PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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City budget cuts could decimate local arts, economy What should replace the Rizzo mural? Icepack has a few ideas | Page: 12

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FROM THE EDITOR

Don’t hate, educate

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arlier this week, I was asked a just means there are other opportunities that simple question from a white allow for checks and balances in addition to woman who couldn’t fully underreform for those who stand accused. Reforstand the need for so much police mation has multiple faces, sure, and that’s scrutiny – despite the killing of certainly a topic for a future column, and as it an unarmed black man in the was well noted by Billy Penn earlier this week, streets. this isn’t the first instance in which Philadel“So what happens if there are phia has tried to use similar tactics, but that the idea that things can be modified is one that no police to protect you after all of this? Who should have the dust blown off. are you going to call? I just don’t understand The conversation then went the route of why all cops are roped into this because of the a larger majority of police aren’t involved bad actions of a few.” in making bad decisions and that every day She wasn’t coming at it from a place of disdain or anger, but more a sense of wonder af- cops put themselves on the line to protect and serve. It’s a statement I agree with ter the week of protests and demonwholeheartedly. As I noted in my strations speaking out on the death column last week, I have two friends of George Floyd, but also denouncwho are city cops, one of whom I’ve ing police tactics and measures that known since high school, and neimistreat all citizens, but primarily ther of whom are bad people, deones of black and brown descent. spite working in a city with its own It was after this question things unique set of challenges. could’ve gone two ways. It’s like Every time they step out the door, having the good angel and the bad they’re well aware they’re taking angel on your shoulders, both chirpa risk. But it’s one they’ll also tell ing options forcing you to pick the you they signed up for. And for all best one. I could’ve chided her on the stories I hear of people screamhow she could even ask that quesing in their face, being called pigs, tion, given what just transpired, scum, being told to go “suck a dick” raise my voice as I tried to explain or “get fucked,” they’ll also say or respond with open-ended questhey’ve never taken that to have tions that only showed my shock @SPRTSWTR the authority to place their knee on that this person didn’t get it. someone’s neck until they pass out.

But what would that have solved?

I left this conversation realizing that this I would’ve just been viewed as the “angry woman is probably like scores of white people black man” mansplaining why cops deserve out there who have never had to deal with poall of what they’re getting for the years they’ve been able to abuse the power they’ve lice or view conformity as the answer to avoid a situation that can escalate because “that’s been given. That people are finally sick of what she would do.” But that’s the point. No hearing about it and they definitely don’t want one should have to fear the police – regardless to be witness to a public lynching in the street of color. for nearly nine minutes.

You should be able to ask questions without Instead, we turned it into an educational moment. I brought up past instances of police it being assumed you have something to hide. brutality and how they differed from George It should be explained that everyone handles situations differently and that raising your Floyd. I brought up the instances over the course of this protest where cops still abuse voice to get your point across shouldn’t be taktheir power and were heralded for it. Like en as a threat.

Bottom line: People of color like myself are Philadelphia Police staff inspector Joe Bologna, who was given a standing ovation by fel- in a unique situation.

The people we need to hear us are actually low officers for putting a Temple student in listening. the hospital, or riot cops treating protesters Questions are being asked that can sway like target practice firing tear gas on them as they tried to get off I-676. Or the drive-by pep- the notion for so many who turned a blind eye per spraying Minneapolis police still conduct- and deaf ear to the injustice POCs have dealt ed on protesters on not one but two separate with when it comes to police brutality and corruption for decades. Thanks to the memory of occasions.

George Floyd, we finally have the teachable All instances where cops didn’t and still moment we’ve yearned for. Now, it’s up to us don’t get it.

There was confusion over what it means to to use the bevy of instances that support our effectively “defund the police” and that money stance as the fuel needed in order to make these moments count. being removed doesn’t mean cops have less, it

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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STATE

$19

OF OUR

CITY

million The amount Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney cut on Tuesday that was initially earmarked to be an increase to the city’s police force. It’s noted that Kenney plans to instead funnel that money into diversity programs for the force and a civilian oversight commission to keep a closer eye on PPD’s bad apples. All of this after telling reporters that he “is not an advocate” for defunding police.

We found the ultimate pay it forward story this week courtesy of Philly digital marketing startup Vitris, which was the recipient of a $20,000 grant it is using to help the city’s small business owners get back on their collective feet. Vitris will select 10 local businesses to deliver a 360 marketing strategy that includes free design, hosting, account setup and digital marketing to maximize their business online. Want to be one of the lucky 10? Visit tryvitris.com/ apply-pay-it-forward-2020/ for more info and to apply.

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Only in Philly...

Does a cop with a history of police violence and video showing egregious force get a standing ovation from fellow officers on his way to being arraigned. But Joe Bologna, PPD staff inspector, received one Monday morning as he left the headquarters of the Fraternal Order of Police and turned himself in to the 15th Precinct on charges of assault after video shows Bologna beating a Temple University student with a club in a protest near Rittenhouse and then again during another Center City demonstration.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

He said it...

“We want there to be as few barriers or concerns on the minds of children or families coming to this PAL center or any other PAL center...the most important thing that happens is inside, that’s the key for us.”

– This came from Ted Qualli, the executive director of the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia, who told this to the Inquirer after a decision was made to remove former mayor Frank Rizzo’s name from the PAL Headquarters in Port Richmond. This arrived on the heels of a series of protests and demonstrations and the removal of the Rizzo statue early last week. We appreciate PAL looking at the optics of this, we just hope the police-loving community in which this PAL resides appreciates Qualli’s words too.

768

NM-00428291

The number of people who have been arrested over the course of eight days of protests and demonstrations right here in Philadelphia in the aftermath of outrage surrounding George Floyd’s death.

OVERHEARD IN PHILLY

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“I lost my phone at the protest. I tried to find it, so I called it and some guy answered and said, ‘hey, thanks for the gift’ and hung up. I haven’t been able to contact the phone since and AT&T said they can’t track it either.

People really suck sometimes.”

— We heard this on the steps of the Art Museum Saturday from a protester showing off her brand new iPhone 11 to another person in the crowd as she took pictures. We hope that served as an upgrade and that karma is well on its way to the person who couldn’t have a heart to find her and return what wasn’t theirs in the first place.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Proposed city budget cuts could mean not only a loss of cultural activities, but also a huge economic impact on the city. Image: Samantha Weisburg

If the arts go away, so do tax dollars and jobs

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his budget pares city services down to the most essential, imposes layoffs on hundreds of workers, and reduces or eliminates some programs that are simply no longer affordable. This is not what I want for our residents – and I understand if this leaves many of you angry. Frankly, I’m angry too. But after that anger fades, we must remember exactly what we are dealing with. What we have is both a pandemic and an economic catastrophe….

We will keep all Philadelphians safe, healthy and educated while maintaining core municipal services that our residents rely on daily.”

- Mayor Jim Kenney, May 1, 2020.

Does the mayor know a “core” truly is what this city relies on daily – along with health,

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

THE SHOWS WON’T GO ON Corp. (NEM) or Advanced Micro Devices Inc. education, welfare, safety/protection and, (AMD), this week’s top stocks. now, thankfully, a sense of social equity and And yet, in response to a $649 million budjustice – and includes art, film, theater and music? Be it artists, audiences, those working get shortfall, the Kenney Administration released a revised budget proposal for fiscal in and around those aesthetic skill sets such year 2021 in which the Office of Arts, as technicians and stage crews, to say Culture, and the Creative Economy nothing of the arts-adjacent business(OACCE) and its staff – responsible for es such as hotels and restaurants that

BY A.D. overseeing Philly’s $4.1 billion culturbenefit from the arts to the tune of AMOROSI al sector – were completely dissolved $3.4 billion? as of June 1. The same proposal that The arts in Philadelphia genershuttered the OACCE also “zeroes ate over $900 million in household out” funding for the Philadelphia Cultural income, $157 million in tax revenue, and Fund, an independent, nonprofit overseen by sustain 37,000 jobs, annually. For every one dollar invested in bringing or making films – the OACCE (until June 1), providing millions of dollars in grants to local artists and orgawhether Hollywood-based or local – in Philanizations. delphia and the surrounding areas, $630-plus And while the Philadelphia Cultural Fund comes back. That’s an amazing return on investment, one you can’t get from Newmont is currently fighting to see how much – if any

– of its current $3.14 million budget going out to 349 arts organizations across the city can be saved before City Council’s June 25 last budget meeting (and what city organization will house the Cultural Fund), one of the largest grants that funds the Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) coming from the Office of the City Representative is in danger of being closed out as the City Rep’s Office may too be eliminated.

Along with money for smaller independent arts outfits (theater and dance companies, for example), larger, name-above-the-fold institutions such as the African American Museum, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will lose significant chunks of funding. The African-American Museum alone will lose $231,000 in this potential budget trim.

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No one doubts the serious impact that COVID-19 and the riotous ruin of commercial corridors across the city will have on Philly’s pocketbook, but robbing from the arts and film – two of its most durable, and increasingly profitable moneymakers – is like cutting off a very big nose to spite a very small face.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION (NEEDED) Sharon Pinkenson – the doyenne of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office since 1985 – heard about Mayor Kenney’s proposed budget cuts on the same day, in the same way, most of Philly did: the news.

“His announcement didn’t single out the GPFO, but did mention eliminating offices key to our operations, such as Shelia Hess’ Office of the City Representative – a shock because our meager grant is derived from the City Representative,” said Pinkenson of the “$130,000 and change” grant amidst its $741,000 annual budget. “The Office of Special Events is also proposed for elimination. They are our partners at the city in so much of this as they help coordinate so much of what we do. In addition to attracting productions and working with studios, we coordinate the dayto-day city department needs.” That means police officers for a day’s services, PECO electricians for power outages, and the like. “We do everything,” said Pinkenson, “in service to the city.”

This is not the first time Pinkenson has gone up against the powers-that-be despite being this city and state’s biggest cheerleader and advocate when it comes to location shoots for film, television, music videos, industrials and commercials since the days of Mayor Rendell. Philly used to contribute as much as $239,000 (in 2014), to the GPFO. “During this administration, the GPFO’s money has been eliminated, and City Council was able to get it back. Four years ago, the significant grant that we had received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – a minimum of $100,000 – was eliminated.” With that, the GPFO receives one-fifth, or 20 percent, of its yearly budget through that remaining City grant. (Additional monies come from fundraisers which, in a time of C-19 looks grim.)

How much more could be cut from the GPFO going outbudget before Pinkenson’s local outfit would city can becease to compete against cities such as New last bud-York City and Atlanta, whose film offices are ation willformidable partners and production overseers he largestwith their filmmakers? Especially when you iladelphiaconsider that Pinkenson is working against e Office of our state’s tax credit cap ($60 million) and in r of beingcompetition with cities such as Atlanta, where may too betax credits are uncapped.

In 2019, the Department of Community and dependentEconomic Development stated that since 2004, panies, forwhen the Pennsylvania tax credit program ld institu-commenced, $812 million in film production Museum,tax credits were approved for 500-plus projhe Phila-ects, generating $3 billion in direct spending, significantWhy wouldn’t Philly continue to want to atAmericantract film crews to our city when its return on his poten-investment to the city is $638 per dollar invested? “Actors, hoteliers, crew members, restau-

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Hundreds of city cultural organizations could face budget shortfalls if the city cuts or takes away its funding. Image: Paola Nogueras

rants – all are busy when we bring films and filmmakers to town,” said Pinkenson.

Look at “Dispatches from Elsewhere,” the 2020 AMC series that was a postcard-love letter to our city – can you imagine the tourist dollars generated by such a picturesque look at Philly? Favored local filmmaker since the days of “the Sixth Sense,” M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple TV+ series “Servant” is set for a second season to be filmed here, and HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” starring Kate Winslet, has reams of filming left to finish in Philly – both when C-19 production limits are lifted, sooner than later (perhaps even sooner than NYC, so now, more than ever, Philly needs to compete to get time-is-wasting production monies to this city). Word has it that, come this fall, Jeremiah Zagar (son of Magic Gardens auteur Isaiah Zagar), is set to direct “Hustle” for Netflix – a basketball dramedy with Adam Sandler and co-producer LeBron James – for an extended Philly film shoot.

Considering the GPFO’s campaign to prove its worth annually to the city – 400-plus productions, 1,500-plus local jobs, $368 million spent – wrapped in a hashtag of #SavePhillyFilm – Pinkenson is looking for support in the many locals who work with her, as well as the

Many of the organizations threatened by budget cuts are run by African-Americans.

Image: Paola Nogueras

SEE ARTS PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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LaNeshe Miller-White, Theatre in the X’s executive director, says that without Philadelphia Cultural Fund money, it will take longer for the West Philly theater company to develop its school program. This photo is from the company’s production of 'The Beast of Nubia.' Image | Johanna Austin | AustinArt Photography

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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ARTS, FROM PAGE 7 City Council representatives who believe in the power of a cinematic buck.

Ashton Segree, founder of the recently-opened SoundSight Productions – a blackowned business, located in Germantown – comes from Pittsburgh, the other Pennsylvania city that rivals Philly for state tax credit dollars. Along with filming a wealth of commercials, shorts and advocating for the GPFO since January 2020, Segree and his four-person team have created and pushed a #NoCap hashtag and petition to end the state’s tax cap.

“We’re growing our business, our business means voices and means a home to filmmakers everywhere,” said Segree. “The larger we grow, bring film after film here, create infrastructure, stay vocal about allowing that infrastructure to thrive in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, local government won’t be able to ignore us ... (without a cap), we would become an Atlanta, you’d then have productions coming all the time. Every year Philadelphia turns away productions – a huge loss in opportunity. Many productions need Philadelphia in their movie. You’d rather them come here and spend their money here providing us jobs instead of going to Atlanta to shoot in a soundstage on a set that looks like Broad Street.”

The veteran Philly casting agents of Heery Loftus Casting (Diane Heery, 37 years; Jason Loftus, 17 years) talk up everything from the number of extras used in Philly-filmed projects such as “Creed” (10,000 extras) and “Dispatches from Elsewhere” (3-to-400 principals with speaking parts, which means the gift that keeps giving – residuals) to the 100-plus locals for HBO’s “Mare of Eastown,” – all of which they could not have done without the GPFO. “The main thing that Sharon and the film office does is make sure that locals get and stay employed – not just for big Hollywood productions, but smaller, locally made films and commercials,” said Loftus. “That’s taxable revenue – why would the city want to lose this?

Heery stated that this sort-of bloodletting at the GPFO is something that the city makes Pinkenson go through every few years. “You know, to prove her worth,” she said. “But Sharon has the statistics to back up that worth, and more.”

Heery and Loftus are lobbying for the GPFO because Pinkenson and her small staff are the first, and often the only, point of entry between filmmakers and the city.

“Without a credible film office, the optics are bad to the powers-that-be,” said Heery.

“Filmmakers might think that the city is not invested in filmmaking, invested in itself without such an office, as not only does GPFO attract business and steer productions through getting permits and being a liaison to the communities filmmakers must deal with – they are advocacy at its finest in every way,” said Loftus.

“You want someone who has your best in- and work terests at hand – not self-interests, no agenda work else – someone like her who is affiliated with the drive prod city, who follows all the initiatives that City to film els Council puts forth, and understands the law Gilmore and the licensing,” said Heery. “You don’t competitio need some self-appointed expert. You need don’t wan someone with authority and real information, and produ an official voice under the jurisdiction of the are open f city so that they will be held accountable. Sha- time office ron keeps us from being the wild wild west.” can coord Know who else is not interested in this city duction m becoming the wild wild west when it comes to MESSI the greater Philadelphia Film Office? Coun- FUND cilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson Gilmore – the youngest woman and the youngest Af- cilmembe rican-American woman elected to an at-large er, Green, Oh (David seat in City Council.

“Let me close this window, there’s a protest Opportun outside,” said Gilmore Richardson from her Economy) office at City Hall during one of Philly’s daily stake with ture, and Black Lives Matter gatherings.

Gilmore Richardson is all about “the need OACACE to focus the city’s energy and resources on tor’s Offic the 40 percent of individuals living in Phila- cer, and M delphia of African-American descent so that remaining we can pare down all levels of systematic op- of the Phi pression, racial inequality, and institutional “Cuttin racism, and finally have a sense of equity in ganization opment,” this city.”

Gilmore Richardson is also all about saving educate u the arts from the savagery of a messy set of education upcoming budget cuts during the final set of phia diver Council sessions before the next fiscal year. cut signifi “The mayor’s budget proposal is just that: a partment proposal,” she said. “Council has the authori- force Dev ty to overall funding levels and initiate trans- ate. When fer ordinances to address pertinent issues. extent tha This is all part of the standard budget negoti- tragedy of ating procedure. With a $4.8 billion operating mercial co fund for FY21, I believe we can make adjust- office that ments that will allow for these important of- workers.” fices to continue operating, especially when Many o their budget is roughly 1 percent of the entire zations th Cultural city’s operating expenses.”

The councilmember knows that the elimi- Kenney p nation of the Office of the City Representative current $3 eliminates the grant for the GPFO, and has African-A “significant reservations” about said elimina- Richardso tion. “This is an institution that provides jobs, tity of wh supports many additional businesses and en- African A “It is im courages creativity.”

Making sure that Philadelphia is a cultural can Amer destination point and a magnificent mecca of the city,” the 21st Century is Gilmore Richardson’s job. is talking So is maintaining the return on investment level of fu that the GPFO brings back to the city. “For at this tim every dollar we give them, we get back over tory musi $600,” she said. “That’s better than stocks. level of fi That’s taxable revenue from direct and indi- tinuing to rect jobs, catering, hotel rooms. It increases have to loo the power of other industries in this city. Plus, equity len year-after-year, the GPFO has demonstrated its organiz serious commitment to being partners with porting bl this city. They have offered proposals to help to be serio defray costs related to film production. They institution help to grow a thriving industry – cutting talk rheto their funding at this time would force local our budge companies and related individuals who live means sup

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY and work in Philadelphia to leave and find work elsewhere. Cutting their budget would drive productions looking to film here to have to film elsewhere.”

Gilmore Richardson is highly aware of the competition that Atlanta and NYC offer. “We don’t want that – we want those filmmakers and production companies to know that we are open for business and that we have a fulltime office like the GPFO through which they can coordinate every aspect and need a production might have” MESSING WITH THE CULTURAL FUND Gilmore Richardson knows, as do Councilmembers Quiñones-Sánchez, Squilla, Parker, Green, Domb, Gauthier, Thomas, Gym and Oh (David, chair of the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy) that other arts organizations are at stake with the end of the Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy on June 1 (the OACACE is folded into the Managing Director’s Office with Kelly Lee, chief cultural officer, and Margot Berg, public art director, as its remaining members), and the zeroing-out out of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

“Cutting these budgets and these arts organizations actively defund business development,” said Gilmore Richardson. “They educate us and our children. They host free education events. They help make Philadelphia diverse. The revised budget also looks to cut significant funding to the Commerce Department and (decimates) the Office of Workforce Development, of which I am passionate. When you face an economic crisis to the extent that we are – and then you add in the tragedy of devastation of several of our commercial corridors – we can’t cut funding to an office that supports industry, commerce and workers.”

Many of the 349 arts and cultural organizations that will suffer if the Philadelphia Cultural Fund stays zeroed out as Mayor Kenney proposes – meant to run dry of its current $3.14 million budget – happen to be African-American run. To this end, Gilmore Richardson additionally brings up another entity of which she is passionate: Arch Street’s African American Museum.

“It is important to recognize that the African American Museum receives $231,000 from the city,” said Gilmore Richardson. “The city is talking about completely eliminating that level of funding: that sends the wrong signal at this time – the loss of the only African history music in our city cannot receive some level of financial support, while we are continuing to support other organizations? We have to look at this with an equity lens, a true equity lens, that this city is supporting ALL of its organizations. If we are serious about supporting black and brown people, then we have to be serious about supporting those cultural institutions that serve them as well. You can’t talk rhetoric. You have to show the truth, and our budget must reflect our values … which means supporting the Office of the City Repre-

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Theatre in the X is one of hundreds of local organizations that could be impacted if proposed city budget cuts are approved. Image | Johanna Austin | AustinArt Photography

sentative, which gives money to the GPFO and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, which gives money to the African American Museum.”

So, then the real fight then between City Council and the mayor’s office is to make certain that the Philadelphia Cultural Fund does not stay zeroed out and that as much of its grant monies as possible get returned to the fold.

Several weeks ago during a Zoom mayoral press conference, I asked the mayor if there was anything that Council could do to shift the proposed budget in a meaningful way before June 25’s session. Kenney suggested if the Council could find the right monies in other cuts while maintaining his vision of a budget,

they could have at it. When I asked Gilmore Richardson at this time if there is any possibility that she will ask for a defunding of the Philadelphia Police Department – the proposed $790 million operating budget for police – the councilperson wouldn’t say.

“It’s important to look at our entire budget,” said Gilmore Richardson. “Obviously public safety is a significant chunk of our budget. So are pensions. We just have to fine tooth comb the entire budget. I have not yet had time to look at any individual item in the budget. We just have to see where the best savings opportunities lie, find organizations that provide services to people, to help then with the inequities that we see – not only with our city

BUT our society ... I have been FOR THAT before all of this happened…. This moment only amplifies the work that we must do that we are helping the most vulnerable in this city.”

Among the most vulnerable in the Philly arts are many of the city’s smallest, most independent companies, black and white, who get goodly portions of their monies from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. If artists lose such support, the negative impact exponentially expands.

“When we come out of COVID-19, the arts have to be there,” said Barbara Silzle, the longtime executive director of the PhiladelSEE ARTS, PAGE 10

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Eliminating the Philadelphia Cultural Fund would create a collapse in spaces where Black and Brown historically disinvested communities will have no access to a number of critical outlets for their physical and mental health, local arts officials say. Image: Lucas Law

ARTS, FROM PAGE 9 phia Cultural Fund.

“Eliminating the Philadelphia Cultural Fund creates a collapse in spaces where Black and Brown historically disinvested communities will have no access to a number of critical outlets – like DANCE IQUAIL! – for their physical and mental health,” said Iquail Shaheed, the executive artistic director of Lancaster Avenue’s Dance Iqualli. “Throughout the city, neighborhoods such as Mantua or the Bartram Village housing projects in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia, have no arts or outlets for physical activities. PCF funds groups that exist solely to provide access that fill these voids. These organizations also provide jobs to youth and seniors that are critical. They also add to the vitality of Black and Brown communities who rely on these supplementary incomes from arts activities to sustain their ways of life for multiple generations. These organizations showcase the ways in which the performing

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

arts community adds into the City of Philadelphia’s overall billion-dollar economy from tourism and entertainment. Without the PCF, communities all over the city lose vitality.

They lose their connection to creative outlets and to quality of life. How we define the city as a cultural hub is diminished. The PCF is a lifeline to sustaining a vibrant future for our city.”

Barrymore Award-winning theater sound designer-architect Thom Weaver said that the “Philly Cultural Fund has been a primary building block for every theatre company in the city. It creates a funding foundation to build on, allowing companies to, among other things, pay people like me. If they can’t do that, then artists like have to do things like go back to New York. Which would suck.

“But if you’re really asking me how it affects me? I’m tired of having to prove my worth to my government for nickels. I’m exhausted from having to, year after year and at a local through federal levels, be forced to demonstrate time and again why art and culture is of value to the community I live in.

And instead of arguing for even more funding so that culture can be centered in our culture, they make us beg for table scraps. The funding is criminally low and shames a developed society.”

Deb Block, the producing artistic director at Wharton Street’s Theatre Exile – a small company producing provocative work for an intimate audience – is deeply committed to its South Philadelphia neighbors, and shows such commitment through free K-12 programs, free community workshops, free plays in the parks and discounts to mainstage show for their neighbors.

“Knowing that we have consistently had Philadelphia Cultural Fund money has allowed us to work every day to make sure that we do our part to contribute positively to our community,” said Block. “Through the course of a year, we interact with hundreds of students and community members, most of whom are walking distance from our theater.

The PCF is the only way that the city supports the arts and culture community. And every group that gets money must be providing ed-

ucation or community programs…. Many of these groups are incredibly small. PCF money is what allows them to stay on-mission. So, chances are that the biggest loss will be felt when these valued programs are cut in the poorest neighborhoods.”

Leila Cartier, the executive director of CraftNOW, said the Philadelphia Cultural Fund is critical for non-traditional organizations like theirs, categorized as emerging.

“How will Philadelphia recover without the 349 organizations that rely on PCF funding?

These are not organizations along the Parkway. Moreover, we have partnered each year with the OACCE as well as Art in City Hall managed by Tu Huynh (another city arts-service in danger of “zeroing-out”), which he ran as the gallery for all Philadelphia. Without their voice championing our work, it’s impossible to imagine what rebuilding this city will look like. Especially after this week.”

LaNeshe Miller-White, Theatre in the X’s executive director, says that without Philadelphia Cultural Fund money, it will take longer for the West Philly theater company to devel-

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY op its school program.

“The PCF Youth Enrichment Grant was what we planned to use to compensate artists to both create the curriculum/program and to be teaching artists in the program so that we could offer it free of charge to underserved schools,” said Miller-White. “The lack of the General Operations funds from PCF – the only GenOp grant we get – will make it harder to take care of expenses in times like these when we aren’t working on a specific project. Without Performances in Public Spaces (a program of the OACCE), we’ll have less money and less marketing support to help let audiences looking for and needing free programs about our August production. Now what? Our first year our budget was $2,500, so we always know we can do the work no matter the funding landscape, but what is sacrificed here are the funds we have to put on the best show, the kind of show our audience deserves, professional quality performances in their own neighborhood.

What also is sacrificed is what we can pay our artists, Black and Brown artists who often are not given a shot to perform in mainstream venues.”

Miller-White actually stated something that Councilperson Oh will eventually echo – that “the arts will be all right. Small, under-resourced orgs know how to do their work with grassroots efforts, but why should they HAVE to when they are so often the ones working the closest with the people and communities and having the grandest impact on lives?”

Oh – days after the closing of the Office of the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy – said that no matter what happens, Philly’s art scene is resilient.

“We have a robust arts community, and they will continue onwards,” said Oh. “They will, however, have great challenges. Say you have a business and you lose 15 percent of annual revenue. It’s tough. That can put you out of business. We have 350 nonprofit arts organizations in that very position, trying to make Philadelphia a better place to live. We’re here to help these organizations to best survive and thrive. It is, however, rough going without the OOACCE and, worse if the Cultural Fund

stays zeroed-out.”

Oh, who has been at the forefront of heightening Philly’s arts and music economies as part of several unique programs, did his best to keep the OOACCE office open. He still holds hope that it can, in some way, be brought back to life and prominence, after this upcoming budget is figured out. Oh stated that there are several ways going forward to the June 25 budget showdown with the mayor that could work, one of which is suggesting that Kenney cough up cash out of the city’s rainy day fund.

“If council wants something not to be gone or be gone, we suggest our cuts… the mayor has come up with list of cuts – he’s not doing the property tax hike because the state will help out with money for the schools – he has millions in his rainy day fund that he Image: Ricardo Moura doesn’t want to use.”

The city does have something close to a $348 million budget fund balance, as well as $55 million in a federal stabilization fund and a $35 million rainy day fund. Kenney and City Council did move $85 million from the fund balance to emergency COVID-19 spending.

“Temporary reduction of revenue from closed businesses – that’s all theoretical,” Oh said. It doesn’t come down to City Council finding ways to make up the budget. The funding for arts and culture is relatively miniscule for a $3.4 BILLION IMPACT. This current budget is not a permanent structural re-direction of funding. Much of this money will come back when the economy picks up, when businesses start making money and paying taxes again. $500 million is based on loss of tax revenue. So the critical thing is not to cut – but what about delay? All of his extra taxes, like the soda tax and the programs they’re meant to aid, those programs do not have to start right now. He doesn’t have to lay off or fire people or cut arts funding. We’re trying to get people back to their jobs, arts and otherwise.”

Editor’s note: For more information about the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, visit us online at philadelphiaweekly.com.

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City Councilman David Oh has fought for the arts and culture community of the city and believes Philly’s art scene is resilient.

Image: Chouaib Brik

@ADAMOROSI

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

12

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

ICEPACK

B

Bye, Frank

Here are the nominees for the now-blank mural space

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

etween the after-midnight cial to ever oppose (Rizzo)” he wrote), removal of his statue Fumo called out his one-time protégé fronting the Municipal Kenney for initially supporting the Services Building and the statue’s erection (hey, that doesn’t early Sunday morning sound quite right), then tearing it paint-over of his Italian down under the cover of night, “beMarket mural, Frank Riz- cause you are a pussy and could not do zo is erased from Philly’s it during the day.” collective memory. Even if you were A mural of DiBruno Bros – the too young to have said memory, or gourmet cheesery that started on from out of town, Rizzo is zip GONE. Ninth Street over 75 years ago – for Fair enough – any brand of pissing off its employees for aggressive oppression to the feeding cops free lunches most vulnerable members of during Philly’s BLM protests,

BY A.D. our community pays the price, rescinding that offer for freeAMOROSI a muscle memory that should bies, and, as a result, pissing be deleted. off the cops.

That said, while we’ve heard The dressed-in-black, nothing about a replacement statue AK-toting folk from Ingage Security, for the steps of the city’s JFK Blvd. the Kensington-based firm hired by property (I’d go for a Broad Street BulItalian Market merchants to safeguard lies statue of the Stanley Cup-victorivegetables and Kenneth Rexroth poetous Philadelphia Flyers of 1973-74 and ry books at Molly’s.

1974-75, but that might be too violent I was THISCLOSE to suggesting AND promote bad dental habits with that Pennsylvania’s 1st District inall those missing teeth), Italian Market cumbent senator for South Philly, officials have said the Rizzo mural’s Larry Farnese, get the Italian Market now-blank canvas will be filled by mural, but it looks as if he got his ass something that “better represents the handed to him by progressive chalfabric” of the area. As that area HAPlenger Nikil Saval. No mural for you, PENS to be my area, I’ve wracked my Lar. I know. Wait for the precincts and brain thinking of what could promote the mail-ins. Got it. Same too with the region and the values of South Pennsylvania’s 182nd District Rep., Philly, old and new. I came up with a incumbent Brian Sims – angry at corofew ideas. navirus-having Republicans Brian A mural of native son, one-time Sims – whose domain includes Midstate Sen. Vince Fumo, and the words town/the Gayborhood, Washington he dropped on Facebook last week in Square West, Bella Vista, Queen Vilresponse to Mayor Kenney’s removal lage and Hawthorne. Sims too gets no of the Frank Rizzo statue. Famously mural as he lost to Democratic chalan opponent of Frank’s, (“the only lenger Marisa Shaaban. Saying.

South Philadelphia Italian elected offiGritty.

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Warmdaddy’s When it comes to Philadelphia’s blackowned restaurants and live music spaces, the Bynum Brothers have forever led the way with the jazz-flavored likes of Zanzibar Blue (past) South (present) to say nothing of Relish and Green Soul. Brothers Robert and Benjamin take after their parents, Benjamin and Ruth Bynum, and owned Broad Street’s Club Impulse and The Cadillac Club in North Philly where Aretha Franklin ruled, and Billy Paul made his live, debut album.

Who could forget, then, Warmdaddy’s the B-Brother’s Del Ave blues-gospel-R&B soul food eater/ live venue? To celebrate 25 years of W-Daddy, Harrison Graham Hayman IV, the Bynums’ longtime consigliere, claims the hashtag #WDS25, and says from June 11 to June 14, Warmdaddys has “dinner for 2, 25 bucks in honor of 25 years in business.”

Sounds as righteous and tasty as it is soulful.

Check http://warmdaddys.com as to how this applies to take-out, etc.

Meek’s feud The Meek Mill/ Tekashi 6ix9ine feud continues this week with 6 dissing Millie on Instagram (“If Kanye who is way more famous then all these rappers is outside protesting, why is the wannabe Martin Luther King not but has no problem dropping a song during times like this to capitalize?” The new Meek BLM protest song, “Otherside Of America,” gets a double-dose of Philly with CNN’s Michael Smerconish on the track.

Restaurant changes What have we learned since the Philly-shot “Queer Eye” season 5, now on Netflix in full, moved on? That their “hero,” Marcos’ Fish & Crab House’s Marcos Tlacopilco, who took over George’s Famous Roast Pork and Beef at 1007 S. 9th Street for a fish restaurant, Alma del Mar? That he’s changed the black wall that QE Bobby Berk painted to green, and that breakfast, not dinner, will be its focus, opening soon. Plus, they’re doing a bunch of stuff with tile (a mural-mosaic?) in the recently-vacant space next door.

Digital global orchestra Philly pianist, singer and composer Melody Gardot has been something of an expat of late: quarantining in Paris, working on a Zoom initiative to keep session players working during C-19 with a "digital global orchestra" where selected musicians – paid as if they were in the studio – contribute to a new track (via www.melodygardot.com for musical charts, backing tracks and instructions with which to record and film themselves performing the piece at home) that itself will serve for char-

itable donations to musician charities (pay in here, https://www.protegetonsoignant.com/).

Last weekend, however, Gardot became the first musician to hold a recording session at London’s Abbey Road since C-19, and with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, whose first time reuniting since the lockdown came through Melody. To be clear, she was still in France during the London Abbey Road sessions, and her producer, Larry Klein, was in LA. Such is the magic of technology, a wondrous thing, that she could sing and record at the hall the Beatles made famous while puttering around Paris.

New comedy Philly comedians Doogie Horner (OK, the author-graphic artist actually moved to NYC, but he’s still here more than he is there, so….), Chip Chantry, Darryl Charles and Reven MacQueen still aren’t getting any stage time in C-19 Code Yellow. To quell the need for jokes – for themselves and their fans – they joined forces with fellow standups in Portland, Ore., Raleigh and St. Louis over Zoom to write, rehearse and record the sketch comic Helium Comedy Club Presents label effort, “Mouth.”

MacQueen thought up the idea, got comics to record their bits individually at home before sending them off to be edited and mixed at Listless Sound in Raleigh, NC, and the whole package Image | Samuel Sianipar comes out June 26.

Films This week’s PW-A.D. cover is dedicated to the potential loss of face, prestige and aesthetic worth that goes with any potential de-funding of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. Without the GPFO, I couldn’t write that the low-budget flick Michael Imperoilli ("The Sopranos," "Goodfellas") filmed in Philly last year under the El, near Temple U, and in Fishtown, “Between the Wars,” is now out and streaming. (https://www.betweenwarsthemovie.com/buy-the-movie).

Plus, in case you missed it in my film/arts/ budget cover, Philly’s Jeremiah Zagar, the scion of Magic Gardens creator Isaiah Zagar and Eyes Gallery curator Julia Zagar, is set to direct “Hustle” for Netflix with Adam Sandler and co-producer LeBron James in Philly in the fall. Jeremiah Z is previously responsible for the wrenching autobiographical Zagar family “In a Dream” from 2008, as well as directing 2018’s “We the Animals” with Raúl Castillo. I need to talk to him about how he got chosen for a basketball scout dramedy on the basis of those two spectrally dramatic flicks.

That story alone has to be worth its own film.

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Image | Jakob Owens

@ADAMOROSI PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

14

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

NKCDC stands with protests against racism New Kensington Community Development Corporation has been quietly working over the last week while the nation and Philadelphia erupt in anger, sadness and frustration. As tensions flared in Fishtown over two nights, it became painfully clear that our silence was part of the problem. We cannot escape the history of race in this country and this city. Systemic and overt racism power the things that we fight against daily: poverty, disinvestment, redlining, trauma and prejudice.

Now more than ever, we understand the struggle for racial equity is essential to fulfilling our mission.

In this moment, we must call attention to the stark difference between the peaceful protests against the systems of oppression that plague our nation and the armed group that assembled in Fishtown recently. This vigilante mob does not represent the broader community of diverse, resilient neighbors and businesses that we serve.

We condemn those who take up arms to intimidate and assault protesters, the press and neighbors. We call upon the police officers to look inward, examine their own bias, and commit to do better. Instead of protecting our community, these officers rewarded and confirmed the discrimination and racism that is alive in our systems, communities, and even hearts.

NKCDC’s mission – to advance social equity and economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for residents to live in, and actively shape, their neighborhoods of choice – requires working closely with people and organizations who support our communities. We are grateful for the opportunities

and conversations we have fostered with city agencies and the police districts that serve our residents and businesses. In this moment, we call on the Philadelphia police and city government to work with the community to use de-escalation and mediation tactics in place of aggressive force and stand up to protect our black and brown neighbors.

We stand in solidarity with local and national protests against racism.

We support all people standing up for justice and equity in our nation. Recent peaceful demonstrations remind us that unity and solidarity are more powerful than hate.

Fishtown, Kensington and Port Richmond are strong, resilient neighborhoods with caring and passionate residents. As we support them in finding a way forward, we are committed to: Transforming our organizational policies to allow diversity to flourish, continually reflecting on individual bias, and furthering systemic change; Advocating for funding to support our communities and people of color everywhere; Supporting the efforts of individuals and organizations addressing equity in Philadelphia and nationwide; Encouraging, supporting, and engaging in productive dialogue around equity; And encouraging all of our neighbors to take time to grieve our recent losses.

We will take time to heal and will transform that grief into action.

We see you. We hear you. We stand with you ready for change.

Bea J.E. Rider, interim executive director, and the NKCDC Board of Directors

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT Image | Sebastian Herrmann

It’s mid-June, and we’re still hearing horror stories from people trying to file for unemployment.

Your turn: If you have a tale to tell about the fight to get unemployment benefits, we want to hear it, and then share it with everyone else.

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

VOICES OF OUR CITY

State needs Congress’ help to reopen schools safely In the months since COVID-19 closed our schools, educators, parents and students did a tremendous job transitioning from classrooms to kitchens and living rooms across Pennsylvania. Teachers continued teaching, and students continued learning – at a distance.

This is far from the perfect way to educate our students. It’s not easy to teach in this environment, and the challenges so many parents have had juggling work, home and kids during this crisis were truly without precedent.

We need to get our kids back in school. Educators and administrators are already planning for what that will look like. We still have a lot of work to do, but one thing is clear: Our schools will need federal help to reopen safely.

That is why the Pennsylvania State Education Association is joining educators, parents, and community leaders to urge Congress to invest $175 billion in our nation’s schools, colleges and universities. This investment will provide Pennsylvania with enough funding to close the revenue shortfalls K-12 schools and higher education are facing and reopen safely.

Lawmakers in Harrisburg came together early on in this pandemic to take decisive steps to clarify state-level education policies.

Their bipartisan efforts were commendable, but our state and local officials can only do so much.

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are causing local earned income tax revenues to plummet. According to the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, K-12 school districts could face massive local revenue shortfalls of as much as $1 billion in 2020-21.

At the state level, the challenges are just as acute. Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office is projecting a $4.8 billion loss in state revenue over the next year.

Add to this the fact that the state and school districts are required to enact balanced budgets every year. With revenues falling, many

districts will need to make difficult decisions to balance their budgets at exactly the same time when keeping students and staff safe from COVID-19 dictates higher costs. That means the only place we can turn for help is the federal government.

If we address this crisis by making deep cuts to state and local education budgets, PSEA estimates that the state could lose up to 40,000 jobs in education, a move that will put Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million students at tremendous risk.

For schools to reopen safely, we will need custodians to sanitize and maintain school buildings and buses. We will need school nurses to assess and manage the physical health and wellbeing of students and staff. We will need counselors, psychologists and social workers to support students and provide mental health services. We will need enough teachers to keep student learning on track and avoid overcrowded classrooms.

Schools just can’t do all of this important work with as much as $1 billion in lost revenue, and the state is not in a financial position to help. We need Congress to step up and invest in the cornerstone of our democracy – public education.

Everyone with a stake in public education shares the goal of reopening our schools in a way that protects the health and safety of students, staff and visitors. Educators want to be back in their classrooms this fall, and so do their students.

But the safety and wellbeing of students and staff cannot be compromised. We need to keep the physical spaces in our schools free from illness, and we also must be ready to address the needs of our students, including the trauma this pandemic has caused.

Congress holds the key to successfully reopening our schools. I urge our U.S. senators and representatives to use that key to unlock the resources our schools need and ensure that every student is safe, healthy, and learning – because help from the federal government is the only option we have.

Rich Askey is a Harrisburg music teacher and president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

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MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Make Music Philly will go virtual this year on June 21. Image | Courtesy Make Music Philly

Still jammin’ Make Music Philly goes virtual this year

P

Highlights of Make Music Philly this hilly will make music this year include: year, as it has since 2013.

• #MySongIsYourSong – Performers Only this year, the entertaincovering each other’s songs ment will be virtual.

• Free Online Music Lessons Make Music Philly is going • Virtual Instrument Petting Zoo virtual this year due to the • Virtual Music Performances on sevcoronavirus pandemic. Make eral Philly area social pages, Music Philly is part of “Make including Make Music Philly Music Day,” the worldwide mu& Delco Quarantine Open Mic sic celebration held each June

BY EUGENE Facebook pages 21, the summer solstice. TypZENYATTA Musicians can visit www. ically featuring free outdoor MakeMusicPhilly.org to regisconcerts, performances, music ter their virtual events. More lessons, jam sessions and other musical events on streets, sidewalks, information also is available on Make Music Philly’s Facebook page (www. parks and public spaces in Philly and across the U.S., this year’s Make Music Facebook.com/MakeMusicPhilly).

PW recently caught up with Make Day will take a virtual approach to enMusic Philly Executive Director Joann courage all people, of all musical abiliPierdomenico to talk about this year’s ties, to celebrate the joy of making muevent. sic.

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

17

Make Music Day in Philly will feature the same great music as every year, only this time you’ll have to enjoy it virtually. Image | Courtesy Make Music Philly Talk a little about the history behind Make Music Philly. How and why did it start?

Make Music Day itself began as Fete De La Musique in France in 1982 and has spread to over 120 countries since. The U.S. began participating in the mid-2000s and has grown to 90 chapters throughout the country.

WXPN heard about Make Music Day in 2013 and decided it was important for Philly to be a part of this international celebration.

XPN organized Make Music Philly in 2013 (which included 150 performances) and in 2014 (230 performances).

Worried that it was getting too big for them to handle in-house, they handed over the reins to a volunteer team in 2015. That worked for a couple years, but people got busy and it started to fade. Local nonprofit Keep Music Alive signed on as Make Music Philly coordinators in early 2020 and is now working to

build it back up and put Make Music Philly back on the map.

What were the challenges of putting together a virtual event this year?

Coming up with a variety of musical activities that can be done virtually was definitely a challenge.

The New York City founding chapter for Make Music Day in the U.S. has been great about providing creative ideas and mechanisms to participate. Activities, in addition to live performance streaming, include #MySongIsYourSong, Bedroom Studios, The World Smallest Marching Band, Song Shares, 25X12 Live Online Lessons, Digital Dance Party and more.

What’s been the response from musicians to going virtual?

The response from musicians has been great, and I think it’s partly due to the fact that many made the necessary switch to vir-

tual performances and other musical activities when things started to get crazy in midMarch.

One shining example has been the Delco Quarantine Open Mic Facebook group (welcoming all Philly area musicians), which has grown to almost 15,000 members in less than three months.

You’ll find scheduled performers there every day from 2pm until nearly midnight (and sometimes later). DQOM has also been helping to support local businesses and nonprofits through this brand new platform that was created, almost, overnight.

Walk our readers through the process of “attending” this year’s Make Music Philly.

How can they find out about the musicians and see their performances?

Beginning in early June, the MakeMusicPhilly.org website will provide a TV Guidelike format showing what’s happening that

day in our area. We’ll also be featuring special event info on the Make Music Philly Facebook page. In addition, we’ll be live-streaming a dozen performances from noon to 6pm that day on www.Facebook.com/MakeMusicPhilly.

What are the best ways for both musicians and fans to stay up-to-date with Make Music Philly – both in the short term with the virtual performances and for years to come?

Musicians can register their Make Music Philly event at www.MakeMusicPhilly.org all the way up to the June 21st weekend. Starting in early June, the website will provide a guide showing what’s happening that day in our area.

We also encourage Philly music fans and musicians to connect with us on online at www.Facebook.com/MakeMusicPhilly as the day gets closer.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

How we’ll watch SoLowFest....

Add SolowFest to the list of events going virtual this year. SolowFest is a Do-It-Yourself June 1828 festival dedicated to new, experimental performance. With all shows being pay-what-you-can, the festival exposes audiences to performers breaking new ground in the raw. SoLowFest was founded in 2010 by Philadelphia performance artists Thomas Choinacky and Amanda Grove. It is currently run by Chris Davis and Tanaquil Marquez. You can visit solowfest.com for all the details, but here are some of the performances we’re excited to see.

Edith vs. Quarantine: 89 & One Tough Cookie

Edith Shlivovitz, a ferociously spirited octogenarian, hasn’t left her apartment since COVID-19 descended upon NYC. Through belting showtunes to her taxidermied cat, pretending to be a snake, Zooming with her longdead husband, and much more, she shares her journey during these solitary months and the lessons learned along the way. Created by Amanda Erin Miller.

Tumbleweed Sings a 60 minute song about Dust

Join Tumbleweed, a literal Tumbleweed, as it talks about the dark times (mostly dust) and reminisces about the downfall of civilization one toilet paper roll at a time. There will be burning bushes and wide open spaces. It’s exactly like the Beatles’ Rooftop Concert.

But with fewer instruments. And way fewer people. If you liked that one public reading of O, Possum and the five separate showings of Johnny Depp: A Retrospective On Late-Stage Capitalism you “missed,” you’ll love this quarantine shit show brought to you by the shit show kings themselves, Jenna Kuerzi and Val Dunn.

Image | Nathan Ansell

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Image | Jen Clark

Low Tones

Monkey Poet

The Telelibrary Travel Agency

Write Me a Letter

Low Tones is an original tap dance, bass and poetry collaboration between Pamela Hetherington and Josh Machiz that brings together jazz and grunge grooves, along with meditations on coincidence, women’s work, and what we all inherit, in time.

The Telelibrary is back with a brand new adventure: The Telelibrary Travel Agency. Set your wanderlust to high, pack your bags, and stay home – the Telelibrary has you covered in this solo interactive experience. Part theater, part game, part self-care and all just a phone call away. Sign up today! Created Yannick Trapman O’Brien.

After Britain defeated the Nazis in WW2, the last thing English Jewish servicemen expected to face was Nazis at home. “When do you break the law and take up arms?” Based on true events. Work in progress with Monkey Poets award-winning trademark humor and politics. Created and performed by Matt Panesh.

Say that thing you never got to say. Send the love you need to send. Scream the things that feel so good to scream. Any letter. Any recipient. Put words in the air. Let it out. Write me a letter. Letters are submitted anonymously. Pen Pal will interpret. Created by Katherine Perry.

COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

19

Study Hall: Theatre Philadelphia Emergency Relief Fundraiser The pandemic restrictions are going away – slowly. So we’re still looking for things to do online. Eventbrite.com has a long list of fun things to do this month and all of the details you’ll need to attend. Here are some of our favorites.

Study Hall: Comedy Inspired By Lectures is putting on a fundraising show to support the Theatre Philadelphia Emergency Relief Program. This program will award micro-grants to individuals who live in the Philadelphia region, work in theatre, and whose theatre income has been impacted by COVID-19. See a great show for a great cause and help the artists hit hard by this virus.

Saturday, June 13 | 7pm – 8pm | $10

Virtual events we’ll be attending this month....

Philadelphia Virtual Speed Dating for Gay Men

Fools for Good: Black Lives Matter

A Taste of African Heritage

BAD COP, BAD COP!

The perfect opportunity to find a virtual companion! All the fun and efficiency of in-person speed dating events brought to your doorstep. Why wait to hear back from potential matches on traditional apps and websites when you can meet a group of single Gay Men in Philadelphia, all from the comfort of your living room? There’s also a Virtual Speed Dating for Lesbians on June 29. Ages 22-44 | Thursday, June 25 | 8pm – 10pm | $22

Learn about the healthy food traditions of people with African roots. Powerful, nutritious and delicious. This program is presented by Healthy Communities, a partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.

Taking place on Saturdays, this event can fill up fast, so don’t delay in getting your ticket. Saturday, June 20 | 2pm 3:30pm | Free

This virtual standup comedy event is hosted by Kara Mia and Shanell Renee and features a host of comics. Your headliners are LaTice and Lamarr Todd. Proceeds benefit Philly Bail Fund, Rock to the Future, Philabundance, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, City Year Greater Philadelphia, Philly COVID-19 Fund, Kohelet Yeshiva’s Face Shield Fund and more. Thursday, June 18 | 8pm – 10:30pm | $10

This black liberation poetry reading will be hosted by Storm, a local organizer with years of experience, and feature poems by Dave G, Rabiyatu Jalloh, Davon Clark, afaq, Enoch the Poet, Kirwyn Sutherland, Miriam Harris, Shanel Edwards, Ashley Davis and Nayo Jones. All proceeds will be donated to Philadelphia’s Black Lives Matter chapter.

Thursday, June 11 | 7pm | $5 – $20

Stretchin’ Philadelphia

This free stretch session is aiming to reach the local dance community, students, families and anyone who just wants to stretch! Due to COVID-19, there are a lot of dance schools, companies, and programs suffering financially because they are classified as non-essential businesses.

Stretchin’ Philadelphia’s purpose is to give back to as many local dance schools, companies, and programs as it can in this time of need.

Thursday, June 25 | Noon – 1:20pm | Free, but donations are encouraged.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Lorene Cary

Lorene Cary is a triple threat – author, lecturer and playwright – as well as a Philadelphia native who still lives and teaches in the city.

Her works over the years include her 1992 bestselling memoir “Black Ice” and the novel “The Price of a Child” – the Free Library of Philadelphia’s very first One Book One Philadelphia selection – about an enslaved woman’s struggles in Virginia in 1855. In 2020, she debuted her first play, “My General Tubman,” on stage at the Arden Theatre Company, following the story of a timetraveling Harriet Tubman.

Summer is almost here, and with that comes the need for a good book – or five. Visit Philly recently featured a long list of local authors who published works everyone should check out, whether you’re reading at a beach or on your back deck.

Check out visitphilly.com for the full list, but here are a few of our favorites.

What we’ll be reading this summer....

Jason Fagone

Fagone spent years writing about Philly and its people during his time at Philadelphia magazine before heading to the West Coast, and his first book, “Horsemen of the Esophagus,” was inspired by the Wing Bowl, Philly’s former competitive-eating event. He’s since published highly praised nonfiction, including “Ingenious,” about innovation and disruption in the auto industry, and “The Woman Who Smashed Codes,” the true story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, America’s first female cryptanalyst.

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Marisa de Los Santos

Solomon Jones

Emma Copely Eisenberg

Carmen Maria Machado

The four-book “Love Walked In” series opens in a Philadelphia coffee shop and follows its main characters through friendships, loves, losses and a move to the suburbs. De Los Santos, who used to live in Center City and now resides in Delaware, mixes a little bit of Philly into each novel; the series is part of her larger body of work, which includes six other novels.

Eisenberg’s fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The Paris Review, McSweeney’s and The New Republic. Her first nonfiction book, “The Third Rainbow Girl,” was published in early 2020 and earned positive reviews from The New York Times and NPR. Though the book isn’t set in Philly, the author is. In addition to living here, Eisenberg is the director of the Blue Stoop writers’ group.

Author, journalist and media personality Solomon Jones has used his platform to share his story of addiction, homelessness and recovery to help others. The Philadelphia resident writes often about these social issues, and Philly-set novels like “Pipe Dream” and “The Bridgedraw” on Jones’ own experiences and the stories of people he’s encountered.

Based in Philly with her wife, Machado has racked up honors like the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize. Following the shortstory collections of “Her Body and Other Parties,” Machado released her memoir, “In the Dream House,” which The New York Times included on its list of “15 remarkable books by women” shaping 21st-century fiction.

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COVID-19

21

Teaching our kids All signs point to a gradual “return to normalcy,” or at least what might pass as normal moving forward.

And while we’re happy to be out and about again, there are a few things we’ll miss about living at home for a few months.

Usually this is handled by the local school, but not during lockdown. And while there no doubt were more than a few trying times, watching the youngsters learn something new, participating in projects and the like gave us new insights to the little ones we never might have known had we not been responsible for their education for even a few weeks. That, and we really, really appreciate what teachers go through now.

What we’ll miss about self-isolation....

Fixing up the house

All of those projects you’d been meaning to get to, but never did? There was lots of time during the quarantine to tackle them. Once we’re all back to our regular tasks, that to-do list is going to start to grow again.

Discovering new stuff

The lockdown gave us time to explore. Maybe you found a new restaurant that was offering delivery or pickup. Maybe you learned a new skill. Maybe you finally had time to stream that TV series you always wanted to. Being trapped inside for weeks on end certainly gave us time to do things we would have missed out on if we were running around in what used to be our normal lives.

A sense of community

By the time we heard “we’re all in this together” for the millionth time, we were sick of the phrase. But there is something to facing a challenge together as a community. People stepped up in a big way.

Frontline workers showed up to care for the sick and keep grocery store shelves filled. Neighbors helped neighbors. People dug deep into their wallets to support those in need.

Peace and quiet

There was no hustle and bustle and all of the noise and stress that came with it. It was the perfect time to reflect and gather one’s thoughts. As miserable as it was for us all, in many ways the lockdown gave us a chance to clear our heads.

Sleep

Everyone who worked from home knows what we’re talking about.

Take away the morning commute to the job, and suddenly you have much more time to snooze, especially in the morning. If you didn’t have to get all gussied up for work, that shaved even more time off your morning prep.

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SAVAGE LOVE

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Streamers

Hey, Everybody: We had our first Savage Love Livestream event last Thursday night and I had such a blast! A huge crowd of Savage Love readers and Savage Lovecast listeners got together on Zoom for a live online Q&A that raised more than $14,000 for Northwest Harvest, an organization that supports food banks in my home state. I got more questions than I could answer in our allotted time and so I’m going to answer as many as I can squeeze into this week’s column. Here we go…

Q: My fiancé has an ex-girlfriend who just can’t let it go. He’s blocked her on social media but his mother still follows his ex and is friends with her and they interact at least monthly. Likes, comments, etc. Can I address the issue with his mom or is that just somewhere you don’t go?

Why are you monitoring your fiancé’s ex-girlfriend’s social media? I mean, if you weren’t lurking on her Instagram, you wouldn’t know your future MIL is liking and commenting on her photos. Your fiancé’s mom is an adult and she can follow anyone she likes on Instagram. And if you don’t want her to think you’re the toxic one, you won’t address this with her. Be the change you wanna see in your fiancé’s ex: let it go.

Q: Is it a red flag or sign of deeper attachment or commitment issues if your long-term partner never tells you he loves you?

I’ve heard people describe relationships that were three months old as “LTRs.” Assuming you’re not one of those Q: I’ve always wanted to know people – assuming you’ve been with more about your history with cirthis guy for more than a year – and cumcision. you’ve already said “I love you” to My history with circumcision him and he hasn’t said it back, well, isn’t that interesting: I was presthat’s a bad sign. But I wouldn’t deent at one circumcision (my own), scribe it as a red flag.

I’ve never performed a circumcision Early warning signs for phys(that I recall), and I’ve encountered ical or emotional abuse are red both circumcised and uncircumflags; not hearing “I love you” from cised dicks in the wild (enjoyed someone you’d like to hear that them all). from does suck, I know (because I’ve been there), but it’s not a sign Q: My wife and I are lesbians that you’re in danger, girl. It’s also who just found out we’re having a not proof your partner has attach@FAKEDANSAVAGE baby boy! We’re super excited but ment or commitment issues; he just had some penis questions. My wife might not be interested in attaching wants to circumcise our son beor committing to you. But whatever the case cause she says that if he’s uncircumcised he’ll might be, if you’re unhappy being with someget made fun of in the locker room. Does this one who can’t bring himself to say “I love you” happen? How often do boys look at each oththen you shouldn’t be with er’s dicks growing up? that person.

The circumcision rate among newborn boys has Q: Is there a safe way to been falling for decades date/be slutty now? Will and now only a little there ever be again? I’m poly more than half of boys but live alone so I haven’t are circumcised at birth. had sex in 12 weeks. HELP! So even if boys were comWhile health officials paring their dicks in locker in most places are urging rooms – and they’re not – all to only have sex with your son won’t be alone. people we live with – mom And for the record: the and dad excepted – over in American Academy of the Netherlands health offiPediatrics doesn’t recomcials are advising single and mend the procedure and horny Dutch people to find “sex buddies.” One the supposed health benefits – a lower risk for sex buddy per person, someone you can meet urinary tract infections and a lower risk for up with for sex, ideally someone who isn’t insome sexually transmitted infections – aren’t teracting with too many other people. If you a convincing argument in favor of the routine can find someone you trust – and if you are circumcision of male infants. And while the someone who can be trusted – you could go complication rate is low (1.5 percent), those Dutch. complications can range from easily treatable infections to “amputation of the glans,” “ne-

DAN SAVAGE

“A fluid-bonded couple can safely share toys during sex, of course, so long as toys aren’t going from assholes to vaginas between cleanings.”

JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY crosis of the penis,” and “death.” Risking your son’s life and most important limb to spare him a moment’s awkwardness in a locker room seems unreasonable to me – particularly since your son can’t consent.

Q: My partner wants me (F) to peg him!

Hooray! Any advice? He is very hot! Thanks!

You rock!

He should douche! Plenty of lube! Take it slow! Film it for HUMP! Q: I’m a bisexual male in California. When is the right time to tell someone I just started dating that I’m bisexual? And how?

Mention your bisexuality on dating apps – which is where most couples meet these days – and you won’t have to tell someone you’re bisexual after you’ve started dating them. If you meet someone the old fashioned way (school, work, through friends), tell ‘em right away. It’s nothing you should be ashamed of or have to roll out carefully.

And being with someone can’t embrace and celebrate your sexuality is bad for your mental health; the more out you are about being bi, the lower your odds of winding up with someone who has a problem with it. It ups your odds of winding up with someone who fetishizes your bisexuality, of course, but if you had to choose between a partner who disapproves (and polices) and a partner who drools (and wants to watch), you’re gonna way better off with the droolers.

Q: Cis poly woman here. My quarantine sexpod contains me and my two male partners.

We’ll call them A and B. My partner B has another female partner that we’ll call C. Since we’re already “connected” anyway, would it change anything for me to have a threesome with B and C? If B is fucking C and then coming home and fucking you and then you’re running down the hall to A, then C is essentially already in your sexpod. The bigger your sexpod, the more people you’re in contact with, the greater your risk of contracting and/or spreading COVID-19. Ideally C would move in with you and A and B if you’re all going to be fucking each other. But not having a threesome with B and C while B is out there fucking C won’t protect you and A from whatever B might bring home from C. Q: Gay black male from NYC here. Two months ago, I lost my partner of 17 years to COVID-19. I have a pretty strong support system but it’s really hitting me really hard right now because my partner was very politically active and supportive of the struggles of black and brown people. I’ve been in therapy but any suggestions or resources for how to deal with such a loss in the midst of all this chaos?

I’m so sorry for your loss – and I apologize for not spotting your question during the show. I’m glad you have a strong support system and that you’re working with a therapist. If you need more support, your therapist should be able to refer you to an online grief

SAVAGE LOVE support group.

And I’ll just add… grief isn’t something we “deal with” and then we’re done. It’s something we carry with us. And in my experience, time doesn’t lighten the load. Still, the longer we walk with it, the stronger we get, and the lighter it feels. My heart goes out to you.

Q: Longtime listener and magnum subscriber! We will keep this short: We are in a happy monogamish marriage and have heard one is not supposed to share toys under any circumstances. What are your thoughts on this?

One shouldn’t share a toy one hasn’t cleaned – and one should make sure one’s toys aren’t made of porous materials that are hard or impossible to clean. But if one has, say, a silicone toy that can be run through a dishwasher, well, one can share that toy.

A fluid-bonded couple can safely share toys during sex, of course, so long as toys aren’t going from assholes to vaginas between cleanings. You also shouldn’t put a dildo in your spouse and then turn and stick it in your very special guest star. But if you obey those simple rules – clean toys, no ass-to-vag, no used toys in thirds or toys used by thirds in primaries – it’s safe to share your toys.

Q: I’m a 25-year-old lesbian trans woman in Chicago. I had a long video chat two weeks ago with a woman I met at the Chicago Age Players Convention – think International Mister Leather but for Adult Babies/Diaper Lovers – and we really hit it off. It felt like we were about to pull a U-Haul despite being in quarantine. We even discussed a visit. But since then I haven’t heard from her. I’ve tried texting and calling. My question is what should I do? How can we reconnect?

You can’t reconnect if she isn’t interested in reconnecting. I know that sucks, but you’ve already done everything you can – you texted, you called. She knows you’re still interested and you have to accept that you’ll hear only if she wants to reconnect. Hopefully nothing’s wrong and she’s safe.

I don’t think ghosting is ever nice, but a lot of people are struggling right now and some people who wouldn’t normally ghost are ghosting. If she offers you an apology when she reaches out to you again – if she reaches out to you again – don’t hold the ghosting against her. If you never hear from her again, well, then she wasn’t who you hoped she was.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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THE

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PICTURE

R IN TOO DEEP

It’s June, and in addition to warmer temperatures, we also would be celebrating the opening of pools citywide next week. However, due to COVID-19, pools, at least for now, are scheduled to remain closed for the season. Were you looking forward to your pool opening? What’s your plan to beat the heat? Tell us at voices@ philadelphiaweekly.com. Have a pic you’d like to share? Tag us on social using, #pwbigpic

MARKETPLACE REAL ESTATE

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MARKETPLACE Recent

break up?

PW Classifieds is a great place to sell your ex’s stuff.

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Rittenhouse Square Condo 1BR, furnished. Long or short lease. Avail in June. Call 215467-0495 or 215-307-9406 Houses for Rent

32XX S. Juniper -3BR, 1.5BA newly renov. Private prkg, c/a, Avail. immed. 215-467-0495

SECRETARY/ LEASING AGENT - F/T Located in NE Phila.

Pleasant person with good phone skills, to show apts., process applications, minimal secretarial work.

Email resume to: nsgprop@gmail.com or Call 732-886-6830 FLAGGERS ($12.50/hr) Traffic Plan seeks Flaggers to set up and direct traffic around construction sites. A valid PA driver license and clean driving record a must, good pay and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Blvd, King of Prussia, PA on Mondayʼs 9am - 12pm or online at trafficplan.com.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

For Sale

General Employment

Steinway Upright Piano $6400. Excellent condition.

Ron 215-200-5821

CLERICAL HELP - P/T South Philly area. Approx.

15/hrs. per wk. Computer literacy a plus. Call between 10am & 5pm. Kathy 856-778-7556 DRIVERS AllThree's Luxury Sedan & Taxicab looking for professional drivers. High income.

Set your own hrs. Please call M-F. 10a-4p. 215-333-1111

GENERAL AND TREATMENT FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED Open your heart and home to children of all ages New Foundations, Inc. 215-203-8733 www.nfi4kids.org

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General Employment

MAINTENANCE TECH Must have knowledge of plumbing, painting & some electrical. Prior maintenance exp. necessary. Salary commensurate with exp. Email: nsgprop@gmail.com

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AT&T proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 73’) on the building at 601 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA (20200937). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

General Employment Receptionist Full time. Mon-Fri 9-5. Must have quality phone, computer, and interpersonal skills. gwalker@caringforfriends.org

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

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REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY                                                                                    

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                                                                        

                                                                                           

                                                                                 

                                                                                

Move to Media,PA Minutes from Center City on the Septa R-3 Rail Line Seven New Single Homes Starting at $469,900 2500 SqFt on ½ acre lots includes Gas Fireplace, Deck, Finished Basement

Tony DeCicci REALTOR

484-902-8880 office 610-724-3088 cell

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@PhillyWeekly JUNE 11 - 18, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

PW REAL ESTATE To advertise in this section contact Sales 215-543-3743 ext. 104 or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com

REAL ESTATE

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REAL ESTATE

REGGIE Penthouse studio

$2177 Penthouse Studio Sky View Bosch Appliances (Old City). New living in Old City. Bridge is a thoughtfullyappointed rental community designed for modern living in Old City Philadelphia. The architecture bridges the charm of Old City with modern design and amenities, tying classic aesthetics with distinct, contemporary architecture. Rising above the adjacent Ben Franklin Bridge and overlooking the neighborhood streets, Bridge boasts exceptional views in every direction. Bridge is surrounded by history and built to meet the innovative standards of today. The community is LEED Gold designed thanks to a sustainable building process and an array of energy efficient features, including premium window shades and smart phone control of your heat and cooling. Call Now: (215) 515-5434. More unit details at: http:// cl.greystar.com/2st446. This is a Studio, 1 Bath. Features: Open Layouts. Two-Tone, Quiet Close Cabinets. Grohe Fixtures.

High Ceilings. Quartz Countertops. Stainless Steel Appliances.

Electrolux Front Loading Washers/Dryers. Glass Enclosed Showers. Large Closets (pass-through in some layouts). 10” Sub-Floors. White Oak Flooring. Community Amenities: FullyEquipped Fitness Center w/ Bridge and Skyline Views. Private Rooftop Terraces w/ Breathtaking Skyline Views. Car Share Access. Reserved Onsite Parking. 24 Hour Emergency Service.

Complimentary Bike Storage. Expansive 8,000 sf Garden Terrace with Views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and Center City.

Fifth Floor Lounge and Co-Working Space. 24/7 Front Desk Concierge. Onsite Management and Maintenance. Six Private BBQ/Entertainment Spaces.

Garden style

$995 / 2br - Large 1 & 2 Bedroom Garden Style Apartments (Mt. Airy / Chestnut Hill). 7525 Devon Street. Bedrooms: 1 Bed. Bathrooms: 1 Bath. Parking: 4+ Off street | Guest parking.

Pets Policy: Cats & Dogs OK. Laundry: In Unit. Property Type: Apartment. RENTAL FEATURES: Living room. Dining room.

Walk-in closet. Family room. Storage space. Breakfast nook.

Pantry. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Dishwasher. Garbage disposal. Heat: forced air. Central A/C. Air conditioning. Cableready. High-speed internet. Intercom system. Hardwood floor.

Tile floor. COMMUNITY FEATURES: New property. Controlled access. Near transportation. Guest parking. Off-street parking.

Contact info: Property Manager: (215) 275-1457. Woodbrook Lane Apartments.

Exceptional home

$875 / 3br - Exceptional home 3 beds 1 bath with parking.

This is an exceptionally well taken care of home for rental. The kitchen has been remodeled with quartz countertops and has a 4 piece appliance package that will stay in the property for rent. There are hardwood floors and a remote operated garage with an additional parking spot outside. This rental is move-in ready! All Covid 19 guidelines will be adhered to. jennybenson192 yahoo.com.

Brewerytown $500 / 2br - 910ft2 - 1248 N Myrtlewood St, For Rent to Own. The Stawasz Group is excited to present the best value hitting the market in Brewerytown! Situated on a quiet block, only 1 block North of Girard Avenue, this home has been partially renovated and is waiting for you to add your personal touch!

Add a 3rd story with no setback by right or renovate using the existing floor plan. The 56’ deep lot provides plenty of space to add an addition to the existing allowing a 42’ deep home! This location is primed for future appreciation. Schedule a private showing with us today! Contact at: Anarosa_Garciayahoo. com.

Want to list your apartment with Real Estate Reggie?

For only $75, you get 100 words to describe your place. For only $125, you get 100 words, plus a photo. Need something more or different?

Reggie can make it happen. happen Deadline is every Monday at 10 am for Thursday’s issue. Email him at REReggie@philadelphiaweekly.com for details.

Spacious

$995 / 1br - 800ft2 - 1 bedroom Spacious large Apt in a safe, quiet and convenient location (East Falls). Bowman Street near Vaux Street. Spacious large Apt in a safe, quiet and convenient location. Safe, quiet and convenient shopping and transportation. East Falls area is near beautiful Fairmount Park and Schuylkill River in northwest Philly with very convenient public transportation. It is near highway I-76 and US 1, only 15 minutes driving or zone 1 local train to center Philadelphia, a few minutes to Temple University or to PCOM. There are several bus lines to different places. There is walking distance to Jefferson/Philadelphia University and Queen Lane campus of Drexel University Medical College. This Apt is located in the center of East Falls with safe, quiet and comfortable environment. This rooming1 bedroom apartment is on the second floor of the townhouse with a high ceiling. There are newer ceramic bathroom floors and newer kitchen floors, new refrigerator and gas stove, newer washer/dryer, newer storm windows with good view out back window, 7 closets and more.

Wide street parking and only permitting for local residents.

There are newer toilet/sink in bathroom and newer counter and sink in kitchen too. This second floor of the house will be ready in 8/1/ 2020. $995+ utilities. One month rent for security deposit. At least 1 year lease. (215) 253-3905.

Rent to own

$850 / 3br - 2285ft2 - 5423 IRVING STREET, For Rent to Own. Beautiful porch front home completely renovated from top to bottom! Open floor plan living room and dining room flows into the brand new modern kitchen. This beautiful kitchen comes with granite countertops, stainless steel stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Off the kitchen there is a powder room and access to a fenced back patio. Upstairs offers 3 bedrooms and 2 beautiful hall baths. The Basement is completely finished. The home features Brand New Water Heater, New Electric, New Plumbing, new doors, new windows and the list goes on & on. Desirable location, close to Morris Park, schools, shopping and transportation. Walking distance to Malcolm X Park and 56th Street Station. Cobbs Creek Park is located just 1.5 miles away. It is a 851-acre park that offers a golf course, Skate house, sport fields, a track, a bounce court, a pool, and a 3.7 mile trail that connects several historic and educational sites. Contact for details: Zayn8833gmail.com.

Game room

$1411 / 2br - 875ft2 - Parking Available, Game Room, 24/7 Go Fit Center. Complimentary Classes. 5450 Wissahickon Ave. https://theavenueateastfalls.com/. The Avenue at East Falls brings vibrant luxury living to the city’s historic East Falls neighborhood. Steps from Fairmount Park and overlooking the Philadelphia skyline, our iconic 1950s-era residence is newly renovated, complete with a new swimming pool, our GOFit Fitness Center, and updated apartment interiors.

Easy access to public transportation and minutes from Center City, the best of Philly is yours to enjoy. Property Amenities: Outdoor Kitchen. Game Room. 24/7 Go Fit Center Complimentary Classes. Resident Concierge. Parking Available. Community Kitchen. Swimming Pool. GOChat BusinessCenter. Fire Pit. Private Study Room. Dry Cleaning.

Car Charging Station.

Sundeck

27

$1400 / 1br - Apt. Private sundeck great location Beautiful park right in front (Washington Square) 1112 Pine street near 11th street. Private sundeck great location. Beautiful park right in front across the street. Close to Jefferson Hospital, the Reading market terminal. There is a bus that stops right in front on the corner and 4 Blocks from the Train. Call and Text 267-2490491 and 215-317-5300. Email: lanaverruni(at)comcast.net.

Available now

$1919 / 1br - 930ft2 - One Bedroom, AVAILABLE NOW, One month free! 4601 Flat Rock Road. If you’re looking for a modern and hip space to call home, then look no further than Apex Manayunk. Located in Philadelphia, we feature modern 1, 2, and 3-bedroom loft style apartments and townhomes, many with dens. Our 2 and 3-bedroom townhomes have a fun and industrial feel. That’s because Apex Manayunk expertly blends three brand-new buildings with four historic textile mill structures to create one of the region’s most exciting luxury apartment communities. Jogging trail right outside your door.

Upgraded Gourmet Kitchens with Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops and Breakfast Bar Seating. 9’ ceilings with large windowed walls featuring unobstructed views of the river, canal or courtyard. Upgraded Hardwood Floors in all Foyers, Kitchens, Dining and Living Rooms. On-site bike storage. Alexa or Google Home Capable in all Apartments.

Front Desk attendant during mornings and evenings to greet you and assist you with anything and everything. Bark park.

State-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the Manayunk canal. Game Room with Billiards Table, Shuffleboard, and more. For more information, visit us at: livewithjrk.com.

Oversized twin

$1100 / 4br - 2735ft2 - 6110 Carpenter St, For Rent to Own. Everything on your Home Wish List: CHECK! Magnificent oversized twin home in Cobbs Creek available for the taking.

Welcome home to this gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with loads of charm and intricate details. Meticulously updated and maintained with no expense spared and situated on one of the best tree-lined blocks in Cobbs Creek. Great neighborhood and community with Ease of access to just about anywhere in the city! Newer energy efficient windows throughout out, gleaming hardwoods, and Wainscoting throughout ALL LEVELS! A Gourmet Kitchen of every Cooks dreams – Grey 42 – soft close Cabinets topped with beautiful Quartz Countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Loads of natural light flows through the many windows of this beautiful twin home. High ceilings, good-sized bedrooms, and ample closet space are amongst the many amenities the home has to offer.

100% finished basement with full bathroom. Not to mention all-new plumbing, upgraded 250 Amp electrical Service, and a new roof. In addition, the back yard has been tastefully finished and is a true paradise all on its own. Location, Location, Location! Walk, Run, and Play at the historic Cobbs Creek Park which is just a stone’s throw away. Be anywhere in the City or the Main-Line in 30 minutes or less. 7-minute walk to MarketFrankford 60th St Station, 2-5-minute walk to Septa routes 21, 34, 42, and 46. 15 minutes to PHL Airport and 2 hours to NYC! For quick response, Hit me: MackMiller769yahoo.com.

Starter home

$985 / 2br - 1405ft2 - 357 Winton St, Rent to Own. Welcome to 357 Winton Street! This home is the perfect starter home or investment property. 1st floor has a spacious living room/ dining room with original hardwood floors, a powder room, and an eat in kitchen. The basement has high ceilings and could easily be finished to create extra living space. Basement currently has laundry, storage, and mechanicals. 2nd Floor has 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom with 2 faucet vanity and linen area. Walking distance to Target, Acme, Lowe’s, and much more. It is also a short bus ride to the Snyder stop on the Broad Street Line. Close to I-95, the Airport, and the Stadiums. If you are interested, please send a message to JosephDaniels77yahoo.com.

Wissahickon Hills

$850 / 3br - 1220ft2 - 553 Fairway Ter, Rent to Own. Welcome home to a lovingly maintained Wissahickon Hills twin! This charming home offers 1,220 sq ft of living space. Enter through the front door to a tasteful living room, then continue to the dining room with two-tone paint and a chair rail. The eat-in kitchen features wood cabinets, corian counters, tile backsplash, a 4-burner gas stove, built-in microwave, and no shortage of cabinet space. Three bedrooms await upstairs, each with ceiling fans and newer windows. The basement has been waterproofed and provides plenty of storage, laundry, a quarter-bath, walkout access to the driveway, and is halfway to being finished for additional living space. The side yard is equipped with a covered patio for your outdoor enjoyment!

Conveniently located to the shops and restaurants of Ridge Ave, Gorgas Park, and multiple routes to Center City. Contact us today to set up your private showing. KellyMoran23yahoo. com.

Pet friendly

$1175 / 1br - SPECIAL!Balcony, Elevator, Off St Parking, Pet Friendly, Huge Closets. City Line Ave near Belmont.

FEATURES: Free Wi-Fi in Lobby. PET FRIENDLY/DOG PARK. On-Site Maintenance/ 24-Hours Emergency Service. Off Street Parking. Garage Parking Available. Close to Restaurants.

Spacious Floor Plans. 24-Hour Fitness Center. Laundry Facilities in Every Floor. Professional On-Site Management.

Dishwasher, Microwave, Garbage Disposal. Gas Range. We are within walking distance of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), and conveniently located near the shopping, gourmet restaurants, and exciting nightlife of Bala Cynwyd, Manayunk and Narberth. Our apartments will provide you easy access to City Avenue, I-76 and major Highways and Routes. This means you’re just minutes away from St. Joe’s, University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson University, Drexel University and Philadelphia University. As well you’ll find yourself eleven minutes away from Center City and five minutes away from the gorgeous Fairmount Park. Starting at $1175. Call: (215) 600-2117. For more information, visit us at: yourmetropolitan.com.

Loft and parking

$1800 265 S 4th St Apt B - Philadelphia - 1 bed with loft & parking. 265 S 4th St. Don’t miss your opportunity to call this one-bedroom loft your next home! This house is really unique, with its historic culture and modern vibe. When you first walk in, you are greeted with giant windows that light up the entire house, a long patio with an incredible view, an extremely large living room with spiral stairs and a bookshelf that reaches the 2nd floor, plus an upgraded kitchen with a breakfast bar!

The second-floor loft has lots of space for a hangout spot, bedroom or an office which also leads to the bathroom with a washer and dryer. On the top floor is a super chill bedroom which overlooks the back patio and parking lot, along with being able to see the City’s true beauty. This condo also comes with an assigned parking spot in a private gated garage and a shared guest spot which is a steal! Look no further, this condo truly has it all! Ready to set up a tour? Please go to 123showings.com or contact us at 856-222-1220.

Close to Italian Market

$1400 Loft Apt. With private Deck. 807s. 8th Street near Christian Street. Loft Apt. With private Deck. 2nd Floor. Bella Vista PHILLY. Between CATHERINE and CHRISTIAN. Close to the Italian market ,South Street, right next to Queen Village And Center City. There is a bus that stops right in front on the corner and 8 Blocks from the Train. Call and Text 267-2490491 and 215-317-5300. Email: lanaverruni(at)comcast.net.

Luxury apartment

$1622 / 532ft2 - Luxury apartment in Center City - 1 Month Free! Still on the search for a new home? Look no further because Crane Chinatown is here to help! Crane Chinatown was built with community and connection in mind. We have fifteen floors of apartments, crowned with a rooftop sundeck offering 360° views of the city - all atop a brand new Community Center. To make living easier, residents have access to onsite amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness, a Starbucks hot beverage machine, a wonderful rooftop lounge with great views, and an award winning Bilingual Daycare Program! Crane Chinatown also offers hardwood style flooring, package services, away-from-home assistance, convenient online payment methods, on-site maintenance and so much more! Our “08” style apartment is a 532 square feet studio apartment which faces the North, with floor-to-ceiling windows! Like all of our apartment options, this apartment has new kitchen and laundry appliances. In-unit laundry washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave, oven and stove top, and a stainless steel refrigerator/freezer and sink are all new and ready for you when you come home. And since we’re a new community, you could be the first one to make an apartment a home, which holds great, unique value!

Near Center City

$750 / 1br - 1 bed, 1 bath unit right near Center City! Welcome home to this Bi-Level Unit right near Center City! This 1 bed, 1 bath unit features an open concept living room and kitchen, with hardwood floors throughout. Along with a second story featuring a generously sized bedroom. There is also a hall bath on the second level. An added bonus is a private deck, to enjoy city views. There is a washer and dryer in the building.

The tenant is responsible for cable/internet, and electric. The landlord pays the remaining utilities! Conveniently located to Rittenhouse Square, The Academy of Music, and an abundance of local eateries and bars to enjoy! Check it out, before it’s gone! Video walk through available upon request. lisatyler97 yahoo.com.

Elevator

$995 / 342ft2 - Lovely Studio Condo in Center City w/ Elevator & Huge Window. 1324 Locust St. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, all in-person showings for occupied properties are currently on hold. We will be doing our best to provide video tours of these units when available and are still accepting applications sight unseen. Please contact us for more information on this listing. Available Early July: Unit 1212 is a studio condo located in the Arts Condominium building.

This is located just off Broad Street and Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts! This is truly the center of entertainment in the city, offering the best theaters, art galleries, historical landmarks, plenty of dining and shopping options, and easy access to transportation. The Arts condominium has a long list of amenities that are INCLUDED in your rent, as well as all the utilities for your unit. Amenities include: 24-hour front desk attendant, laundry and fitness facilities, and even a salon! This is a corner unit, and features hardwood floors, stainless steel kitchen fixtures, a tiled bathroom with full tub, an ornate ceiling fan, and three large windows that flood the living space with natural light. Enjoy expansive views of City Hall and the Kimmel Center. Many grocery options. Walkable to almost everything. The Broad Street subway line is a half block away; City Hall just two blocks away, and a PATCO train stop right across the street. Features: Elevator. Stainless Steel Appliances. Near Public Transportation. Laundry In-Building.

Hardwood Floors. Fitness Center. Building controlled A/C. All Utilities Included. jg-realestate.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JUNE 11 - 18, 2020

family love Pride is everything. fierce unapologetic 365 days Pride is more than just a parade. It’s courageous and empowering to resilient and inspiring, and everything in between. Comcast NBCUniversal proudly celebrates all things Pride not just this month, but all year long.

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