Alice Yorke
As co-director of groundbreaking theater company Lightning Rod Special, this 33-year-old South Philly actress conceived 2019’s highly controversial abortion musical (yes, an abortion musical) The Appointment, which picky New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley called a “profoundly imaginative … remarkable phantasmagoria.” Lightningrodspecial.com.
Andrea Levine Artists
Sometimes Levine — who’s taken the stage with everyone from the Roots to Andrea Bocelli — goes solo, setting the scene at your cocktail hour with her electric violin and classical renditions of pop favorites. (Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is always a hit.) Other times, a duo, trio, or quartet will perform during your ceremony. (“Rainbow Connection,” from The Muppet Movie, is an underrated aisle song, says Levine: “It carries such a lovely message about hope and wonder.”) Their repertoire spans 1,000-plus songs, so you can pick and choose what music best fits your love story — they’ll also learn something new should your favorite tune not be on their list. andrealevineartists.com.
Ardmore
Suddenly we turn around, and instead of empty storefronts, there’s a cool cocktail-and-whiskey bar in Ripplewood, a first-date destination at the Bercy, a restaurant with live belly-dancing at Marokko, the still-fun Ardmore Music Hall, and a new acoustic-oriented music venue in the Living Room at 35 East, all of which we’re happily shoving in the faces of our most snooty urbanite friends.
Brooklyn Bowl
Because why wouldn’t we want our bowling with a side of live music — not to mention fried chicken and boozy milkshakes? This month, look for the Adult Swim Festival Block Party with RJD2 and Hop Along, but keep your eyes open for weekend matinees for the whole family with the Rock and Roll Playhouse, which specializes in kids’ shows featuring music you’ll enjoy as well, like Bob Marley and David Bowie. 1009 Canal Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, brooklynbowl.com/philadelphia.
Krysset
Now more than ever, the old saying is true: When you support a small business, you support a dream. At Bucks County’s new Krysset, shoppers support the dreams of many. The female-owned lifestyle store from Jessica Gebauer is filled with feel-good wares sourced from indie makers and sustainable businesses across North America. Head here for hostess and housewarming gifts that double as instant conversation starters. 6 South Main Street, Yardley, PA 19067, krysset.shop.
Joan Shepp
Boutique founder and Philly fashion visionary Joan Shepp, along with her business partner and daughter, Ellen Shepp, decided a new address (they moved from Chestnut Street to Rittenhouse Square last September) called for a subtle shift to a more intimate, personalized retail experience focused on brand exclusives and emerging designers. “Our goal is to never have things that are available up and down the street or easily bought online,” says Ellen. “Everything should feel special.” French label Lemaire (a regional exclusive), celeb favorite Lizzie Fortunato, and Indian clothing brand Kartik Research are among the latest additions to a lineup that has long been considered the barometer of style in Philly. And don’t worry — Shepp staples like Rick Owens are still in the mix. 1905 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, joanshepp.com.
Vinyl Chickie
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Glenside’s Lisa Schaffer has always been a music fan: She’s professionally photographed pop stars such as Taylor Swift and worked at a Chestnut Hill record store for six years. Now she’s opened this adorable record paradise with a tightly curated collection of new and near-perfect-condition used vinyl that includes a local section, plus turntables and all sorts of fun music gifts, like Grateful Dead tarot cards and song lyric stickers. 2256 Mount Carmel Avenue, Unit 2, Glenside, PA 19038, vinylchickie.com.
Austrian Village
With its wizened waitresses and circa-1955 decor and heaping helpings of satisfying and delicious schnitzel, spaetzle, knockwurst, and tangy, tart, famous potato salad, the only thing missing at this 37-year-old biergrten are the von Trapp kids singing as you eat. Though the AV does come alive with the sound of music: an oom-pah-pah band plays Saturdays, sending spry polka dancers revolving on the tiny dance floor like dolls on a music box. And the prices dinners around $12, draft beers for $2.50 will have you loath to say Auf wiedersehen. 321 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046, austrianvillage.com.
Frederick W. Oster Fine Violins
Photograph by Getty Images For 45 years, Oster has sold 17th-century instruments so expensive that he won’t even list some prices. If his luthiers are good enough to handle those masterpieces, you bet they’re good enough for your grandmother’s old fiddle. 507 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Osterviolins.com.
Cunningham Piano Company
This 128-year-old company designs pianos from scratch and restores priceless Bosendorfers and Steinways for people all over the world. Additional location in Germantown, by appointment only. 198 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, cunninghampiano.com.
Atelier Jacobi
From his unassuming workshop in the BOK Building, seasoned technician Mark Jacobi makes repairs — and custom parts — for principals from the biggest-deal symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Dallas, and right here in Philly. 1901 South 9th Street, Suite 512, Philadelphia, PA 19148, NA.
A Minor Tune Up
Twenty years ago, Chris Cromer was a music education major at the University of Delaware with dreams of opening his own brass repair shop. These days, he performs tune-ups for horn players who tour with the likes of Justin Timberlake. 1704 North Scott Street, Wilmington, DE 19806, aminortuneup.com.
Marilyn Schwartz of Kids’ MusicRound
A warning: The first time you walk into one of Miss Marilyn’s music classes, you’re going to be overwhelmed. Babies are squealing and toddlers are dancing (the age-bracket sweet spot is newborn to about five years), and Miss Marilyn is bouncing around wildly and playing guitar, and you’ll come out wanting either a coffee or a cocktail. But loosen up and lean into it, and you’ll see what everyone else in Bucks County already knows: Miss Marilyn is the most fun person your kids will ever meet, and the single best way to get them to love music. (You might walk away with some cool new mom friends, too.) Follow her Facebook page for info on virtual class offerings. missmarilynkmr.com.
Orchestra After 5
Show up at the Kimmel Center at 5 p.m. for drinks and surprises like acrobat performances and scavenger hunts. At 6:30 p.m., proceed directly into Marian Anderson Hall for an hour-long concert of masterworks. Stick around for casual conversations with Philadelphia Orchestra players. It’s perfect for those with short attention spans. These special events happen a few Thursdays during the season, so check the website for the ’24-’25 schedule. 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, ensembleartsphilly.org.
David Michie Violins
Photograph by Jeff Fusco For more than 30 years, Michie has operated his Locust Street storefront to help musicians on their stringed journey — from sizing and selecting their instruments and bows in a Harry Potter-esque setting to providing expert repairs quickly and with care. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a classically trained violinist himself. 1714 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, davidmichieviolins.com.