by M., Media, PA

Many people may write about the first time they saw Springsteen or the Who as memorable moments (they were) but the one that stands out for me is one night at The Bacchanal Bar at the corner 13th and South.

The Bacchanal was a small grimy little place with two rooms; one for the bar and the other for music and dancing. The band Philly Gumbo had a weekly gig there and played a large selection of covers that got everyone dancing. Due to the location of the bar, straddling the projects and the future University of the Arts, the crowd was mixed racially, economically and generationally (the band was well into their 40s at the time) and felt like a true representation of Philadelphia.

This particular night the band was playing on the same level as the crowd (several months later a low stage was added to the room). It was August and one lone sputtering window air conditioner hung above the sealed second exit and did little to cool off the room, which was packed with writhing bodies. As the heat intensified, people began removing layers of clothing until most were half naked or in undershirts and tanks. Then the band played Al Green’s “Love and Happiness”. It was the first time I had ever heard this song and it will always be linked to my memory of that night. The crowd cheered and shook off their sweat like wet dogs and everyone danced with everyone else, but not alone like in a night club. People slid around and faced each other for a few gyrating moments before moving on to someone else.

It was an unforgettable communing experience and really impressed upon me the ability music has to bring all sorts of people together for one joyful purpose.