Spring Break
Founder of Electric Factory Concerts graces Bossone
Alysson Cwyk
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Being a college student in Philadelphia, chances are you've attended either a show Larry Magid has booked or a venue where he has presented thousands of music legends.
On May 7, Drexel University hosted Magid, the founder of Electric Factory concerts, as well as WXPN's midday host, David Dye, in an interview before a small group.
Since the Electric Factory opened in 1968, Magid has produced over 15,000 events at local venues such as the Fillmore at the TLA, the Spectrum, the Tower Theatre and the Susquehanna Bank Center.
"I am where I am today because of Larry Magid," Marcy Wagman, director of the Music Industry program, said. "He supported the entire Philadelphia music scene and gave opportunities to absolutely everyone when no one else did."
Magid's involvement in the music industry began before he had even graduated from high school. Growing up in West Philadelphia, he became connected with Philadelphia's WDAS, a radio station that at the time played underground music. Developing relationships with disc jockeys and helping with radio shows paved the way Magid's future in music would eventually play out.
While attending Temple University, Larry booked his first concert, a University of Pennsylvania fraternity party. This trend continued for the remainder of his college career. Upon graduation, Magid moved to New York City to work for an agency, but soon returned to Philadelphia to launch a new concert venue.
The original Electric Factory opened its doors Feb. 2, 1968 at 22nd and Arch streets. At the time, there were not many venues for younger crowds to attend shows. Magid said the opening of the Electric Factory was the "beginning of a cultural revolution … it changed how I looked at everything."
Within the first few years, tickets were sold for a mere $3 and Magid had booked new, up-and-coming acts like Cream, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. Frank Zappa even deemed the atmosphere of the Electric Factory, painted with bright colors and housing some jungle gyms, "a psychedelic dungeon."
On May 7, Drexel University hosted Magid, the founder of Electric Factory concerts, as well as WXPN's midday host, David Dye, in an interview before a small group.
Since the Electric Factory opened in 1968, Magid has produced over 15,000 events at local venues such as the Fillmore at the TLA, the Spectrum, the Tower Theatre and the Susquehanna Bank Center.
"I am where I am today because of Larry Magid," Marcy Wagman, director of the Music Industry program, said. "He supported the entire Philadelphia music scene and gave opportunities to absolutely everyone when no one else did."
Magid's involvement in the music industry began before he had even graduated from high school. Growing up in West Philadelphia, he became connected with Philadelphia's WDAS, a radio station that at the time played underground music. Developing relationships with disc jockeys and helping with radio shows paved the way Magid's future in music would eventually play out.
While attending Temple University, Larry booked his first concert, a University of Pennsylvania fraternity party. This trend continued for the remainder of his college career. Upon graduation, Magid moved to New York City to work for an agency, but soon returned to Philadelphia to launch a new concert venue.
The original Electric Factory opened its doors Feb. 2, 1968 at 22nd and Arch streets. At the time, there were not many venues for younger crowds to attend shows. Magid said the opening of the Electric Factory was the "beginning of a cultural revolution … it changed how I looked at everything."
Within the first few years, tickets were sold for a mere $3 and Magid had booked new, up-and-coming acts like Cream, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. Frank Zappa even deemed the atmosphere of the Electric Factory, painted with bright colors and housing some jungle gyms, "a psychedelic dungeon."
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John zappacosta
posted 2/26/09 @ 8:17 AM EST
Can anyone help me find a complete listing with dates of all the bands that appeared at the old electric factory back in 68/69? I have been unable to find this info even searching the web. (Continued…)
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