Up Next! is a free monthly open jam session providing a platform for Philly’s creative youth to learn, perform, collaborate, and grow. Every second Saturday, The Lounge at World Cafe Live offers an all-ages, alcohol-free environment, showcasing our city’s up-and-coming talent while building community across the local music scene.

A rotating youth ensemble will serve as the house band, kicking off the afternoon with a featured set including hand-selected guest artists before opening up the jam.

Produced in collaboration between World Cafe Live and The School District of Philadelphia’s MIC’d Up initiative, Up Next! aims to engage students in music industry careers both on and off the stage. Students will work alongside the WCL team to curate, promote, facilitate, and document each session, with opportunities in booking, marketing, videography, photography, artist relations, hosting, audio engineering, backline management, and other elements of live event production. A team of professional musicians and educators will also be on-site to facilitate performances. This program is supported by Save The Music Foundation.