Tape Swap Radio returned to the Bethlehem Rose Garden for our second show in the city’s Live in the Garden concert series on Saturday, May 21st. Easton psych rocker Brother JT and Bethlehem vaudeville artpunk collective This Way to the Egress — both former Rooftop Session guests — played lively sets for a crowd of over 300 attendees. Check out some photos below.
Performing first was Brother JT, the name of Easton native John Terlesky. He first made a name for himself in the 1980s playing in the garage rock band the Original Sins. Terleksy has since set out on his own to play music that leans in a more psychedelic direction, releasing albums on Drag City and Thrill Jockey Records. He has continued performing and recording with various line-ups over the years. The four-piece band played a 45-minute set that featured some fan favorites like “Warm’s the New Cool (Newer)” from 2007’s Third Ear Candy and the title track from 1999’s Way to Go. There were new songs sprinkled in the set as well that drummer Jamie Knerr says the band is working on for an upcoming release.
Playing second was Bethlehem-based This Way to the Egress. The band did not disappoint, drawing from folk, rock, vaudeville, swing, calypso, and a whole assortment of other genres in their nearly one-hour set. The band broke out live staples like “Whiskey on My Grave” and “Southbound.” They finished their set with a rousing rendition of Harry Belefonte’s “Jump in the Line” while keyboardist and vocalist Sarah Shown, adorned with an oversized skull head, lead the crowd in a conga line around the Rose Garden.
We want to thank everyone who came out on this 90+ degree day. We also need to give a thank-you to Bill Medei for handling sound as well as the city of Bethlehem for putting the Live in the Garden series together and allowing Tape Swap to bring bands to three of the dates. Don’t miss our next and final date in the series on Saturday, June 4th with Lehigh Valley bands We’re from Antarctica and Hexting.