5 acts you can’t miss at Live from the Lot this year

For most commuters, the parking lot behind Ardmore station is nothing out of the ordinary but in a few weeks, the space will be transformed into a melange of music and good times for the second annual Live from the Lot music festival. Presented by Ardmore Music Hall, the event includes some of the nation’s top jazz, soul and funk talent as well as some local favorites. Beginning with the opening night party on May 20, Live from the Lot will be dishing out the funk through May 22. Here are 5 acts you can’t miss.

Darla

The members of this 8-piece brass funk band might still be in school at Drexel but they’re already making big waves in Philly music. Known for their lively shows and quirky compositions, Darla has already opened for George Clinton and will likely be a crowd favorite at Live from the Lot this year.

Snarky Puppy

The two-time Grammy Award winning band has many moving parts — over 13 core members play a variety of instruments from guitars and keys to woodwinds, brass and bass. Led by Michael League, who also composes the band’s music, Snarky Puppy delivers with exceptional musicianship and good vibes.

The Revivalists

This seven-piece rootsy rock band formed in New Orleans in 2007. In 2015, they made their major label debut with “Men Against Mountains” on Wind-Up Records. It ranked #2 on the Billboard Alternative charts and got over 2 million Spotify plays mainly through word of mouth. See what all the fuss is about when they play Live at the Lot on May 21.

Marco Benevento

Tickling the ivories professionally since 1999, Benevento’s recent release, “The Story of Fred Short,” finds him tapping into a new instrument — his voice! The prolific songwriter, pianist and producer went in a more pop direction with this album but still retained the inventiveness of his older work. His live show will undoubtedly satisfy jazz heads and Jack Johnson lovers alike.

Electron

Electron is a supergroup of some of Philly’s most badass musicians: Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner of Disco Biscuits, Mike Greenfield of Lotus, and Tom Hamilton of American Babies. If you’re looking to lose yourself in lights and livetronica, don’t miss their performance at the festival kick-off party Friday night.

So who are you excited to see at Live from the Lot this year? Tell us in the comments!

If you go:
Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22
The Ardmore SEPTA parking lot
Various times and prices
Livefromthelot.com

Follow Jennifer Logue on Twitter @jenniferlogue