A Steamy Lineup of Virtual Concerts to Benefit Those Impacted by COVID-19

Barry Wahrhaftig, leader of the local Gypsy swing band Hot Club of Philadelphia and a long-time member of Weavers Way, has organized a virtual concert series co-sponsored by the Co-op to raise money for those hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Community Relief Concert Series, which is livestreamed from a restored 100-year-old sheep barn on the Pitcairn Estate in Huntingdon Valley, is co-sponsored by Circle ‘D’ Productions and kicked off with a performance from the Hot Club Philly Trio on May 27. Going forward, Wahrhaftig is planning two to three shows a month at the venue, known as Events at LNC.

The concerts will feature popular and up-and-coming local jazz and folk-pop acts. Strict safety protocol will be observed, including performances from duos and trios who are safely distanced and masked, and only one or two tech personnel on site. StageTrip.net, a state-of-the-art local AVI production company, will be handling sound & multi-camera HD video.

The next show, featuring Wahrhaftig and fellow bandmate, Phyllis Chapell, is set for June 10. Future performances include the Maci Miller vocal-piano duo on June 17 and venerable jazz guitarist Marty Grosz and trumpeter Danny Tobias on June 24. All shows are scheduled for 8-10 p.m. The July-August lineup will be posted shortly.

The concerts will be streamed through either the band’s Facebook page or through local producer Denny Horn’s Circle ‘D’ page. Those pages will also include information on how to contribute or sponsor shows via Venmo or PayPal.

Hot Club Philly’s new CD "Gypsy - Americana" is available through direct mail order and at Weavers Way Next Door. It can also be downloaded at Bandcamp.com. The band is available for duo stoop shows and Zoom private parties.