all photos by Benjamin Mobley
While most New Yorkers were busy making last-minute brunch reservations and refilling their anxiety medications for Mother’s Day, an international group of acoustic musicians gathered for Melodica NYC III. A two-day festival featuring more than 20 acoustic musicians from around the globe, Melodica was just what the doctor ordered for those seeking respite from the teeming bustle outside on Avenue A.
photo by Benjamin Mobley
Previously hosted at the Paper Swan Loft in Brooklyn, Melodica NYC III found residence this year at the Sidewalk Cafe, an East Village bar, cafe, and performance venue. While the music being piped into the bar tended to lean toward the Top-40 variety, the performance venue - complete with wooden bench seating, tables and chairs - was filled with the sounds of acoustic guitars, pianos, and voices one would never expect to find tucked behind Katy Perry’s latest single.
photo by Benjamin Mobley
Conceived by Melbourne musician Pete Uhlenbruch in December 2007, the goal of the Melodica Festivals is to create an encouraging and fertile space for artists to perform and grow together. The inaugural event was held in a local Melbourne café, featuring 18 acts over two days. Ever since, Melodica has become one of the premier events for acoustic performers from all around the world.
photo by Benjamin Mobley
Also operating in Australia, Germany, Iceland, United Kingdom, and Denmark, the two-day NYC festival featured performances by The Lost Shores, Jason Zucker, Elliot Rayman, Kendy Gable, Card Stock, Liz Hanley, Daniel Jon, Names of War, Free Advice, Anthony da Costa and Calum Ingram, Margaret Glaspy, Molly Ruth, Past Perfect, Ellen Adams, Scott Rudd, Rachel Laitman, Tamsin, Lorraine Leckie & Her Demons, Lawrence & Leigh, Gann Matthews, Bird Courage, Tall Tall Trees, Alex P. & The Shoestring Revue, and Dewey & The Decimals.
photo by Benjamin Mobley
Ultimately, Melodica NYC III provided its attendees approximately 14 hours of live, free and acoustic performances - organized by musicians and music lovers for musicians and music lovers. To learn more about this year’s festival and future Melodica events, visit the Melodica Festival website.
photo by Benjamin Mobley
photo by Benjamin Mobley
photo by Benjamin Mobley
