PHILADELPHIA, PA — “Matties Grand ‘Ol Hoo Hoo Hootenany: Benefit to Help a Homegirl Out” took place on November 2, 2013 at the World Cafe Live. This special event was an effort to help Mattie Cassady raise money for surgery not covered by her insurance. The line-up of top Southeastern Pennsylvania musicians read like “the best of 2013” music festival: The Whiskeyhickon Boys, Native Maze, Philadelphia Funk Hustle (PFH), Montoj, Catullus and The Happy Dog featuring Bernie Worrel.
Dressed in Halloween garb, the Wiskeyhickon Boys took the stage first to play their unique style of “gangster folk”. Lead vocalist, ukelele and kazoo player, Jonathan Denny, came appropriately dressed as Captain Americana. Native Maze is a young jam band from Bucks County that brought along the most enthusiastic of audiences. With two members of Sonni Shine’s Underwater Sounds incorporated into the band, the Philadelphia Funk Hustle played a powerful set of “jamtronica”. Montoj tested the limits of the status quo with interesting melodic progressions, beautiful guitar harmony interplay, and warm vocal blends. Special guest Michael Borowski (keyboardist Splintered Sunlight / Dirk Quinn Band) joined Catullus for a good rock ruckus.
The Happy Dog, fronted by Jesse Wagner, was joined by keyboard legend Bennie Worrel. Bernie is best known for his recordings with P-Funk and the Talking Heads. “The first time I saw Happy Dog I was hooked. It was the best phone call of my life getting to ask him to play with Bernie Worrel… no one deserves it more. He’s such an amazingly intuitive musician,” said Mattie Cassady.
The Happy Dog set featured songs with Bernie that also fit the theme of the benefit. Jesse Wagner said, “Thank you for letting Mattie be herself. At this rate, we are only twenty years away from where we have to be.” It was quite fitting that the highlight of the night was their rendition of the Talking Heads’ song “Crosseyed And Painless” with the song’s lyrics:
“Lost my shape – Trying to act casual!
Can’t stop – I might end up in the hospital
I’m changing my shape – I feel like an accident
They’re back – To explain their experience…
I’m still waiting… I’m still waiting… I’m still waiting….”