Mt. Joy Members Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper Share Their Ideal Itinerary for a Day in Philadelphia

Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper, who first explored their musical passions as students at Conestoga High School, transformed their creative collaboration into the successful band Mt. Joy years later in Los Angeles. Their initial bond, rooted in a shared love for music, eventually turned into a professional partnership after Cooper graduated from Temple Law School and Quinn pursued law classes at night.

The duo gained significant recognition with their upbeat single “Astrovan,” released in 2016. This song, which whimsically depicts a “hippie Jesus” and his love for the Grateful Dead, resonated with listeners and quickly gained traction on Spotify. The band’s name, Mt. Joy, is inspired by a wooded hill in the Valley Forge National Historical Park, which speaks to their roots and connection to Pennsylvania.

Over the past decade, Mt. Joy has evolved into a prominent touring act, expanding their lineup to include bassist Michael Byrnes, drummer Sotiris Eliopoulos, and keyboardist Jackie Miclau. Their music, which blends elements of folk-pop and jam-band genres, has attracted a dedicated fan base, enabling them to fill amphitheaters across the country.

Last fall, the band headlined the TD Pavilion at the Mann Center, a notable venue where they celebrated Philadelphia’s vibrant culture alongside local sports icons, including a performance with Sixers coach Nick Nurse on Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” Furthermore, their playfulness as fans shone through in a special holiday performance where they collaborated with Eagles player Jason Kelce for a reimagined take on their hit song, dubbing it “Santa Drives An Astrovan.”

This weekend, Mt. Joy will perform two nights at the Mann Center to promote their new album, “Hope We Have Fun,” featuring collaborations with Gigi Perez and Nathaniel Rateliff. This two-night engagement marks a significant milestone for the band, spotlighting their growth despite receiving limited media attention.

Quinn has expressed gratitude for the support from their Philadelphia fan base, which he feels fuels their creativity. As the band members reside in different locations now, with Quinn in Philadelphia and Cooper recently relocating to Seattle, they cherish their roots and enjoy the little things that define a perfect day in the City of Brotherly Love.

Mt. Joy’s journey is one marked by a deep connection to their hometown and an unwavering commitment to their music, cementing their place in the contemporary music landscape. The anticipation surrounding their upcoming shows at the Mann Center represents not only a celebration of their artistic evolution but also a testament to the power of collaboration and community.

This dynamic band continues to shine brightly in the music industry, charting a unique path that resonates deeply with audiences across the country, uniting fans through shared experiences and relatable narratives.