2008 Woodie Awards
R5 Entertainment: big acts on a student budget
Liz Shovlin '11
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Entertainment
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Interested in music and cheap entertainment? Wondering where in this big, busy city you could possibly see your favorite band for less than $10? R5 Productions holds the solution to all of your seemingly fruitless searches.
Named after the regional SEPTA line, R5 promises "cheap, friendly, all ages shows" in and around Philadelphia. Bands from around the world set up shop in medium-sized venues, ranging from basements and halls to churches and universities.
Founder Sean Agnew reviews demos and books shows for smaller bands, giving up-and-comers a shot at fame. He calls the production company "For the kids, by the kids": cheap and accessible for the young audience the bands draw, and run by young people.
As your wallet seems to lose weight under the pressures of your demanding social life, R5 shows are a convenient, inexpensive alternative to pricey concerts at the Wachovia Center or the Tweeter. Agnew and Co. puts together an average of about 275 shows a year, a large portion of which take place at The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (22nd and Chestnut Streets). From St. Joe's, a quick train ride to 30th Street Station and a two-minute walk will deliver you to the fun. Other popular venues are the Starlight Ballroom (Ninth Street and Hamilton Road), and Johnny Brenda's (Frankford and Girard Avenues). While some shows cost $10, most are between $5 and $8.
While you may not see Sting or U2 at an R5 event, equally talented musicians play the energetic, relaxed shows. In the upcoming months, bands such as Metric, Municipal Waste, Rilo Kiley, and Animal Collective will be playing R5 venues. In the words of the R5 team, no "over-the-edge club policies" are implemented at the show - no up-tight bouncers or $5 bottles of water here - making every show an intimate experience.
Ticketmaster is never used by R5, making ticket purchasing more affordable and direct for audience members; R5 says they would never consider ticketing agencies because they're too "punk rock" for that sort of thing.
Named after the regional SEPTA line, R5 promises "cheap, friendly, all ages shows" in and around Philadelphia. Bands from around the world set up shop in medium-sized venues, ranging from basements and halls to churches and universities.
Founder Sean Agnew reviews demos and books shows for smaller bands, giving up-and-comers a shot at fame. He calls the production company "For the kids, by the kids": cheap and accessible for the young audience the bands draw, and run by young people.
As your wallet seems to lose weight under the pressures of your demanding social life, R5 shows are a convenient, inexpensive alternative to pricey concerts at the Wachovia Center or the Tweeter. Agnew and Co. puts together an average of about 275 shows a year, a large portion of which take place at The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (22nd and Chestnut Streets). From St. Joe's, a quick train ride to 30th Street Station and a two-minute walk will deliver you to the fun. Other popular venues are the Starlight Ballroom (Ninth Street and Hamilton Road), and Johnny Brenda's (Frankford and Girard Avenues). While some shows cost $10, most are between $5 and $8.
While you may not see Sting or U2 at an R5 event, equally talented musicians play the energetic, relaxed shows. In the upcoming months, bands such as Metric, Municipal Waste, Rilo Kiley, and Animal Collective will be playing R5 venues. In the words of the R5 team, no "over-the-edge club policies" are implemented at the show - no up-tight bouncers or $5 bottles of water here - making every show an intimate experience.
Ticketmaster is never used by R5, making ticket purchasing more affordable and direct for audience members; R5 says they would never consider ticketing agencies because they're too "punk rock" for that sort of thing.
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