While South Philly band Low Cut Connie is rocking stages across the country, the group will be doing significant work to help the local immigrant community.
Low Cut Connie, which is fronted by singer and South Philly native Adam Weiner, is partnering with Comunidad Garces, a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide immigrants with health care.
Comunidad Garces, formerly the Garces Foundation, was founded by local chef chef Jose Garces and Dr. Beatriz Garces in 2012 following the death of a former employee Felipe, a 26-year-old butcher who died of treatable thyroid cancer after avoiding medical care out of fear of deportation.
The nonprofit was formed to provide Philly’s immigrant population opportunities to seek healthcare, education and support without the fear of deportation. The foundation’s IDIOMA program offers structured English language instruction and digital literacy training, equipping participants with workplace-relevant skills that support job stability and advancement.
Low Cut Connie decided to support Comunidad Garces as well as Western States Center, a Pacific Northwest-based nonprofit that works nationally to strengthen inclusive democracy and education and to improve their lives and reach their full potential.
The band was preparing to venture on the second leg of its Livin in the USA tour on Oct. 10 with a sold-out show in Denver. At each stop on the upcoming tour, both organizations will have a table where fans can learn more about their work and access resources and information.
“One of my goals with this tour is to celebrate diversity and to fight against bigotry with rock ‘n’ roll,” Weiner said. “I’m really proud to be partnering with Western States Center to support their anti-bigotry, anti-authoritarian work, and Comunidad Garces to support their wonderful immigrant advocacy work. We are all in this together, and I can’t wait to get on the road and work with all our pals to make good things happen.”
The effect is already being felt back home in Philadelphia.
“At Comunidad Garces, we work every day to make sure immigrants in our community know that they are welcome, that they belong, and that there are people here who will stand beside them. That’s why this partnership with Low Cut Connie feels so meaningful,” said Robin Morris, executive director of Comunidad Garces. “Adam and the band have created something powerful through their music: a place where people from different backgrounds and experiences can come together, feel seen, find joy and know there is room for them. That spirit of welcome and connection is at the heart of our work, too, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of this tour.”
Low Cut Connie’s tour is in support of its eighth studio album, Livin in the USA via Contender Records. In August, the band reached a major audience by performing the song “Can’t Be Wrong” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The band’s tour will return to the area on a few occasions. Those willing to take a drive can see Low Cut Connie at the Transparent Clinch Gallery (Solo) in Asbury Park on Oct. 16 and at the Howard Theater in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 23.
The band will play its hometown at Union Transfer on Nov. 20.
Local Favor for Philly Anthems
WXPN has expanded its Philly Anthems project with new releases from seven emerging Philadelphia artists: Grace Gardner, Black Buttafly, The Bul Bey, JR Everhart, Sug Daniels, Moustapha Noumbissi and The Flying Vees. A bonus track, Alexis Cunningham’s “Second Star,” co-written with Eric Bazilian of The Hooters, is also included.
Supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Philly Anthems brings together five established Philadelphia musicians and seven emerging artists to create 12 original songs inspired by freedom, independence and themes from the Declaration of Independence. Earlier releases featured artists included Devon Gilfillian, Christian McBride, Lady Alma, Eliza Hardy Jones and Bazilian.
The project is part of WXPN’s four-part Soundtrack to America’s 250th initiative, celebrating Philadelphia’s musical history while encouraging artists to create new work reflecting contemporary perspectives.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we wanted to do more than look back,” WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay said. “Philly Anthems is about creating something new — giving Philadelphia artists the opportunity to reflect on themes in the Declaration of Independence that resonate today through original music and add new songs to the city’s remarkable musical legacy. We’re excited to share their songs and stories with audiences over the coming months.”
With all 12 songs now available, Philly Anthems will conclude with a 12-song vinyl album on Record Store Day 2027 and two live concerts. ••
