Once the largest concert venue in the world, the Philadelphia Opera House was built a century ago in 1908 by Oscar Hammerstein and attracted some of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century. But for that last 20 years it has stood silent and boarded up at the intersection of Poplar and North Broad, awaiting a seemingly-imminent demolition that mercifully never came. Thanks to a $56 million renovation project underwritten by a partnership between Live Nation and real estate developer Eric Blumenfeld, the long dormant venue will come alive with the sound of music in December.“This music venue will help continue the revitalization of North Broad Street, which is in the midst of a renaissance right now,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, during a noon press conference at the Divine Lorraine. “Philadelphia is already known as a place that holds excellent live music, but we now have another great venue to enhance our city’s vibrant arts & cultural scene.” Re-christened The Met Philly, the venue will host an impressive roster of talent out of the gate: Bob Dylan will kick off the festivities on Monday, December 3rd, followed by Weezer on December 12th, Ween on December 14th, former Gap Band main man Charlie Wilson on December 22nd, Kurt Vile & The Violators on December 29th, and comedian John Oliver on December 30th and 31st. A complete listing of upcoming concerts and events is HERE. — HENRY SAVAGE