2024 Impact Report
Executive Summary
This year marked a major milestone for World Cafe Live—our 20th anniversary—celebrating two decades of unforgettable music and meaningful community impact. In 2024, we continued our mission of fostering music education and engagement through dynamic, innovative programming. Our Bridge Sessions connected with over 2,300 students and participants, offering interactive live music experiences that explored themes of culture, identity, and social change. Songwriting Residencies expanded opportunities for students to create and explore original music, highlighted by our Emmy-nominated documentary, “Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School.” We also launched Up Next! Youth Jam Sessions, offering young musicians a space to collaborate and gain industry experience.
Our concert programming remained vibrant as ever, with over 500 ticketed events drawing in more than 56,000 guests. Signature series like Jazz Jam, Philly Rising Open Mic, and Viernes Calientes continued to thrive, showcasing a diverse mix of emerging and established artists. Special events like Kids Rock Philly and the 20th Anniversary Spotlight Celebration raised vital funds for our music education and community programs. Our annual Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Artists Festival provided a vital platform for up-and-coming Philadelphia talent.
The success of this milestone year would not have been possible without our sponsors, donors, and supporters. We thank you for your support and look forward to continuing our mission of inspiring, educating, and connecting through music. With two decades now behind us, we are excited for the road ahead, expanding our impact and strengthening our role as a home for live music and music education in Philadelphia and beyond.
Education & Youth Programming
Bridge Sessions
Our signature Bridge Session program provides unique creative opportunities for schools and human service organizations. Our flagship education program, Bridge Sessions welcome participants to the venue for a fully interactive live music experience. Sessions are offered on a variety of rotating topics, exploring the connection between music and the human experience through language, culture, identity, history, social change, media, and the human body. Attendees get to actively participate in live music-making and engage in a Q&A session with the artists, leaving feeling inspired and empowered.
25
Sessions
24
Artists
2,363
Students & Participants
2024 Bridge Sessions // Dates & Details
Voices of Protest with Funkatorium > March 12, 2024
Voices of Protest explores social justice and how music impacted past and current social justice movements through the soul music of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to write a protest song,
Language of Rhythm with Luke Carlos and Josh Jacob Winterstein > April 3, 2024
Language of Rhythm builds an understanding of how rhythm and music relate to spoken language and gives participants a chance to write their own group poems.
The Art of the Emcee with Rae.Dianz and Blckteeth > April 9, 2024 & Zach O’Neill > November 19, 2024
Immerse yourself in the world of emceeing with Philly neo-soul rapper and visual artist Rae.Dianz. Explore cultural context writing, rhythm and rhyming, delivery, wordplay, and more.
La Ruta del Fandango with Guachinangos > April 16 & October 1, 2024
Cumbia with a Mexican Jarocho flavor, Guachinangos features members from diverse cultural backgrounds. Explore the history of the rhythms and songs of the Son Jarocho and Cumbia tradition. Session is presented in both English and Spanish.
Soul Cyphers with James Weldon > April 30, 2024
During Soul Cyphers students learn about hip-hop music and the art of cypher/improvisation
World of Percussion with Alex Shaw, Nezih, and Kwasi > May 2, 2024
World of Percussion introduces 100+ percussion instruments and rhythms from around the world through soundscapes and hands-on activities.
The Body As An Instrument with Allison Tartaglia, Bethlehem Robinson, and Ami Yares > May 14 & November 13, 2024
The Body as an Instrument will explore using the whole body as a musical instrument, including singing, body percussion, and mindfulness practices.
Dreaming in Color with Zigg TheArtist > October 17, 2024
Philadelphia’s Zigg TheArtist, a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and director, will share insights on the journey of an independent artist. Learn how to bring your art to life by dreaming big, believing in yourself, and taking risks.
Immigrant Groove with People of Earth > October 22, 2024
People of Earth will perform original music and arrangements from their dynamic repertoire of pan-Caribbean music, lead interactive and engaging activities, and share personal stories from band members centered around the theme of immigration and cultural connections within America.
Vibes & Vibrations with Nate Zavetis, Omar Torrance and Sianni > December 3, 2024
Through soundscapes, sampling, and beat-making, we will explore the impact of moods and emotions on music creation and how music affects our emotions. Presented by Nate Zavetis, Omar Saleem, and Siani Le.
Public Bridge Session for Families
As part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, on October 26, 2024 we opened the doors for families to experience our Bridge Session program – which is usually reserved for school groups. This piloted public Bridge Sessions as an experience that’s more community- and family-focused and welcomed approximately 100 guests.
This free event highlighted our very first Bridge Session, World of Percussion with Alex Shaw and Daryl Burgee. The event also featured DJ Caesar from Radio One, interactive resource tables by the Free Library of Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia, Radio One, Rock To The Future, and Project 440, musical arts & crafts, and World Cafe Live’s food & beverage offerings.
Songwriting Residencies
Since 2013, World Cafe Live has delivered in-depth residencies, providing opportunities for students to participate in songwriting, percussion, storytelling, music production, and performance. These residencies explore the art of music-making through programs that connect with real-world issues while prioritizing essential skills like creativity, collaboration, and communication. Our school-based programs run anywhere from 6 weeks to an entire school year and may include in-school or after-school sessions where students are placed in creative collaboration with teaching artists.
In partnership with Freire Charter Schools, WCL offered a series of workshops at the school’s three Philadelphia campuses from 2022 through 2024 with a primary focus on songwriting.
One of our most impactful residencies was held at Hill-Freedman World Academy, where director and producer Amy Schatz documented the students’ creative journeys with an HBO documentary film crew. HBO Documentary Films in association with John Legend’s Get Lifted Films Co., then released “Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School” in Fall 2023. This Emmy-nominated documentary, available to stream on MAX, captures the inspiring journey of students as they collaborate with their teachers and WCL teaching artists to write, compose, produce, and perform original songs. Together, they explore the creative process and experience the transformative power of music while bringing their album to life.
1,525
Students
111
Workshops
Pine Forest Summer Camp
During the summer, Teaching Artists Kristal “Tytewriter” Oliver and Andrew Lipke offered songwriting and music production workshops at Pine Forest Summer Camp in the Poconos. Eighteen workshops were offered to 200 campers from 7th to 12th grade from July 8 through 11, 2024.
Up Next! Youth Jam Sessions
World Cafe Live launched Up Next! Youth Jam Sessions in collaboration with The School District of Philadelphia’s MIC’d Up initiative, with the purpose to engage students in music industry careers both on and off the stage.
Up Next! is a free monthly open jam session providing a platform for Philly’s creative youth to learn, perform, collaborate, and grow. Every second Saturday, The Lounge at World Cafe Live offers an all-ages, alcohol-free environment, showcasing our city’s up-and-coming talent while building community across the local music scene. Up Next! Offers paying gigs to young musicians through a rotating youth ensemble that serves as the house band, kicking off the afternoon with a featured set. Special guest artists are hand-selected to facilitate sessions and offer valuable mentorship to participants.
Students will work alongside the WCL team to curate, promote, facilitate, and document each session, with opportunities in booking, marketing, videography, photography, artist relations, hosting, audio engineering, backline management, and other elements of live event production. This program is supported by the Save The Music Foundation.
56
Students
11
Events
The WCL Up Next! Stage at Kidchella
On Friday, June 21, 2024, World Cafe Live partnered with Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse and the School District of Philadelphia’s MIC’d Up (Music Industry Classrooms) program to sponsor the WCL Up Next! Stage at Kidchella, presented by Wawa Welcomes America. World Cafe Live sponsored student performers from the MIC’d Up All Stars representing six different schools across the city. The MIC’d Up All Stars, mentored by Luke Carlos O’Reilly, kicked off the children and community focused music festival at the iconic playground in East Fairmount Park. These talented young musicals were so impressive, that CBS 3’s own Ukee Washington had to sit in on the jam.
Performance Residencies & Events
Jazz Jam
World Cafe Liveʼs long-running Jazz Jam is for musicians and listeners alike. In 2024, World Cafe Live partnered with Jazz pianist, composer, and producer Orrin Evans to curate Jazz Jam featured performers. Instrumentalists and vocalists are also welcome to sign up and sit in throughout the evening.
2,296
Attendees
Jazz Jam Featured Performers
Jan 10 Michelle Lordi
Feb 14 Luke O’Reilly
March 13 Jonathan Michel
April 10 David Gibson
June 12 Marianne Solivan
July 10 Milton Suggs
Aug 14 Neil Podgurski
Sep 11 Duane Eubanks
Oct 9 Josh Lawrence
Nov 13 Andrew Rosenkilde
Dec 11 IMANI RECORDS HOLIDAY JAM
Viernes Calientes – Brazilian Fridays
Our first Friday dance party turned to a Brazilian sound with Dendê & Band. Monthly, Dendê Macêdo and his band deliver Afro-Brazilian percussion and world rhythms to inspire the collective consciousness and hypnotic grooves to make the body move.
2,646
Attendees
Philly Rising Open Mic
This evening of musical collaboration, inspiration, and networking is presented in partnership with local art incubator REC Philly. Artists from every genre are welcome to step up to the mic along with a handpicked Featured Performer. 202 4 welcomed artist, educator, and storyteller Rae.Dianz as our new host.
Philly Rising Featured Performers
January – Tim Ward, Jr.
February – Lavonne Nichols
March – Luca Diadul
April – Joshua Mitchell
May – Ariel River
July – Trey Coachman
August – Miguel Ducos
September – Cliff Hillis and Dennis Schocket
October – Kayla and Bruce of Nylon Ghost
December – Jim Rezac
Jambaliva!
On August 31st WCL’s Executive Chef Rob Cottman shared his love letter to New Orleans cuisine
in an afternoon of bold flavors, live music, and drink specials. Guests enjoyed Chef Rob’s Sothern Fried Cajun Salmon, Catfish & Grits, Seafood Boil, Crawfish Cornbread, Crabcake and Catfish Po’Boys, and much more.
Yesseh Farraha-Ali and his band provided New Orleans-inspired music for the afternoon.
111
Attendees
Kids Rock Philly
On March 3, 2024, hundreds of students from regional School of Rock locations take over the venue for this all-day festival, performing across both stages to fundraise for WCL’s free music education programs. Over $55,000 was raised for our music education initiatives.
2 Stages
8 Hours of Rock
8 Schools of Rock
417 Young Musicians
178 Songs
988 Family & friends cheering them on!
Countless Rockstar Moments!
Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Artists Festival
Our multi-day summer music festival provides a platform for the Philly region’s best new talent. Handpicked artists perform for a rotating panel of judges, competing for cash and career-boosting prizes.
Host: Rae.Dianz
Judges: Oaks Korogodsky (The Side Chicks – 2023 Beta Hi Fi winner), Katie Hackett (The Lunar Year), Dan Drago (25 O’Clock Podcast), John Vettese (WXPN)
Artists:
7/24: Eva Rubin // Downdresser // Miguel Ducos
7/25: Sophia Boro // Athensville // Jim Rezac
7/26: ANGELCONCEPCION // Jess Urwiler // Tim Cole
Our 2024 winners include: 1st Eva Rubin // 2nd Tim Cole // 3rd Sophia Boro
Eva Rubin will perform as a co-bill in The Lounge with Will Orchard on July 16, 2025!
472
Attendees
Concerts & More
In 2024, World Cafe Live hosted 503 ticketed concerts & events for 56,569 guests featuring over 540 bands & artists.
World Cafe Live partnered with WXPN to present 47 Free at Noon concerts.
World Cafe Live became the first music venue to participate in Art-Reach’s ACCESS program, providing $2 tickets for under-resourced Philadelphians. 2,392 ACCESS tickets were sold in 2024
Notable Concerts
Rosanne Cash, 1/26/24, Johnny Cash’s daughter and legendary singer songwriter in her own right played a sold out show in the Music Hall and later headlined XPonential fest in September.
Brigitte Calls Me Baby, 2/15/24, Chicago-based indie rock band who is currently the opening act for Morrissey.
Anthony Green – 3/12/24, an Intimate underplay for the lead singer of Philly band Circa Survive
Medium Build – 6/20/24, an Indie singer-songwriter on the rise played to a sold-out room last March and has since gone on tour with Tyler Childers and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Performing at Coachella in April 2025.
Asian American Pie, 5/11/24, Local Philadelphia musicians Judah Kim and John Faye put together a showcase of the region’s brightest Asian American artists for a sold-out show in the Lounge in honor of AAPI Month (May).
The War & Treaty – 8/23/24, an electrifying sold out show from gospel/R&B band fronted by partners Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter. They have collaborated with artists such as Emmylou Harris and Zach Bryan. They’re the first black duo to be nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Duo of the Year and the first black duo to be nominated for the Academy of Country Music Award for Duo of the Year.
Bright Eyes, 9/16/2024, is an American indie rock band founded by singer-songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst. Bright Eyes chose World Cafe Live for a short tour of smaller intimate venues to promote their new album release. Bright Eyes has been booked two dates at The Met, a venue with a capacity several times larger than WCL’s main stage, for the Spring of 2025.
The Lone Bellow, 10/5/24, an American indie-folk band from Brooklyn, New York, known for their rich harmonies, emotional lyrics, and a mix of folk, rock, and country influences. Their music is often characterized by soulful, gospel-inspired vocals and heartfelt storytelling.
Philly Music Fest – 10/24/24, Amos Lee headlined a sold out PMF last October…other Philly artists included Cosmic Guilt, Cadre Noir, Anna Shoemaker, and Super Infinity (Robbie from The Districts)
20th Anniversary Celebrations
October 2024 marked 20 years of concerts & events at World Cafe Live. We celebrated the occasion with several special events in the surrounding weeks.
Jontha Brook opened World Cafe Live on October 2, 2004, she joined us twenty years later on October 2, 2024 to celebrate.
We opened the doors for families to experience our Bridge Session program on October 26, 2024 featuring our very first Bridge Session, World of Percussion with Alex Shaw and Daryl Burgee, and many community partners.
WCL partnered with Wissahickon Brewery to create a 20th Anniversary Pale Ale
World Cafe Live hosted its first fundraising gala with 20th Anniversary Spotlight Celebration. This evening shined a light on World Cafe Live’s accomplishments over the past two decades. During the evening, we honored three exceptional members of our community for their contributions to music education at World Cafe Live.
Carole Haas Gravagno – Visionary Champion
Frank Machos – Collaborative Connector
Kristal “Tytewriter” Oliver – Innovative Educator
In a surprise moment, former Board Chair Lori Landew presented WCL Founder and CEO Hal Real with the inaugural Founder’s Award. This well-deserved honor recognized Hal’s significant impact on the music and education ecosystems, both locally and nationally.
The evening saw remarkable performances from talented student musicians featured throughout the event, including the Mic’d Up All-Stars who played during the Sponsor Cocktail Party in The Lounge, and the Brazilian percussion performance by Northeast High School students, led by WCL Board Member and Teaching Artist Alex Shaw. The energy and talent of these young musicians served as a powerful reminder of the vital role that music education plays in our mission.
Guests were able to interact with a 20th Anniversary Art Installation in the Mezzanine Lobby. Created by Rah Gerg and Steph McCullough, this artistic representation of the World Cafe Live ecosystem is made from archival concert photos, event posters, and promotional materials. This pando-esque installation came to life as guests entered, symbolizing how YOU contribute to the color and light of World Cafe Live.
The night concluded with an electrifying performance by Billy Allen & the Pollies, who delivered their signature sound and had everyone on their feet, energizing the entire room.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Over $145,000 was raised for World Cafe Live’s Education and Community Programs. The evening showcased the spirit of our community and the power of music to bring us all together.
