Local Venues, Local Bands, National Attention

Big sound is coming from a small record label out of Schwenksville, PA, and for the past few years, it’s been garnering attention nationwide. Dr. Dog, a Philadelphia-based rock group (don’t be confused by the name, it isn’t hip-hop music this group performs; the band’s style has been compared with that of The Beach Boys and the Beatles) will release its fifth album this summer through the local studio Park the Van Records. 

Park the Van Records (www.parkthevan.com) may not have the same cache in the music industry as Columbia or Arista, but listeners are sitting up and taking notice. Along with critically acclaimed Dr. Dog, the seven-employee company represents The Teeth, which was recently touted in Rolling Stone as a Philadelphia band to watch. Once handling a talent list comprising about 80 percent Philadelphia area musicians, Park the Van now represents artists from all over the U.S. But it is the local influence that kicked off the company’s success.

“Philadelphia is one of the most creative cities in the world,” says Park the Van’s Chris Watson. “Musically, it’s all over the map. There are phenomenal rappers, rock bands, bluegrass musicians, DJs, folk artists, singers of all sorts, everything.”

The Philadelphia region was dubbed America’s “Hot Scene” for music by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2007. When considering the region is up against the likes of New York, Nashville, Seattle and New Orleans, the weight of that distinction seems almost daunting. But local industry experts, artists and venue owners say the recognition of being at the forefront of music development is well deserved.

“Rolling Stone is right,” said Karl Mullen, music director/talent buyer at World Café Live. “Philadelphia is a world-class music town… incredible music. I think the local music scene is very healthy—perfect, of course not, never will be, who could stand that—but it’s good, alive and full of passion.”

Historically, music culture in the region has had an impact on the national music scene since the birth of America. It was Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin—think back to middle school history and you’ll remember beyond being one of our nation’s founding fathers, he was inventor of instruments and a noted musician in his own right—who is responsible for some of the earliest printing of sheet music in the country. But the region’s most recognized contributions to American music took place during the 20th century, with contributions to jazz (Philadelphia was home to John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie among others) and 1950s pop (American Bandstand premiered in the region, filmed at 4548 Market Street, and both Frankie Avalon and Chubby Checker got started in performance singing on local street corners). But one of the region’s most specific contributions was through the creation of Philadelphia Soul, which reached its peak in the early 1970s.

“Out of every market in the nation, Philadelphia was a unique market, both musically and through broadcasting,” said Gerry Wilkinson, who is now president of Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia and worked as Operations Manager for WDAS Radio, the region’s main urban contemporary station from 1970 to 1980.

“Not only were we home to producers [Kenny] Gamble and [Leon] Huff, some of the decade’s biggest acts like the Delfonics and Patti LaBelle came out of Philadelphia. Beyond that, at WDAS radio, we actually, for a time, had the world premiers of all Motown releases, so we would be the first in the country playing, say, the new Jackson 5. And that wasn’t because people in the industry just liked WDAS, it was because Philadelphia was setting the listening trend in the nation. If a record did well in Philadelphia, they knew it would work everywhere else.”

Philadelphia Soul was essentially defined by the work of Gamble and Huff, a songwriting/producing team that created some of the most popular songs of the era through their Philadelphia International label. The signature sound offers something of a soulful, romantic vibe blended with strings and horns for a touch of funk. Though the style’s popularity waned by the end of the decade, its influence was still seen in the music of Hall and Oates (another local group), and in the music of other R&B and soul performers. In fact, Columbia Records calculated that a Gamble and Huff Song is played every 13.5 minutes somewhere in the world.

Since the 1970s, it’s tougher to pinpoint what defines Philadelphia music. The area has put out such big-name performers as Will Smith, Boyz II Men and Jill Scott, but it is the independent performers and venues that are credited with making the region such a hotspot of creative musical talent. And one of the area’s top representations of the local music scene as a whole is Philadelphia’s World Café Live.

World Café Live was founded by Howard Real as a top-notch showcase for live music acts based on a partnership with the lauded, nationally syndicated NPR program World Café. Produced in Philadelphia by XPN, World Café is a significant voice of new music in America. Rather than rotating the same playlist you’ll hear hour to hour on stations owned by large corporations such as Clear Channel, World Cafe features artists of all levels of popularity—new on the scene to legendary—and genres from all over the world. From indie to folk to rock, host David Dye brings the nation a variety unseen in any other radio program. World Café Live takes the concept a step farther: featuring live performers, both of national acclaim and local interest.

“From its inception, World Café Live has embraced emerging artists and has successfully brought debut performances to Philadelphia by Corinne Bailey Rae, James Blunt, James Hunter, KT Tunstall, Ingrid Michaelson and others,” said Mullen. “We also strive to work within various communities in the greater Philadelphia region…. We book many local and regional acts and have been very successful in developing acts here.”

Through scheduled performances and such weekly events as Philly Rising—a weekly Monday open mic night Mullen says is the best in the city if not on the East Coast—new and seasoned local musicians are able to showcase their skills not only to the region, and quite possibly to the world. “We firmly believe that Philadelphia artists deserve to be on the best stage with the best sound in the city to showcase their musical talents,” said Mullen. “We established an annual Philadelphia Music Showcase devoted to discovering local and regional talent, ‘Beta Hi Fi’ that takes place in August. The winner the first year was Melody Gardot, who is now poised for national and international acclaim.”

Further evidence the region has an impact on the national music scene is just a DVD rental away. The 2005 documentary “Rock School” documents youths’ studies of music theory and performance, and it happens in Philadelphia, where Paul Green founded the Paul Green School of Rock, which now has franchises across the nation. Students range in age from 9 to 17, and can focus their studies on singing, electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards and drums. Though many don’t choose to go on to become musicians, the school has influenced rising stars, including siblings Eric (drummer) and Julie (bassist) Slick, who were recently profiled in Bass Player Magazine. The pair has worked with iconic guitarist Adrian Belew.

Paul Pollock runs the Paul Green School of Music Bucks County in Huntingdon Valley with his wife, Janine (www.schoolofrockbucks.com). Two of their three children teach at the school. Pollock says the influence of the music is more than fame. “It’s about a lot of hard work, it’s about dedication, and these kids go on—whether or not they become musicians—with knowledge of working as a team, collaborating and working as leaders.”

Beyond learning the music of such music legends as The Who, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa and Led Zeppelin to name a few, the students also bring their performances to the community in a way that just can’t be compared to a standard piano recital. The Well in Feasterville, Havana in New Hope, and even at World Café Live, among other local venues, have welcomed the young performers, one of whom could very well be the next big thing.

Today, the sound of Philadelphia is less defined than in the 1970s. “It’s hard to put a finger on that,” said Mullen. “I think these days, cities have niche sounds, and that there are many Philly sounds representing various kinds of music exploration and styles. Personally, I like where boundaries cross and musicians from various backgrounds create new territory.”

And that new territory is being explored beyond the boundaries of Center City. Doylestown musician Damien DeRose recently released “On the Ground” (available on iTunes, Siren Records and other local stores, www.myspace.com/peasant), and describes his music style as very mellow, calming and folky. He agrees with Mullen that the local scene has a lot to offer. “It’s a very diverse and energetic scene with a lot of talented people who aren’t doing it for the fame and fortune,” DeRose said. “From the hiphop scene that has recently thrived in the city to the rootsy tradition that’s happened in the more rural parts of the area, it’s always changing and has a very rich past.

Bucks County-based 12inch Girl’s (www.myspace.com/12inchgirl) bandleader and primary songwriter Marc Hanellin also supports the theory that the diversity of local performers is what sets the area apart from the rest of the nation. “Philly and Bucks crowds are open to all types of music. People around here just love music of any kind and there is something for everyone.” Hanellin and his three band mates perform original alternative rock music all around the area, preferring, Hanellin says, to stay close to home and their families. And in fact, he believes that it is the suburban groups that are digging their heels in and bringing the region’s music to the forefront. “It seems to me that not so much the Philly scene, but more the Bucks County scene is emerging and creating a stronghold in the region,” he said.

Another Bucks County-based artist, Lori Rosolowsky of Buckingham (www.LoriRosolowsky.com), whose style has been compared with that of Carol King, noted the inspirations of suburban life as what has fueled her musical career. “Motherhood, nature, friendship, life’s joys and frustrations,” she notes. “I officially launched my singer/songwriter career with my debut CD ‘Pass it on’ two months after delivering my second child…. I live an hour from Philly so I chose to play around Bucks County more.”

Still, other local musicians, such as Philadelphia-based Bill K (bilkmusic.com), who recently played at the Obama-Clinton debate and the Broad Street Run, say Philadelphia isn’t as diverse a music city as some may think. “Musicians who fit the standard stereotypes do OK here, ie. standard blues, standard folk, standard hip hop. But really creative stuff? I don’t think our scene is as vibrant as many other big cities,” he said. Bill K’s refers to his music as poems with real melody lines, and he aims to convey real emotion through his work. It is the region’s listeners who set the city apart, he said. “The audiences are wonderful. I think they are aware when they are hearing things that are outside of normal parameters. When they hear me play, even if they aren’t aware of the technicalities of why, they still recognize it as interesting material.”

Phoenixville’s funk/jazz artist Dirk Quinn agrees that local scene is not quite what it’s touted to be. “It’s really an over-saturated market,” he said. “Everybody and his brother has a band. The vast majority of clubs in Philly are really only concerned with the bottom line at the end of the night, and consequentially only book bands that pack ‘em in, regardless of talent.”

Owners and operators of local venues say it is true there is a huge pool of musicians to choose from, but that doesn’t result necessarily in mediocrity In fact, it expands the area’s ability to produce great music as more talented acts attract area fans. Jamie Lokoff, a founder of Ardmore’s MilkBoy Recording sees many local musicians, both in studio sessions and performing live at MilkBoy Coffee. He says while he does believe that the region is definitely a presence in the industry, what Philadelphia is currently lacking is one or two emerging artists that can act as standouts to put the national spotlight back on the city. “I think since the mid to late ‘90s, the Philly music scene has had to build from the ground up, and a music scene has slowly been forming,” Lockoff said. “We’ve seen the results in the successes of a variety of different acts like Jill Scott, Silvertide, Amos Lee, Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah, Kevin Michael and Dr. Dog. I think it’s all about the competition. You need really good bands, really good artists with really good songs, in a way, pushing other artists to be better.”

And while Rolling Stone is pointing to Philadelphia as one of the greatest cities in America for music development, there’s still a way to go before national audiences fully catch on. Tara Edincott, cultural arts director at Newtown Square’s Burlap and Bean said she’s not sure the spotlight is what she wants for Philadelphia. “I think it almost comes down to word association,” she said. “I say Nashville. You say music. I say Philly. You say cheesesteaks. We just aren’t ‘known’ for our music scene. I have always loved the underground feel of what our city has to offer. I love that there are small venues all over our city and the ‘burbs that seat 100 people or fewer, where you can go and listen to names like Amos Lee, Glenn Phillips or The Swell Season up close and personal. I never want to lose that intimate connection between the artists and fans.”

When asked what she thinks the local scene is lacking, Edincott stated one word: awareness. “I don’t know if people truly realize how important it is to go out and support live music in the community,” she said. “The musicians need the energy the listeners bring to the room.”

While awareness is still burgeoning, local music fans should take note: the national spotlight is shining brightly on the Philadelphia region. Now is the time to go out and listen to everything the area has to offer.

Area Venues

Puck Live
Printer’s Alley
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-9000 | www.pucklive.com

Puck in the heart of Doylestown is Bucks County’s premier source for live, high-quality music, committed to discovering and promoting talented artists in rock, blues, roots, jazz and folk. This new music venue promises an amazing sound system, with both local and national acts playing Wednesday through Sunday. One of the best nights of the week at Puck is the open mic night. Hear every type of music from every type of genre, with a focus of the talent on the blues and singersongwriter side. It’s where Puck’s small 100 seat venue really shines. Sit back, relax and enjoy the up and coming future of local and regional music. And not to confuse this with your average local yokel Open Mic night—many of these performers come back to play as headliners. Puck also features a great daily menu of food until 11:00 p.m.

HAVANA Restaurant
105 Main St.
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-9897 | www.havananewhope.com

With a sophisticated yet casual décor, HAVANA welcomes music lovers of all ages to an eclectic restaurant and nightclub where you can kick back and relax with friends and enjoy an exciting evening of music and zentertainment. HAVANA Bar, restaurant and Catering opened in 1978, in one of the oldest houses in New Hope. The original owners set out to create a cool, seasonal al fresco dining, tropical drinks, modern jazz, contemporary world cuisine and the tropical feeling of Key West. In 2002, HAVANA bought the business next door and remodeled the entire building, inside and out. Renovations were completed in November 2002, now boasting seated space for up to 300, rough hewn beams, giraffe carpet, leather couches, a blue granite indoor bar and an all-weather year-round outdoor bar. An energetic atmosphere is created by a unique copper bar and original oil paintings of wild nightclub scenes and calming beaches. The name HAVANA captures the hot, tropical, somewhat forbidden nature of the place.

Siren Records
25 W. State Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-2323 | www.sirenrecords.com

A music fan’s trip to Doylestown would be incomplete without a visit to Siren Records, one of the best record stores in the area, if not the northeast. Whether you’re looking to simply browse for a few artists you heard on WXPN or you’re a hardcore vinyl collector willing to drop some cash on a rare find, this shop is worth the trip. With live in-store performances, a huge selection of records, CD’s, and DVD’s, Siren Records is one of the most intimate concert venues around.

Sellersville Theater 1894
Main & Temple Streets
Sellersville, PA 18960
(215) 257-5808 | www.st94.com

The Sellersville Theater 1894 is dedicated to being home to the very best in arts, music & entertainment. In just five years, Sellersville Theater 1894 has become a vital stop on the North East concert circuit. Specializing in an ambitious, eclectic mix of top name artists and hot new talent, the intimate theater draws music aficionados from near and far. Renowned for its excellent sound and the up-close feel of the shows, the 325 seat venue has presented the likes of Emmylou Harris, Hot Tuna, Jefferson Starship, Lisa Loeb and Edwin McCain. The beautifully renovated historical space has the added advantage of being right next door to The Washington House Restaurant, a Bucks County landmark known for great food and an authentic period bar.

Milkboy Coffee
2 East Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003
(610) 645-5269 | www.milkboycoffee.com

MilkBoy is an all-ages venue that is open early for coffee junkies and stays open late for shows and creative arts events. Their mission is to be a creative-community meeting place where people's minds and bellies can be filled. MilkBoy was founded in 1994 as MilkBoy Recording by musician and recording engineer Tommy Joyner. A few years later, composer Jamie Lokoff came in to produce a commercial jingle and felt so at home he never left, deciding to join MilkBoy as a partner and staff composer. In 2001, MilkBoy Recording had grown to need more space, and chose to move to Ardmore in a fabulous building owned by their soon-to-be landlord, Paul Lichtman. In 2005, MilkBoy owners Tommy Joyner and Jamie Lokoff came up with a plan and went to Paul Lichtman, who was immediately supportive. The ambitious trio set about to find a location in Ardmore that would fit their idea, and located the building, an old art gallery, which MilkBoy now calls home. MilkBoy Coffee is located on the Main Line, in an area that is bursting with talent. Tommy, Jamie and Paul are thrilled to give many local and national acts a stage to showcase their art to an appreciative audience.

The Keswick Theatre
291 N. Keswick Ave.
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-1894 | www.keswicktheatre.com

The Keswick Theatre first opened its doors on Christmas Night, 1928. Nationally recognized as the most comfortable, acoustically-perfect listening room in the entire Philadelphia market, the Keswick was designed by acclaimed architect Horace Trumbauer (who also designed the Philadelphia Museum of Art). In 1955, the theater was remodeled into a cinemascope film house, hosting the area’s premiere releases of most of the big-budget movies of the 1950s and ‘60s. In Spring 1980, the Keswick closed its doors as a movie theater, slated for demolition. It re-opened in 1981, but later closed and reopened several times until opening its doors again in March 1988, under private ownership. During that 15-year ownership, the Keswick blossomed in reputation and renovation. The Keswick grew technologically, as well, with state-ofthe- art sound and light equipment and a computerized ticketing system. This growth was recognized, as the Keswick joined legendary venues like The Chicago Theatre, Beacon Theatre and Fox Theatre in “Pollstar’s Top 50 Theater Venues.” The Keswick became one of the Central Atlantic states’ most active and diversified venues, presenting internationally acclaimed performers geared to virtually every taste and interest. The Keswick also hosts approximately three dozen shows annually to introduce school children to live theater, and serves as a destination for community events with dance recitals, graduations and other functions.

Taylor’s at the Olde Mill
200 W. Marshall
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 272-2011 | www.taylorsoldemill.com

Taylor’s at the Olde Mill makes every visit a unique experience. The first thing you will notice about Taylor's at the Olde Mill is the four story historic grist mill (circa 1880), which retains most of its original utilitarian appearance and layout. Their main level dining offers an extensive menu specializing in contemporary American cuisine. The lower level tavern, or the "Blue Room," offers a neighborhood bar feel with a wide variety of music, from DJs to funk and jazz. Every Friday and Saturday night, the Blue Room is as a stage for great live music and entertainment. To round out this unique facility, Taylor's also offers concerts and a bar on the fourth floor, from Thursday through Saturday nights, with intimate concerts from a diverse selection of artists.

Steel City Coffee House
203 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
(610) 933-4043 | www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com

Steel City Coffee House is an active coffeehouse serving gourmet coffee and tea beverages, pastries and lite fare. In the evening, Steel City turns into a premier music venue, featuring local, regional and national artists on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, Steel City hosts a songwriter circle on Tuesday evenings and a very popular open mic on Thursday evenings. Occasionally, acts which have a strong regional appeal will be considered for days other than Wednesday, Fridays or Saturday evenings. Their venue has a maximum seating capacity of 92 persons, which usually fills up quickly, so be sure to arrive early to claim a seat!

Cascamorto
1939 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-4704 | www.cascamorto.com

Cascamorto, Philadelphia’s premier piano bar, is a great escape from your average Philadelphia bar. At Cascamorto, they encourage laughter, socialization, and most of all, audience participation. They invite you to sing along with their fabulously talented pianists as they rock your socks off. House piano men Mike Margarite and Steve Odabashian sing Broadway and Elton John but would equally indulge you if you request Blondie or Radiohead. Cascamorto had started weekly show tune nights on Tuesdays with Andy Prescott on the piano and 'the singing bartender' Bill Mayo.

Chris’ Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 563-3131 | www.chrisjazzcafe.com

Chris' Jazz Cafe has grown into one of the East Coast's premier jazz clubs. Just a block off of South Broad Street and a short walk from City Hall, Chris' is in a safe, bright, and accessible neighborhood with plenty of garage parking. The interior of the place has a warm, up-casual feel with plenty of table seating, and the eclectic menu offerings make it worth exploring even in the afternoon, when there's no live music.

Johnny Brenda’s
1201 N. Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684 | www.johnnybrendas.com

Johnny Brenda’s is a bar, restaurant, and music venue located in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. The building dates from the late 19th century, and while the performance space has been completely redesigned, it maintains the feel of an elegant, iconic historical social hall with design elements reminiscent of a turn of the century burlesque club or theater. Featuring a world-class sound system, and a balcony (a rarity for a room it’s size), it is unlike any performance space in Philadelphia. Built on a philosophy of supporting the local community, Johnny Brenda’s serves all-draft high quality beer from local brewers as well as an array of Mediterranean small plates and grilled sandwiches, using fresh ingredients supplied from area farmers.

North by Northwest
7165 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 248-1000 | www.nxnwphl.com

This Mount Airy nightspot is one of the best places for live music in Philadelphia. Part restaurant, part nightclub, North by Northwest has quickly become a popular destination. Their beautiful urban space replete with tin ceilings, original maple floors, storefront windows and exposed brick walls has a casual, yet sophisticated ambience. The dining area is clustered by the old storefront windows, but spills out into a series of tables and booths in front of the stage and bar at the opposite end of the room. The music calendar is packed with local acts and national talent.

Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus
847 N. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 922-1035 | www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com

If you want an authentic jazz experience in Philadelphia, the city that John Coltrane and Clifford Brown once called home, then make Ortlieb's your destination. The “Jazzhaus” is a long, narrow wood-paneled bar and restaurant, with much character and ambiance. Live, world-class jazz is featured six nights a week, beginning with the long-running jam session every Tuesday night. Don't miss home-grown favorites like guitarist Steve Giordano or trumpet player John Swana. Ortlieb's also boasts an extensive menu of Cajun and standard American cuisine. As if that wasn’t enough to peak your interest, Downbeat magazine, the Rolling Stone of the jazz community, recently named Ortlieb's one of the 50 best jazz clubs in America.

Tin Angel
20 S. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 928-0770 | www.tinangel.com

More like a coffee house than a bar, the Tin Angel is Old City's premier music venue for the 'XPN crowd. The setting is comfortable, intimate and warm--richly hued murals cover the walls and the closely spaced tables are lit by candles. With first-rate booking and impeccable sound, the Tin Angel is the perfect place to enjoy an evening of quieter music. Tin Angel has been home to such esteemed artists as Jeffrey Gaines, Lloyd Cole, Susan Werner, Francis Dunnery, Grey Eye Glances, Dar Williams and hundreds of other nationally and internationally renowned recording artists.