It was a packed house on Sunday afternoon at Well Crafted. Barely any standing room was available as the premier of the documentary, Lansdale: Then, Now, and Forever, was brought to the screen by director Jason Zoblin of Queens, NY. A crowd of several generations of area musicians, artists and skateboarders filled the brewery to see this look into their world after three years in the making.
Hosted by and including Lansdale’s own Annie Christ, the documentary explores the rich history of the Do-It-Yourself ethics of art and expression in the area. Spanning from the metal and hardcore music scenes of the 90s, with bands like Dysphoria, to the current punk and rock scene with bands like Froggy, as well as art and the ever-changing relationship the borough has with skateboarding. Local businesses such as Cold Cuts Merch and Round Guys Brewery were also discussed in relation to their relationship to the local scene. The crowd was also able to see and hear the stories of the scene’s elders. for what may be the first time to such an exact degree.
Opening up the event was Lansdale native, Dan Campbell, of the well-known band The Wonders Years. Playing the borough for the first time in nearly 12 years, Campbell played a mix of songs from his various projects, while also speaking of his time coming up in the area. Perhaps the most wholesome video from the whole event can be found on Facebook, as Campbell played a song outside the venue with Landon, a 10-year-old that frequents open mics in town with his guitar.
Everyone from the creators of Wedgewood Skatepark to art show hosts to Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert himself was in attendance for this event. With grandparents and young children looking on, a story was received of the labor of love that this area knows all too well. While free to the public, donations to Manna on Main Street were encouraged. Just shy of $500 was collected, as well as many other items were donated for the cause.
The documentary closes with a humbling memorial for several area individuals, from legendary show promoter Mike Pelone to accomplished therapist Amie Harwick to the long-missed and multi-talented Dave Evans. It is a testament to a closely-knit scene of people that try to look out for each other and remember where they came from.
Closing the film is a song written specifically for the documentary called This Way Up, by local duo BLEACH’D ROOTS, who played the song live to the crowd of longtime friends and family.
“This is my gift to Lansdale,” said Zoblin. “Thank you so much for including me and letting me get to know you all.”
Any interested parties should pay attention to Queen Anne Productions and Frosted Green Productions on social media for updates on the public release.
See also:
A 'Collective' Approach to the DIY Music Scene
The Wonder Years’ Matt Brasch Discusses New Side Project, ‘Cold Climb It’
Local Photographer’s ‘Old Friends’ Project to Benefit Monkey’s House Dog Hospice and Sanctuary
Director Kevin Smith Says Clerks 3 will Feature Song from Local Riot Grrrl Band ‘Froggy’
Lansdale Artist, North Penn Grad Selected As Finalist For Pabst Blue Ribbon Can Art Contest
