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Doylestown Pride Fest Music Day
Posted by James Lamb
Published: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Get ready for Out Loud and Proud this Friday at Nomad Supply Company in Doylestown. Every year during Pride Month, the Doylestown Pride Festival hosts a music day, this year featuring artists Bren, Cab Ellis, and Sell By Yesterday. The event starts at 6pm down on South Main Street.
Say No to Ice in Bucks County
Posted by James Lamb
Published: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
Leaders from Immigrants Rights Action, Bucks County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Make the Road PA, CASA, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as well as numerous members of the community met at the entrance of the Bucks County Justice Center on Wednesday morning, May 7th, 2025, for a press conference to address the dangers and financial consequences of Sheriff Fred Harran’s proposal to implement 287(g) in Bucks County.
So what is 287(g) and why is it dangerous? This program allows our local law enforcement officials to partner with ICE in the enforcement of immigration laws, enabling them to identify and process people potentially removable from the United States.
According to the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website: The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight.
The 287(g) Program enhances the safety and security of our nation’s communities by allowing ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove criminal aliens who are amenable to removal from the U.S.
ICE recognizes the importance of its relationships with its law enforcement partners to carry out its critical mission.
The 287(g) program allows ICE — through the delegation of specified immigration officer duties — to enhance collaboration with state and local law enforcement partners to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the safety of our nation’s communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.
The above all sounds fine until you look at the deeper picture, or lack thereof. Do we have an illegal immigrant problem in Bucks County? Has there been or was there ever a proportionate rate in crimes committed by illegals in Bucks County? If Fred Harran has those numbers, he should show them and attempt to validate his reasoning for wanting to enter into an agreement with ICE instead of…just because he wants to or that he’s bought into this manufactured problem that is essentially just another way of legalizing and validating racial profiling.
Specifically addressing that issue, Adrienne King, President, Bucks County NAACP, said this morning that, “The sheriff's agreement to implement to 287(g) program, which deputizes local law enforcement officers to act as federal immigration agents, is not only deeply troubling, it's dangerous. This program opens the door of racial profiling, and unjust detentions and the criminalizations of immigrant families who already live in fear. It will tear communities apart, discourage victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement, and ultimately make Bucks County less safe for everyone.
“In fact, in 2023, the Bucks County NAAP conducted a study on local policing. This data was clear: black and brown people in the county are stopped by law enforcement at disproportionately higher rates than white residents, even though white people make up the vast majority of the population here.
We already face systematic disparities in policing, the addition of 287(g) will only deepen these injustices. This is why we say, without hesitation, 287(g) has no place in Bucks County.”
Delving into the financial ramifications for Bucks County if the agreement goes into effect, Solomon F. Worlds, Staff Attorney for the ACLU stated that, “287(g) agreements cost a lot of money, so much money. It costs so much money through lawsits and attorney fees. Allegheny County had to pay $25,000 for wrongfully detaining someone. Lehigh County, $95,000; Allentown, $25,000. All of this, without even considering lawyers fees, fees that they pay the attorneys that sue them, and also the fees that they pay to their own attorneys.
Signing onto a 287(g) agreement is signing on for more taxes. Point blank. In addition to signing on to more taxes, it's officers signing on to more responsibility through no resources.
“Officers are already, their jobs are already filled to the brim with different duties and different activities that they are required to do. Adding on to that with extra responsibility, no additional pay, doesn't seem to make sense, and it also costs money. It means that officers lose time in the community which, as we've heard from many others today, is something that this community wants, this community has said that they want officers in their community, they're using a community policing model, why stray from that?”
Following the press conference, attendees ventured over to the Bucks County Commissioner’s meeting to voice their concerns on this issue. Most echoed the statements above, though there were some supporters (one woman called out a few names of who were the victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants - again, none of them in Bucks County), but the standout point of the meeting was when Sheriff Fred Harran took the podium. Instead of addressing the main topic of concern of the time (or quite specifically TODAY), he used his time to address the renewal of a SRO issue at CB West and, oddly, plug the sheriff’s office social media platform and his own podcast…yes, you read that last part right…his own podcast. Literal people of the community he serves were in the room to question his justification of becoming de facto ICE, but tune into his podcast and maybe you’ll find out (Like to Subscribe? No thanks. Hard pass).
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
- Martin Luther King
“Upon arriving to the melting pot
I get penciled in as a godamned white
Now that I am categorized
Officer gets me naturalized
Now that I’m living up in God knows where
Sometimes it gets hard without a friend
But as I am lurking around
Huzzah! I see another immigrant punk!
There is a little punk rock mafia
Everywhere you go”
-Gogol Bordello
Two new live music series launch in Doylestown - one big, one tiny
Posted by James Lamb
Published: Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Live music is back in a big (and tiny) way to kick off the impending summer season in Doylestown Borough. This past Thursday was the first of two scheduled shows with the newly created Concerts at the Commons, while Sunday morning was the inauguration of The Tiny Couch Sessions.
Concerts at the Commons, a joint venture between the Borough of Doylestown Director of Parks and Recreation, Caitlin Hernandez, and local music curator and promoter Joe Montone’s non-profit Stage United, brought seemingly the whole town out for a free concert at Broad Commons Park adjacent to Borough Hall. Those in attendance enjoyed a live performance by opening local act The Dave Woodard Band followed by headliners Mo Lowda and the Humble, whose new record, Tailing the Ghost, comes out on June 20th.
Sponsored by C&N Bank, Concerts at the Commons also had food trucks from Jules Pizza and Kona Ice. Popworks of Doylestown as well as Artifact Brewery were on site with snacks and beverages. The next concert is scheduled for Thursday, May 29th featuring Jarod Clemens & The Late Nights with openers Fallon’s Religion starting at 6pm.
In juxtaposition, partners Meg Burke and Mike Barker of Mini Mega Electric Gallery, the curiosities, antiques, art, and tattoo shop on N. Main Street kicked off its Tiny Couch Sessions Sunday morning with Hay Sugar, a duo who‘s hour and half acoustic, striped down set blended a mix of originals and covers. The Tiny Couch Sessions are meant to be small, intimate performances with a coffee house feel. In partnership with Siren Records, Evolution Candy, The Record Shop in Phoenixville, Facenda Spirits, and Native Cafe (who also provided free coffee), proceeds from each session will benefit a charity or organization of the musician’s choice.
The Tiny Couch Sessions is off and running with plenty of other acts and dates booked: On Sunday, May 18th at 6pm NYC-based Eve Claret will take the couch, followed by Tucked in the Band on June 8th.
Stand Up for Justice Band’s Together for a Cause
Posted by James Lamb
Published: Thursday, April 17, 2025
On Saturday, June 7th at the New Hope Winery starting at 6 pm, Stand Up for Justice in collaboration with Stage United will once again be holding a concert as part of their second annual fundraiser for local educators.
Featuring local musical acts Class Act, Pajammies, Colacore, and Helene, the event also serves as an awards ceremony for Central Bucks School District K-12 educators.
Organized by CBSD School Board Vice President Heather Reynolds (right), local realtor Shana Trichon (center), and Stage United founder Joe Montone (left), this year’s nominations include educators from CB East and West, as well as Holicong, Jamison, Lenape, and Warwick elementary schools. Nominees range from science, social studies, music, English, and elementary school teachers.
”The goal for Stand Up is to eventually branch out outside of Central Bucks to other school districts and we’ve had three very successful years so far,” said co-organizer of SUFJ Heather Reynolds.
SUFJ is a non-profit that raises funds for the educators who win one of the three awards every year.
”The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools has contributed and made a sizable donation the last two years to support Stand Up for Justice,” said Reynolds, and “We’ve awarded over $6,000 over the last two years.”
Last year’s winners were Allison Levin, a 23 year educator, fine arts instructor, and Jewish Student Union Advisor, and Jared Hottenstein, a 5th grade teacher with 25 years in education.
Montone calls the event “a celebration of the entire school district.”
With live music from four local acts, an awards ceremony, items to be raffled off that include gift baskets donated by local businesses as well as a bicycle, the second annual Band Together for a Cause is sure to be an uplifting and inspiring night for the Central Bucks community. With plenty of on-site parking available, attendees are invited to arrive early for a dinner at The Tavern from 5 - 8 pm. Doors for the event open at 6pm, with the show and awards ceremony happening from 7 - 10 pm.
The New Hope Winery is located at 6123 Lower York Rd., New Hope, PA 18938
Largest crowd to date in Doylestown turns out for “Hands Off” rally against trump and musk administration
Posted by James Lamb
Published: Saturday, April 5, 2025 11:45 pm
An estimated 1,300 “Hands Off” rallies kicked off on Saturday, April 5th across the country with a conservative total estimated 1,300 people attending the one held in Doylestown today alone.
People are startng to take to the streets in protest of the current administration’s policy changes in education, arts, heath care, social security, the firing of essential federal workers, and even coming after the press (EEP! “WHAT, ME WORRY?”)
In Manhattan for instance, their protest extended for nearly 20 blocks. Altlanta, Georgia packed in a police estimated 20,000. Chicago and Washington D.C. definitely had thousands in attendance…and our little purple county seat by capita matched if not exceeded expectations.
Peacefully and without incident, attendees took to the sidewalks and Bucks County Old Courthouse steps to hear from speakers in opposition of Trump and by proxy Elon Musk (or vice versa).
Democratic members of Congress, including our own Rep. Tim Brennan, joined in on calling out the breaks in conventional norms currently in flux. To quote Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-MD., “Our founders wrote a Constitution that did that did not begin with ’We the dictators’.”
Peaceful protests are guaranteed under the First Amendment, as are Freedom of Speech (also applicable), Freedom of Press (hello?), Freedom of Assembly (literally this!), and Right to Petitition the Government (don’t get it f*cked up!)
“Shut your eyes, but it won’t go away
Turn on, turn off, the news,
Far
I’m far
So far
From the front line
Quite the opposite,
I’m safe inside
But I worry and I give money
And I feel useless
behind this computer”
- Paramore
Trans day of visibility celebrated in doylestown
Posted by James Lamb
Published: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 5:02 am
The corner of East State and Main Streets in the Borough of Doylestown was a sea of light blue, pink, and white stripes as well as rainbows on Monday evening for a celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Many in the crowd held signs, such as “Trans People Belong”, Trans Rights Are Human Rights”, “Don’t Mess With Trans Kids”, and “You Wish You Could Be Like Us”.
International Transgender Day of Visibility was created in 2009 by Rachel Crandall Crocker as a celebration of living members of the transgender community. Until it’s creation, the only well-known trans day was Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourns those murdered as a result of transphobia.
The White House is currently and actively making it harder for transgender Americans to live freely and openly. Executive orders placing barriers in the way of things like access to federal identity documents, scrubbing trans history from schools and official government websites, and the looming potential of withholding federal funding from hospitals over gender-affirming care are just a few examples.
”When you have the nation’s commander-in-chief demonizing transgender people, it certainly sends a signal to all Americans,” legal director of Human Rights Campaign Sarah Warbelow has stated.
There are 3.3 million generally estimated transgender adults in the United States according to the Human Rights Campaign.
Celebrations, marches, and protests play a crucial part in countering the mounting cultural and legal threats to the rights of transgender people. Gatherings to raise awareness and allegiance for the trans community were not just held in Doylestown yesterday; multiple rallies were held in Pennsylvani, New York, Illinois, California, Texas, Washington D.C., Utah, and Oregon.
An empty chair marks a full occasion
Thursday, March 20, 2025 11:45 pm
Posted by: James Lamb
In order to have a proper community forum in respect to the current state of government and political policies being implemented, you invite two sets of people: the general public, and the politicians. Guess which set attended in full force and which one was a complete no-show.
People are angry, confused, and ready to take action, but where do they channel that energy? Phone calls, emails, standing outside the offices of state representatives, staging rallies, protesting Tesla dealerships, typing away on social media, deleting their social media accounts on platforms they no longer support (TWITTER!), all to no avail. When a general public that vastly outnumbers the elected officials “in charge” can’t have their voices heard, where do they turn?
They invite their elected officials to a sit down…face-to-face, old school-style: We’ve got a problem, let’s talk it out.
On Wednesday night, March 19th, local grassroots organizers did just that and invited 1st District Representative Brian Fitzpatrick to a community forum at Doylestown Borough Hall to ask questions. When he obviously didn’t show and we’re not sure what his excuse was or if he even had one (this event’s name was changed from being called a “Town Hall” to at least give him that out), the intended questions turned to statements.
For instance, organizer Larissa Hopwood stated that, “We can be the leaders we’re all looking for” and to “look to our communities” - an echoing that we as the public are stronger than those in power positions as elected government officials. Aren’t those in power as elected officials working for us? Can we not, as voters, take that power away from them in the next election cycle?
On the topic of eduction, speaker Tabitha Dell’Angelo addressed the programs the Department of Education gives funding to, but, as of this writing, does the Department of Education even exist anymore or is it just a co-op of the WWE (please get us off this timeline!)
Speaker Rebecca Hone was literally in tears when she spoke about her 20+ years as an employee of the Bucks County Library and the number of people who use the library system and those who may not have access to it soon.
Immigration rights and ICE in our area were also brought up, but that’s a more in-depth situation and a problem that we’ll address separately and later (stay tuned, we’re working on it).
Ann Ferguson educated those in attendance about how, yeah, it seems fine and not a problem to grab that secondary form of identification to go vote in the future (if that passes), unless you’re a senior citizen and don‘t have the bandwidth or resources to update that expired passport.
Are you starting to see the problem here?
This is a general summary. So many more topics and concerns were brought up. Did we mention the room was full to capacity? It was. Did we also mention that we did a general consensus of those in attendance, and let‘s just say a lot stayed out past their bedtimes…no disrespect, but, kids, where are you!? Don’t sit these things out! Maybe this event missed your awareness, so maybe/hopefully our writing about it will get you to attend the next one, because we want to hear your perspective on the current state of WTF too!
“Arsonists, they only start so many fires before they burn down their own house, and these motherfuckers in the White House, they’re gonna burn themselves down.” - Ian MacKaye, Minor Threat/Fugazi
New Restaurant coming to Doylestown in the spring
Posted by James Lamb
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 9:52 a.m.
Recently vacated by popular Quinoa Peruvian & Mexican Restaurant in Doylestown Borough, 54 E. State Street is about to spice things up soon. Get ready to “Experience the Heat, Savor the Flavor”!
Anticipated to open this spring, Red Rooster Hot Chicken will be coming to town with their variety of chicken combos, sandwiches, tenders, wings, and signature rooster bites.
In the meantime, check them out currently at 610 W. Street Road in Warminster, open 12:00pm - 12:00am seven-days a week. The Doylestown spot will be their second location.
Poco’s in Doylestown listed for sale
Posted by James Lamb
Monday, March 3, 2025 7:00pm
Popular dinner and late night spot Poco’s Mexican and American Restaurant & Bar is up for sale after over 30-years with the same owner. Known for their tacos, chips and salsa, chimichangas, and fresh margaritas, it’s a rare ccasion not to see its parking lot full. Boasting a renowned upstairs Comedy Club, this Main Street restaurant could be yours…for the right price. Currently listed at an asking price of $475,000 and with a monthly rent of $10,500, this combined over 300 seating could be the prime opportunity for the right person or persons. For more information and details see the attached business posting. Note: Business only is listed for sale, not the property.
News
Missed brant bjork at John & Peter’s Friday night, check out these shows happening tonight
Saturday, March 15, 2025 1:42pm
Posted by: James Lamb
Legendary desert rock musician Brant Bjork (Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Mondo Generator) played to a packed house at John & Peter’s in New Hope Friday night. We posted some video on our stories and main feed on Instagram (linked below).
If you’re in the mood for some live music, check out some of these shows happening tonight!
Nomad Supply Company in Doylestown is hosting local musician Christina Ward, Flatwaves, The Blackburns, and Civil Rats starting at 6:30pm.
John & Peter’s in New Hope is doing it again with favorites Reeder Station, Anderson Council, and The Make Three. Doors open at 9pm but stop by early and grab a bite to eat. We recommend their turkey burger!
Don’t “Breakdown” on the way to Broken Goblet in Bensalem to see Pure Petty: The Ultimate Tom Petty Tribute. Doors open at 7pm (21+)
Oak, Ash, & Thorn are playing Dharma Bums in New Hope from 8:00 - 11:00pm. Go dance upstairs after grabbing some vegan cauliflower tacos before they’re off the menu!
Sellersville Theater is hosting Glengarry Boys with doors opening at 7:30 and the show at 8:00pm
News
International Women’s Day Rally Brings Call to Action
Posted by James Lamb
Sunday, March 9, 2025 4:30pm
On the corner of East Court and Main Streets in Doylestown Borough Saturday afternoon, a large crowd gathered in support of International Women’s Day.
Organized by local activist Lolly Hopwood and Bucks County Anti-Racism Coalition co-leader Kevin E. Leven, signs in support and solidarity of women’s rights were in abundance as gatherers stood on the sidewalk. Passing cars beeped their horns, passengers and drivers waved, and some even rolled their windows down to cheer.
Attendees waved with their signs that said things like “Women Should Rule the World”, “Stronger Together”, “Men of Quality Don’t Fear Equality”, and “Women’s Rights are Human Rights”.
Other Signs called out the current presidential administration’s discriminatory policies and questioned the whereabouts of Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.
Over the megaphone, Hopwood spoke with the crowd and invoked the names of activist and feminist rights champions Shirley Chisholm, Judy Heumann, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Nina Simone, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to the cheers and applause of the crowd.
Leven stated afterwards that he was “encouraged to see a lot of men in the audience at the women’s day rally.” He further acknowledged that “it takes all of us standing up for one another and coming together under common cause to maximize our impact.”
In speaking with Hopwood about the inception of the event, she shared that, “At a time when things feel like they’re spiraling out of control, having a space for our community to gather in solidarity is essential. It’s not only important to be able to use our voices and our talents to rise up and speak out. Connecting with the network of established organizations and newer activists is what will help us to move forward towards a better future.
“So many people are looking for ways to help. Here are some actions that can make a difference:
- hold our representatives accountable. The 5 Calls App & Website is a streamlined way for people to locate & contact their representatives. There are also basic talking point prompts in the app if you need help to figure out what to say.
- Shop local, independent, and direct. At a time when billionaire business men are using their money and political influence to increase their riches even more while the government chops away at protections for the most vulnerable in our country, we need to stop supporting the massive businesses that are doing the most harm. Shopping local, independent and direct benefits our small businesses, our communities and our environment.”
Keep an eye out for more action! There are several local grassroots organizations that are working in tandem to create spaces for people to stand up and speak out! Doylestown Action League (a recent group that you can find on Facebook currently) is working to post events from several organizations so you can keep informed on what actions are being planned.