Info > Hal Real, Founder
Hal Real is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for new ideas and a history of transforming those ideas into successful businesses. He formed Real Entertainment Group, Inc. in order to "radically change the landscape for contemporary music audiences and artists." In October 2004, Hal delivered the first installment of that promise by opening World Cafe Live (WCL), a trailblazing live music venue and restaurant complex located at 3025 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. WCL shares the historic Hajoca building with revered public radio station WXPN, whose nationally syndicated "World Cafe" radio show inspired the venue's name and musical philosophy — bringing new music to people and new people to music.
WCL features live music, food and fun on two levels, 7 days a week. The Downstairs Live main stage is a concert hall with unsurpassed sightlines and acoustics, featuring shows by living legends and emerging contemporary artists, along with full bar and restaurant offerings. The Upstairs Live Cafe is a restaurant and bar, serving lunch and dinner daily, and featuring an intimate stage showcasing regional and national emerging artists. In addition, WCL has also become a favorite spot for the region's most coveted private parties, meetings and special events. For more information, visit www.worldcafelive.com.
In 2008, WCL helped a team of artists and educators launch "LiveConnections.Org," (LCO) a nonprofit organization dedicated to music, education and support for artists through community engagement and educational programs. LCO creates innovative programs for kids, adults and special needs populations, host concerts for the community and helps artists grow their careers and their connection to the region. LCO programs help participants understand different cultures and perspectives and spark new ideas and creative expression across generations. For more information, visit www.liveconnections.org.
In October 2009, construction began to create a new World Cafe Live, to be located at the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware. This ambitious project emerged from a two-year private/public collaborative effort among Real Entertainment Group, Buccini/Pollin Group (Wilmington-based development group), the City of Wilmington, and an impressive list of bank, corporate, foundation and individual supporters. Together this group has put together $21million in funding to restore and re-open the 45,000 square foot historic Queen Theater as the cornerstone and catalyst for a $250 million effort underway to revive the historic Market Street corridor in the heart of downtown Wilmington. WCL Wilmington at the Queen is targeted to open to the public in early 2011, creating a "clubhouse" for the music and arts community that will serve as an entertainment and dining destination anchoring this exciting urban redevelopment effort. For more information, please visit www.lightupthequeen.org. Plans for additional WCL venues in other cities are in the works.
A gifted musician, outside of his music business interests, Hal is active in other arts, educational and community organizations. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, a member of the Philadelphia Mayor's Cultural Advisory Board, a Board member and strategic planning chair of The People's Light & Theatre Company, and a past chairman of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. Hal has been a guest speaker for various business and civic events, and often serves as a guest lecturer at Drexel, Wharton, Temple and other schools.
