We Don't Have to Go Back
A few months after the Town Hall and the World Cafe Live is still LOST
[Narrator voice] Previously on WORLD CAFE LIVE - LOST
Episode 1 Recap:
Episode 2 Recap:
Episode 3 Recap:
Where to begin?
Saveworldcafelive Workers Ghosted
The day I posted my last article on World Cafe Live on 8/17/2025, the Saveworldcafelive Instagram account posted a message about being ghosted during negotiations for the unions formed as discussed at the Town Hall. It was started by someone commenting on a World Cafe Live event post if the “strike was over”.
I see that they are urging people to attend shows at World Cafe Live so current workers can continue to be paid BUT I’m still not comfortable paying a single dime to World Cafe Live. I’ve made my stance on WXPN Free at Noons at World Cafe Live separate from paid ticketed shows at World Cafe Live.
The one thing I agree with is the “public pressure to keep WCL upper management accountable”. I feel most of the pressure on World Cafe Live died down after the Town Hall. I thinks it’s time to bring this all back to the front page.
The Callahan Email
On August 31, 2025, Joseph Callahan, Chairman and CEO or World Cafe Live, send out an email to the “friends of World Cafe Live”. There wasn’t much NEW information shared in the email (especially regarding the ghosted negotiations with the fired workers) but there was some “I did this, I did that" (it’s not about you dude) and shots at media and former workers despite him calling World Cafe Live, “a workplace built on respect, empathy and love”. Maybe you were snoozing during Fr. Pileggi’s class at North Catholic when those words were discussed because you keep using them but I don’t know if you know what they mean.
So you’re calling Dan DeLuca from the Philadelphia Inquirer a liar? “Misinformation” huh? Either take the Inquirer to court and list every single “misinformation” made or shut up. I may rag on Dan DeLuca’s bad photos posted on social media from shows, but I’ve never thought his integrity as a journalist was questionable. I’ve applauded his coverage of this on-going situation at World Cafe Live.
“No other donations have been received”. Really? I wonder why. “Negative media attention”. All of the negative media attention, you are doing that to yourself. This email is just another example of that.
I’m honestly shocked more artists haven’t cancelled shows at World Cafe Live that were booked previous to the whole debacle that came to light in June 2025. If you are an artist, manager or booking agent reading this or any of the other articles I wrote, do you believe the words of this man Joseph Callahan? Does this place sound like the World Cafe Live that you have visited before and played to an adoring crowd and welcoming staff?
I’m asking the following artists (all of who I’ve seen previously) to reconsider your business at World Cafe Live on the following dates:
The Feelies 9/13/2025
James McMurtry 9/19/2025
California Guitar Trio 10/9/2025
Aaron Lee Tasjan 10/10/2025
Brian Dunne 10/24/2025
S.G. Goodman 10/30/2025
The Baseball Project (featuring members of R.E.M, The Dream Syndicate and The Minus 5) listened to the words of these former workers and fans and cancelled their show at World Cafe Live on 9/24/2025 and rescheduled to Milkboy. I won’t judge you if you don’t (I understand how difficult it would be at this point) but you have a chance to stand up against people like Joseph Callahan and his team. Philly has plenty of great venues to choose!
For the 1000th time, we (music fans in Philly and beyond) don’t care about the “digital transformation, live streaming and immersive experiences”. What we want first and foremost is a venue that is run like a fucking music venue and not like a clown show. You know kinda of the way it was before you took over.
“Believed to be mistreated”. Fuck you! You had a Town Hall. You said you listened to every word. You didn’t. You did it for press and to SHOW you listened but you don’t give a shit.
Again, if you are claiming sabotage then file charges against those who deleted records. Stop repeating the same false narratives trying to create one that serves you. Are you just trying to emulate someone in DC?
Is “World Cafe Live stronger today”? Maybe a bit financially, but the reputation of World Cafe Live as a venue is shattered. The NEW acts that are brought in are not as strong as it was and I wonder why?
Try again (or just stop). Your messaging - it’s not working Joseph Callahan. Maybe this is not the right venture for you. Please put it in the hands of someone who is a better fit.
With gratitude and respect,
John Collius
The Grover Washington Situation
I saw these messages from Grover Washington shared and I don’t know anything about Grover personally and I have not been able to verify the authenticity of either these posts.
However, if these messages posted are true, they are deeply troubling for Joseph Callahan, Gar Giles and his team.
Grover is echoing what I said earlier about “digital transformation, live streaming and immersive experiences”. We. Don’t. Care. About. This.
“My contacts & relationships are not valued”. I believe this. Based on the latest great (sarcasm) bookings at World Cafe Live, I’m interested in seeing more of Joseph Callahan’s acts he brings to the venue. [Spoiler alert: there won’t be one artist I want to see there at a ticketed show].
This one is probably the most disturbing post. If there is a bouncer, bar or any patrons that could validate this story….well, it ain’t gonna be good for Gar Giles (President of World Cafe Live).
We Don’t Have to Go Back
It’s not getting any better at World Cafe Live. I may visit for an occasional WXPN Free at Noon but there is still no way I’d pay for a show there. As far as I’m concerned, World Cafe is still…..LOST.
Thanks for the continued attention to this matter. In this age of the lack of Journalism that reaches us unfiltered, I appreciate your perspective and continued attention. I would have no idea about this situation if you weren't blogging about it
Nick Shoulders also moved their show and many others. I wish Callahan would realize this is just going to be a money pit for him and a hassle. See if UPenn has interest in running the place, it is their building after all.