World Cafe Live in Philadelphia is set to be a hub of cultural vibrancy and musical diversity in early 2025. From the soulful riffs of Jazz Jam with Orrin Evans to the high-energy Philly Gumbo Mardi Gras Party with Badd Kitti, this renowned venue presents an eclectic mix of events. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, rock aficionado, or storytelling lover, there's something to pique your interest. Join us as we explore the captivating lineup that promises to transform Philadelphia's music scene into a lively tapestry of sound and rhythm.

Experience the Vibrant Pulse of World Cafe Live: A Dive into Diverse Musical Events

World Cafe Live in Philadelphia is set to host a vibrant array of events in 2025, showcasing talents ranging from jazz to storytelling. Highlights include Orrin Evans' Jazz Jam sessions, the soulful tours of Madeleine Peyroux, and the engaging Moth StorySLAM, among many others. Each event promises to bring its unique flavor to the venue, offering audiences a chance to experience live performances from both renowned and emerging artists. Whether you're a music lover or a storytelling enthusiast, World Cafe Live has something for everyone this year.

A Year of Diverse Sounds and Stories at World Cafe Live

World Cafe Live is bustling with a vibrant tapestry of events throughout 2025, ranging from jazz jams led by Orrin Evans to storytelling competitions like The Moth StorySLAM. This Philadelphia venue offers an eclectic mix of musical and cultural happenings that cater to diverse artistic tastes and audiences. Whether you're a jazz aficionado, a storytelling enthusiast, or a casual music lover, World Cafe Live promises engaging experiences that highlight the talents of artists and offer a platform for cultural expression.

A Year of Eclectic Enrichment at World Cafe Live: Spotlight on Diverse Events

Get ready for an exciting year at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia! From the soulful rhythms of jazz jams with Orrin Evans to the captivating storytelling of The Moth, World Cafe Live has curated an eclectic lineup for 2025. Whether you're a music aficionado or a storytelling enthusiast, there is something for everyone. Join us for a series of events that promise to showcase the finest in music, storytelling, and community engagement. Don't miss out on this vibrant cultural journey!

A Year of Vibrant Sounds: World Cafe Live's 2025 Event Lineup

Cosmo Sheldrake – North America Tour

World Cafe Live

First Person Arts StorySlam: Grand Slam

Loving

Pub Choir

The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…

The Moth “Hospitality”

Mei Semones

West 22nd

Carsie Blanton

Lauren Calve + Rachel Ana Dobken

Andrew Duhon

The Moth Storyslam “Only in Philadelphia”

Califone

Madeleine Peyroux: ‘Let’s Walk Tour’ – 2025

The Ledbetters – Pearl Jam Tribute

The Steel Wheels

Olive Klug

Red Baraat

Fancy Hagood – The American Spirit Tour

Martha Wainwright – 20th Anniversary Tour

Sam MacPherson

Ben Vaughn Quintet

Matt Hansen

Bria Salmena

ALO – Frames Tour

Rhett Miller & Josh Rouse

Laila!

Steven Page (Formerly of Barenaked Ladies)

Lez Zeppelin, the all-female band that channels the iconic energy, alchemy and power of Led Zeppelin, will perform the legendary concert: Earl’s Court 1975, in its entirety at the Gramercy Theatre on April 26, 2025. Hailed by critics as one of Led Zeppelin’s most legendary performances, Earl’s Court is a stunning example of one of the world’s greatest bands at the height of its powers. With a blockbuster setlist that includes everything from “Stairway to Heaven” to “Kashmir,” Lez Zeppelin recreates the magic, delivering the same fiery guitar riffs, powerful vocals and soaring solos. But, what separates Lez Zeppelin from the rest, is the way they somehow manage to capture the elusive and electric spirit of the original, offering fans a rare chance to relive the grandeur of Earl’s Court in a spectacular, all-female tour de force.

LED ZEPPELIN tribute Lez Zeppelin: Earl’s Court ’75: The Greatest Led Zeppelin Show Performed in its Entirety

Jed Harrelson

Christian Sparacio & The Yellowbrooks // Vilebred // Tucked In

Sunbeam Sound Machine

Ana Tijoux – The Vida Tour

WXPN Welcomes Valerie June

Tank & the Bangas

Mabe Fratti

Shayfer James – Summoning Tour 2025

Eilen Jewell

Gruff Rhys (Solo)

Minas – 40th Anniversary Show

Tony Trischka’s EarlJam – A Tribute to Earl Scruggs

John Grant – The Art of the Lie

Emo Night Taylor’s Version, or “Swemo Night,” exploded onto the scene with a sold-out debut at Nashville’s Vinyl Lounge, drawing over 350 fans eager for a new twist on Taylor Swift’s biggest hits. This adrenaline-fueled, full-band experience lead by Lyssa Coulter, Walk on Mars and Julia Larkin fuses the heart of Nashville’s rock and pop-punk scene with Swift’s iconic songs, delivering an unforgettable, high-energy show that has already sparked major buzz. With their growing fanbase and electrifying performances, Swemo Night is quickly becoming a must-see event for venues seeking to tap into this rising phenomenon. If you are a pop-punk band who loves T-Swift be sure to check out Swemo on social media for your chance to join this experience on stage by opening the show in your city!

Swemo: Emo Night Taylor’s Version

Emmanuel Ohemeng III and Perpetual Motion

The Slackers

Salt Cathedral

Chris Knight

Pony Bradshaw

The Moth Storyslam “Bloom”

Beyond the Bars Music – Student Showcase

Donna the Buffalo

Richard Barone of the Bongos and Glenn Mercer of the Feelies join forces for a rare duo performance of a curated set of music from the post-Velvet Underground universe of the mid-1970s — a particularly fertile period of rock experimentation. Barone and Mercer will explore songs from historic albums by David Bowie, Brian Eno, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, T.Rex and others, along with songs from their own Bongos and Feelies catalogues. They will be joined by Feelies percussionist Dave Weckerman, bassist Bob Torsello (Slambovian Circus of Dreams), and special guests.

Richard Barone & Glenn Mercer: Hazy Cosmic Jive

The ultimate mashup of pop princess energy and emo heartache vibes. Whether you’re living for the catchy hooks or deep in your feels, this party is your safe space to scream, sing, and dance it out. Expect to hear bangers from pop icons and anthems from the emo scene spun by DJ 21Sparksfly & DJ Sabrina!

Riot Nerd Presents: Sweet Revenge – Emo Pop Girlies Dance Party

Kenzie Cait – The Over Nostalgic Tour

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Philly’s own Carla Gamble has curated a local lineup of ladies in our city’s vibrant R&B and soul scene. Enjoy performances from musicians Jada Lee, Natalie Imani, Tata Sherise, poetic soul queen Evita Colon, Queen of the Pen (Valerie McNear), Naima the Poet, DJ Queen Yaszy, and a special performance by Carol Riddick.

Voices of Philly Soul – Ladies Edition

La Banda Chuska

The Army, The Navy – Gentle Hellraiser Tour

The Naghash Ensemble

Adventure Lost // Aly Castle // Kennedy Shaw

WXPN Welcomes Basia Bulat

Dave Kiss Presents: An Evening with Ye Vagabonds

The Soul Rebels

Samoht

Janiva Magness

EMEL

Hazlett

“Sings Like Hell” with Peter Case & Sid Griffin

Willis

Purim is a favorite Jewish holiday for anti-fascists, queer folks, young people, feminists, and people who love to party. The holiday calls for noise making, rule-breaking, binary-blurring and an end to business as usual. Come party with West Philly Orchestra and the Mariposas Galácticas, as they call in the holiday with the raucous and joyful sounds of Klezmer and Cumbia, two vital folk music traditions with deep legacies of resistance.

Purim Party with West Philadelphia Orchestra & Mariposas Galácticas

WXPN Welcomes Jobi Riccio

An Evening With Glenn Bryan & Friends

Aron Magner and Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig of the Disco Biscuits

Viernes Calientes – Juntas Chicas

John Byrne Band

Solas

Dead Gowns

Holdyn Barder: The 215 Tapes

The Moth Storyslam “Beef”

Kids Rock Philly is no recital — be prepared for a rock ‘n roll festival that will leave you inspired! It’s an unconventional collaboration between School of Rock and World Cafe Live, benefiting WCL’s music education programs.

Kids Rock Philly

BlocoFunk Brazilian Carnaval 2025

Savoy Truffle Presents: George Harrison Birthday Tribute Show

Lime Cordiale

Philly Gumbo Mardis Gras Party with Special Guests Badd Kitti

Rift – Tribute to Phish

This is your chance to experience the raw creativity and passion that only Philly musicians can bring. Come out to The Lounge at World Cafe Live and support your local music scene! Whether you’re a long-time WXPN supporter or a newcomer, you’re in for an unforgettable night of originality, and community!

WXPN Homegrown Live!

Fr33soul and Lavva

Rubix Kube – The Galaxy’s Most Excellent 80’s Tribute Band

Charli Adams

Listen, we get it. This whole anime music in clubs thing? Doesn’t exactly come with a guidebook. Anime Night is what we like to define as the median between concert and convention. Think all the fun stuff you love at conventions like cosplaying, vendors, etc… but at a rock show.

Anime Night

Jesse Welles

An Evening With Antje Duvekot and Maia Sharp

Hot 8 Brass Band: Big Tuba Tour 2025

Tommy Castro & the Painkillers

Featured Poet: My name is Tru Kwene, and Iʼm from Boston, MA. Iʼve traveled all over the country doing spoken word poetry and poetry slams. I am a slam champion in Boston, and national finalist in the National Poetry Slam and the Woman of the World Poetry Slam. Poetry and my youth advocacy work mean so much to me and Iʼm grateful to be able to serve my community and share in great art from so many wonderful artists all across the country and all over the world.

Voices in Power

Native Harrow

Eban Brown (Formerly of The Stylistics) Valentine’s Show

Black Buttafly and her Electric Band

Boat House Row – Sailing into Love: A Yacht Rock Valentineʼs Affair

MadKo Concerts Showcase Feat. Precious Little Life // Fair Game // Red Panda Retreat

An Evening With Lizz Wright

Jazz Jam World Cafe Liveʼs long-running Jazz Jam is for musicians and listeners alike. Orrin Evans and his house band will start the evening with a few tunes before they invite a rotating lineup of players to the stage. Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome to sign up and sit in throughout the evening.

Jazz Jam with Orrin Evans

An Evening With John Gorka

World Cafe Live

Feb 12 - Dec 10, 2025

Jazz Jam with Orrin Evans

Dec 10, 2025

An Evening With John Gorka

Jul 11, 2025

Cosmo Sheldrake – North America Tour

Jun 28, 2025

First Person Arts StorySlam: Grand Slam

Articles & News

World Cafe Live