NEPA Scene Staff

After extensive renovations, Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia reopens with bands like The Menzingers and LCD Soundsystem

After extensive renovations, Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia reopens with bands like The Menzingers and LCD Soundsystem
Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

From a press release:

The Bowery Presents, an East Coast concert promotion and venue management company with venues in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and beyond, will reintroduce Franklin Music Hall to fans in Philadelphia following extensive renovations, kicking off with a four-night residency with LCD Soundsystem this week and continuing with shows from Car Seat Headrest, Mitski, The Band Camino, The Story So Far, Pup, and more, including Scranton natives The Menzingers.

The Bowery Presents acquired the Northern Liberties venue in 2018, which was “left in disarray by its former owners,” according to the new promoters, “requiring both physical and technical updates to be a viable venue in the Philadelphia music scene.” Following months of enhancements, met with delays due to the pandemic, the former Electric Factory returns with audial and physical enhancements that fans will notice, plus several improvements behind the scenes. It was renamed Franklin Music Hall by fans through a contest held four years ago.

As with all Bowery venues, “quality of sound is of the highest importance for both the fans and artists,” they emphasized. The Bowery Presents has retained L-Acoustics, widely recognized throughout the industry as pioneers in their field, to create an optimal sound experience at Franklin Music Hall (421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia). Venue improvements continue with all-new restrooms, a new lighting system, and refinished floors, plus a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint.

“With all-new technical upgrades, Franklin Music Hall returns to Philadelphia with new life,” said Toni Bourgeois, general manager of Franklin Music Hall.

“We are excited to reintroduce the venue to fans and welcome an amazing lineup of artists this spring.”

Tickets for all shows are available at axs.com, the official ticketing outlet for the venue. Franklin Music Hall is also available for private event rentals; visit boweryevents.com for more information. Fans are encouraged to follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more details.

For venue information and a full calendar of The Bowery Presents’ events in Philadelphia, visit bowerypresents.com.

Upcoming shows at Franklin Music Hall

  • LCD Soundsystem – March 28, 29, 30, 31 (sold out)
  • Car Seat Headrest – April 1 (sold out)
  • Said the Sky – April 16
  • The Story So Far – April 24
  • The Band Camino – April 30 (sold out)
  • Jacob Collier – May 1 (sold out)
  • Jhay Cortez – May 5
  • Pup – May 6
  • The Menzingers – May 14
  • The Dollop Live – May 15
  • Boulet Brothers’ Dragula – May 26
  • Belle & Sebastian – June 17
  • Lawrence and MisterWives – June 18
  • Midnight Oil – June 22
  • Bikini Kill – July 13
  • Meshuggah – Sept. 17
  • Bonobo – Sept. 24
  • Sibling Rivalry – Sept. 25
  • Stereolab – Oct. 7
  • King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Oct. 22 (sold out)
  • AFI – Nov. 4
  • A Philadelphia Tribute to The Last Waltz – Nov. 26
  • Mitski – rescheduled date to be announced

Since forming as teenagers in Scranton in 2006, The Menzingers have shown their strength as rough-and-tumble storytellers, turning out songs equally rooted in frenetic energy and lifelike detail. The now Philly-based band has recorded six studio albums, with their most recent collection of original material, “Hello Exile,” released on Oct. 4, 2019 by Epitaph Records. Produced by Will Yip (Tigers Jaw, Mannequin Pussy, Quicksand), “Hello Exile” sees The Menzingers take their lyrical narrative to a whole new level and share their reflections on moments from the past and present: high-school hellraising, troubled relationships, aging and alcohol, and political ennui. With the group achieving that soul-baring intimacy all throughout the album, “Hello Exile” emerges as their most emotionally daring work yet, with Fader calling the album “The Menzingers’ greatest statement on adulthood to date.”

In 2020, they followed that up with “From Exile,” a reimagined stripped down version of “Hello Exile.” It was recorded from the band’s respective homes while in isolation during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

The Bowery Presents, a partner of AEG Presents, is a leading East Coast concert promoter whose mission is to bring the best artists to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and beyond while providing an excellent concert experience for both fans and artists. Since its inception in 2004, The Bowery Presents has been a purveyor of true artist development and consistently strives to work with artists like LCD Soundsystem, Maggie Rogers, Gary Clark Jr., Khruangbin, Leon Bridges, and Lake Street Dive to grow from performing in intimate clubs to sold-out arenas. As a trusted industry tastemaker, TBP produces dynamic entertainment experiences at dozens of venues nationally, presenting thousands of shows annually.

Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across three continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events – which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly – continue to set the bar for the live music experience.

AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, BTS, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, and Katy Perry, in addition to – through its network of clubs, theaters, arenas, stadiums, and renowned partner brands such as Goldenvoice, Messina Touring Group, Concerts West, The Bowery Presents, PromoWest Productions, Marshall Arts, Madison House Presents, and Zero Mile Presents – creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Franklin Music Hall (@franklinmusichall)