Mixto Goes Late Night

After ten years in the city, Mixto has decided to mix it up with a little late night Latin flare. This Friday night, July 22 is the grand opening of Mixto’s late night happy hour. The bar is now open until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If you can make it out for the opening, plan for $3 mojitos and $3 margheritas. Otherwise, from Saturday night on, late night mojitos and margheritas will be just $5 bucks!

With drink specials like that, you’re bound to need a snack and Mixto’s kitchen will now be open until 1am serving everything from full dinners to sandwiches, salads and apps. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with breakfast available all day.


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Pizza Steals and Beer Deals at The Crocodile

Newly opened and already primed to rock it out, The Crocodile has a little something for every type of Old City partier. Whether you’re looking for a low-key spot to grab a beer and a snack, or you’d rather sip martinis in a swanky lounge out of the way from the usual Chestnut Street weekend crowd, the dual-purpose bar has just what you’re looking for.

Downstairs, pizzas, Panini’s and salads will keep you sipping away – be it on a $2 High Life bottle or $3 mixed drink. These great drink specials are running through the month of August but happy hour runs nightly from 5pm – 7pm.

Of course they have the HD TV’s, but they also have a jukebox and even live entertainment scheduled including acoustic jazz, folk and R&B nights with featured artists from the area.

Upstairs, The Wetbar at The Crocodile gives this spot a more exclusive feel with a list of  “crocktails” to match. After a long opening process, this Philly spot is ready to party and of course, philly2night couldn’t let um do it alone!  
 
Grand Opening Party
We’re taking over The Crocodile in Old City and we would like to offer all our members this exclusive 2-Hour VIP Open Bar from 8:00PM till 10:00AM on Thursday, July 29th to celebrate their Grand Opening!

Want to get in on the special? RSVP now to sign yourself up for a Open Bar featuring beer, mixed drinks and food. Only Philly2Night Members and their Guests get the special so sign up now and pass it on!


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Are You The Next Varga Gal?

Varga Bar is throwing a birthday bash to celebrate it’s first anniversary and everyone’s invited! On Tuesday night, July 20 from 9pm - 2am the Washington Square West eatery will be offering a one hour complimentary bar as well as draft beer and food specials to all of its guests.

So one hour of free drinks, good food and beer…and you don’t even have to bring a gift! But you should come dressed to impress as your favorite Varga Girl. The best dressed Varga Girl or Guy will be awarded with prizes and swag from local breweries and Varga Bar itself!

But sorry guys - Varga is scouting for its 2011 Varga Bar Calendar and they will be on the lookout for 12 women to make each month something special. Interested ladies should email 3 photos and 3 reasons why they want to be a Varga Girl to vargagirl2011@gmail.com.

What is a Varga Girl you ask? It’s the quintessential sex symbol and not that emaciated binge and purge new age type. I’m talking good old school 1920’s pin-up, old fashioned, all American women – a little junk in the trunk, some nice curves and a little red nail polish and a sexy smile wouldn’t hurt either.
 


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Laugh It Up At The Philly Improv Theater

Two weeks a month for the past four years, the Philly Improv Theater has called the Shubin its home. A block off of South Street, a group of comedians training, teaching and laughing have etched out a place for themselves and their students in the Philadelphia comedy scene.

Founded as a training center in 2005, The Philly Improv Theater began as a place to teach comedy – an incubator of sorts. Little by little the students ended up on stage. These days, over 1000 improv, stand up and sketch comedy students have performed and even moved on to bigger and better things appearing on TV shows and even winning the Philly’s Funniest competition.

Ever wonder what it would take to be a comedian? Or a writer for SNL? Or maybe you just enjoy a good improv show. Well this is your chance. The first and last week of every month the Philly Improv Theater puts on shows and hosts classes. 

The show goes on at 8pm Wednesday - Sunday with a second 9:30 show Thursday – Saturday; each with its own style and cast. Tickets are on sale at the door but advanced tickets are recommended for weekend shows.

Classes are during the evenings and over the weekends when industry favorites from Philadelphia, Chicago, New York and LA teach workshops. They even have a kid’s improv camp this summer.

So if your looking to see a show or even become part of it, the Philly Improv Theatre has something to offer. And forget about the usual comedy club two drink minimum. This spot is strictly BYO. So pack a snack and a drink and head down South Street for a one of a kind show.

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Blue Collar Happy Hour

Ok so maybe the last time you had a drink near Aramingo Ave you were about 19. But if you live in the neighborhood or even work nearby, you’re going to want to check out the Riverside Bar and Grill on Cumberland.

Sure, it’s not exactly ON the river, but it’s close enough. And with the specials that Owner, Danny Rivera has running, this neighborhood bar has a good thing going on. Look at it this way. Mid summer, who wants to smell the waft off the Delaware anyway?

The kitchen is open from 11am -9pm offering homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. They even have French onion – and you gotta love a good French onion. They have everything from buffalo shrimp and quesadilla’s, to roast beef and burgers.
The Blue Collar lunch specials run Monday – Friday from 11am – 2pm. For $5.95 you can get a soup, sandwich, fries and a soda. Add a buck, nix the soda and get a pint of beer instead.

Hang around and get $1.50 drafts, $2 domestic bottles and $3 imports until 4pm. Happy hour runs Monday - Friday from 4pm – 6pm with $1 drafts and $.25 wings. Add it all up and you’re looking at one of the most affordable day-drinking spots I know. And you can’t forget about the $1 drafts during all the Phillies games.

There are five 50 - inch plasma’s, a pool table and a little VIP section in the back. There’s even a DJ spinning on Fridays and Saturdays. So whether you’re looking to dip out of work for a few, watch a game or rope it off for the weekend, Riverside is the place for you.
 

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Keep It Classy at Tweed

Center City can be brutal. Whether your trying to ride a bike up Walnut or walking against the current on Chestnut it’s a battle between you, the tourists and the cabs and stepping off the curb could be your demise.

If you’ve had just about as much as you can take and you find yourself in the neighborhood of 12th and Sansom, stop into Tweed, for brunch, dinner or drinks. It’s the latest addition to the Gayborhood and if it Tweed had a last name, classy would be its middle name.

From your first step in the door, Tweed is not what it appears. You’d think you just entered a really pretentious space. But with a little Ella playing in the background, and the TV tastefully hidden behind the mirror you realize there was some true thought put into this restaurant.

Eateries across the city try in vein to quell the Philly foodie, offering affordable drinks and approachable food in exchange for a regular clientele and a few good online reviews - some more successfully than others. At Tweed, Chef David Cunningham has found his niche offering farm to table foods at a decent price, in a modern environment.

This place is beautiful. Well designed, well lit and totally inviting. The menu has a little something for everyone. And as drinks go, the Bombay Bellini is especially tasty for a mid – day cocktail. But if you’re drying out, the root beer floats made with Boylan’s Root Beer are just as delicious.

Check out their happy hour Tuesday – Friday from 5pm – 7pm for $3 Philadelphia Brewing Company beers, $5 cocktails, $6 wines and half off all apps. They offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, or you could go for dinner Tuesday – Saturday night and get the full experience. It’s definitely worth a peek.


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House Music Hits The Shore for the 4th

Headed down the shore for 4th of July? You don’t want to miss out on this exclusive shot to see some of house music’s hottest performers. Art of Electronica will launch Nervous Beach Party at The Beach Club at AC Hilton Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, NJ on July 4, 2010 from 12 noon – 8pm, rain or shine.

Artists from NYC’s legendary dance music label Nervous Records, Oscar G and Pablo Ceballos - Chus & Ceballos of Stereo Productions, known for their marathon DJ sets, are headlining throughout the day. And the show opens with John Alvarado aka Mista A. and DJ JNH spinnin’ beachfront.

It’s not everyday these boys hit our hood. House shows like this are usually saved for London, New York and Miami but AOE, Philly’s own Trckd Media Group, Training Camp and Cabana Cachaca Rum will be bringing the fireworks to us this Independence Day.

So roll the dice on the tables, not with your tickets - you wouldn’t want to miss out on this show.  Tickets are only $25 bucks if you buy online and drink specials will be running all day. Text AOE to 77950 for more details, or if you’re really ballin, shoot an email to trckd@trckd.com for VIP cabana service.


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Can’t Miss Philly: Top 10 Outdoor Dining Spots

Whether its curbside or riverside, a roof top or a dusty lot, chilling outdoors with a few friends, some good eats and a cold one – or three – is the definition of summer in the city… at least in Philly that is.  So here’s the first of a series of Can’t Miss Philly Top 10.

10 Apothecary
102 S. 13th St : 215.735.7500
Have dinner reservations in the Gayborhood but the bar’s packed and your table's not ready? Check out Apothecary. The center city chic roof deck offers happy hour specials nightly and a few concoctions that your are guaranteed to find NOWHERE else in the city. No food, but the complimentary pretzel knots are a nice plus.
 
9 Belgian Café
21st and Green : 215.235.3500
Whether your trying to avoid anyone you know or you’re just looking for something off the beaten path, Belgian Café has just what you’re looking for – and they’re participating in Beer Week. Fairmount’s double-wide sidewalks are perfect for outdoor seating – none of that sitting next to a shitty Toyota, South Philly crap. The extensive beer list includes 200 bottled brews and a rotating draft list as well as a printed disclaimer on the menus. You ordered it – you bought it, so choose wisely.
 
8  Bar Ferdinand
1030 North 2nd Street : 215.923.5555
If tapas is your thing and No-Libs is your game, than hit up Bar Ferdinand on Liberty Walk. The whole strip is full of outdoor tables and with the awnings a little rain won’t spoil this spot. Ferdinand’s offers ½ price bottles of wine on Mondays, $35 tastings on Thursdays and flamingo dancers on First Fridays.
 
 
7 Octo Waterfront Grill
221 N Columbus Blvd. : 215.923.OCTO
If beer’s not your steez and rum’s more your style, than skip the rest of the city’s festivities this week and head over to OCTO. The summer long outdoor dance party kicked off this past Saturday night with Mojito – Octo’s weekly DJ event. The restaurant / nightclub has dancing and live music, food, drinks, and most importantly, a view of Camden.
 
6 Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 East Passyunk Avenue : 215.755.3550
There’s something classically Philly about Passyunk Avenue. Where else in the city can you buy yourself a pair of orange alligator shoes, sit in an Italian neighborhood and order a flight of tequila? The Passyunk strip from Broad down to Geno’s has hit it’s peak with outdoor dining as far as the eye can see. But its Cantina that wins our vote. The dusty lot on the corner gives the always busy, curbside seating that authentic south of the border feel.
 
5 Vango Lounge and Skybar
116 S. 18th St : 215.568.1020
This seedy spot has a menu that rivals the South Street Diner – that’s not why you go to Vango. If stairs are not your thing than maybe opt out of this one but if you can make the climb, it’s well worth the cardio.  The year-round roof deck has an indoor patio and a lounge bar with a fireplace. But it’s the outdoor sky deck that’s the star of this show. The view from the sky bar is spectacular.  Party under the city’s lights or relax on one of the sick king size beds. It’s like Nikki Beach moved to Philly.
 
4 Standard Tap
901 North 2nd Street : 215 - 238 - 0630 
The rooftop at Standard Tap is calmer and much more chill. It’s got a great garden vibe if you’re looking for a slower pace after a rough night out. This Beer Week destination has some good eats, good beers and even some Jenga if you’re feeling frisky. This spot is definitely a can’t miss.
 
3 Positano Coast
212 Walnut Street  (Second Floor) : 215.238.0499
Nobody likes generic Italian – tomatoes in the Caesar salad and checkerboard plastic table cloths. Well worry not - the Sopra Lounge is Positano Coast’s sexy open-air lounge. The food is great. Even your pickiest girlfriend will enjoy. Comphy couches and low tables, open windows and a romantic setting make this Society Hill spot a must see. Sundays and Mondays are BYOB and Happy Hour is from 5:30 – 7:30 Monday – Friday with $3 wines and beers, $5 cocktails and apps like $2 oysters, $5 spicy Italian sausage sliders and $6 cheese plates. Done. I’ll see ya there.
 
2 Mad River Manayunk
4100 Main Street : 215.482.2666
The boys over at Mad River sure do know how to throw a party and their deck overlooking the Schuylkill River is just the spot to keep the summer rolling. Nightime in Manayunk just got a little cooler - their open-air gazebo always has a game on. And no matter what your poison, they have you covered with frozen margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday nights they have music pumpin’ on the river and if you missed the Bike Race, worry not - June 26th and 27th they’re hosting another outdoor music event for the Arts Festival.
 
1  Silk City
North 5th Street : 215.592.8838
If Dr. Seuss was from Philly, he would be chillin’ at Silk City. Him and Horton and the Cat and The Hat…the whole crew would be down. The outdoor patio is crazy and colorful and the tiki bar is the perfect hideout on sketchy 5th and Spring Garden. It’s great for groups or even a solo mission. With happy hour Monday – Friday, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and a DJ spinning every night of the week in the lounge, everyday’s a good day to check out this outdoor Philly fan favorite.
 
Philly2night Pick:  The Piazza at Schmidts
North 2nd Street & Germantown Ave.
While number one’s are great, there’s always someone waiting in the wings to knock you out of your spot and at phily2night there’s always something bigger and better to tell you about. No Libs is killing it on outdoor seating. And this season at the Piazza at Schmidts, with all of the outdoor restaurants, the BYO section and the Jumbotron playing World Cup Soccer LIVE until July 11th, the Piazza is the big daddy of all and most importantly, philly2night’s pick for the best outdoor spot of the summer.

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Keeping Philly Sunny At Mac’s Tavern

Now that the summer’s in full swing, there are a few places that you’re going to have to check out.  Mac’s Tavern opened in the former Skinners home between 2nd and 3rd on Market. While murmurs of signs coming down whispered through the city couple weeks back, faithful Skinners goers waited patiently for the final unveiling.
The guys and gals responsible for the change include a group of friends that date back as far as first grade. Toss in some investors and a few famous connects and you get this highly anticipated opening with ties to the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crew.

The new Old City tavern has been revamped and redecorated with some extra headroom and more seating – especially up near the front windows. Mac’s brass kept the original staff so no worries on having to break in a new bartender.
They’ve also kept the $2 Miller High Life bottles but plan on running specials through all the games, during the day and of course during happy hour, Monday – Friday from 5pm – 7pm.

With 17 beers on draft, over 90 bottles to choose from and DJ’s still spinning Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – shout outs to Mike on Friday nights - this Old City spot has kept true to its roots.

As for the food, the chef from the recently closed Ortlieb’s, Mike Suminski will be in the kitchen turning out tavern pub fare with a twist, including wings, a chicken cutlet sandwich, the “best crab cake in the city,” according to management, and some mac and cheese that’s set to be a fan favorite.

With early openings planned for World Cup Games, Mac’s Tavern will be holding it down all summer long.

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The Playboy Bunnies Are Coming To Philly

So the Playboy Bunnies are turning 50! Not the ones they have now, of course. They’re still young - SMOKIN hot and they’re coming to Philly because Playboy is teaming up with Shampoo Nightclub to host the official 50th Anniversary celebration of the Playboy Clubs and the Playboy Bunny.

Philly was chosen as one of more than 50 cities around the world to host this milestone party. On Thursday June 10, Shampoo Nightclub will open its doors as a “Playboy Club” with Bunny bartenders, iconic images and video footage from parties past.

Philly2night got the low down from one of Playboy’s sexiest ladies, Stephanie Larimore, Miss June 2006.

“It’s really exciting because it’s usually very exclusive,” said Stephanie. “Everyone’s invited and tickets are only $20” in advance.

“It’s a privilege for Shampoo that we are hosting this wonderful event,” said John Frankowski, owner of Shampoo Nightclub. “It says a lot about Philadelphia that Playboy selected us. It’s really going to be an awesome event. And if the Flyers win on Wednesday night and force a Game 7, it will be the hottest and sexiest pep rally ever.” 

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a Bunny? Shampoo will we heading up the Philadelphia Bunny Search and Miss June gave us some tips on how to make an impression.
“Just show up and look glamorous,” she said. “Be yourself. Don’t overdo it with the make up and be sweet! Playboy looks for the girl next door - beautiful but approachable.“

Well that’s easy enough – right ladies?! To enter the Philly Playboy Bunny Search and for more information check out Shampoo Nightclub’s website.

Stephanie’s been in the game since 2004 when Heff picked her up as a Cyber Girl for 2005. Just one year later she became Miss June 2006 and ever since then it’s been like a fairytale. Stephanie’s traveled the world, met famous people and while she was shooting her spread, she stayed in the mansion.

“It’s like living in a castle and being a princess,“ she said.

These days, Stephanie’s plans are to head back to college. That’s right – Miss June’s gonna’ be somebody’s HOT ASS co–ed sitting in the next row. Some business major in Indiana just lucked out big time.

But on Thursday, she’ll be in Philly at Shampoo – and she won’t be alone. You know all good things come in pairs and according to Frankowski, Philly’s “the only city with two playmates hosting.”

For those of you smart enough to grab a ticket to the party, you’ll get a first look at Miss August, Francesca Frigo – even before she hits nightstands – I mean newsstands. You never know who else you’ll see. Shampoo’s been throwing out bones to all the local celebs. So grab a ticket and come dressed to impress!


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Yuengling Resurrects Lord Chesterfield For Beer Week

The words crisp, hoppy and great for the summer don’t usually bring to mind Yuengling. But the centuries old brewery is bringing back a time tested favorite with Lord Chesterfield Ale.

Brewed since 1829, the Lord Chesterfield was re-released as a draft last summer for the first time in about 10 years. With five times more hops than the better-known Yuengling Lager, this sleeper is coming out of hibernation. And just in time for Philly Beer Week 2010.

Not only will the beer be available at events throughout the week but Lord Chesterfield himself will be out and about in Philly as well. Yuengling will also be promoting its Porter, Light Lager and Lager with giveaways and appearances by the Yuengling Daughters.

Catch the resurrection of Lord Chesterfield at Opening Tap at 7:30pm on Friday, June 4, at the Independence Visitors Center on 6th and Market Streets.

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Put A Little Swagger In Your Step With Johnnie Walker

Ok people - back away from the cherry bombs and try something with a little more…distinction. The House of Walker is hosting an exclusive night out and a private tasting experience. Guests will be personally led by a Master of Whisky through a sampling of select Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskies.
Walker drinkers are a different breed. Joining this elite group will let you in on exclusive privileges, including personal invitations to the House of Walker Experience, limited-time tasting events, access to insider discounts and whisky industry info, unique special edition gifts and first-to-know notification of events taking place in Philly.
So step up your game a get down with a little Johnnie Walker. 

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Flying Fish Brew Debuts At Beer Week

New Jersey based Flying Fish Brewing Company will be releasing it’s latest addition to the “Exit Series” during the Philly Beer Week celebrations. Exit 6 Wallonian Rye Belgian – Style Ale will be debuted on Saturday, June 5 at 3 pm at Nodding Head, 15th and Sansom Street.  There’s no cover to get in and beers are pay-as-you-go. 

The Exit 6 was created specifically to celebrate Philly Beer Week 2010. The collabo brew was the brain-child of Flying Fish Head Brewer Casey Hughes, Ric Hoffman of Stewart’s Brewing Company in Delaware and Gordon Grubb of Nodding Head Brewery. 

The Flying Fish Exit Series will continue with three or four beers a year, eventually naming all Turnpike the exits. Contrary to popular belief, good things do come out of Jersey.

Check out the websites for more info about Philly Beer Week 2010 events, Exit 6 or Flying Fish.


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Get Your Shop On – Boutique Week is Comin’ To Philly!

Put your shopping shoes on ladies and gents cause starting on June 14th Philadelphia is hosting its first ever Independent Retail Week. More than 75 boutiques and independent retailers across the city will be offering great deals on all that is usually too fab to grab.

The event runs from the 14th through the 19th with spectacular finds, events and chances to support all sorts of great causes from Old City and Rittenhouse to Manayunk. Restaurants, salons and even dog stores are getting in on the action with cocktails, doggie fashion shows and spa treatments.

Thanks to a surprisingly supportive mayors office and a NYC fashionista who calls Philadelphia home, we’ve been blessed by the shopping gods.

For a full list of retailers, updated special events and promotions visit the Independent Retail Week web site.

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Dinge Is In At Starr's El Rey

When Stephen Starr opens a new spot in the city, you’re guaranteed a few things. Pricy drinks, pretty ok food and staff that looks as though they were genetically designed to match the sparkly ambiance. And then came El Rey.

The new Mexican diner opened up at 20th and Chestnut and let me tell you – its freakin’ awesome. The old Midtown IV diner had just the right amount of sleazy dinge left over to set the stage. The food, put out by former Xochitl Chef Dionico Jimenez, is so gluttonously fabulous, you might just need a siesta by the time you’re done.

Vibe wise, it looks like Starr hit every flea market in the tri – state area and collected every lamp there possibly was. Tables and walls are coated in 70’s wood grain and the servers are keeping H&M in business, rockin’ every color / style of plaid shirt available. Throw in the National Lampoon’s Christmas lights strung up on the walls, a couple margaritas and you’ve got yourself one hell of a good time.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Don't Worry Be Hoppy! Philly Beer Week's Back

The third annual Philly Beer Week is going down June 4th - 13th. Kick off for the hoppy festivities begins with an Opening Tap Party on Friday the 4th at the Independence Visitors Center at 6th and Market. The party continues every night with nine festivals in all including a Smoke Um If Ya Got Um BBQ extravaganza at the Yards Brewing Company on Sunday June 6th and an East Vs. West Exotic Beer Tasting on the 11th. Tickets are on sale for all the venue events.

But if your up for the drinks and not the entrance fees, no worries. Nearly 150 bars across the city are offering specials too. A full listing of events and participating bars is available on the Beer Week site. SEPTA is promoting its 1 Day Independence Pass and there are discounted hotels available too. So keep it safe Philly…don’t drink and drive. You know those cops are out to get ya.

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The Promoters Bill

The latest in the city’s stellar ideas has come in the form of Bill No. 100267 – or the “promoters bill” as its come to be known. This may be the first you’ve heard of it or you may have seen it in your news feed and scrolled right by. But it’s gotten the Philly music and bar scene up in arms and the conversation is just getting started.

This bill would require “promoters” to submit permit applications 30 days in advance to the Philadelphia Police Chief for each and every show they host entailing their licenses, contracts and security plans for every show from DJ’s to house bands.

The redundancy of this bill is a perfect example the bureaucracy of this city. When a bar owner wants to open a spot in Philadelphia, they must be insured, they must be properly zoned, they must have a liquor license and they must be okayed to host live music. These stipulations are already in place ensuring the city was properly paid, yearly, through taxes and licensing fees.

Adding yet another level of city discretion as to what venues will be able to host music in what neighborhoods would ultimately slaughter these small business making it nearly impossible to keep up with the paperwork involved. And that’s IF the applications are approved. The PPD would have the right to deny permits, basically at a whim since there are no actual reasons listed in the bill for denial.

In a city where the music scene is thriving and unknown musicians can actually get a gig, this bill would stifle the scene all together. Leaving the masses of music lovers to be entertained by area concerts put on by only by the big boys. It’s like tuning out all the radio stations except the ones that play top 40.

Check out the full story on philly2night.com.