Main Line Soul Jam Returns To Ardmore June 30

The Living Room Hosts Kuf Knotz + Christine Elise And A Host Of Other Performers

by Melissa Jacobs

Ardmore is about to host a summer soul-stice. On June 30, Main Line Soul Jam returns to The Living Room, bring a galaxy of musicians together for one night of collaboration and inspiration. Six months ago, the winter Soul Jam sold out, proving that the Main Line does indeed know how to get down.

This time, headliners Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise will be joined by Kristen Daelyn, Adrienne Mack-Davis, and Ginger Coyle. Kamau the Chakra DJ will spin music to start the night and between each set. Teddy Pendergrass, Jr. is the MC for the entire evening.

More of an experience than a concert, Main Line Soul Jam fits perfectly into The Living Room’s intimate setting. “The vibe is very friendly and inviting,” Kuf Knotz explained. “We tend to keep it very soulful and upbeat. The music always has a good feeling and uplifting messages. That also plays a big part in how we choose the artists.”

Indeed, Kuf and Christine invited a special roster of musicians to join them for the summer Soul Jam. It’s basically a dream team, Kuf said. “I like to choose artists that we have met on the road and really liked their music,” he said. “Or they are local Philadelphia artists that Christine and I are fans of.”

Kuf and Christine’s fans will be happy to see them back in the Philadelphia area. They’ve spent most of 2023 on a magical mystery tour that has taken them through North America. They are currently in Alaska introducing audiences to the music on “Hypnagogia,” their latest album. Like their other albums – “Higher Grounds” and “kƏ’myo ōnƏdē” – “Hypnagogia” features Kuf and Christine’s unique blend of music, which they call “harp, beats and lyrics.” Kuf mixes hip-hop poetry with deep grooves of soul and sun-kissed beats. Christine is a classically trained harpist, pianist, and vocalist.

Kuf Knotz in Alaska.

By all accounts, Alaska digs their music; this is the third time Kuf and Christine have toured the state. “Alaska is truly amazing and breathtaking,” Kuf said. “Visually, it’s almost unreal. The size of the mountains, the beautiful bodies of water, the culture – and the people are super welcoming. Something about the air and vibe there feels right to us and we always feel recharged when there. It’s become a great second home for us.”

Alaska is a long way from Bryn Mawr, where Kuf grew up. So his gig at Suburban Square held special meaning. “Suburban Square was such a fun show for me,” Kuf said. “I used to spend time there in my teens years, then again once I was out of college. I went to the farmers market to get fresh juices all the time. It was a fun gig. The audience was beautiful. It was a beautiful gathering.”