THE BRET TOBIAS SET
Bret cut his teeth co-fronting the Bigger Lovers, a Philly guitar pop group that swung for the fences in the aughts. Dude re-emerged in 2023 with a set of flinty, sharply observed numbers that have deeply resonated with dozens. Bret’s songs are typically 1) dyspeptic 2) tender, or 3) self-immolating, at times simultaneously. His deep bench of talent includes Krista Umile (harmonies/keys), Tracy Stanton (bass), Jeff Tanner (skilled guitar), Mike Kennedy (tubs) and, occasionally, Patrick Berkery (also tubs).
MANDY VALENTINE
Never taking themselves too seriously, Philadelphia-based 6+ piece Mandy Valentine brings a new approach to some classic country and rock & roll themes. With galloping rhythms, close harmonies, and lyrics like, “I see a whippoorwill, oh, start to fly and feel so lonesome, baby, I could cry”, Mandy Valentine evokes mid-century country icons such as Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and the Everly Brothers while treble-drenched guitars, female-forward vocals, and catchy hooks recall 60s pop like The Shangri-Las and The Orlons. Put together, Mandy Valentine is “a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll”.
ALL THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
All the Living and the Dead is a five-piece, Philly-based indie pop rock band that blends the energy of rock with multi-layered vocal harmonies. Formed in 2022, the members have played in and around the Philly scene in bands such as The Bigger Lovers, Mason Porter, Missing Palmer West, and Space Ate Mafia.
