The street is decorated with various shapes and colors. Sidewalks are lined with people, mugs in hand. The yellow glow of the streetlights takes the place of the sun against the dusk sky. Colorful gobos travel across the crowd as they jump in sync with the drummer. The vibrations create an earthquake in your chest. You raise your arms to the night sky, eyes closed and ears ringing with the slaps, screeches and hums flying through the amps on the sidewalks. Welcome to the Barn.
The Barn at a Glance
Local concert venue, Domo’s Barn, has become a local phenomenon, playing the streets of North Philadelphia for the past 2 years. Located at 1528 N. Carlisle St., Domo’s Barn hosts local bands and crowds every month. Through its epic celebration of life, music and artistry, Domo’s Barn contributes to Philadelphia’s existing culture by advocating for diversity, promoting local artistry and creating an energetic and inclusive community in North Philadelphia.
Domo, the founder of the venue, is the man behind the stoop that makes it all happen. Inspired by his upbringing, he started the Barn just for fun. “When I first moved to Philly from California, I loved the outdoors shows so we always did it in my backyard. [N]ow the barn has been born to funk up the block.” This deep-rooted passion for live music has carried him across the country and drawn groups of hundreds to his block to share it with him.
The Sound of the Stoop
Domo’s wide-range music taste helps promote a diverse selection of local bands. “[It’s] a fucking mashup. […] I love local music of all kinds. Rock, rap, funk jazz, if my ear likes what it hears then here it will be […] at the barn.” Digging into Philadelphia’s roots that gave birth to artists like Billie Holiday and Hall and Oates, the Barn honors the city’s diverse musical history.
Over 40 artists have performed in the venue’s 2 year existence. Local indie bands like Cat in the Wall, DJ’s Parunormal and Calo, and funk-based groups such as Knuckle Deep are just a sample. The alternating sound of Domo’s Barn keeps the bands and their audience coming back.
Andrew Montoya, lead singer of local band Graffiti Smile, has been a recurring artist at the Barn since April 2021. The band’s funk-based influence landed them a spot in the Barn’s May show and have since played their August set.
The shows are free, however, they give bands like Graffiti Smile the opportunity to expand their horizons. “The Barn has allowed us to reach a much broader audience. [It’s] not just for friends and friends of friends. It’s for everyone and anyone who enjoys live music,” Montoya says. “The crowd is what keeps us coming back.”
Domo’s Vision
Domo also acts as the Godfather of local music PR, working alongside his social media coordinator, Jules, to create the artistic vision of the Barn. Bringing the show to life visually as much as it exists dynamically, he encapsulates the vision of Philadelphia.
The visual artistry of the Barn is displayed primarily through their Instagram account, featuring flyers announcing the upcoming shows. The various themes, in combination with their selection of artists, cultivate a show that matches visually and musically. Using graffiti-style graphics and fonts, they emulate the murals popular to Philadelphia.
Photography and videos featured in feed and story posts depict the venue in action: crowds dancing in the street, drawing chalk art, drinking with friends, and artists performing. Domo and Jules’ combined artistry translates the Barn experience to reach beyond the stoop.
The Barn Family
Following its fearless leaders, the audience is at the heart of the Barn. Temple University students make up a significant portion of the crowd alongside neighbors of the stoop. Several of those who have already experienced it have returned to see more.
Temple University student Kieran Cunningham says, “I found that I could easily connect to every new person I talked to because of the shared love of music. […] I loved hearing different instruments, like trumpets or keyboards, that you wouldn’t expect to be at an indie band show.”
Crowds of people from diverse backgrounds, unified under their passion and love for live music perfectly emulate the city’s motto of “Brotherly Love.” Taking that energy into his work as the leader of the Barn, Domo also gives a voice and an audience to those he believes deserve it most.
“[W]hen I choose the bands I give special slots for Black [and] Brown people,” Domo says. “LGQTB+ and women base bands [have] higher priority.” While the sound itself is paramount to the Barn experience, Domo also carefully selects who provides it.
Fans and artists’ varying backgrounds give the Barn an inclusive sound, look and perspective. It openly speaks and listens for people of all races, sexualities and genders, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the local community.
Looking into the Future
The full vision of the future of Domo’s Barn has yet to be fully revealed. However, Domo has no hesitation in confirming it will continue and evolve as it commands more attention and wider audiences.
Domo’s plan to widen the stoop’s horizons will continue to create waves, representing the diverse culture of North Philly. The energy and passion of the Barn community is guaranteed to last into its future, carrying its artistic vision and musical influence with it.
