World Cafe Live (The Lounge)
Opened in 2004, World Cafe Live was designed to change the landscape for artists and audiences of all ages and become a new model of what an independent music venue in Philadelphia can and should be–a welcoming space for the community with exceptional hospitality.
We began with a vision that our house of music should be a place that attracts and inspires musicians. As a dedicated concert-goer, our founder Hal Real had become increasingly disenchanted over the years with the smoky rooms, tinny acoustics, and inadequate seating that had become the standard live music experience.
When we built our two stages, we optimized everything from sound to sightlines so that artists could play their best for audiences who come to really listen. Add in friendly service, comfortable seating, and outstanding food and drink, and you get the unparalleled World Cafe Live experience.
- booking@worldcafelive.com
- We love discovering new talent at our monthly Philly Rising open mic nights on first Tuesdays, and at our annual beta hi-fi Emerging Music Festival each summer.
- Otherwise, to be considered for a gig at WCL, email booking@worldcafelive.com with the artist name, projected draw, history in Philadelphia, and a link to music (no attachments.) Physical press kits are discouraged, and no phone calls will be accepted for new bookings. Due to high volume of submissions, not all emails will receive a response–we’ll contact you if we’re interested.
