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Top Spots To See Local Musicians In Philadelphia

Philadelphia has music venues of all sizes and is a stopping point for almost every major tour. However, we also have our fair share of local musicians taking the stage weekly at some of the smaller venues in the city. Read on for the top spots to see local musicians in Philadelphia.

Connie's Ric Rac
1132 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 908-4311
www.conniesricrac.com

Connie's Ric Rac is a performing arts venue in South Philly (S. 9th Street Italian Market) dedicated to live original music and especially local talent. The venue hosts emerging musical acts almost every night of the week and, if you're looking for local music, is a good place to head. It is popular for its open mic nights, held every Wednesday, and open jams. Connie's Ric Rac, although a venue at its forefront, has a bar and serves craft beer, wine and spirits. Apart from music, you can also catch emerging comics and performing art shows.

Milkboy Philadelphia
1100 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-6455
www.milkboyphilly.com

Milkboy Philly is in the middle of Center City at 11th and Chestnut Streets and is a restaurant, bar, and live music venue all in one. The music venue, located upstairs, offers a lineup of both national and local acts and does its part in showcasing local talent. Neighborhood artists from the city and surrounding areas often play here for record release parties, showcases, and tours. Milkboy also serves sandwiches and small plates that can be enjoyed downstairs. A late night happy hour takes place after the shows where you can try $6 City Wides and $5 shots.

Ortlieb's
847 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 324-3348
www.ortliebslounge.ticketfly.com

Ortlieb's is a bar and venue in Northern Liberties that encompasses all genres including hip hop, indie, rock, pop, funk and jazz. This place has a calendar full of shows with many of them featuring local acts. The majority of the concerts are less than $10, with free events here and there. Not just a venue, however, Ortlieb's is also a bar and restaurant with the stage in a separate room. Come before to enjoy its happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (most shows start at 8 p.m.) and its full menu of Tex-Mex cuisine. Specials include $3 domestic drafts and $1 tacos.

Related: Open Mic Venues In Philadelphia

Time
1315 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 985-4800
www.timerestaurant.net

Time is a restaurant, whiskey bar, dance club, and jazz club all in one. The jazz club, located in the dining room, has music seven days a week featuring both local and national acts. Every day except Sunday, local musicians Pete Gaudioso, Tim Brey and special guests play during dinner from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. before a featured band or musician takes the stage to play into the early hours. Come in on Tuesday for an open mic night and on Sunday for a Midtown jazz jam.

World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1400
www.philly.worldcafelive.com

World Café Live has two stages, upstairs and downstairs, perfect for catching both national and local acts alike. If it's local talent you seek, you won't be disappointed if you head to to its upstairs stage, which sees local acts come and go every week. Every Monday, WCL hosts a Philly Rising Open Mic where local musicians are invited to take the stage and compete for future performances at the Cafe, radio slots, and more. Check the calendar for scheduled performances.

Related: Top Live Music Venues In Philadelphia

Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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