Some of the most recognizable songs and soundtracks in the history of music and film are coming to life in Philadelphia’s most iconic venues. BOK Building, Adventure Aquarium and World Cafe Live are hosting a series of Candlelight concerts paying tribute to the most beloved classical and contemporary artists that are sure to impress The Birthplace of America.
The magical combination of amazing live music and the warm glow of candlelight make these concerts an experience you’ll want to have time and time again. So take your date or your friends and enjoy these beautiful renditions of your favorite artists’ work.
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BOK Building: South Philly’s Art Deco gem
Candlelight couldn’t come to Philly and miss stopping by the Bok Building. Designed in the 1930s by architect Irwin Catharine, this building is a closed Vocational High School turned event venue, located in South Philadelphia.
The Auditorium
When you enter the building, it feels like this place is stuck in time, with its Art Deco-style architecture, original lead glass chevron lighting fixtures, intricate inlaid wood molding, ceiling designs and terrazzo floors. This is best reflected in its 11,000 sq ft auditorium that accommodates over 1000 people. Open to all artists and creators, this season it’s hosting stunning classical music performances under countless flickering candles.
Bok Bar
It started as a pop-up experiment and now it’s become a meeting spot for community members. Located on the rooftop of the Bok Building, Bok Bar is an extension of the building and its commitment to up-and-coming artists and local vendors is noticeable throughout the casual setting. With stunning views of the Philly cityscape, it’s the perfect place to recharge with your friends after a long week of hard work. This season, it’ll play host to intimate classical tributes in the open air. As you sit amid a sea of candles, you can unwind with a cocktail or beer in hand and say goodbye to your sorrows for an evening.
Adventure Aquarium: Northeast’s largest aquarium
“Full time to floatin’ under the sea!” Located just minutes from downtown Philly on the Camden Waterfront, Adventure Aquarium is opening the doors of its Currents Ballroom space to tributes to some of the world’s most well-known songs and soundtracks.
During the day you can explore one-of-a-kind exhibits and over 15,000 aquatic animals, including the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast. But in the evening, you’ll get to be surrounded by some of the world’s most amazing sea creatures while you and your loved ones enjoy a candlelit classical music performance.
Independence Seaport Museum: A maritime wonder
Located in the Penn’s Landing complex along the Delaware River, this Philly museum was founded in 1960 and today, it is the place where wildlife, science, and wonder come to meet. Visitors can see two National Historic Landmark ships, Olympia, a cruiser and warship that played a vital role during the Spanish–American War at the Battle of Manila Bay and Becuna, a World War II and Cold War-era submarine. Another popular sight is the J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library, housing a large collection on maritime history and culture along the Delaware River and in the Port of Philadelphia from the early days of America to the present.
Laurel Hill East: A historic cemetery
Founded in 1836 in the East Falls neighborhood, Laurel Hill Cemetery was a pioneer in the America’s rural cemetery movement and today, almost 190 years later, it’s an innovative and sustainable service, dedicated in ensuring constant development and prosperity. Whereas, Laurel Hill East was designed by John Notman, featuring beautiful and serene gardens and landscapes filled with different botanical species. The cemetery also features incredibly elaborate gravestones, due to which the cemetery became a tourist spot. This year, it’s also set to host a series of enchanting concerts by candlelight that you won’t want to miss out on!
Candlelight has delighted audiences worldwide and it has received countless 5-star reviews. The City Of Brotherly Love is in for a treat with these amazing performances by gifted musicians and vocalists. You can disconnect for about an hour and listen to spectacular music in some of the best venues the city has to offer.