Few reminders are left of the 1970s "Philly Sound"; stars like
Patti LaBelle, the O'Jays and Harold If You Don't Love Me By
Now Melvin and the Blue Notes have waned, though their legacy
is readily apparent in the smooth vocals of contemporary artists
like Boyz II Men and the soulful rhymes of rapper Eve. It's also a
decent place to see rock bands: most of the names that play New
York come down here and tickets are half the price or even less.
The world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra performs at the
grand Academy of Music on Broad Street (tel 215/893-1999), modeled
after Milan's La Scala; nosebleed seats cost just $5 on the day,
and they give free summer concerts at the Mann Music Center in
Fairmount Park (tel 215/567-0707). Philadelphia's other great
strength is its theater scene: small venues abound. Check
the listings in the free City Paper or
Philadelphia Weekly newspapers, or call the 24-hour event
hotline (tel 215/573-2787). TIXSTOP, in the visitor center,
sells half-price standby tickets (Tues-Thurs 11.30am-3.30pm, Fri
& Sat 11.30am-5pm).
Annual events in Philadelphia include the fortnight-long
Freedom Fest that leads up to the Fourth of July, and the superb
Riverblues weekend festival on the Delaware River, at the end of
July, which features top-name blues artists.
Katmandu Pier 25, N Delaware Ave tel 215/629-7400.
Slightly tacky but fun tropical-themed bar, just north of the
decidedly unexotic Franklin Bridge. Features a nightly outdoor
barbecue.
The Khyber 56 S 2nd St tel 215/238-5888. Small, mainly
alternative, rock venue with a gargoyle-lined bar, bluesy jukebox
and casual young clientele. Cover $3-6 when bands are on.
Painted Bride Art Center 230 Vine St tel 215/925-9914.
Art gallery with live folk, jazz and poetry performances after
dark.
Silk City Lounge 5th and Spring Garden sts tel
215/592-8838. Very mixed musical bag - Sinatra, hip-hop, acid jazz,
indie dance - in an ultratrendy but unflashy club. Live local bands
play at the weekend.
Theater of Living Arts 334 South St tel 215/922-1011.
Converted movie palace that's the best place to catch
alternative-rock bands.
Tin Angel 20 S 2nd St tel 215/928-0978. Intimate upstairs
bar and coffeehouse, featuring top local and nationally known folk
and acoustic acts.
Trocadero 10th and Arch sts tel 215/922-LIVE. Trendy
downtown dance club with occasional live alternative bands. Cover
varies, and ID is essential.
Warmdaddy's 4 S Front St tel 215/627-2500. Live blues
every night and a buzzing atmosphere; something of a Penn's Landing
institution.
Zanzibar Blue 200 S Broad St in the Bellevue
Hotel tel 215/732-5200. Classy club with contemporary New
York-style jazz nightly, often by famous names, so expect a hefty
cover charge and two-drink minimum.