The Royal Glenside (The Royal Music & Arts Center)
Community-Driven Nonprofit Performance Space
The Royal Music & Arts Center opened in September 2021 at 1 South Easton Road in Glenside, created by local musicians Bridgett Gordon (legal assistant and member of The Stinks cover band) and Jerry Clarke (attorney, accountant, and musician). The 100-seat venue emerged from pandemic-era determination to provide a home for music after COVID-19 forced the closure of cherished Glenside businesses including The Blue Comet and The Bike Works.
In 2022, after celebrating its first anniversary, The Royal transitioned to 501(c)3 nonprofit status, expanding its mission beyond just providing performance space to actively serving as community resource, gathering place, and venue where artists at all levels can thrive. As Gordon explains, "We want to treat musicians—and their listeners—like the royalty they are."
The building previously housed The Homestead (another music venue closed during the pandemic), and the landlord considered converting it to a pet store before Gordon and Clarke intervened. The space now features cabaret-style seating with folding chairs up front and high-top tables in the rear, plus outstanding sound system and walls adorned with murals of iconic rockers like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, and the Beatles with lyrics from famous songs.
Wednesday Open Mic Night
Every Wednesday, The Royal hosts open mic night welcoming poetry, stand-up comedy, music, and other creative performances. Doors open at 7:15 PM (some sources say 6:30 PM), sign-ups begin at 7:30 PM, and the first performance starts at 8:00 PM, running until approximately 10:30 PM.
Each act receives 10-15 minutes on stage with access to full backline: drums, amps, piano, and PA system. Accompaniment can be available with proper notice, allowing solo artists to collaborate with house musicians. The vibe is supportive and explicitly welcoming—The Royal's mission emphasizes that people of all backgrounds, music of all genres, and musicians of all experience levels feel valued.
As co-founder Bridgett Gordon (Temple University Music graduate specializing in classical percussion) explains, "There is no expectation for being flawless. Some of the best music has come from an artist making a 'mistake,' one that leads to a new and surprising path. We embrace that. Make mistakes. Make tons of mistakes—BUT learn from them." The ethos echoes Miles Davis: "Do not fear mistakes—there are none."
Wednesday open mics provide platform for up-and-coming performers to develop in professional-grade space without the pressure of perfection. The supportive crowd includes Glenside community members, fellow artists, and dedicated music fans who appreciate the opportunity to experience diverse talents in intimate setting.
What They Offer Patrons
Beer is provided by The Ways brewpub (located down the street), which brings in kegs for all weekend shows and open mic nights. Wine BYOB is permitted. Snacks are available. The venue capacity is 100, creating intimacy where every seat feels connected to performances.
Programming extends beyond Wednesday open mics: Thursday nights feature local stand-up comedy or acoustic music, Friday and Saturday present live bands downstairs with "Royal Events" upstairs, and Sunday is occasionally programmed. All shows are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube for free, expanding access beyond those physically present.
Ticket prices for weekend shows typically range $12-$20 depending on the artist, making professional-level entertainment accessible. Special events support community causes—for example, "The Last Waltz" tribute on December 2 with all proceeds benefiting the ALS Hope Foundation Fund.
Parking is available at St. Paul's Church across the street. Glenside train station sits directly across Easton Road, making the venue accessible via SEPTA regional rail. Those under 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
What They Offer Musicians
Full professional backline available: drums, amplifiers, piano, PA system. Accompaniment can be arranged with advance notice. The Wednesday open mic provides completely free performance platform—no cover charge for performers or audience, no minimums, no pressure to bring crowds.
As a nonprofit, The Royal operates with mission-driven priorities. Co-founders Gordon and Clarke actively want musicians and comedians to feel like they're participating in "red carpet events" whether they're novices or touring professionals. Technical support includes live streaming setup maintained by tech-savvy team members, plus volunteer sound engineers like Steve Delaney (veteran of Goo Goo Dolls and Blues Traveler productions).
The Royal actively seeks volunteers and community support to sustain operations, demonstrating transparency about nonprofit challenges while maintaining commitment to providing space for artists. The venue welcomes all genres—Irish bands, Christian rock, acoustic solo, Latin music, Grateful Dead covers—reflecting genuine belief in music's power to bring diverse communities together.
For musicians in Glenside and surrounding communities (Jenkintown, Abington, Roslyn, Wyncote, Cheltenham), The Royal provides rare combination: nonprofit mission, professional equipment, supportive atmosphere, community connection, and explicit welcome to artists at all skill levels.