Great rock clubs aren’t manufactured nor are they deliberate. They evolve organically from a feeling, a desire to honor the essence of rock and roll. It is rock and roll that informs everything about the club, from the genuine vibe when you walk in the door, to the ample sound, to the warm and familiar staff. This is what the North Star Bar is to me and many others who pass through its doors. Sure, it’s a great rock club. But on more days than not, the North Star transcends its venerable rock club status and becomes a haven for all sorts of people looking for sonic salvation. How do they do that? It’s through pure conviction that the best rock and roll isn’t found in one genre or the latest trends, but rather through a steady onslaught of top quality bands on all fronts. The North Star is a crossroads for these bands, be it indie rock outfits (Midlake, Spoon), emo kids (My Chemical Romance, Saves the Day), or the mighty legends (Dick Dale, Buzzcocks). And the local shows are even better, with Philly’s rich scene representing. You will see all of this and more on a regular basis, and it never lets up. All this in an intimate setting that makes you feel as if the band is playing for you alone, even in a room teeming with fans. This honesty, this authenticity is what keeps us coming back time and time again. This is the real deal. This is rock and roll. Royce Epstein, Girl About Town, Philadelphia