(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Founded in 2022 by artists Emily Schuman, Kat Rivers, and James Haro, Going Acoustic at Quig's has become a staple of Philadelphia's DIY music scene. Tucked above Plays & Players Theatre, the series has built a reputation as a creative refuge—part open mic, part community gathering, and part programmed season of themed events.
Occurring every three months, the open-mic has organically grown a number of annual traditions, including a fall "Appreciation Night" honoring past participants with custom, laser printed pins. This past spring, a new tradition emerged: "New Things Night!" Going Acoustic at Quig's published song prompts on Instagram for artists to use as inspiration, and encourages first-time performers to take the stage.
For this anniversary edition, two dynamic Philadelphia artists take center stage - Emily Drinker and Gina LC. Guiding the evening is Special Guest Host Brooke Spitz, the bold and comedic alter ego of performer Katherine Perry, adding a hilarious and playful layer to the festivities.
The event takes place Monday, June 22, 2026. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Click here to reserve a ticket for the event. Doors are at 6:30pm; music begins at 7:00pm. Quig's Pub is located on the 3rd Floor of Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Place) in Philadelphia, PA.
Organizer and co-host James Haro says of the future, "We are thrilled to have been here for four years and for our fifth year of Going Acoustic, we really want to make moves and do even more special things. We might have more to announce at the anniversary show, so stay tuned!"
Emily Drinker is an independent singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of folk, pop, and rock resonates in both full-band performances and intimate, loop-driven sets. Her song "5th Ave" recently won Song of the Year at the Homey Awards and was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Drinker has performed at major regional festivals including the XPoNential Music Festival, Philly Music Fest, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and has opened for artists such as Pat Benatar, Rufus Wainwright, and Switchfoot. She performs full-time and leads the Calliope Coalition, a community networking group for women in the Philly music scene.
Gina LC is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and frontwoman for Dear Forbidden (grunge rock) and Lo-Priestess (trip hop, chamber pop). Her work explores themes of mental health, the spirit world, and relationships, with a vocal style often compared to Fiona Apple and Veruca Salt. In addition to her music career, Gina works as an art therapist, bringing a deeply personal and expressive lens to her songwriting.
With its speakeasy vibe, warm lighting, and unmistakable sense of history, Quig's Pub continues to offer one of the city's most intimate listening rooms. Going Acoustic at Quig's is the one show at Plays & Players Theatre that offers its artists a true home and audiences a chance to not just hear music, but to be part of it.
