From Schoener Fund Scholarship to National Stage
Yesseh Furaha-Ali and Snacktime Shine on National TV
We are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary milestone for Yesseh Furaha-Ali, an exceptional musician and former student of Brad Schoener. Yesseh, who was one of the original Schoener Fund Scholarship recipients, recently made his LIVE NATIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT with his band, Snacktime, on They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, which aired on ESPN. This is an important achievement for Yesseh and a testament to the power of music education in shaping bright futures.
Yesseh Furaha-Ali and Sam Gellerstein of the band Snacktime with new ESPN talk show host Jason Kelce of They Call it Late Night with Jason Kelce, airing on Friday Nights at 1 AM during the NFL playoffs.
Snacktime, a 7-piece Philadelphia-area band formed in 2020, will serve as the house band for the show.
Meet Snacktime: Philadelphia’s Genre-Defying Powerhouse
Snacktime is a seven-piece band that has quickly become a Philadelphia favorite with their unique fusion of soul, funk, punk, hip-hop, and rock. Born out of the summer of 2020, Snacktime began performing free shows in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, where their vibrant energy and eclectic sound drew massive crowds. From those grassroots performances, the band’s star quickly rose, leading to sold-out headlining shows, supporting slots for national touring artists, and appearances at major music festivals.
In 2024, Snacktime released their debut studio EP, THIS IS DANCE MUSIC, recorded and produced by GRAMMY-nominated Will Yip (Lauryn Hill, Turnstile, Bartees Strange). The EP captures the band’s high-energy spirit and musical versatility, earning them rave reviews. Paste Magazine calls Snacktime “one of the most original ensembles out there right now,” a fitting description for a band that has consistently broken boundaries and defied expectations.
A Star on the Rise: Yesseh Furaha-Ali
For Yesseh, this performance is the culmination of years of dedication and artistic growth. As a vocalist and saxophonist, he brings a dynamic presence to Snacktime, blending technical brilliance with soulful expression. His journey from Schoener Fund Scholarship recipient to national television is a source of immense pride for all who have supported him along the way.
Big News for Snacktime
Snacktime’s television debut is just the beginning. Throughout January 2025 and the NFL Playoffs, the band will serve as the house band for the NFL Films-produced show They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, airing on ESPN. This marks another significant milestone for the group as they take their sound to an even larger audience.
Join Us in Celebrating Yesseh and Snacktime
We couldn’t be prouder of Yesseh Furaha-Ali and his incredible accomplishments. His journey is an example of the impact of arts education and the importance of nurturing young talent. Catch Yesseh and Snacktime as they continue to light up the stage every week on They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce. Let’s support Yesseh and his band as they continue to make waves in the music world!
Tune in weekly to catch their performances during the NFL Playoffs on ESPN!
