Live Music Alive and Well Thanks to If Not for Music
There’s nothing quite like live music. That’s why Community-based Performances is one of our main mission areas. Bringing musicians and listeners together creates a level of communication that goes beyond just the spoken or written word. For decades West Chester, PA, has been a hub for live music of all genres. But in recent years, live music venues, especially at local restaurants and bars, have slowly disappeared due to the high cost of operations. That has put the musician community at a loss for creative outlets for the sharing of their talents and passion. If Not for Music is changing that.
In partnership with the Side Bar & Restaurant at 10 E. Gay Street in West Chester, If Not for Music will be sponsoring a vibrant array of live music performances on Thursdays upstairs at the Side Bar’s UpBar. Additional special performances will be offered during the week and on Sundays. These performances will feature new, emerging artists along with established professionals from throughout the region. Full bar and menu service will be provided by Side Bar.
This partnership is an extension of If Not for Music’s already significant commitment to community-based performances. INFM’s President, Jae Winter, noted, “We began with individual performances to showcase new talent at the Knauer Uptown Performing Arts Center in West Chester and the Kennett Flash in Kennett Square. We then added a summer music series for the West Chester Area Senior Center and sponsored student participation at West Chester University’s Summer Music Camps. In 2025, we began sponsorship of the 3-day Kennett Jazz and Funk Fest. Now, we are bringing our commitment to live music to West Chester.”
We want to thank the crew of the Side Bar, and the many local musicians eager to join our effort to provide vibrant live music to the community.
Performances kick off October 1, 2025, with Dave Mattock and Funktap. See our Events page for more information and our full lineup of artists.
A BIG shout out to our donors and sponsors without whom this would not be possible.