Philadelphia: Nightlife and entertainment
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.
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