Doylestown Distance Picnic Director Joe Montone Commemorates Peasant's Damien DeRose with Upcoming Show
By Emily Herbein
Doylestown Distance Picnics have been a beacon of light throughout the last year and a half thanks to Joe Montone, an ambitious and ambivalent force in the local music community. Having curated several prominent acts like Anthony Green, Low Cut Connie, and Sixteen Jackies to headline performances during the summer, arguably the most poignant lineup for the next show of the season takes place this upcoming Saturday, September 25th. Featuring Illinois and Christina Ward, this show will commemorate Damien DeRose of Peasant, who sadly passed away in 2015. The performers were close friends and collaborators with Peasant, all of whom spearheaded Doylestown’s thriving music scene over a decade ago.
I made my way out to Doylestown in June for one of the Picnics, and I could never really speak on the level of community until I experienced it myself. Montone has forged a niche of support inside the suburb’s already thriving scene. I’ve been lucky enough to get close with local creatives in Born Losers Records as well as artists like Anthony Green, Pete Hill, and Ceramic Animal, and seeing all of those faces show up to support one another is totally a testament to what Montone is building with these events.
I spoke with Montone, Christina Ward, and Illinois about why this upcoming performance is undeniably the most special.
I’d love it if everyone could share what this show means to them, considering this one commemorates Damien DeRose, a prominent figure in local music.
Joe Montone: This Picnic means so much to me for so many reasons. These are artists I grew up learning from. And I'm so grateful to be producing this event which will raise awareness about Damien and his music, and feature artists who were so close to him.
In 2008, Illinois and Peasant performed in Doylestown at an event called The End Of The World. It was a defining moment for me as an 18-year-old artist watching Damien (Peasant) perform with just an acoustic guitar and vocals... and have the crowd COMPLETELY captivated. Illinois also blew me away — it was as if every band that night was outdoing the next. This was also probably the last time Illinois, Aderbat, Drink Up Buttercup, and Peasant would all share a stage together. A few years prior, they built an entire music movement from inside a local cigar shop. They all really spread their wings after this show.
Some years later, I found myself performing and recording with Damien on his last album before his passing called Bound For Glory. It felt very affirming to me. He gave me a chance. I was that kid in the crowd and then I got to play on his record and perform live with him. He was also a friend to me and he chose to teach me things as a more experienced artist.
This past summer, Damien's mom approached me about hosting an event for Damien. I had already been talking to Illinois about a Picnic... and the pieces really fell into place from there. From a production standpoint, that is the best feeling. The culmination of everyone attending and performing, the fact that it's days after what would've been Damien's 36th birthday... to share something extra special like this... it gives me chills. It also celebrates Illinois’ new album Shady Lane and the Doylestown debut of Christina's new live band. Watching these artists continue their journey and keep growing... they STILL inspire me. I cannot wait to see their sets.
Christina Ward: Listening to these records that were produced after his death is like opening up a time capsule. I spent a lot of time with Damien when I was younger driving around talking about music and dreaming about what the future would throw at us. I never imagined that it would turn out like it did for him and that brings me a great deal of sadness. The music he left us inspires me to try to write songs with that same kind of candidness. He was so much more than the substance abuse disorder that cut his time with us short and I feel so honored to play this event commemorating that part of Damien.
Illinois: Our new album called Shady Lane was released everywhere on September 10th. We probably would’ve asked Damian to open; we played together a lot. We miss him dearly. I think the pandemic made everyone realize how much we take for granted. Live music is a crucial part of any community and keeping the hope and happiness alive.
What has the last year and a half looked like for you?
CW: The last year and a half was a lot of writing and recording. Just trying to make good use of all the time I had on my hands with no school or work. I released an EP called RENT on Mint 400 Records last April — and have one more in the works that will be coming out this fall. I also had the opportunity to put a band together with some amazing musician friends — Tony Dunst, Anawim Avila, and Matt Roth.
How do you feel the Distance Picnics have helped redefine Doylestown’s already thriving art scene?
JM: The picnics have been an aid to Doylestown's music scene. Even before COVID, the community could use more original music programming for all ages. This all couldn't have been possible without Kristin & Daniel Moore. Each month, they donate the parking lot of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church to be transformed into a live venue. What an incredible gift especially considering Doylestown currently does not have a consistent live music venue for all ages. The sponsors are all local business owners, too. Their involvement says "yes, we need this" and that they understand the cultural impact of live music. My hope is that it does redefine our community's live music scene. We need more local bands to pop up too.
CW: The distance picnics have brought in some really great well-known acts, which I think has been amazing for the local Doylestown music scene. So much incredible music has come out of this town. These kinds of events, and the support they garner, are what keeps the spirit of local music alive. Joe Montone has done a phenomenal job curating the Distance Picnics — his hard work and ability to bring people together during these uncertain times made this last year and a half a little more bearable for a lot of people.
Is this something that we would have seen emerge had there not been a pandemic?
JM: Definitely not. Kristin showed me the parking lot in June 2020. Doylestown was sooo quiet at the time. By July, we had our first picnic... small crowd, all masked. We had no idea there was a venue waiting in the Moore's literal backyard until the pandemic.
Do these events feel more special because of it?
JM: Yes, because it's truly an entire community coming together to put this on. Sure, I'm producing it... but we need all the moving parts. It also feels special because this is what I've always done... transform non-traditional spaces into concert venues for the community to flourish. So to me, it's like having a bigger canvas for something I've been doing for 11 years in Doylestown.
The previous lineups have been both ambitious while still hitting close to home. Garnering local and national attention with the likes of Anthony Green and Low Cut Connie is an impressive task. How does this level of support make you feel in regards to keeping the spirit of local music alive?
JM: It's an incredible gift to have the trust of artists who are usually performing in concert halls and to provide them a platform to engage with an intimate audience, seeing performances like this is how a kid like me went home and started writing after seeing bands like Peasant and Illinois. This is how memories are made for people especially after being inside for a year. We need to safely experience live music.
What goals do you have for future events?
JM: My goal is to keep growing as a producer, to engage with more potential sponsors, and to remain vital with audiences as well as artists. I want to provide local and more culturally diverse food vendors a platform too. And make sure that the programming remains inclusive to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists.
What would you like to see happen as live music hopefully stays consistent through this next year?
JM: I want to see Low Cut Connie come back with the full band. And get Orville Peck out here with Lil Nas X headlining… For real though... I want to see us keep navigating this pandemic together, keep growing the programming and keep changing.
Why are you so passionate about your hometown?
JM: Doylestown has grown a lot over the last 15 years... it's really admirable. I'm grateful to be part of a larger community of people who have been and will continue to be the reason it keeps growing. From local merchants to activists, to anyone who attends the picnics... we are collectively demanding that this town keeps growing. This can all quickly go away without the sacrifice of those who believe in what makes a real community.
What makes it so special to you?
JM: It's home to so many amazing people that have supported me for so long. Come visit sometime or swing by the next picnic... you'll understand why.
Low Cut Connie performs at their Distance Picnic