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From Old City to the Gilbert Building , over the last two decades, The Highwire Gallery has become legendary in Philadelphia 's music and arts subcultures, known for interactive and outsider art exhibits, experimental installations and many rich and varied performances, from musical groups of all genres to dance troupes and theater to unforgettable impromptu jam sessions.

It seemed uncertain whether the Highwire would return after the demolition of its most recent home at the Gilbert Building , a victim of the Convention Center's appetite for expansion.   However, phoenix-like, the Highwire has once again reopened, this time on the Frankford Ave. Arts Corridor, near the new Germ Books location and the Rocket Cat Café, and with their very own storefront.

In the wake of long-time performance curator John Van Zandt's untimely passing, member Lisa Spera has decided to carry on the tradition of hosting performances from outside the mainstream.  For the first event since its reopening, The Highwire will host an evening of music and spoken word, with acclaimed avant-garde rock bands Radio Eris and The Red Masque, plus post-feminist poetry by Bonnie MacAallister.   

Both Radio Eris and The Red Masque have performed multiple times in previous incarnations of the Highwire Gallery. "We prefer playing unusual venues; it's a lot more fun to play in front of some piece of surrealism than being shoved onto the average bill at some bar," says bassist Matt Stevenson of Radio Eris.  Though their genres differ, the Red Masque being a darkly medieval, demonic prog-rock group and Radio Eris an ambient and noisy spoken-word act influenced by garage punk and 60s psychedelic, both bands share a certain psychedelic sensibility: strong on improvisation and experimentation, powerful lyrics from an eccentric female vocalist, a dramatic, theatrical flair and a signature sound that is uniquely their own.

Pushcart nominated poet Bonnie MacAllister has explores cutting edge feminist themes, and her spoken word has won multiple poetry slams.  A true renaissance woman, she has produced poetry-based burlesque acts and directed her own films; her visual art is displayed all over the world including The Highwire Gallery and she is active in the Woman's Caucus for the Arts.