(June 29, 2008) PCM's Julie and Kristyn spent the better part of a Sunday afternoon at Philadelphia's Penn's Landing for the Paul Green School of Rock Music festival. Dozens of young, local bands showcased their musical talent before the festival's headliners took to the stage. The main acts included Goldfinger, Less Than Jake & The Dropkick Murphy's.

PCM's staff writers found themselves on Less Than Jake's air-conditioned tour bus before they hit the stage that hot afternoon to speak with drummer Vinnie Fiorello, lead singer Chris Demakes and trombone player Buddy Schaub. Demakes even offered Julie & Kristyn some chocolates from their personal stash to make them feel comfortable, how welcoming! Check out picture proof below, see, PCM doesn't lie!

We've got exclusive pictures of the guys on their bus, a slideshow and review of the concert and, of course, the audio stream of our interview.

PCM's Julie Kissane & Kristyn Clarke (mouseover).

Audio Interview With Less Than Jake ( content warning)

6/29/08 Concert Review written by Julie Kissane

Over ten years after they first formed, Less Than Jake has staked their claim as one of the most stable ska-pop-punk bands to date. They have steadily toured year after year and boast an impressively long discography. Their unrelenting efforts to keep making music deem them arguably one of the most hardworking bands in music. Less Than Jake has survived the rise and fall of different music phases including the boy band and bubblegum pop phenomenon. They continue to emerge victorious with the release of each record. Backed by a fan base and a mutual passion for constantly creating new content, Less Than Jake admitted on their tour bus that they'll continue to tour and record for as long as possible.

"It's like a mini Warped tour here in Philadelphia, thank you," exclaimed lead singer, Chris Demakes from Philadelphia's Penn's Landing main stage on June 29th, 2008. The muggy afternoon caused a majority of male fans to walk around with t-shirts hanging from their back pockets thus exposing an array of chest, back and stomach tattoos. The venue kindly provided a sprinkler that young fans consistently ran through to keep cool. The sticky weather also encouraged an excessive amount of beer consumption by all festival-goers. Empty Miller Lite plastic bottles were thrown throughout the crowd and into the air as soon as alternative band, Goldfinger, began their set.

Lead Singer John Feldmann lit a fire under the rowdy crowd early on by declaring into the microphone, "We're not a f****** Jack Johnson concert!" One of Goldfinger's most popular songs, "99 Red Balloons," was the unmistakable crowd favorite as hundreds of people jumped in perfect unison with the song's beat. The band scored major points with the crowd by inviting the fans that have seen a show before on stage with them during the song, "Mabel." Adolescent males seemed to be in their glory as they stood side by side with Goldfinger on the elevated stage. Surprisingly enough, fans didn't linger on stage eager to continue their 5 minutes of rockstar status when the song was done. Goldfinger made sure to thank security for, "being cool enough to let the fans up on stage with us." It's admirable to see a band that trusts their fans enough to share the stage with them and get that close.

A light drizzle began to fall just as Less Than Jake made their way onto the stage. Bright confetti occasionally burst from the stage onto Philadelphia's thrashing crowd. Guitarist Roger Manganelli encouraged fans to start a circle pit, which unbeknownst to me, meant a collective 'running of the bulls' style mosh around the venue. I took higher ground on a sound booth and watched as sweaty fans swelled around me. During the song, "Sugar in Your Gas Tank," Less Than Jake actually stopped playing because a female fan in the crowd appeared to be hurt in the chaos. Good to see they look out for their fans. The band closed their show with, "Plastic Cup Politics," and fans seemed thrilled with the songs that Less Than Jake chose for their set. Its members were certainly animated and spunky enough to keep the crowd entertained. Lead singer, Chris Demakes, did his part to pump up the crowd for "the Irish crazy punk rock music," that was to follow with The Dropkick Murphy's.

The Dropkick's put on quite a display of Irish pride and their fans ate up every minute they were on stage. At least eight men littered the stage playing the bagpipes, banjo and pennywhistle. Jamieson Whiskey and Guinness Beer t-shirts mixed with a sea of green and plaid accessories in the crowd. Their song, "The State of Massachusetts," echoed off the Delaware River and I'm sure, could be heard from blocks away. Screaming fans chanted, "Let's Go Murphy's," in between songs and I even spotted a 12 year old with a mohawk crowd surfing during, "For Boston." They put on quite a show.

I left the School of Rock Festival in Philadelphia with mud on my feet, dirt under my fingernails and reeking of second hand cigarette smoke. Could these alternative bands have transformed me into a badass in just one day? Nah, probably not. What I did know was this, I left that venue feeling much more in touch with my Irish roots.

Pictures From The Tour Bus Interview:



Trombonist Buddy Schaub


Lead Singer Chris Demakes


Drummer Vinnie Fiorello

Concert Slideshow: