GO AHEAD

Overview

Have you ever pondered whether live-band karaoke and screaming songs about heartbreak can really change your life? GO AHEAD is a homily soaked in tequila and Modelos that playfully explores catharsis, identity, and claiming your voice through autobiographical story-telling and live music.

GO AHEAD premiered at the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival at Christ Church Neighborhood House. The experience simulates a live pub event by incorporating an actual *open-mic where artists can sign-up for slots as part of the proceedings. It also pays tribute to Jenny Lewis, the singer of Rilo Kiley—whose song Go Ahead inspired the title of the show.

*This show incorporates an actual open-mic where artists can sign-up to perform. Spots are extremely limited (2 slots per show date) due to the structure of the piece. First come first served.

Please note: all open-mic participants must sign up ahead of time as there will be no way to sign up live at the show. All participants will receive one (1) complimentary ticket. Please email jamesharoinstorage@gmail.com for more details!

About the Artist

James Haro In Storage James Haro In Storage is a music project that began underground in a literal storage room in South Philadelphia. Haro created the digital solo show "GO" for Philadelphia's SoLow Fest in mid-pandemic 2021, the first in a series of pieces that features original songs and interweaves autobiographical storytelling. Haro went on to create "GO AHEAD", which premiered in the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival in Old City. He also started and co-hosts the seasonal open-mic "Going Acoustic at Quig's” with musicians Kat Rivers and Emily Schuman.

James Haro is a Mexican-American playwright/producer and singer/songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles, based in Philly. Plays: COMMENTARYJames Haro is a Mexican-American playwright/producer and singer/songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles, based in Philly. Plays: COMMENTARY – directed by Jenna Kuerzi, A Bru Story (Or, Five Years) – directed by Jenna Kuerzi, Post-April, Stab Play, What It Looks Like (Or, Something Resembling...). Haro grew up listening to the tape cassettes that were played in his mom's black Mustang. His first instrument was a black bass guitar that his dad bought from a friend at work that came with a strap with skulls painted on it. He eventually brought an acoustic guitar out east with him when we left home to attend Drexel University. After graduating, he worked in non-profit theatre. In his late 20s, Haro was inspired to invest more in his music and began training with artist and vocal coach Martha Stuckey. His year of work with Martha eventually produced new songs, strengthened confidence in his voice, and led to streaming online performances. In the Fall of 2021, he performed at his first-ever live open-mic in Philadelphia—13 years after his arrival to the city—and has continued to sing, create, and perform ever since.

Follow: @jamesharoinstorage and @goingacousticquigs on Instagram

Credits