Yerba Crew is excited to collaborate with Old City Kava and musician Jack Faracchio of Adventure Lost to host a daytime Yerba Mate and Music open mic experience in Philadelphia.
Save your spot on our eventbrite page
The gathering will take place on Sunday, April 26, beginning at 11:00 AM, and will feature a relaxed social mateada followed by a hosted open mic session highlighting local artists. Jack will serve as host for the event and will also perform alongside Lydia Blair and a small group of featured musicians throughout the afternoon.
Guests are invited to arrive early, meet fellow creatives, and experience the tradition of sharing yerba mate in a welcoming café setting. As performances rotate through the lineup, the event is designed to encourage conversation, artistic expression, and community connection. After the music concludes, attendees are welcome to stay, continue socializing, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Yerba Crew will be preparing traditional hot mate and refreshing cold brew options for anyone interested in discovering the drink that fuels creative communities across South America.
The Power Behind Drink to Connect
At Yerba Crew, the motto Drink to Connect represents the belief that shared rituals can create meaningful relationships and inspire collaboration. This upcoming event reflects that philosophy in action.
The idea for the Mate and Music gathering grew out of overlapping conversations and shared goals among people already working to build community through creativity.
Jason Triglia, founder of Yerba Crew, was introduced to Jack Faracchio by their mutual friend Joe Polizzi, who has long been active in the regional music scene. Joe recognized a natural alignment between Jack’s experience hosting welcoming open mic events and Yerba Crew’s mission to create social spaces centered around the ritual of mate.
Jack had previously built a strong following in the New Hope area, attending recurring open mic sessions at MagiKava that became known for their supportive and relaxed environment. After recently moving back to Philadelphia, he began exploring opportunities to establish a consistent open mic series in the city.
At the same time, Adam from Old City Kava had also been looking to introduce more live music and recurring creative programming at the café. Jason and Adam had recently partnered on a successful community-focused mate event, reinforcing a shared vision of creating experiences that bring people together in intentional ways.
As these conversations intersected, the collaboration felt less like a new initiative and more like a natural convergence, a cool Venn diagram of shared interests, creative energy, and long-term goals.
Where Yerba Mate, Music, and Kava Meet
Although yerba mate, live music, and kava each have distinct cultural roots, they share a deeper connection grounded in presence and atmosphere.
Yerba mate has long been associated with social circles where conversation flows and collective energy builds. Kava spaces are known for fostering calm, welcoming environments where people can slow down and feel comfortable connecting with others. Open mic performances create intimate experiences where audiences can feel rhythm and emotion throughout the body.
Together, these elements create a unique sense of flow. Guests are not simply attending an event. They are participating in a shared environment shaped by sound, ritual, and human connection.
This intersection is what makes the Mate and Music collaboration feel so natural and full of potential.
Looking Ahead
The goal of this gathering is not just to host a single afternoon of performances, but to explore the possibility of developing a recurring series that strengthens Philadelphia’s creative networks.
By bringing together musicians, café spaces, and the growing yerba mate community, this initiative reflects the evolving spirit of Drink to Connect. It highlights how traditional rituals can find new life in modern urban environments while continuing to foster authentic relationships.
As these communities continue to overlap, the vision is simple. Create spaces where people can share energy, exchange ideas, and leave feeling more connected than when they arrived.
Stay Connected
This collaboration is rooted in shared creativity, community energy, and the simple power of gathering together. If you would like to follow the artists, venues, and community organizers involved or stay updated on future events, you can connect below.
Yerba Crew Events Page
https://yerbacrew.com/pages/monthly-mateadas
Yerba Crew Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/yerbacrew/
Adventure Lost Band Website
https://adventurelostmusic.com/
Jack Faracchio Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jackfaracchio/
Adventure Lost Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/adventure.lost/
Lydia Blair Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lydiablairmusic/
Old City Kava Website
https://www.oldcitykava.com/
Old City Kava Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/oldcitykava/
We are excited to continue building welcoming spaces where music, ritual, and community naturally come together.
Drink to Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an open mic work
An open mic is a relaxed live music event that usually runs for a few hours. For this gathering, we will start the afternoon with a featured set from a local artist to help set the tone and welcome everyone into the space.
There will also be a sign-up sheet for anyone who wants to perform. Most performers typically share two to three songs, depending on how many people sign up. We may pause at different points for additional featured sets as the day unfolds.
You definitely do not need to perform to come. Feel free to stop by, drink mate, hang out, and enjoy discovering some great local music.
What is a mateada and can I try yerba mate for the first time
A mateada is simply a social gathering centered around sharing yerba mate. Traditionally, one person prepares the mate and keeps the round going while people talk, listen, and spend time together.
If you have never tried yerba mate before, this is a great place to experience it in person. Part of the goal of the event is to help newcomers feel comfortable learning about the tradition. People who already drink mate are usually happy to show you how it works and help you get started. Yerba Crew will also have samples and extra supplies available.
Can I bring my own yerba mate and gourd
Yes. You are absolutely welcome to bring your own mate setup if you already have one. We will also have samples, extra gourds, and supplies available for anyone who wants to join in.
Do I need to sing or perform to join
Not at all. You are more than welcome to come just to listen, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Can I bring an instrument
Yes. Many performers bring their own guitar, keyboard, or small instruments. The host may also have some basic equipment available, but it is best to check ahead of time if you have specific setup needs.
What is kava
Kava is a traditional drink from the South Pacific known for helping people feel relaxed and present. Kava lounges often create calm, social environments where guests can unwind and connect.
Is the event free
Yes. This is a free community event. You can stay for the full afternoon or just stop by for part of it.
Why yerba mate at a music event
Yerba mate offers a steady, balanced energy that pairs well with conversation, collaboration, and live performance. Sharing mate can also help break the ice and bring people together naturally.
What is the overall vibe
Think daytime café energy. Live acoustic music, relaxed conversation, creative people meeting each other, and a welcoming environment.
Where can I park or how can I get there
Free street parking is sometimes available nearby. There is also a paid outdoor lot across the street and a paid garage a short walk away. You can also take the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street and walk, or use nearby bus routes.