Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Philadelphia has launched a new initiative aimed at boosting its nighttime economy and supporting local artists with live performances across local neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Weeknights\u00a0Live<\/a>, a year-round program administered by the Department of Commerce\u2019s Nighttime Economy Unit, features performances by local artists at hospitality businesses on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The initiative expands a 16-week pilot program that previously brought live music to Center City hotels on Tuesdays.<\/p>\n Mayor Cherelle Parker said the program is designed to strengthen connections across the city while supporting artists and local businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom Center City to our neighborhood commercial corridors, we are building a more connected Philadelphia through the Weeknights Live program,\u201d Parker said. \u201cBy showcasing live performances at participating businesses, we support artists\u2019 livelihoods and strengthen neighborhood economic vitality.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur local artists enrich the quality of life across our city,” the mayor added.\u00a0<\/p>\n During the pilot phase, 135 artists were paid to perform at participating hotels, according to the Department of Commerce.<\/p>\n Karen Fegely, acting director of the department, said the program builds on Philadelphia\u2019s longstanding arts and culture scene.<\/p>\n \u201cPhiladelphia has long been fueled by musical excellence and artistic expression, generating lasting economic and social impacts,\u201d Fegely said. \u201cThis program highlights the strengths of our artists and hospitality businesses throughout the city.\u201d<\/p>\n The expanded program debuted March 30 and now includes neighborhood commercial corridors in addition to Center City hotels. Performances are held from 6 to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n On Mondays, performances take place along the East Passyunk Avenue corridor at venues including Pistolas del Sur, Ray\u2019s Happy Birthday Bar, Stogie Joe\u2019s Tavern and Lucky 13 Pub.<\/p>\n Tuesdays feature performances at Center City hotels, including Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, The Notary Hotel Philadelphia, Autograph Collection, Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, Aloft Philadelphia Downtown and Loews Philadelphia Hotel.<\/p>\n On Wednesdays, performances move to the Baltimore Avenue corridor in West Philadelphia, with participating venues including Carbon Copy, Renata’s Kitchen, Dahlak and Booker\u2019s Restaurant & Bar.<\/p>\n City officials said businesses and artists interested in participating in Weeknights Live can apply through the program\u2019s website<\/a>. For more information, visit creativephl.org\/weeknightslive<\/a><\/p>\n