Music

students from paul green rock academy on the jon anderson tour with the yes lead singer
City Life

A Bunch of Philly Teens Are Touring the Country With Jon Anderson, Founder of the Rock Band Yes

At the beginning of September, when teens and teachers ask that ubiquitous start-of-the-school-year question “So, what did you do this summer,” the responses tend to […]

the sound of philadelphia
City Life

An Oral History of the Sound of Philadelphia

In 1971, a lyrically gifted singer-songwriter from South Philly and a classically trained pianist from Camden launched Philadelphia International Records (PIR), a Black-owned hitmaking label […]

jazmine sullivan singing the national anthem at the super bowl
City Life

Jazmine Sullivan on What It’s Like Singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl

If you were one of the 96.4 million people who tuned into the Super Bowl earlier this month, you probably caught a somewhat unorthodox version […]

singer wallis performing her new christmas song called lonely christmas
City Life

15-Year-Old Montco Girl Somehow Makes the Perfect Christmas Song for 2020

When a friend of mine reached out to me on Thursday to tell me I just had to hear this new Christmas song by some […]

Dot Levine of Dottie's Serenade Service performing live
City Life

Who Knew That Singing Telegrams Would Be One of COVID’s Big Success Stories?

What do you do when you’re a musician/music teacher whose gigs/classes have all dried up thanks to COVID? Well, if you’re West Philly non-binary performer […]

Radnor Valley Country Club
Philadelphia Wedding

A Philly-Born Singer’s New Music Video is a Sweet Celebration of His Wedding

It’s been almost two years since Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben and actress Jen Jacob got married at Radnor Valley Country Club. But their Big Day […]

philadelphia music venue chris' jazz cafe, which is reopening under a live streaming only model for the foreseeable future
City Life

Center City Music Venue to Reopen This Weekend — Without a Live Audience

Prior to 2020, Philadelphia music venue Chris’ Jazz Cafe had presented 500 performances every year for the last couple of decades, with sometimes as many […]

silent electric guitar
Life & Style

This Silent Guitar Has a Headphone Jack for Stealthy Home Jam Sessions

Though it’s striking enough to hang as a piece of art, the Yamaha Silent Guitar has way too many impressive features to let it sit […]

hip-hop concerts
Things to Do

Three Old-School Hip-Hop Acts to Catch in Philly This Week

Long before Kanye found Jesus, these acts dominated the charts. See them all this month. Snoop Dogg Around since: 1992 Song you undoubtedly know: “Gin […]

sheer mag tina halladay
City Life

Sheer Mag Singer Tina Halladay on Owning Your Masters and Getting Stiffed by Spotify

The Rundown Age: 34 CV, abridged: Lead singer of Sheer Mag (2014-present); singer, Mohawktown (2013-2016); B.A., liberal arts, SUNY Purchase (2004-2008). Latest record: A Distant […]

philadelphia freedom elton john
City Life

Is Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom” Actually About Philly?

When Elton — sorry, make that Sir Elton — plays his farewell shows in Philadelphia on November 8th and 9th at the Wells Fargo Center […]

City Life

With 36 Hours of Woodstock, WXPN Leads an Aural Trip to the ’60s

The attempted reincarnation of the Woodstock music festival for its 50th anniversary was officially abandoned in late July, after a failed last-ditch proposal by festival organizers […]

arnetta johnson
City Life

The 25-Year-Old Camden Trumpeter Who’s Taking the Jazz World by Storm

I’m going to use two phrases: “trumpet player” and “jazz club.” What immediately comes to mind? Chances are you’re imagining some old guy onstage playing […]

avery gagliano van cliburn competition
City Life

A Lower Merion Teen Is Competing Against the World’s Greatest Young Pianists

Seventeen-year-old Bala Cynwyd resident Avery Gagliano is one of six competitors from around the world left in the prestigious Cliburn junior competition, which seeks to […]

philadelphia concerts
Things to Do

The 20 Philadelphia Concerts You Need to Add to Your Summer Calendar

XPoNential Festival Japanese Breakfast, Hozier, Elvis Costello, Blondie, Bettye Lavette, Low Cut Connie and Amy Ray (aka one half of the Indigo Girls) are among […]