Pier. There are a ton on South St, which is a $5 cab ride away from the venue. I plan on getting there very early to get a good spot up front, but if we do end up going anywhere beforehand it would probably be Manny Browns on South. Good western saloon atmosphere, lots of good craft beers on tap.

[Dodobird]

i just booked my room for this show and the boston show--let me know if/and/where people are meeting. 26 days!!

I cant really think of any decent bars within walking distance of the Festival Pier. There are a ton on South St, which is a $5 cab ride away from the venue. I plan on getting there very early to get a good spot up front, but if we do end up going anywhere beforehand it would probably be Manny Browns on South. Good western saloon atmosphere, lots of good craft beers on tap.

Cool! Thanks JRUD. Sounds like a good spot. Looking forward to the show! Is it even sold out yet?

[DBerko]

This venue is simply a stage on a pier.  It's not that bad at all.  I saw Muse, the Flaming Lips, and the Beastie boys there this year, and all those shows were killer.  If the band brings it (which I'm sure MMJ will) then the venue is great.  

[YouAre_GivenToFly]