The Triangle

Issue date: 6/6/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Christie Greerbiehl Recently returning from tours with Feist and The National, Hayden's stories of love, heartache and everything in between can be heard at the NorthStar Bar June 7.

Have some down time between now and the start of summer term? Want to discover some new musical artists, or see the bands you've been reading about on every music blog known to mankind? Have limited amounts of money to spend on entertainment? Then the University City and Fairmount vicinities of Philadelphia are the places for you to be this June with several local, national and international acts coming to our beloved neighborhoods!

Ranging from electro-clash to folk-punk and acoustic to indie hip-hop, I am sure you'll find an event to soothe your ears. Here are a few musical happenings guaranteed to help you unwind and enjoy some time off from some rigorous studying at Drexel:

Conversations with Friends - Starting as an impromptu collaboration between two friends at a party, Conversations with Friends has developed into a full-out pop-rock band since its earliest days in late 2007. Drexel senior Josh Craft and Temple student Kayla Murphy goofed around with some songs before inquiring others to join their musical project. Now, Craft (guitar/vocals) and Murphy (drums), along with fellow Drexel seniors Flynn Wallace (guitar), EJ Bins (bass) and Caitlin Vivian (keyboard) are playing shows regularly at venues like the M-Room and NorthStar Bar across Philadelphia.

"Sticking to the concept," as Murphy described, Conversations with Friends attempt to create a flow between their songs, a similar message or story. When asked about their sound, the drummer smugly stated, "We're kind of a mix between Weezer, pop-punk and folk. It's fun."

To check out the fun sounds of Conversations with Friends, head over to the Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) June 6 at 9 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/conversationswithfriends.

Hayden - I first heard of the Toronto singer-songwriter Hayden when I went to see Feist at the Academy of Music this past April. Hayden's unflappable character onstage, as well as his folky-acoustic-rock, drew me into his 2008 release, "In Field & Town." Hayden beautifully tells his stories using a guitar, piano, and harmonica, although during his upcoming tour, a backing band will be accompanying the artist, projecting the already strong content.

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