3 acts you cannot miss at the South Street Spring Festival

South Street is arguably the most famous street in Philadelphia and for the fourth year in a row, the city celebrates its rich cultural diversity with the South Street Spring Festival on Saturday, May 7th. Over 58,000 people came out last year for the local eats, art stalls, and of course, live music. This year, over 40 bands will rock out on three different stages. We chatted with three of those acts — Nik Greeley, Kuf Knotz and RFA — who are among the large roster of buzzing local musicians participating.

Describe your music in three words.
Nik Greeley: Heavy soul vibes.
RFA: Loud, energetic, creamy.
Kuf Knotz: Progressive, positive, soulful.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Nik Greeley: Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Zeppelin, Bowie, Prince, James Brown, P-Funk, My Morning Jacket, just to name a few! I could go on for days…
RFA: We all come from very diverse backgrounds musically, but some common influences for us would definitely be The Stones, Velvet Underground, the Beatles. Stuff like that.
Kuf Knotz: I gotta say BDP, Tupac, Bob Marley and Digable Planets.

What are you looking forward to most at the South Street Spring Festival this year?
Nik Greeley: This is a great event and one of the biggest reasons I enjoy playing it is seeing a lot of kids and young people there getting into the music and the atmosphere. I like to think that we’re inspiring them to one day hit the stage and rock Philly, too.
RFA: Playing our sets and seeing the Once Was play!
Kuf Knotz: The amount of great art that will be introduced to the mass of people attending.

There is so much great food to be had at this event. What are you most excited to eat?
Nik Greeley: Say Cheese Philadelphia — as a cheese enthusiast, this is a must for me.
RFA: Jim’s Steaks and whatever else we can!
Kuf Knotz: Very excited for Jerky Hut.

What do you love most about Philly music?
Nik Greeley: Not only do we have the best music scene in the country, but we also have one of the most intimate and friendly scenes as well. You can get to know your favorite artists and bands, ask for friendly advice and network, and become friends with them. I think that’s a really beautiful thing.
RFA: Those hot, sweaty basements. Love our DIY scene.
Kuf Knotz: The diversity and skill level of the musicians here.

What’s next for you?
Nik Greeley: Releasing more new music shortly and hitting the road and festival circuit with both my bands, The Operators and Swift Technique.
RFA: Live shows and more live shows.
Kuf Knotz: Tour and finishing up a new album!