About Us
The Blockley is a music club and bar in University City, Philadelphia. Located on 38th Street between Chestnut and Market Sts., the venue opened in late 2009, and has established itself as a premiere landing spot for many renowned, nationally touring musical acts. Just blocks from the Universities of Penn and Drexel, eight blocks from 30th Street Station, and 2 blocks from the L subway line, the Blockley is West Philadelphia’s home for live music, and an easy destination for all music lovers in Philly.
The room itself holds more history than any Philadelphia venue since the Spectrum went down; from 1978-1995, the legendary Chestnut Cabaret sat within the same walls, and hosted a ridiculous array of artists from The Ramones, to Nirvana, to BB King, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish, The Hooters, The Pretenders, Pete Townshend, and so many more. We are proud to take on the challenge of bringing the former glory of the club back to life.
Features include a state-of-the-art sound system, a wide-not-long dance space perfect for an excited dance party, 12 craft beers on draught, an extremely low & intimate stage, flat screen TVs for show projections and important playoff games, and prices far below our competitor music venues in Philadelphia.
The Blockley is a primarily standing room venue, with a large dance floor, 40-seat bar, and slightly elevated landings with large, oak communal tables. Sight lines are excellent for a show from any point in the bar. There is live music most nights of the week, an adjoining sister restaurant (Jolly’s Dueling Pianos & American Beer Bar), and easy street parking all around the club.
Booking
The best way to reach our booking manager is by e-mail- booking@theblockley.com. Please be patient and allow some time before a followup e-mail, as we are inundated with requests, and the process cannot always be quick.
EPK’s sent to mass venues WILL be deleted. We want to hear why you want to play The Blockley, and what you have to bring to the table. Personalized definitely helps. Include a realistic assessment of your draw in Philly, your history in the market, a description of your sound with links to music, and contact info.
The Blockley is a 700 capacity room, and as such, plays host to a large variety of nationally touring acts and burgeoning local bands. While we’re always open to new ideas, it is generally impossible to book your band unless you have a substantial draw established in Philly- it’s just too big a space to try and fill. For locals just starting out, and out-of-towners with talent looking to get their foot in the door in the Philly market, we may be able to accommodate you at Jolly’s, our smaller room next door which holds up to 150 people.
Parties
The Blockley- with 700 capacity- and the adjoining Jolly’s room, with 150 capacity- offer tremendous opportunities for parties of all kinds and sizes. There are abundant catering options, whether it’s a Happy Hour party, a 400-person department gathering, or an Engagement Party. The layout of the two rooms (see Gallery) offers an incredibly dynamic array of options for large and small, intimate and public, musical or non-musical parties alike.
Dependent upon our music schedule, both rooms are available for private use – rates and more information can be inquired at info@theblockley.com
Directions, Parking & Hotels
The Blockley is at the corner of 38th & Ludlow Sts., 2 blocks from the L subway line, and 8 blocks from Route 76 and 30th St. Station. The main entrance is on 38th.
Enter 3801 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 for GPS directions, but be wary of address deceit- the entire block shares its Chestnut address.
Parking
We do not have our own parking lot. However, located in the vicinity of numerous schools and hospitals, The Blockley is within one of the easiest street parking locales anywhere in Philadelphia. The area is safe for parking, and meters are done at 8. There are several public lots within 4-5 blocks of the venue if need be.
Hotel Accommodations
The Blockley is located just two blocks from the Sheraton at University City and four blocks from Homeward Suites by Hilton – the only quality hotels on the west side of the Schuylkill. The Sheraton is located on Chestnut St., at the corner of 36th. Homewood Suites by Hilton is located on the corner of 41st and Walnut Streets.
For questions regarding rate discounts for artists and specific shows, please e-mail info@theblockley.com
Venue History
The Blockley sits on land, and in a building, with long and rich history. The name is borrowed from the Blockley Almshouse, a poorhouse/insane asylum that stood on the site of The Blockley beginning in 1835. The entirety of West Philadelphia began as Blockley Township, and the area housed a variety of the city’s indigent population.
The Blockley opened its doors in late 2009, and has quickly built a loyal following of live music fans and acts, gaining a reputation as the best intimate club in Philly. Since summer of 2010, the club has been privileged to host an incredible collection of talented musical acts, among them: Toots & the Maytals, Beth Hart, Big Gigantic, Black Thought & ?uestlove (of The Roots), Stephen Marley, Mickey Hart (drummmer, The Grateful Dead), Kermit Ruffins, Musiq Soulchild, Tim Reynolds (Dave Matthews Band collaborator), all 4 members of The Disco Biscuits, Otis Day & the Knights, EOTO, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers, Barrington Levy, and many more.
The building that houses The Blockley was home to The Chestnut Cabaret from 1978-1995. The Cabaret was in the same sentence with the Spectrum as iconic music venues in Philadelphia during the 80’s and early 90’s. The longtime staple played host to The Ramones, Nirvana, BB King, Parliament-Funkadelic, The Hooters, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Keith Richards, Iggy Pop, and countless other legends.
Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply:
Liability
You assume any and all risks occurring before, during or after event, including injury by any cause. You release management, facility, landlord, participants, band members and their respective affiliates and representatives from any related claims.
Refunds
Tickets not redeemable for cash. If event is canceled or rescheduled, no refund is required if you are given the right, within 12 months of date event, to attend a rescheduled performance of same event or to exchange ticket for a ticket comparable in price and location, to a similar event as designated by management, except as provided by law. Complimentary tickets not exchangeable.
Resale of Tickets
Resale of ticket at a price above face value of ticket, without formal written authorization by the Blockley, is forbidden. Resale of ticket (or attempted resale) at a price above face value of ticket is grounds for seizure and cancellation without compensation. A ticket shall not be used for advertising, promotions, contests or sweepstakes, unless formal written authorization is given by the Blockley. Tickets obtained from unauthorized sources may be invalid, lost, stolen, or counterfeit and will be deemed void.
License; Ejection and Cancellations; No Redemption Value
A ticket is a revocable license. Breach of terms or conditions will terminate your license to attend the event without refund. The Blockley reserves the right, without refund of any amount paid, to revoke this license or refuse admission to, or eject, any person whose conduct management deems disorderly, or who uses vulgar or abusive language or who fails to comply with any of the Terms and Conditions set forth by the Blockley.
Prohibited
Drugs and contraband are strictly prohibited. You consent to search on entry and waive related claims. Photography, video or other recording or transmission of any images of event may not be permitted for certain shows. Please inquire before assuming permission of photography or video recording.
Consents
You consent to the Blockley’s use of your image, likeness, actions and statements in connection with any live or recorded audio or photograph or other transmission or publication of event.