Musi
Musi’s menu ventures somewhere in between the familiar and the unknown, with dishes like kreplach stuffed with kale-purslane-cabbage kraut. The restaurant — which chef/owner Ari Miller calls “not totally Jewish, not quite Israeli” — is stretching the imagination of Philly’s fine-dining scene. Come here to be taken out of your culinary comfort zone or possibly just eat some pasta that the menu says has nothing to do with Italy. 100 Morris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, musiphilly.com.
Ari Miller
Ari Miller. Photograph by Colin Lenton Musi, Miller’s neighborhood BYO, has all the expected trappings: It’s charming and delicious, and it offers a menu that changes often and relies heavily on what his purveyors have available. But the food is never too serious, and neither is Miller. And that’s what sets it — and him — apart. 100 Morris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, musiphilly.com.
Musa Weddings
Whether she’s transforming an Ambler coffee shop’s outdoor garden into a rustic wedding venue or staging a flamenco-filled ceremony and reception at a villa in Spain, Andi Schilawski isn’t afraid of a challenge. In fact, she prefers unconventional settings for the exchange of vows, often pulling velvet loveseats and mobile champagne carts from Collection by Musa, the event furniture rental company she opened in 2022. The East Falls planner also stands out for her graphic-design skills. musaweddings.com.
Russo Music
This iconic 57-year-old music company—which started in Hamilton but expanded with this sprawling outpost in Asbury Park—recently went through a hip rebrand. It stocks the same matchless selection (walls lined with Gibsons; stacks of colorful amps), but now the post-industrial space looks a little more refined and a lot cooler and worthier of a trip. 619 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, russomusic.com.
Common Beat Music
Is that used Technics SL1200 you bought at the start of the vinyl craze on the blink? The turntable tech at this little store is an expert in bringing it back to life. Plus, they have a wonderfully curated selection of LPs for you to spin once your baby is back home. 4916 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, commonbeatmusic.com.
The Dell Music Center
We know the city has a lot on its hands right now, but we wish it would do more with this lovely 6,000-person Fairmount Park amphitheater managed by Parks & Rec. There were only 12 (12!) concerts scheduled for all of July and August. Maybe the city shouldn’t be in the concert business? 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19132, thedellmusiccenter.com.
Settlement Music School
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. See the full write up at Virtual Classes. settlementmusic.org/music/settlement-digital.
Mister John’s Music
With serious musical chops and a sassy side that has parents ROFL, John Francisco’s classes – be it toddler music sessions honoring artists like the Killers and Johnny Cash or guitar lessons for older kids – will become the highlight of your week. (Note to Comcast: Give this guy his own show already!) 904 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, misterjohnsmusic.com.
Music Theatre Philly
Nine years ago, Mindy Dougherty was in the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Gypsy. These days, along with co-founder Dann Dunn, she’s teaching little (and not so little) ones how to sing, act, and steal the Broadway spotlight at her new studio, with classes based on Frozen, High School Musical, Moana—plus an awesome master-class series. Benj Pasek, you’ve been warned. 262 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, musictheatrephilly.com.
Dell Music Center
A recent much-needed rehab and a new programming push (Erykah Badu, Frankie Beverly’s Maze and the War on Drugs all play this summer) make this once-neglected city-run amphitheater a solid venue contender. 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19132, mydelleast.com.
Curtis Institute of Music
Did you know that Curtis Institute of Music offers gratis student recitals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, October through May? 1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, curtis.edu/performances/learn-more/student-recitals.html.
Ardmore Music Hall
The year-old Hall is, simply put, THE spot for any and all cover bands. 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, ardmoremusic.com.
The Music Box at the Borgata
While most concert venues in Atlantic City are overgrown, impersonal boxes of noise, the Borgata's 1,000-seat concert hall is decidedly more intimate, with lovely acoustics, and the perfect place to see your favorite artists up close and personal. This month: Supertramp's Roger Hodgson (8/18), K.D. Lang (8/24) and Cheap Trick (8/31). Also, look for semi-secret last-minute gigs, like the scintillating performance Fiona Apple gave earlier this year. One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, theborgata.com/entertain/entertainment-venues/the-music-box.
Settlement Music School
Sure, some of the schools grads go on to Juilliard and Curtis, but for instructors like Soviet-born Dolly Krasnopolsky, it doesnt matter if youre better at practicing Chopsticks than Chopin. The 24-year Settlement vet takes (and loves) all kinds. See website for locations, 00000, smsmusic.org.
The Pennypack Park Music Festival
Where else can you see the Grateful Dead, Heart, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd and the All-Catholic Jazz Band in a Northeast Philly park — for free? Okay, so they're not the actual artists (except for the All-Catholic Jazz Band), but these evening concerts are a ton of fun. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a well-stocked picnic basket. Welsh Rd at Cresco St, Philadelphia, PA 19136, pennypack.org.