Philly Rising at World Cafe Live

World Cafe Live’s weekly Open Stage and progressive Talent Competition, hosted by Boy Wonder (a.k.a. Andre Coles) and Forge Recording’s Berto Munoz.

Monthly Prize Package includes:

– Recording session with producer Ron DiSilvestro at Forge Recording studios
– Editorial feature in That Mag

Annual Prize Package includes:

– Forge Recording package: 4-5 song EP (dependent on instrumentation)
– 50 copies of the EP for distribution
– 250 full-color artist posters
– One hour business-plan consultation with Marcy Wagman, CEO of Mad Dragon Records
– multi-camera live music video shoot by GGM Productions

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. 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.