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Sound of Philadelphia Experience Announced

07/13/2010
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Philadelphia International Records plan to have a worldwide 40th anniversary celebration next year, but they are starting the party early with the Grand Opening this weekend of The TSOP Experience, an intimate new nightspot for showcasing and celebrating the legendary "Sound of Philadelphia" � past, present and future � in a live setting along the Avenue of the Arts.

The Sound of Philadelphia Souvenir Shop, located in the historic Philadelphia International Records building and visited regularly by "people all over the world," is being officially renamed The Tsop Experience, as it transforms every Thursday night into TSOP Thursday, a 55-seat adult-style nightclub for residents and tourists to embrace live performances by Philadelphia's rising and established stars while being surrounded and inspired by memorabilia and autographed wall murals celebrating the musical legacy of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff. Indeed, The TSOP Experience is the new place to be to enjoy the sounds of legendary Philadelphia International Records artists and purchase TSOP memorabilia .Featuring live performances every Thursday night by up-and-coming artists and Philadelphia favorites, The TSOP Experience offers an experience like no other.

The Grand Opening, set for Friday, July 16, will star high-powered Philly vocalist and former PIR recording artist "Amazin'" Grace Little and her band, rising Latin soul singer Tiago, and a special guest to be announced, and feature the first weekly Open Mic Session. Each week's lineup will aim to bridge the generations while discovering new talent through Open Mic sessions that kick off every show.

Already, through street buzz alone, the Philadelphia International offices have been inundated with Open Mic requests. To apply for an Open Mic appearance, email [email protected] or call (215) 735-2660.

"We're excited because we're now able to promote music and live arts and entertainment from the Philadelphia area, right in our home town and within the confines of the historic Philadelphia International Records building, while attracting people to the legendary music of Gamble & Huff and the Sound of Philadelphia," says Chuck Gamble, executive vice president of Philadelphia International Records. "Despite the tragic fire that recently destroyed our offices and recording studio, we just love that we've found a way to create an intimate venue that allows people to perform in the same building where legendary artists such as Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass and dozens more recorded a tremendous array of hits that continue to permeate the global landscape and influence artists of all generations. This is a temendous opportunity to give back to our fans and keep the music alive."

THE TSOP EXPERIENCE is sure to be a multi-cultural experience as well, as performers from different backgrounds � particularly Latin, Asian, Reggae, pop, R&B and jazz � will be showcased regularly. There also will be plenty of surprises to look forward to. Indeed, THE TSOP EXPERIENCE is the kind of place where anyone might drop in. You just never know who you might be privileged to see � or discover.

THE TSOP EXPERIENCE also will be a multimedia live experience. Every week's performance sessions will be videotaped and streamed over the web at www.gamble-huffmusic.com.

By day, THE TSOP EXPERIENCE really shows off its multifaceted offerings as an interactive multimedia experience. During regular hours (Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.), the shop will be welcoming visitors internet caf� style, with a setup that encourages people to stay and utilize the free-WiFi while enjoying the music and memorabilia that permeates its cozy confines.

And there are so many ways to enjoy it.

Patrons can come inside to watch music videos of classic concerts and historical moments and documentaries from not only the Sound of Philadelphia, but Stax and Motown, too! That's also a time when visitors can be privy to guest appearance rehearsal sessions and up-close-and-personal interviews of legendary artists being conducted on stage for future television and documentary release. You won't want to miss those moments, or be a part of history watching the various TV, film and music celebrities who continually stop in to sign the Gamble & Huff Wall of Fame, an autograph-filled "Sound of Philadelphia" mural that combines with the historic Rhythm & Blues Foundation Wall of Fame to stretch the entire length of the room!


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