Philly Rising Open Stage

World Cafe Live's weekly Open Stage and progressive Talent Competition, hosted by Boy Wonder (a.k.a. Andre Coles)

Monthly Prize Package includes
-Record 1 song or up to 3 hours, whichever comes first provided by Cambridge Sound Studios

Annual Prize Package includes:
-Record a 4-5 song EP (Hours to be discussed with winner, depending on instrumentation)

Artists check in at 6:30pm to sign up for a 2-song performance slot. 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 The Best of Philly Rising, when each artist will have a chance to perform a full set. At each of these 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 showcase on the main stage in Downstairs Live, and one winning act will receive the Annual Prize Package.

On occasion, we are forced to postpone the signup time or cancel this event due to private events or public concerts.