2021 in review: The We Made It Festival: Opening

The Fire - September 11, 2021

After a long year of having no shows, The Fire wanted to kick off with a bang by holding “The We Made It Festival.” Summer storm season was still reigning over Philadelphia, but the weather finally permitted the venue to kick off their event. This grand re-opening allowed them to showcase all their new renovations and once again support the sounds of Philadelphia.

This Fall show started with Philly emo rock band, Versailles. Their covers and originals were loud and on point. I’d be excited to see them in the future as they had room for growth in their stage presence.

The band Devixe continued the bill with a heavy sound. This five-piece band with two guitarists, a bassist, drummer, and singer shook the performance room with several originals and covers.

Away Game (formerly known as The Spins of South Jersey, or what they referred to as “Philly jr.,” at the time of the show) kept the energy of the matinee going with harmonies and sprinkles of pop-punk to change up the heavy metal/rock sounds we heard previously in the day. They made a strong impression at their first Philly gig.

Local band and frequent friends of The Fire, the band Valendina, also took the stage with their four members. They kept the pop-punk alternative rock vibes going with their sound.

Finally, singer-songwriter, Fataday Korngor, mellowed out the day- taking the stage only with his acoustic guitar, banana button-down, and bucket hat. Korngor performed some originals and covers including a punchy rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”

Elena Brokus Productions has an eye for up-and-coming talent and this show was another example of just that!