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.
Jamey's House of Music
Blues music is underrepresented in the Philly scene, but this Delco institution maintains a robust schedule of shows (beyond the blues, too). Our favorite? The Sunday blues brunch and jam, where you’re welcome to join the fab band on stage, as many do. The intimate 60-seat venue is run by West Philly resident and bassist Jamey Reilly. His wife, Suyun, holds down the kitchen — you’ve gotta try her fried rice. 32 Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050, jameyshouseofmusic.com.
Music Theatre Philly
Now expanded into a three-story studio space at 13th and Locust, MTP has scaled up everything: more classrooms, more age groups, and a wider mix of training tracks. (There are even classes and productions for parents reliving their on-stage dreams.) The programming has grown into an entire creative ecosystem — structured 14-week skills sessions, full-scale productions, private lessons, summer camps — with the same mix of expert training and inclusive joy that’s made them a second home for theater kids throughout Philly. 1301 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, musictheatrephilly.com.
The Museum of Music Technology
This massive warehouse in Montco houses groundbreaking musical instruments from the 1960s to the 1990s, such as the Minimoog and the ARP-2500 — and not just those instruments but some that come from the personal collections of Queen, Stevie Wonder, and the Who. Access is available by guided tour only and by appointment. 45 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438, themmt.org.
True Hand
Photograph by Jeff Fusco You might have seen their clean, timeless work in murals, signage, and branding for Philly businesses like Franklin Music Hall, Machine Shop, and Flying Sowth Coffee — or on your friends. (Need a script tattoo? True Hand should be your first stop). They even collaborated with Lansdale rock band the Wonder Years at a tattoo flash event last fall. All their work comes together at True Hand’s Fishtown studio, run out of a 150-year-old, sublimely renovated church. 2345 East Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, truehand.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.