Opened in 2004, World Cafe Live was designed to change the landscape for artists and audiences of all ages and become a new model of what an independent music venue in Philadelphia can and should be–a welcoming space for the community with exceptional hospitality.

We began with a vision that our house of music should be a place that attracts and inspires musicians. As a dedicated concert-goer, our founder Hal Real had become increasingly disenchanted over the years with the smoky rooms, tinny acoustics, and inadequate seating that had become the standard live music experience.

At the same time, WXPN, the radio station owned and operated by the University of Pennsylvania and known for its nationally syndicated program World Cafe, had outgrown its studios and was seeking a new home. So we joined forces to create a new clubhouse for the Philadelphia music community, licensing the radio program’s name to become World Cafe Live. Our unique partnership with WXPN creates both physical and virtual platforms for artists to be heard. Over the years, we have been an incubator for emerging artists and a home for amazing local, national, and international talent.

When we built our two stages, we optimized everything from sound to sightlines so that artists could play their best for audiences who come to really listen. Add in friendly service, comfortable seating, and outstanding food and drink, and you get the unparalleled World Cafe Live experience.