May is a busy month for live music and touring bands. Philadelphia has a lot of music venues from corporate, concrete auditoriums to grandiose concert halls to dive bars and basements, but something was missing: a midsized concert hall with character. Four Corners Management, R5 Productions and New York's, Bowery Present's, has come together to fill that void. Union Transfer is a beautifully designed indie-rock-centric theatre that boasts "the best and biggest PA/sound System in Philadelphia." If you haven't checked it out yet this the time whether you prefer folk music, indie rock or rap. On May 5^th see uber-talented, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird. Celebrate Philly rapper Meek Mill's birthday on May 6^th, or check out electronic indie darlings, M83, perform on the 11th.

There are over 500 coffee shops to choose from in Philadelphia. Some have great coffee, but lousy food; some have cute décor but rude service.  Some are too noisy, too cold, or too dark. It takes a lot to get it just right. The perfect coffee shop should obviously have amazing coffee and decent food options, but equally important are the atmosphere and ambiance. Coffee shops are places to work and to meet up, to concentrate or to socialize. The very best coffee shops should produce the perfect environment to be inspired. One Shot is a truly inspired place, from the décor to the drinks. With a full and varied menu, you should add One Shot to list of Philadelphia's best brunch spots. Read the full guide review here.

This week I had the chance to visit Steven's Starr's newish restaurant Route 6.  Route 6 serves classic New England style seafood in a beautiful space that will transport you from North Broad Street to a lakeside cabin in Maine. The restaurant is delicious and the ambiance is unbeatable. As expected, Route 6 is not cheap, but you can get in one some newly introduced specials. There's a new happy hour running Monday through Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Pick up $1 oysters, $4 draft beers, $5 wines and $6 cocktails. Check out the full guide review here.

Italian Market festival are this month. Revelers are permitted to imbibe in the sun and sample Philly's deliciousness. There is also a crop of creative new must see's like the Art Star Craft Bazaar and the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby which are as fun as they are inspiring. Check the May Events Calendar for details.