by Kate Miller, Photos by SilverStone.Media
Art and music lovers of the Philadelphia metro area will flock to the third annual SENSORiUM Music & Arts Festival on August 24th. The event boasting extra-sensory installations takes place at the Ukie Club on Franklin within the city. It’s everything a Philly day-fest should be: a beautiful lawn, outdoor (and indoor) stages with 23 music acts, artists painting, art installations everywhere you turn, and delicious food to nourish you throughout the day, which runs from noon to 10:00 pm. There is, of course, an official limited capacity after-party that runs until 2:00 am, which I highly recommend attending because ten hours of SENSORiUM is not quite enough. So, what’s in store for our senses this year?
SEE
SENSORiUM is full of beauty everywhere you turn, from painters to dancers to art installations. This year the Progressive Art Society (P.A.R.T.S.) will be bringing their team to create an immersive art gallery where artists will be live painting throughout the day under projections, alongside artists curated by the SENSORiUM team. Large-scale art installations and flow performances will be happening throughout the grounds over the course of the day. If the main stage lights and music don’t melt you away, DR01D Visuals is back again throwing projections that will transport you into another dimension at the after-party.
SENSORiUM curates a wide array of local craft vendors whose wares you can check out all day long. There will be paintings, tie dye, novelty items, jewelry and more to shop around and support local craftspeople. For the first time ever SENSORiUM will have live glassblowing by none other than Evan Shore, an extremely gifted glassblower from Philadelphia best known for his bangers. This year will also feature the Philly-based Ruckus Gallery, a “lifestyle exhibition space with a focus on the finer things in glasspipe and street art culture.” — not an attraction to miss if you’re looking for the full array of All Things Philly.
HEAR
SENSORiUM features three unique stages where you can be sure to catch some vibes all day long. The music is central to SENSORiUM, and in this year’s lineup offers much. The two most notable names on the lineup are El Ten Eleven and Tobacco (of Black Moth Super Rainbow) who will provide a groovin’ end to a magical day. The SoCal based guitar/drummer duo El Ten Eleven expertly crafts instrumental music that is both electronic and soulful. Tobacco throws down psychedelic synth bass hip-hop, including the theme song for HBO’s Silicon Valley and recently the Malibu Ken collab with Aesop Rock.
Plan to get to the festival early because the lineup absolutely bangs from top to bottom. Philly’s own electronic funk powerhouse and festival curators Tweed always throw down something new and exciting and have just come off a big summer run, including an appearance at Camp Bisco in July. Local up-and-comers like Solar Circuit, 5AM Trio, goldenSpiral, Patrick Richards, Agent Zero, Deep Creature, plus regional acts like Space Bacon and Flux Capacitor will keep the day overflowing with music.
With a newly added artists at large lineup which includes Keith Wadsworth and ZONE Drums of Wax Future, who can predict the one-of-a-kind collaborations that are in store? The lineup on the Official Afterparty–Philly favorites Wax Future, Beard o Bees (Jesse Miller of Lotus), and Bad Leather (Joe Vela of Tweed) featuring The Friend Zone–can only be described as funky fresh. Expect wild sit-ins here. The FOMO will be real if you’re not lucky enough to grab your Combo Pass ticket soon.
TASTE & SMELL
With a name like “Sense-sorium” you should expect to have all your senses stimulated,and the Philly day-fest absolutely lives up to its name. Grab some brisket at Chuck’s BBQ, a Spurrito at Papermill Fresh Asian Kitchen, or “pub fare with a twist” at Happy Hour Dive Cart to keep you sustained and well-fed throughout the day. Philly staples Federal Donuts and La Colombe will also be providing treats for the day, so keep your nostrils peeled! There might even be a special taste & smell workshop, but you’ll have to make sure you don’t get too saucy beforehand…
Speaking of saucy, the beverage selection at SENSORiUM is extremely on point. Local favorites Yards Brewery and Cooper Spirits will keep the party lit well into the night along with cold refreshments from the full-serve Ukie Club bar. Guayaki Yerba Mate will be on-site to keep you energized all day into the night, or go for a classic cup o’ joe, or specialty juices from one of the many vendors. You could even bring the taste of SENSORiUM home with you.
Can you smell the excitement? SENSORiUM is so close I can almost taste it…
FEEL
Are you feeling it now, Mr. Krabs???
Seriously though, SENSORiUM will make you feel joyful, lighthearted, connected, and constantly amazed. This festival not only understands the beauty of the city of Philly, but it actually manages to uncover, encapsulate, and embody all of its best parts for one special day. It’s a true celebration of Philadelphia, music, and arts and you’re invited!
Feel the love from your friends and the high-vibing strangers you’ll meet. Let the beats guide your groove all day long. Relax as you hang out on the lawn between your favorite sets, or grab a drink at the full-service indoor bar. Get inspired in this ultimate extra-sensory experience and carry the spirit of SENSORiUM wherever you go.
The event begins at noon and is 18+ or all ages with the accompaniment of a parent/guardian.
Tickets are only $45 for an all-day pass or $65 for the combo pass with the Official Afterparty included (21+) – grab them here.
NEPAudio 