Looking for South East PA areas with active music scene

Submitted by PAThrowaway5 t3_127lld0 in Pennsylvania

Hi all. I'm looking at areas in South East Pennsylvania for a potential relocation to be closer to some extended family. I've gotten a ton of information from this sub and others but I didn't see this specifically.

I'm curious what areas in the SE PA area (from Philly & suburbs up to around Lehigh Valley) have the most active music communities. I'm looking for live music, people in/joining bands, music rehearsal spaces, etc. I've got a young family so looking on the outskirts of Philly and beyond for some specific areas to target.

Thanks!!

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ColleenKessock t1_jefaabj wrote

Lancaster always has something going.

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MetropolisPtOne t1_jegazkz wrote

Lancaster has three different DIY venues, a few small clubs, a couple of places that rent rehearsal rooms, half a dozen recording studios, and lots of bands.

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MrRojoRicin t1_jegzuvr wrote

Phantom Power in nearby Millersville hits way above its weight as well. The sound there is phenomenal for its size.

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glasswing048 t1_jefgfga wrote

Bethlehem is a good place for music.

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Juidawg t1_jefst5h wrote

Yes big time. Godfrey’s, The Funhouse, not to mention steelstacks. Musikfest, I mean…

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user_1445 t1_jegxsei wrote

The holy city blessed the world with Pissed Jeans.

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drbhrb t1_jeft18h wrote

Ardmore could be good. Close to the biggest scene (Philly), has some venues of its own, and also close enough to other towns with music scenes in the area (Phoenixville, Media, West Chester)

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Boogerchair t1_jegdbx9 wrote

I was gonna mention all these towns. Ardmore music hall always has shows and has a septa line to take you into the city to see more

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SheikYerbeef t1_jegv7pl wrote

Lansdale and (to a lesser extent) Pottstown also have scenes of their own

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Yodasballcheese t1_jefots9 wrote

Chester county can have some good stuff, but it can be hit or miss. West Chester and especially Phoenixville have a good amount of live music.

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Psychogistt t1_jefmfn0 wrote

Delaware County has open mics all over. And close to Philly

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Brilliant-Jacket-550 t1_jefyv9d wrote

Agreed! Delaware and Montgomery Counties, along the Main Line. OP FYI, someone else said Ardmore, which is a part of the Main Line.

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ImNorm29 t1_jeg87w5 wrote

Lititz (Lancaster Co) is home to Rock Lititz (if you aren't familiar - look it up) - so there's a direct connection to the entire music industry here. It's not uncommon to see tour busses and trucks from top name performers on the north end of Lititz when they are here to prepare for a new tour; or stop in along a tour for equipment fixes. There's a small venue right on the campus which has an incredible (Claire Brothers) sound system but its mostly tribute bands that play there. The prices are pretty reasonable to get seats, though they recently changed from using Event Brite to TicketMaster so there are probably higher fees now. And you're only about 5-8 miles from Lancaster where there are more clubs, etc.

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gentlemenjim72 t1_jeh3ugm wrote

Mickeys Black Box! We have Built to Spill coming in, Rick Wakeman, and others on tap. Just had Maggie Roger's and The mountain goats recently. There are a lot of Tribute bands but also good original stuff as well. We opened during the pandemic, so we are still ramping up.

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MrRojoRicin t1_jeh14ao wrote

And a short drive to Lancaster, Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg and even Lebanon, each of which has a good variety of shows on a given weekend. Plenty of musicians around as well though forming a band will require some driving unless you get lucky.

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Current_Volume3750 t1_jegz9je wrote

Don’t forget “Lovin Lititz Every Second” which is their street event every 2nd Friday with local bands, food trucks and good brew from the Bulls Head pub. Also, all the cool shops are open late.

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Alert_Section_6113 t1_jefwoue wrote

Lehigh Valley…got a decent music scene and you’re close to NYC and Philthadelphia

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alken0901 t1_jegpk11 wrote

I second Bethlehem. Musikfest, Godfrey’s, Funhouse, Artsquest, and Windcreek events to name a few. Surrounding you’ve got Easton and Allentown too both of which have solid venues.

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PAThrowaway5 OP t1_jeg6504 wrote

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm definitely looking closer at all the areas mentioned. I'll be leaving a pretty active music community and want to get plugged in right away!

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SheikYerbeef t1_jegvdqz wrote

I would suggest the Soundbank in Phoenixville but they’re closing down because the new Landlord wants to tear the place down to build luxury apartments (which Phoenixville already has enough of). They’re open until 4/22 and Open Mic is Wednesday

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MrRojoRicin t1_jeh0ejt wrote

Does Lower Bucks still has a scene? I used to do DIY shows in Levittown, Bristol, Croydon, Bensalem (+ Trenton and Philadelphia) damn near every weekend in the 90s/00s. In Central PA now and there's a nice little scene here even, relative to the size.

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