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The TLA, or the Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South St., has been a staple of South Street for almost four decades. What used to be a regular home for The Rocky Horror Picture show and visiting theater acts has seen a wide variety of bands perform and touch down over the years, including: Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Arcade Fire, Bob Dylan, Kings of Leon, Katy Perry, Paul Simon, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the Black Keys, Coldplay and even Tom Jones and the Rolling Stones. To name a few. It’s no huge surprise that TLA earned the Reader’s Choice for best music venue. Practice makes perfect.
With a capacity of about 1,000, over the last dozen months the venue’s sold out for talent like Alt-J, Gogol Bordello, Thomas Rhett, and that magical collaboration between D’Angelo and Questlove. It’s easily one of the best spots to catch a concert, comedian or dance until you’re sweaty, but part of the appeal may be the after-show bevy of food and drink options.
“There is an incredible history of the TLA on South Street. I have to say we’re most proud of this honor and the incredible night we’ve enjoyed over the years,” said VP of Marking for LiveNation, James Sutcliffe. He’s been working with the TLA since ’89 and his wife tries to watch his post-show diet for him: “My wife has a rule when I leave home for a show – ‘No Jim’s cheesesteaks or Lorenzo slices with the bands, even if they ask you to take them there!’”
The TLA offers a great in-between capacity, as evidenced by our second and third place winners: the Wells Fargo Center and Boot & Saddle respectively. WFC, the arena that anchors us to the south, can host pop superstars from across the globe, and B&S is the new kid on the block that’s friendly to new and up-and-coming bands that need a place to gig.
Contact Staff Writer Bill Chenevert at bchenevert@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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