Philly has been home to a vibrant and diverse music scene since colonial times! The city has long played a role in the development of all types of music, ranging from classical to rock n’ roll to jazz. However, music would have a hard time getting to the masses without performing spaces.
The Trocadero Theatre near Chinatown, formerly known as the Arch Street Opera House, first offered musical comedies and traveling shows when it opened in 1870. It later featured vaudeville and burlesque shows in the 1950s. In the 70s, Trocadero was used as an art house cinema and a fine arts theater. Then it was remodeled as a dance club in the 80s, before it was finally changed for its current use as a concert hall and live music venue. The only 19th century Victorian theater still in operation in the US, the Trocadero now holds movie screenings, comedy shows, and concerts ranging from alternative to heavy metal to hip hop and electronica. The “indietronica” band, Owl City, is performing Thursday, October 8th and The Legwarmers, an 80s tribute band, is on the following Saturday. If you’ve never seen burlesque before, check out Gemini Rose’s Jubilee while also benefiting a Philly HIV/AIDS organization.
The World Cafe Live opened in 2004 to provide a nurturing environment for talented artists and an appreciative audience. A music hall, restaurant, and bar all in one, the music venue has hosted artists including George Clinton, KT Tunstall, Natalie Cole, Rhett Miller, Allen Toussaint, Pink Martini, and more. On Sunday, Oct. 11, several local bands, including Nardo Lily and Apache Trails, will by vying to fill the last spot in the 2016 Annual Winter Doldrums Music Festival For Suicide Prevention.
Electric Factory is considered one of the nation’s leading indoor music venues and tops Philly charts as the city’s most celebrated location for live music. The music venue was originally founded in 1968 as the “Electric Factory and Flea Market,” but closed in 1973 and was replaced with condos. It was resurrecting in 1994 and now stands in an actual converted electric factory close to Franklin Square. Coming up is the Tallahassee group Mayday Parade, the heavy metal band Danzig, the musical duo of Timeflies, and the Jersey “ska” band Streetlight Manifesto.
Last, but certainly not least, the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, located on the Avenue of the Arts. The Center houses the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadanco, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, as well as a jazz, classical, and world pop performance series called the Kimmel Center Presents. The Philadelphia Orchestra is presenting Yannick and Gil Shaham on October 8th, 9th, and 10th. The two musicians will present three pieces centered around the composers’ love of their homeland. If you want to enjoy orchestra but don’t want to pay, make sure to head on over on Tuesday, October 20 for College Night! Enjoy Beethoven and Elgar with other college students. I would definitely suggest arriving early so you can check out the amazing architecture and to grab a good seat!
