One of the two co-founders (Josh Larson being the other one) of Acoustic Philly, and its first executive director, Mike DelVecchia has been performing his songs for over 23 years, ever since his hard-rock band, Mystical Children began playing clubs in Brooklyn, New York. "Being a saloon singer and cafe crooner means taking what you love and hate about yourself--- including hearing your own voice--- and turning it into art, which is the most challenging, rewarding art I've ever done." Successful as a playwright and actor, painter and journalist, Mike brought what he learned in those fields (he is also the founder of the arts newspaper Philadelphia Arts Writers) to Acoustic Philly (AP), pushing into prominence by converting Philadelphia acoustic acts and bands into "arguably the largest music collective in Philadelphia" (Metro Paper, 2007), nailing down monthly and weekly series in seven venues (such as the Khyber) during his tenure with AP and creating and promoting two highly successful festivals, the latter benefiting immigrants rights reform in February, 2007, featuring over 35 local acts. WXPN DJ Gene Shay said, ""Mike [DelVecchia] is like a gentle giant, and that seems to filter through the group. The casual arrangement he has with his people seems to really work for them." (Philadelphia Daily News) Mike's open mic at The Dive of South Philly spotlighted one of the places where audiences could catch Mike's songs for a year and a half, as well as at other local venues. Mike is also a big supporter of Autism acceptance, accepting donations at his shows for The Autism Acceptance Project (www.taaproject.org); in return for $10 donations, donors receive a free bottle of the wine that has been made by the DelVecchia family for centuries. "And they also get a ton of my songs." "The intense complexity of Mike DelVecchia's songs is matched only by his passion for transforming Philadelphia into the epicenter of the East Coast music scene." (Play Philly, 2007)
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"I am a Philly dweller, originally from Brooklyn, N.Y. I have been writing and performing songs since 1984 and am the founding vocalist of the band Mystical Children (www.mysticalchildren.com). I was an actor and playwright for ten years with numerous NYC productions of my plays. I am the founder and editor-in-chief of Philadelphia Arts Writers/PAW Print, a hardcopy newspaper dedicated to Philly's arts and culture covered journalistically, according to AP style. Check it out at www.philadelphiawriters.com. I was an exhibiting painter. I attained my M.F.A. in English-Creative Writing in 1997. I am the co-founder and former co-executive director of Acoustic Philly, a music collective. Check it out at www.acousticphilly.com There are few things I haven't done in the arts. These days, and probably forever more, it shall continue to be music."
Mike, thanks again for inviting us out to The Fig. It was an awesome time, and I forgot how much I missed the whole scene; it seemed like just when I was getting into it I had to put it aside for a while. Oh well, now that I'm getting back into the swing of things let me know if you ever want us to come out again. Come for the hookas, stay for the wine!
Thanks for the add! I know that we have met somewhere. Might have been at folkfest, or WXPN or maybe at NERFA? I don't know but you look real familiar and the name is one that I remember too. Anyway, I'm sure that we will run into each other down the road. Seems like we have some of the same circles. See you then!
You are the greatest musician, singer and sex symbol in Jenkintown. I know that's sort of like saying there is a fragrant odor coming from your dog, but at least 5,000 people live in Jenkintown. You are one in 5,000. I'll bet you feel like a hundred bucks right now.
Mike - sorry my account has been spewing spam every which way, but hopefully that's been sorted. Hope things have been going well, and to see you at the Dive some time soon (which I hear is open again)!
Thanks, Nick! It was so much fun. Everyone was so great at the Fig. Champagne was flowing. It was a night we will never forget. Wish you had been there. Hope to see you soon.
