ROCK CLUBS
Philadelphia is well-renowned for its
burgeoning rock scene, and as a result there are several
noteworthy clubs where you can check out who's making waves,
both on a local and national level. This page provides
information on where to go if you feel like cutting loose
for an evening.
Trocadero
1003 Arch Street, Chinatown
(215)922-LIVE
Trocadero used to be a burlesque club in its
former life, and a lot of the old decorations still exist.
These days, however, it does a great job of spotlighting
up-and-comers, and also hosts dance parties. Be sure you
get there on the right night, or you may not be prepared for
what you find. We recommend this venue for all of its
endeavors, but as a rock club it truly shines.
The Kyber
56 South 2nd Street
(215)238-5888
Small and loud are two excellent ways to
describe The Kyber; fortunately, that's exactly what you're
looking for if you're thinking of going to one of these
places. It features alternative and hard rock bands, so
don't be alarmed if you cannot hear anything for a few days
afterwards. The Kyber also caters to beer aficionados;
there are over a hundred different brands. Come for the
brew, stay for the music, but whatever you do, don't overlook
The Kyber.
Polly Esther's
1201 Race Street
(215)851-0776
They just don't have enough venues that play
funk music, you know? Fortunately, Polly Esther's caters
to this particular genre, and they went all out to ensure that
everything remains true to its roots. The place is all
decked out like it belongs on The Brady Bunch, with psychedelica
everywhere; the bands aren't half bad either. Don't
short-change yourself by assuming that Polly's is a novelty; the
locals know better. What you end up with is a unique
experience that is heartily recommended for anyone looking to
have a good time.
Electric Factory
421 North 7th Street
(215)568-3222
This club, which is a smaller version of the
larger, more prolific club of the same name, offers
up-and-coming bands the chance to gain a few fans while they're
in town. It's accessibility to lesser-known talent and
tremendous booking skill make it a sure bet that you'll see
great bands no matter when you show up. The Electric
Factory name has built quite a reputation; one visit will
illustrate exactly why.
