In the Philadelphia culture where art, dining, and history are prominent, music has steadily increased in popularity for the exploring locals and visiting tourists alike. Not only have new young emerging bands like The Districts, Swearin’, and CRUISR taken the liberty in sparking a new lens on music, but venue owners have created spaces in the past decade to foster this new era.

World Cafe Live has contributed to Philly’s cultural growth by bringing in those new artists, musicians, and many other social events. Residing in the University City area of Philly, WCL is able to grow outside of the college scene and bring in talent to a higher level.

World Cafe Live has recently been dubbed one of the top places to go when visiting Philly according to the Condé Nast Traveler. Just think, it all started in 2004 with a brainstorm from a local entrepreneur Hal Real, that had an understanding for musicianship. This idea grew to become an initiative of  “Live Music for Grownups, keeping artists and audiences in mind for creating a matured concert viewing experience.

Here are a couple ways this renovated Art Deco Factory space managed to create a buzz in their city.

1. Create a different approach to discoverability and influence

One of the ways WCL is able to grow their influence is in collaboration with in-house public radio station WXPN by connecting with the music community. This unique partnership was a no-brainer when the space was first established. Like-minded in the way they wanted to work in conjunction in bringing in new talent. WLC is able to reach out with different offerings where they regularly host free, ticketed, or special events that aren’t always music-focused, which appeals to a wider audience. One of these free and consistent offerings is their Havana Nights: A Celebration of Cuban Music & Food, and happens every first Friday of the month. This recurrence with special events helps build on their presence in the community.

2. Think about the artists and concert-goers live experience holistically

WCL is able to host 500 + shows a year with a venue layout that tailors to artists and all audiences simultaneously. The upstairs and downstairs space with a dependable time schedule for all events, make this possible. Nothing will obstruct your view of an artist performing, and the infrastructure makes the acoustics sound pristine. The thought and renovation that went into this space are unparalleled. This venue uniquely tailors to the concert-going experience by, “bring[ing] in established artists to an intimate setting. Plus, the cafe and in-house bar gives it that all-encompassing experience. The cafe portion of the venue is a definite plus with a great variety of options, keeping the health conscious in mind when wanting to eat before or during a concert.

3. Plan for a long term growth goal

WCL’s long term action plan is to expand beyond their local region and provide more opportunities in their “Live Music for Grownups” initiative by having representation in other cities. Ultimately, World Cafe Live wants to serve as a community gathering space and provide those opportunities in other areas where they see fit. This keeps the artists and audience in mind for making a concert experience high level by “changing the landscape with the great food, no obstructions to staging, comfortable seating, and much more.

Now becoming more recognized through press and awards by reviving the music and arts scene in Philly, WCL wants to overachieve in bringing the best of what is out in the music scene while still paving the way for new talent. Having a public radio presence as a partner, creating a unique multilevel event space, and expanding beyond Philly lines, you can take direction in being the preferred music experience. You don’t want to miss the chance of discovering new artists as well– so here are some upcoming events from World Cafe Live Philadelphia:

March 5th – Cass McCombs

March 22nd – The Barr Brothers

April 5th- Emily King

Pave your own way

Inspired to create your own event? Get started with Eventbrite today.