On Saturday, December 13, Running of the Santas – one of the hottest and largest wintertime festivals in the country – will be transforming the streets of Philadelphia into a sea of red and green for 15 hours as participants suit up in their favorite Christmastime costumes.
The event, which was born when 40 close friends decided to suit up in holiday decor and go bar hopping in downtown Philadelphia, has grown across the world with more than 20 host cities from California to the shores of New Zealand.
Just today, event organizers released the official musical lineup for the 2014 Running of the Santas Mega Festival. They performers include:
Ed Kowalczyk – Founding member, songwriter and former lead singer of LIVE, launched his solo career in 2009 following a bright career as LIVE’s frontman. During Kowalczyk’s 20 year career, he has sold over 20 million albums worldwide including eight platinum and gold albums as well as nine Top 10 songs which include “Grace,” “Lightning Crashes” and “I Alone.”
Split Decision – A six member rock band that formed in Philadelphia in 1998. The band plays over 200 shows each year while touring the East coast from Philadelphia to the Ohio Valley. Split Decision’s drive, passion and energy make it one of the most sought after bands in Philadelphia.
LeCompt – The ban has played all around the country and is considered as legends on the Philadelphia music scene. The band’s dynamic musical approach has outlived the numerous trends in the rock industry, and its high-intensity performances stem from its invigorating vocals and energizing guitars and drums.
Gypsy Wisdom – A five piece band from Philadelphia that covers most music genres including rock, pop and R&B. Known as one of the best party bands in the Philadelphia area, Gypsy Wisdom has a knack for exciting the crowd and helping them forget about their problems.
Secret Service – Started performing back in the 1980s and is now known as one of the Philadelphia area’s most popular cover bands. This two-man band really gets their audience involved in the show with their signature passing of the mic for fans to sing-along. Secret Service’s goal for every show they perform is to give the crowd the best time of their life.
Love Seed Mama Jump – A six-member rock band hailing from Dewey Beach, DE. The band’s music is described as guitar-driven pop rock with a blend of modern beats and melodic hooks delivered with powerful, impassioned vocals. Love Seed Mama Jump has performed with many notable acts including Dave Matthews, the Beach Boys and Beck.
Annie Minogue Band – The band has opened for performers such as Dave Navarro and the Black Eyed Peas and has received several awards for their music.
Wayside Shakeup – Began in 2003 in a Philadelphia apartment. The band’s diverse sound is rooted from the musical influences of each member which include Pearl Jam, Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. Together, the band forms a melodic sound filled with soaring harmonies, smooth blues notes and powerful pop ballads which always get the crowd moving.
Catlin Gould – Catlin grew up in Hanover, PA, playing drums in a punk-rock band. In 2006 he began playing the guitar, booked his first live show within a year, and never looked back. Catlin has played live shows from coast to coast including Los Angeles, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s signature holiday event will kick off at 9:00 am at McFadden’s (“The South Pole”) located at 461 N. 3rd Street, and it will end at the Electric Factory (“The North Pole”) located at 421 N. 7th Street which will start at 11:00 am. Tickets to the 2014 Running of the Santas Mega Festival are still available online at www.runningofthesantas.com.
Additionally, this year the Running of the Santas will hold an expo on Friday, December 12th where Santas and Mrs. Clauses can pick up their wristbands early, listen to some good music and enjoy discounted drinks.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation. The mission of the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation is to provide assistance to families who struggle to care for a loved one suffering from leukemia.
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