Before The Bridge Brings Music to the Borough

From afternoon until nightfall Saturday, Collingswood rocked as a plethora of musical talent showcased their jams. 

The second-annual Before The Bridge Music Festival—a collaboration between local organization and coffee shop—featured bands like headliner Wakey! Wakey!, Walter Schreifels, Steve Waitt, Lowry and Gunfight!

Hundreds, including some young fans, gathered at Woodlawn and Haddon avenues to watch live music. 

Four-year-old Collingswood resident Mimi Minard said she had a great time at .

"It's good. I liked playing today," she said, specifically citing the festival's Kids' Hour, led by Sara O'Brien, featuring a dress-up section and sing-along set. 

Mimi's brother, 9-year-old Chris, focused more on the music. 

"I like this festival because I really like music," said Chris Saturday afternoon, pointing to his T-shirt, which featured an electric guitar graphic. 

Musicians, including Lowry's lead vocalist, Alex Lowry—whose band played the very first PlantLife Music show in Collingswood years ago—spoke to Patch about performing in Collingswood.

"This festival is growing," said Lowry of Before The Bridge. "Year five, it's going to be traffic jams for sure."

Lowry is currently featuring free downloads of its new album, Emporia, until Oct. 18, by clicking here.

Lowry guitarist Greg Tuohey, who hails from New Zealand, said Collingswood always gives off an energy all its own.

"Nick's a good friend of mine," said Tuohey of PlantLife Music Founder Nick Cain. "He's always been a big supporter of our music, and we have a longstanding friendship and musical (repertoire) with him."

Despite the sporadic hometowns of Lowry musicians—including Vancouver and New Zealand—Tim Lappin, of Lowry, grew up in nearby Haddon Township.

"My family now lives in West Collingswood, so it's really great to play in my hometown. It's especially nice to see how Collingswood's turned around," said Lappin. 

Steve Waitt, whose self-named band also played Saturday, said he enjoyed the borough-based outdoor venue. 

"I've never been to Collingswood before today," said Waitt, who grew up in Tucson, AZ. "It's been great. I always love playing outdoors, and Collingswood's got a great energy."

Steve Reed, of Clementon, came to the festival for the first time this year. 

"I'm a fan of Walter Schreifels (who played Saturday)," said Reed. "We came to see him, but we're really enjoying all the music. We'd definitely come back next year."