With Philadelphia being such a large, culturally rich city, there are many spaces dedicated to the arts, from museums and theaters to venues that offer live music. Live music performances provide a special energy that can’t really be experienced in many other settings, and are a great way to have a fun night out with friends. Fortunately, there are quite a few different venues situated not too far from campus.
World Cafe Live: 3025 Walnut Street
A staple for music fans since 2004, World Cafe Live offers over 500 shows annually from artists all over the world.
The location is a music hall with 3 distinct areas: Upstairs Live, Downstairs Live, and World Cafe Live Presents. Upstairs Live is an intimate cafe–style setting that boasts both the opportunity for a close–up performance as well as plenty of food and beverage choices. Downstairs Live has a more traditional concert hall setting—“a three tiered concert hall with a main floor, loge area, and mezzanine”—complete with dining options. World Cafe Live Presents is a movement established in 2017 that brings music outside of the venue; they have partnerships with the Annenberg Center, House of Independents, and Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.
World Cafe Live offers live shows almost daily from a variety of bands and artists: a few coming up for this month include Liz Longley (1/25), Live at the Fillmore (1/26), and many more.
Raven Lounge: 1718 Sansom Street
Raven Lounge is an atmospheric bar with regular events ranging from comedy to open mic, as well as plenty of great music offerings from artists all over the country. With lots of space to mingle, customers have the perfect opportunity to enjoy both an intimate music performance and a chance to meet new people.
Look out for ongoing events this year like DJ Reed Streets’ weekly performances on Saturdays.
Coda: 1712 Walnut Street
A vast nightclub venue with all the modern detailings, Coda offers both live music performances and DJ sets, and has a variety of music available, ranging from “indie rock to electronic, tribute acts, jam bands, pop, and more.” Coda, with multiple bars and VIP areas, as well as “FOH Sound & Light Booth” and a “Modular DJ Table w/ full backline” is made for high–energy, memorable nights.
They’re open every Friday and Saturday, and make sure to keep an eye out for events that could fall on any day Sunday through Thursday.
Time Restaurant: 1315 Sansom Street
Time markets itself as a “whiskey bar and tap room and live music venue,” so expect plenty of drinks and music, along with dining options. Along with the whiskey bar and dining room, the upstairs—a “Parisian style club”—is where you can find DJs playing every Friday and Saturday.
There is live music almost daily, with performances by The Joe Truglio Epidemic (1/25), DJ's Mohammed & Luke (1/26), and many more coming up this month.
