Philly Rising Open Stage

Where: Upstairs Live
When: Monday nights...EXCEPT for the second Monday of each month, when we will be holding the First Person StorySlam
Signups at 6:30pm, Performances start 7:00pm
On occasion, we are forced to postpone the signup time or cancel this event due to private events or public concerts.
Please check the dates and times listed at the bottom of this page for these rare exceptions.
Please note: On April 19th Philly Rising signups will be at 7:30pm & performances will begin at 8pm
World Cafe Live's weekly Open Stage and progressive Talent Competition, hosted by Boy Wonder (a.k.a. Andre Coles).
Monthly Prize Package includes:
- Studio time provided by Range Recording Studios
- Editorial feature in Origivation magazine
Annual Prize Package includes:
- Range Recording Studios package: 4-5 song EP (dependent on instrumentation)
- 50 copies of the EP for distribution
- 250 full-color artist posters
- One hour business-plan consultation with Marcy Wagman, CEO of Mad Dragon Records
Artists check in at 6:30pm to sign up for a 2-song performance slot. It is recommended that performers arrive at or before 6:30 as the slots often fill up quickly. We do ask, however, that performers not line up earlier than 6pm. Slots are offered on a first-come basis. Performances begin at 7:00pm and usually end between 11:00 and midnight. Each performance is judged by a panel that includes someone from the WCL music department, the manager on duty and a representative from sponsors. There is usually also one featured performer each evening (not eligible to win) doing an extended set; scheduled featured performers can be found below.
Perfomance slots for artists using backing tracks are limited to 4 per week
Each month, the four weekly winners from the previous month will be invited back on a Sunday evening to participate in CREAM: The Best of Philly Rising, when each artist will have a chance to perform a full set. At each of the Cream shows, the panel will select a single winning act to be awarded the monthly prize package.
At the end of the year, all monthly winners compete in the annual Cream of the Cream showcase on the main stage in Downstairs Live, and one winning act will receive the Annual Prize Package. We will also publicize the Cream awards, invite broadcast and print coverage, and solicit the participation of a media outlet as event sponsor.
Sponsored by: Range Recording Studios, Phrequency.com, Origivation Magazine,
Yuengling Brewery, Mad Dragon Records, and Shure audio procucts
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