Live music is something truly special. I am lucky because in my life I have been able to go to a great deal of shows. So many wonderful memories have came from these experiences. Part of the reason that I have been able to see so many live shows is because of the area that I live in. I live in South Jersey, which is known for its Pine Barons reserve, Jersey Shore beaches, and sweet corn and tomatoes. But, I feel like the best part of it all is our location. We are only about an hour from Philadelphia and two hours or so from the big old apple, New York City. Most of the shows I've seen have been in Philly, but I have gone to my share of shows in New York too, and a couple random ones in different places around the country. I am very lucky to be so close to Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly love. So, I wanted to take time out to write about my favorite venues in Philadelphia that made my experiences possible.
The Theatre of Living Arts
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This venue is located on South Street in Philly. The Theatre of Living Arts has a capacity of 800 people, and has a bar and upstairs. It’s a cute, small venue. The good thing about the size of this building is you can have a good view of the show anywhere you stand. The theatre opened in 1908 as the "Crystal Palace," a nickelodeon. Then in 1927, the venue became a concert hall. The cool thing about the location is its in the heart of downtown South Street, with many places to eat and bars. I mean, right around the corner is Jim’s Steaks (famous cheesesteak place)! On the top of my head, I’ve seen AFI, Bleachers, Marina and the Diamonds there to name a few! All really good shows!
The Electric Factory
On the outside, this venue looks like just an old warehouse (which it was!), but once you step inside, you will see beautiful lights that grab your eye on the ceiling and a big standing room floor that holds roughly 2,500-3,000 people. The Electric Factory is located at 421 N. 7th Street between Willow and Spring Garden Streets. Like I mentioned earlier, the original venue was a converted tire warehouse on the northwest corner of 22nd and Arch Streets! It opened in 1968, and was originally called the "Electric Factory & Flea Market." The stage is very big, and this is another venue where you can really see from wherever you are. The building opened as the Electric Factory we know now in 1994. There is a downstairs bar, and upstairs standing area. I have great memories from everyone whom I’ve seen here!
Tower Theatre
The Tower Theater was built in 1927, by John H. McClatchy. When it opened, Tower Theatre was one of Upper Darby Township's first movie houses. The theatre is located just outside the skirts of Philadelphia. The theater did very well financially in the busy area that was at one time one of the most highly traveled route to Center City from the west. In its early years, Tower Theater showed both different theatric shows and movies. When you go into this venue, you get the feeling of a very old but well kept historic place. This venue has a capacity of 3,064 people, and has an upstairs seated section and a downstairs standing room. I’ve only been here once to see Tame Impala, but my experience was wonderful and it was a night that I will never forget!
Union Transfer
And finally, my favorite venue, Union Transfer! This place opened to the public on September 21, 2011 with the first ever show by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and Polica. The building originally opened in 1889 as the Spring Garden Farmer’s Market, but has had various rebirths as different businesses. Located at 1026 Spring Garden Street, it has a capacity of 1,200 people and it is all standing room. There is a bar in the back, and also has an upstairs area. And if you want to grab a bite to eat before the show, fear no more! There is a cute little place with great options across the street called Llama Tooth. The staff is always really nice, and no matter what time I get there, I always have a good spot. Some of my favorite shows there have been seeing Beach House, Interpol, and A Silent Film to name a few. Always such a great time there!
So, whether you live in the area or not, definitely check out a show at one of these places, you will not regret it! And remember to eat at Llama Tooth before a show! It’s one of my favorite food spots.
I sure love Philly.
