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Get ready to throw your fists in the air, sway to the grooves, or just chill out in the corner. We've got your list of places to check out no matter what your speed.
Where to rock in the Valley
Head to these local haunts to turn up live music
January 13, 2009
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Crocodile Rock
520 Hamilton St. -
Allentown
610-434-4600
MAINSTREAM /// Crocodile Rock is all about the music. Acts range from Henry Rollins, Vanilla Ice and Fuel to local favorites such as Crystal Roxx and Fuzzy Bunny Slippers. After rocking out in its Concert Hall, get your groove on in the Dance Down Under Club or bust out your best ’80s dance moves in the ’80s Retro Room. The Karaoke room is also a fun place to show off your singing skills — or lack thereof. Head downstairs to the Croc Rock Underground for plenty of indie acts.
Sterling Hotel
343-345 Hamilton St. - Allentown610-433-3480
METAL /// The Sterling Hotel is a newly-renovated, historic landmark that “boasts the longest bar east of the Mississippi". Offering a casual, rock atmosphere, The Sterling is a great place to catch local bands. Patrons can hang at the bar, sit at a booth with a close group of friends or venture to the patio for some fresh air.
Funhouse
5 E. Fourth St. -
Bethlehem
610-868-5311
HIPSTER /// It’s hard to miss the garish, flashing lights on the sign for the Funhouse in South Side Bethlehem. It’s a hodge-podge mess of funky grunge and accurately reflects what awaits inside: local bands rocking out while hipster musicians and their groupies stand around sipping pony-necked beer bottles and nodding appreciatively. If you’re not into live music, don’t go. The bartender can barely hear you order. Chatting with friends is out of the question.
Brenda and Jerry's
7251 Airport Road - Bath484-281-3340
LOCAL /// Brenda and Jerry’s dabbles in everything musical. This place hosts live bands and solo acts. If you can’t sing, Brenda and Jerry’s welcomes all entertainers-from comedians to dancers -every Friday night. All ages are welcome.
Godfrey Daniels
7 E. Fourth St. - Bethlehem610-867-2390
FOLK /// If you’re looking to have a cheap, nonalcoholic, hot drink (or BYOB) and want to listen to a musician belt out his/her most recent creation, come here. This place has been hosting local, national and international acts for almost 30 years. The atmosphere is quiet and easygoing. Grab a mug of hot chocolate for only $1—unheard of even for nearby coffee chops or a slice of pie and nurture your inner beatnik.
Wildflower Cafe and Gallery
316 S. New St. - Bethlehem610-758-8303
WORLD/OPEN MIC /// "May All Your Weeds Be Wildflowers” reads a sign in this retro-hippie salon. Hummus, vegan chili and Rice Krispy squares are served from a bamboo-and-tile counter in a living room with Christmas lights and cotton-ball clouds dangling from the ceiling. Bring your own booze and chill or rock out to the open mike (every Mon, Tues, and Weds) or more established musicians like Esme Montgomery, the first live model used by illustrator Maurice Sendak. And don’t forget to check out the 5,000-square-foot outdoor mural-mosaic of Bethlehem’s heritage by the patio by the train tracks.
Pearly Baker's Alehouse
11 Centre Square - Easton610-253-9949
ECLECTIC /// Crawling into your favorite bar typically means succumbing to a dinner of fried mac ’n’ cheese bites. While Pearly Baker's on Easton’s Centre Square, is definitely a “favorite” kind of place to get a pint, the fare — standard American — is many notches above bar food. The restaurant fuses old-school class (white linens, an impressive, carved wood bar and what could be the biggest chandelier this side of the Delaware) with modern funk (retro art prints hanging on hot pink walls.) Depending on the night, you can sip your suds while listening to reggae, funk, or a variety of indie acts.
Sellersville Theater 1894
24 W. Temple Ave. - Sellersville215-257-5808
NATIONAL /// This intimate venue seats about 300; recent acts to take the stage include Dar Williams, The Bacon Brothers, Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters and Todd Rundgren. Sellersville opened its doors in 2001, a renamed and restored theater. The theater boasts a Victorian flair and concert-goers can pick up a microbrew at the concession stand to enjoy during the show.
Also check out Porter's Pub, the Riegelsville Inn, Riverside Bar and Grille and Grumpy's Bar B Que Roadhouse for more live music options.
