On June 22nd, the annual music, art and food festival known as Molestice will return to the 100 block of N. Mole Street in Philadelphia to celebrate the Summer Solstice with live performances from nationally touring and regional acts, local favorite food trucks, local craft beers and all ages activities. The annual block party begins at Noon and will run until 8:00 PM EST and is free to the public.
For 35 years, the 100 block of Mole Street has hosted their annual block party at this unique Philadelphia location – a block comprised of homes built in the 1830s with views of the towering city skyline, supplying both a contemporary and historical backdrop for this event. Molestice itself has become a festival beyond the original block party as founders Brian LaPann and Brendan Walsh of Mole Street Artists, have sought to transform it into not only a celebration for the Summer Solstice, but for the city of Philadelphia as well. Additionally, Walsh has lived on the block for a decade and is the block captain. They are joined by Mole Street Artists’ senior talent buyer, Sean Timmons, the former Artistic Director for the Appel Farm Arts and Music Festival.
LaPann, Walsh and Timmons have curated the entire event with local acts and vendors and have a vision that will grow to activate every block of Mole Street to celebrate the Summer Solstice with a community music festival and cultural gathering. “With Molestice, we see a future in Philadelphia that’s vibrant and harmonious. We want to see Molestice become what Jazz Fest is to New Orleans – taking over the city with a celebration of music, culture and camaraderie,” says Brian. “When you check out Mole Street on a map of Philadelphia,” continues Walsh, “this quirky street extends from the deep South all the way to North Philadelphia. We want to grow Molestice from a single block party to a citywide celebration.”
This year, performances will include the blue-eyed soul-tinged vocalist, Hannah Krupa, hip-hop, electronic pop, R&B and indie pop duo Camp Candle, powerful blues, funk and rock guitarist/songwriter Brian LaPann, dance-pop-rock-band, Great Time, garage-psych-rocker Ali Awan, who was deemed “the philly rocker you should be listening to right now” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, hip hop/R&B duo &More (Chill Moody and Donn T) and headliners, the dance party, roots rock collective, Bronze Radio Return.
Beer and wine will be provided by Fergie’s Pub.
Molestice for the Summer Solstice from Mole Street Artists on Vimeo.
Since 2011, Mole Street Artists has operated as a boutique booking agency for high end clients, providing musical performers for corporate events, hotels and hospitality, weddings and private parties throughout the United States and overseas. Collectively, LaPann, Walsh and Timmons share a passion for music and a motivation to be a positive force as part of the musical eco-system in Philadelphia and beyond. “For us,” Timmons says, “Molestice is an opportunity to create community and shared experience through music for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.”
In 2018, the event saw 2500-3000 attendees and has become a cult favorite with Philadelphians looking to celebrate the longest day of the year with music, food, and a diverse and eclectic audience.
Who: Molestice
What: Annual Summer Solstice Music Festival & Block Party
Where: 100 Block of N. Mole Street at Race Street Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday, June 22nd from 12:00 – 8:00 PM EST
Ticketing: This event is free and all ages.
RSVP: http://tiny.cc/zn5s7y
