The Royal Music & Arts Center in Glenside is hosting a fifth anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 26.
Co-founder and executive director Bridgett Gordon told Glenside Local that a show of gratitude for the venue’s volunteers, board members, and staff over the years is in order.
“We are incredibly proud of the community that has grown out of our tiny listening room. We are grateful for every artist who has graced our stage, every patron who has purchased a ticket and everyone who has joined us for our free weekly open mic,” Gordon said. “Our fifth year has been a year of tremendous growth. We received our first grant, joined the National Independent Venue Association, formed a partnership with the Philadelphia Folksong Society and became an official Musical Artist Cooperative venue. As we look toward the next five years, we will continue listening, evolving and growing in whatever ways best serve our artists and our community.”
The $32,000 Music in Action grant, provided by the Live Music Society, will help create more opportunities for artists, inspires audiences, and strengthen the community, Gordon said. The project-based grant will specifically support “Music for All at The Royal”, a new initiative created to make live music more accessible while deepening the connection between artists and audiences.
The initiative will bring about Royal Live Sessions, a series of 10 concerts featuring professional artists in The Royal’s listening room. Select performances will include ASL interpretation, and participating artists will have opportunities to lead workshops and other community-focused programs. The funding will also support equipment improvements that will strengthen both the artist and audience experience.
“At a time when concert experiences—and everyday life in general—are becoming increasingly expensive, we are working hard to keep ticket prices affordable for our audiences while also compensating our artists fairly,” Gordon said. “Those two priorities should not have to compete with one another. This grant helps us bridge that gap and create meaningful, high-quality live music experiences that remain accessible to the community.”
“For a small, independent nonprofit venue like ours, this grant is truly transformative. It is not simply funding for shows—it is an investment in the artists we present, the audiences we serve and our ongoing effort to ensure that live music remains something everyone can experience,” she said.
Last but not least, the celebration will include over $5,000 in raffle prizes. More details here.
For tickets to the anniversary celebration, you can click here.
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