Jamming with the Community
World Café Live
WXPN public radio doesn't just reach out to the Philadelphia community. They've created a vibrant hub to attract community members into the station. Since 2004, WXPN and World Café Live (named for the station's most popular program, World Café) have shared a historic building housing performance spaces, public restaurants, broadcasting studios and WXPN offices. The pairing literally brings together WXPN public broadcasting and the community it serves, drawing musicians, fans and listeners of all ages to its daily activities.
Some of the most popular concerts at World Café Live are the Peanut Butter & Jams, interactive performances that appeal to kids and parents alike. The concerts are structured to meet the needs of kids with time for them to eat and play on the stage before stellar performances that grown-ups enjoy as much as the children. Peanut Butter & Jams are multi-generational events that have become a tradition for many Philadelphia families.
"We had a blast," said Diana Empolitti, a parent who attended a concert with her two sons and her mother. "I can only hope that Peanut Butter & Jams are still featured at the World Café when my boys are parents so that I can share the experience with my grandchildren as well."
WXPN and World Café Live received the Business/Arts Partnership Award from the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia for its innovative approach in supporting music and the Philadelphia community. Since its grand opening in 2004, thousands of people have visited the place, giving new life to a once-deserted urban corridor and creating 100 new jobs.
This story is part of the National Center for Media Engagement Stories of Impact archives. To read more of how public broadcasting is impacting local communities around the nation go to www.mediaengage.org.
