Top Cheap Live Music Venues In Philadelphia
A night of live music need not break the bank. An admission price under $30 will provide a night of music by talented local and regional bands, and many of the performers may be rising stars. Philadelphia has produced many top-ranked musical performers throughout the years. Here are five places that offer live music on the cheap.
North Star Bar & Restaurant
2639 Poplar St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 787-0488
www.northstarbar.com
Well known as a venue for some of the top bands and performers in the Philadelphia region, the North Star Bar & Restaurant, in Philly's Fairmount neighborhood, offers live musical entertainment six nights a week, and no reservations are necessary. With a casual ambiance and room for dancing, North Star Bar offers a full bar, happy hour and late night menu offerings. With ticket prices often starting at $7 to $9, recent performers have included Umer Piracha & Above Beckoning, The Fancy Balloons, Calabrese and Mephiskapheles Inspecter 7.
The Trocadero Theatre
1003 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6888
www.thetroc.com
In 1870, the Trocadero Theatre opened under the name of the Arch Street Opera House. It has been a venue for musical comedies, vaudeville, burlesque and minstrel shows over the years. In the 1980s, it was renovated as a dance club and for use as a concert hall. With tickets ranging from $20 to $25 or under, recent shows have included Lyrically Fit by T.H.E. of Iiourshow with music by DJ Soulbuck, the Disco Biscuits, Mason, the Philly Zombie Prom and many more.
The Barbary
951 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
www.facebook.com/thebarbary
Located on Frankford Avenue in Northern Liberties, The Barbary is a live music venue with a 200-person seating capacity. Renovated recently, the facility has the latest sound system and professional lighting equipment. From DJ parties to live performers, ticket prices start at $8 to $10. Recent performers have included Hanni El Khatib & Bass Drum of Death, Gold Fields – Rush Midnight, Flatbush Zombies and Bodega Bamz.
Ardmore Music Hall
23 E. Lancaster Ave.
Ardmore, PA 19003
(610) 649-8389
www.ardmoremusic.com
Formerly known as Brownies 23 East Rock Club and also 23 East Cabaret, this Ardmore Music Hall reopened in September with renovated quarters. Ticket prices run, on average, $30 or under, and the restaurant/bar and music hall in the past has hosted performances by The Hooters, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Dave Mathews Band and Hootie & The Blowfish. Now, with an updated sound system and large flat screen TVs, recent performers have included Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution, Fountains of Wayne, Soul Asylum, Evan Dando and Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers.
Electric Factory
421 N. 7th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-1332
www.electricfactory.info
Long known as one of the country's outstanding venues for indoor music, the Electric Factory has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. Featuring top performers representing the entire range of music genres, the Electric Factory offers a vibrant sound and light experience. Recent performers have included Zeds Dead, Sara Bareilles and Janelle Monae. Tickets start at around $25 for most shows.
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