Philadelphia's Musical Harmony: Sam Gellerstein on Art, Community, and Creativity

Welcome aboard 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, under the guidance of your host, Rob Lee. On today’s episode, we have Sam Gellerstein, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, educator, composer, and arranger, who is a vital presence in Philadelphia's music scene. A core member of the Snacktime Brass Band, Sam contributes his expertise to the band's dynamic and genre-blurring performances that blend jazz, salsa, and ska-punk influences. As a trombone player since 2006, Sam's passion for music is evident in his roles as both performer and educator. Snacktime Brass Band, founded during the COVID pandemic, has rapidly grown to become a symbol of positivity in Philadelphia, with its vibrant live shows and recently released debut album garnering local fame. The band's spirited performances have graced major festivals and earned media recognition, all while maintaining a commitment to charitable endeavors and community-building.

In this episode, we uncover:

• Sam's journey into the world of music was ignited by iconic movies like "Drumline" and "School of Rock," a sentiment he's excited to share on our podcast.
• Our podcast episode delves into Philadelphia's vibrant arts community, celebrated for its strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support among artists.
• Join us in unpacking the philosophy behind Snack Time, a band that unites food, community, and music as the driving forces behind their impactful performances.
• Tune in to hear Sam's thoughts on the podcast as he emphasizes the significance of crafting music that resonates with audiences and cherishes their appreciation.
• In this episode, we explore the enriching experience of wandering through Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods, immersing oneself in the local culinary and music scenes that make the city a must-visit destination.

Sam Gellerstein, a low brass multi-instrumentalist and member of the band Snack Time, shares his journey in music and the inspiration he finds in Philadelphia's vibrant arts community. He discusses his early influences, including movies like "Drumline" and "School of Rock," and how they shaped his love for music. Sam also talks about the formation of Snack Time during the pandemic and their mission to bring music, food, and community together. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for others and the power of music to bring people together.

Featured in This Episode
SNACKTIME

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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