PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

FREE | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

PhiladelphiaWeekly.com | @phillyweekly

It’s not your stuffed shirt, old white guy-based art form anymore

Catch up with Philly’s Jordan Caiola, who released his debut solo album last week. Page 14

Image | Dominic M. Mercier

Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

FROM THE EDITOR

Create the environment

I

keep this awesome quote on my desk own. at home which, for a large part of my I understand anomalies. I know that not life, has guided my take on a lot. all of these people who are clamoring for fair I don’t know whom to attribute it housing truly want it – or even need it. For to, but if you do, feel free to shoot me those of us who live in warm, cushy homes an email and tell me. The quote reads: we wonder why wouldn’t everyone want this?

Our job is not to save people. Our job But I’ve spoken to a few people experiencing homelessness who live around my way, sleepis to create an environment where people can ing near the Emerald Street bridge in Kenssave themselves.

This passage popped into my head the min- ington, who say that besides having to deal ute I read that members of the Philadelphia with the elements, oftentimes being out on the Housing Authority and the residents who streets is safer than any shelter the city would camped out for months across the street from suggest.

I also know that there are people living on its North Philadelphia offices figured out a the streets dealing with mental way to end the siege peacefully, by health issues, substance abuse and offering residents a chance to help other things and that they need difthemselves. ferent types of support.

This week, PHA offered up nine But I’d like to think they necesblighted houses in the Strawbersarily aren’t the majority of people ry Mansion section of the city for experiencing homelessness who people to move into, in addition to just want a fresh start to make life offering up the expertise of skilled not a fucking struggle every single tradesmen to help tenants fix up day. Say what you want, but people structures and make them habitexperiencing homelessness can’t able. This move will not only get just go “find a job,” or “go to a shelpeople off the streets but hopefully ter,” which are some of the suggesrejuvenate an entire city block. I’m tions from close-minded people I confused at why it took the latter listen to – ones who have never had part of four months to get to this to experience a night sleeping on a point, but this would be a whole subway floor or on top of a steamdifferent column if I went down the @SPRTSWTR ing grate in their lives. path of bureaucracy and the semanI’ve never been for a handout, but tics that coincide within city govI am in for support. Giving people an opportuernment. nity to better themselves and the lives of those According to the Property, lots and housing around them is a pass or fail type of situation. page on the City of Philadelphia website, the The same situation many of us live in every city owns more than 5,000 properties. There day. I’d like to believe that it’s in these moare two keywords however in how the city proposes this in that it writes the Philadelphia ments you’ll find those eager to better themHousing Development Corporation (PHDC) selves rising to the challenge.

What’s it to the city to offer up a few of manages more than 5,000 properties for sale these vacant properties to create a better Philaround the city. adelphia? The city is already in a development That’s a mix of 5,000 vacant residential boom, one that once COVID-19 is under conhomes, schools, old factories, you name it that trol and people aren’t afraid to fully venture could be retrofitted and created to solve the out might just return Philly to the thriving issue of homelessness and give the Parkway metropolis it was before the pandemic. I mean a reprieve from the hundreds who have been honestly, I feel like that’s happening now consquatting there full-time since June. The city’s Office of Homeless Services will contend it’s sidering New Yorkers are buying up swaths of Philadelphia like it’s the Riviera. doing all it can to assist people, but much of Do you want a cleaner Philadelphia? Start their offerings are merely temporary soluby getting her people experiencing homelesstions with very limited viability long term.

Do you know what would be viable? Desig- ness off the streets and give them a place to get back on their feet and move into their own nating a few of these structures as affordable housing and give these people the tools and place one day. I hope what the PHA did will support needed to make them into a home. entice city officials to perhaps give up the keys I’m sure there are many taxpaying Philadel- of a few vacant city structures instead of waiting for developers to come in, buy them and phians, including myself, who would view paying local taxes a bit differently if it meant gentrify our neighborhoods.

There’s a lot of weight to this whole “teach the city could afford architects, engineers and all the materials that coincide to give people a man to fish” proverb. Perhaps, that’s why it’s so popular. a sense of worth in creating a place of their

KERITH GABRIEL

Support great content and help us make it.

JOIN US https://wode.nz/32Df9Pn

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

4

STATE OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

STATE

OF OUR

CITY

72 Sex advice, now local!

As we move to become more local in our coverage, we’re excited to announce that contributor and resident sex professor Timaree Schmit will offer up sound advice on sex-related topics each week for your reading pleasure. Schmit has a Ph.D. in the subject, is entrenched in the scene here at home and also doubles as local burlesque performer HoneeyTree EvilEye. Have a sex question you’d like to ask Timaree confidentially?

Send it to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly.com.

Earlier this week, the city reached a deal with residents of “Camp Teddy,” the encampment situated outside the offices of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The compromise was that the city would relocate these people into nine vacant city-owned houses in Strawberry Mansion, with many of these people working to rehabilitate these buildings. Now, the question is what will the city do in a similar vein for the over 100 residents living along Benjamin Franklin Parkway since June?

Philadelphia Weekly Holdings, Ltd. 1520 Locust Street, suite 501 Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-543-3743

Philadelphiaweekly.com @phillyweekly OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Percentage of funding we’ve received from those who don’t hate our idea of becoming a more balanced alt-weekly by offering a few more conservative voices in the publication. FYI, we aren’t talking about right-wing agendas or QAnon conspiracy theories here, we’re simply looking for a contrarian view to many of the issues sweeping the city. If you like that idea, we’d love your support before Oct. 15.

See more of what we’re looking to do via: http://kck.st/2Fr0Qos

Problem solved?

Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher Kerith Gabriel Editor in Chief

John Montesano Art Director

Alan Bauer Managing Editor

Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, Tom Beck, Courtenay Harris Bond, Resolve Philadelphia, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Eugene Zenyatta. Intern: Zachary Bard.

To contact the news department: mail@philadelphiaweekly.com.

Ed Lynes Chief Revenue Officer Stephanie Hawkins Controller

Michael Chambers Director of Circulation

To purchase advertising in Philadelphia Weekly, contact Sales at 215-543-3743, ext. 104, or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

This was the number of homicides in Philadelphia as of Monday morning, closing in on close to 100 more than by this time last year. In total, 1,615 people had been shot in Philadelphia, making it among the highest totals for any year. When asked about the violence, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw could only describe it as “shameful and sickening.” We have to say, we don’t disagree.

STATE OF OUR CITY

Application available NOW online only at Projecthome.org/locations/ james-widener-ray-homes

APPLY NOW

FOR AFFORDABLE, PERMANENT & SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

JAMES WIDENER RAY HOMES

363

Birds flying! Cautiously...

This week, Pennsylvania announced it will relax on its restrictions to have fans back inside stadium venues. For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers can have up to 7,500 people in the stands when it hosts the Birds on Sunday, but Steelers owner Art Rooney has implored the state to consider allowing up to 12,000 in the seats for the state rivals.

Here at home, the Eagles are on pause with doing such a thing. At the time of this report, City Health official Tom Farley, taking cues from Mayor Jim Kenney, hasn’t announced that city teams can open up as well, making Lincoln Financial Field off-limits – for now.

Unsubsidized and fully furnished PHA-subsidized efficiency apartments for one-person households at 2101 West Venango Street in North Philadelphia Eligibility Requirements Include*: •Maximum annual household income $33,850 •Rent for subsidized units is calculated at 30% of adjusted income; rent for unsubsidized units is $589 per month* •Heat and water utilities included; electricity and other utilities not included •Mobility and sensory accessible units are available for persons who require such features •Some units are set aside for persons who are homeless, formerly homeless, or at risk of homelessness •All applicants are subject to screening.

Call (215) 320-6185 or email RayHomes@ProjectHOME.org if you require assistance to complete your application *Additional eligibility requirements apply. Income limits subject to change.

All Project HOME communities are LQBTQ-friendly.

OVERHEARD IN PHILLY

“There’s no way I’ll be able to fit all of that in my mouth. Believe me, it’s not for the want of trying, I just have little lips and a tiny mouth, so I know it’s not going to fit.”

— We know reading the above that your head went immediately to the gutter. But this conversation was in reference to a man who was unsure he could fit an entire half of a Jim’s Steaks whiz wit down his throat in one sitting. We can tell you that this man was offered $20 to do so in a friendly bet during last week’s Eagles win over the 49ers but still realized that stuffing an entire half of a cheesesteak down his throat just to be $20 richer isn’t a bet worth taking.

NM-00428291

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

6

FEATURED

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

A NIGHT AT THE

( VIRTUAL (

OPERA Violinist Randall Mitsuo Goosby performs in ‘Cycles of My Being.’ Image | Dominic M. Mercier

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

A

FEATURED

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Opera Philadelphia’s streaming channel showcases race and justice

BY A.D. AMOROSI

I

t’s the last weekend in September, and opera world giant Lawrence Brownlee – the world-class tenor who, since 2017, holds an additional job as artistic advisor at Opera Philadelphia – is hastily pulling into town and heading to the Wilma Theatre.

“No rest for the weary… I just left Philly for Atlanta, and I’m back again,” said Brownlee, still breathy from his arrival.

At any other time, a turn into the Wilma’s lot would be an odd one, as the singing business of Opera Philadelphia usually takes place on the Academy of Music’s stage, or one of the grand halls in the Kimmel Center. This is the time of COVID-19, however, and all bets are off, with all familiars turned on their head. So, presently Brownlee and a smaller Opera Philadelphia team (than usual) of musicians, engineers and light and sound techs have set up camp across the (Broad) street, crafted its stage like a recording studio – with no audience – and taping several shows.

There’s “Lawrence Brownlee & Friends in Philadelphia,” a recital and conversation program where he is joined by sopranos Lindsey Reynolds, Sarah Shafer and Karen Slack, accompanied by pianist Myra Huang. There is “Cycles of My Being,” a pained-but-proud song cycle about what it means to be a Black man in America, with lyrics from Brownlee and Terrance Hayes, and music by new Philadelphia resident, composer and conductor Tyshawn Sorey.

Days later, as I speak with David B. Devan – Opera Philadelphia’s bow-tied general director and president – composer David T. Little’s mournful “Soldier Songs” is having its audio recorded at the Wilma, with its filming dates planned as on-location shoots, outdoors, at the Brandywine Conservancy.

All this talk of filming and recording is due to the treasured, and highly profitable, company’s newest experiment in a long line of innovations under Devan’s watch: the Opera Philadelphia Channel.

Debuting on Oct. 23, for viewing on laptops, mobile devices, or oversized, home television screens (“that’s what we’re hoping, as our programming is epic,” said Devan) via AppleTV, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, and Chromecast, the Opera Philadelphia Channel reimagines and reinvents the OP’s 2020–2021 Season as a new streaming app with all the bells

and whistles you’d normally get from Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix.

Fond of the comparison, the analogy between what Devan has done with his previous major innovation – the O Festival, which began with O17 in 2017 – and the concept of new streaming technologies, networks and marketing meant fresh, often freak-a-deaky commissioned works (e.g. a mod opera based on the weird and wooly life and work of Warhol, “Andy : A Popera” co-crafted with the drag-based Bearded Ladies Cabaret), socially and racially relevant pieces (a divisive “We Will Not Be Moved,” tied to Philly MOVE tragedy and touched by elements of hip hop music and choreography), and twisted takes on the classics (a “Mad Men”-like envisioning of “La Traviata”) into 12 days of immersive, repeated, must-see programing. Before the O Fest commenced there were Knight Foundation-sponsored “Random Acts of Culture” at Macy’s Center City and Pat’s Steaks in the Italian Market where opera simply broke out, spontaneously, like car alarms during a tailgate. Combine all that with a mission – a 2013-commenced rebranding campaign that, has since, found Opera Philadelphia reaching out to Philly’s richly diverse racial population and millennials – as opposed to opera’s usual archaic notion of what the classicist form should look or sound like – and a public outreach like never before into what and where opera can occur (co-productions with FringeArts for performances in warehouses, outdoor venues such as Independence National Historical Park and its Opera on the Mall) and Opera Philadelphia isn’t just your usual stuffed shirt, old white guybased art form anymore.

Opera Philadelphia is all about the 21st century and beyond – culturally, communally, developmentally, historically, racially and progressively.

Even when you are not speaking to him in person, David B. Devan’s style and enthusiasm bound through the line like a McLaren 600LT through a red light. Sartorially dashing and giddy, Devan got to Opera Philadelphia in January 2006, was appointed general director in 2011, and began building partnerships with local arts orgs (the Barnes, the Fringe) and beyond (the Apollo Theater, the Santa Fe Opera) so to preach his directive of progressive opera – all while keeping the local boards

7

and the area blue hairs happy with the traditions of “La boheme,” and its ilk. An incomplete list of Devan’s commissions and co-commissions include “Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD,” by Daniel Schnyder and Bridgette Wimberly, starring Brownlee; “Cold Mountain,” based on the novel

by Charles Frazier and written by Curtis Institute of Music-based professor of Composition Jennifer Higdon and Gene Scheer; and a gloomily cinematic “Breaking the Waves” by Philly composer Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek, based on the film by Lars von Trier – named the Best New Opera of 2016 by the Music Critics Association of North America. The annual O Festival – which started in 2017 – has been called a towering achievement by no less than the New York Times, and was set to repeat itself, starting this week. That is, until…

“It was like the second week in March 2020 when the whole Opera Philadelphia team circulated, quickly, the decision we made to shut down our office and close all possibilities of ‘Madame Butterfly’ – which was getting ready to open six weeks from that point – and most of the annual fundraising we had planned around the Puccini opera,” said Devan. The OP prince and his marketing team quickly learned through market research across the next several months that, yes, people were missing that which took place in the theater, but were not yet ready to leave their homes even if they could. Many music fans, opera and otherwise, were also beginning to experience camera fatigue, what with every performer Zooming and Facebooking every musical fiber of their being.

“Along the way, we did a brief digital festival of some of our greatest hits, and put the stuff online for free,” noted Devan.

“We wanted to give our fans something to watch, but we were also testing to see what they watched most AND what they weren’t watching. That got us to the point of understanding the way forward. We didn’t want to put a BandAid on the pandemic, but, we did seek an opportunity for us to do meaningful work with artists in a heightened way, something could be, in its own right, a great, artistic activity. Gee, maybe we needed to find something we could do in a post-pandemic world too.”

SEE OPERA, PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

8

FEATURED

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Alfredo (Alek Shrader) is bloodied and humiliated at Flora’s ball during a performance of ‘La traviata.’

Image | Kelly & Massa

OPERA, FROM PAGE 7 Frank Luzi, the OP’s VP of Marketing & Communications, stated the finances of the company are in good shape, dependent as it has been on fundraising for nearly 80 percent of its revenue and ticket sales for the other 20 percent. “Back in 2015, when we announced Festival O, we embarked on a fundraising campaign to grow the company and start the festival,” he said. “In 2017-2018, the year of our first festival, our budget was about $17.5 million. However, that figure has been reduced in subsequent years to around $12.5 million.

And now, with COVID-19, we’re operating at a very reduced budget of around $8.5 million for 2020-2021 and the Opera Philadelphia Channel season. Support for the company remains strong from individual donors and foundations, though we continue to look for increased corporate support. We’ve had to be nimble to respond to the market, and that is especially true now with the uncertainties in the market due to COVID. We are working to conserve cash, employ our artists safely, and be in a position to return to theaters as financially healthy as possible.”

Devan and his team conceived of the Opera Philadelphia Channel between June and July, with the real work of converting an entire company into “an HBO within four weeks,” starting as soon as the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed.

Remind Devan that he once told this very writer that his goal with the O Festival was

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

to create a “Netflix-ification of opera,” and he laughs. “Be very careful what you wish for,” he said regarding the current daily business of his OP filming operas in hastily built studio settings, pushing people into editing suites to splice and dice digitally and creating software to make his Opera Philadelphia Channel look and sound just like Amazon Prime or Netflix.

Taking that look and feel further is the fact that when the Opera Philadelphia Channel launches on Oct. 23, to represent the company’s 2020/2021 season, it will use OTT – Over the Top state-of-the-art software – which is the same technology platform that drives the Netflix engine. “Oy, right?” Devan said, feigning exhausted exhilaration.

That Devan & Co found a (brave) new world solution to a (bold) old world performance genre to his partners in crime – David Levy, Opera Philadelphia’s vice president of Artistic Operations; Rachel McCausland, OP VP of Development; and Frank Luzi, the vice president of Marketing and Communications. It was an especially sweet sound of music to the ears of Opera Philadelphia Music Director Corrado Rovaris and the OP’s recently anointed artistic advisor, Lawrence Brownlee.

“Corrado was way onboard and really leaned into the idea of the channel,” said Devan, remarking that – as we spoke – the maestro was conducting the “Soldier Songs” score on the makeshift studio stages of the Wilma. “Corrado really bought into the idea that, because of safety protocols of COVID, that there must be opportunities to do singu-

lar, nuanced, individual work.”

So, yes, Rovaris is happy with the Opera Philadelphia Channel, how it is moving forward, and busying himself in the present with recordings across Broad Street. At the same, he and Devan are having all sorts of dialog about how they want their orchestra and vocal chorus to come back together, in parallel with making and maintaining their channel.

“Corrado has straddled those two worlds,” said Devan, considering the best- and worstcase scenarios. “We are being practical. We know that the droplet count and the safety distance for singers is 15 feet, opera singers even more. That’s really far. We know that wind instruments’ droplet count and safety distance are less than 15 feet, but more than six feet, so we are looking at how to be able to employ our orchestra and our chorus. We are looking at our civic life on the other side of this. We are looking at different ways of doing opera with smaller ensembles. We are doing things just like we did last night, outdoors, at Dilworth Plaza.”

Despite the safety distances that Opera Philadelphia must pursue, they must also uphold the honor and the fact of being stewards of an artistic community and an ancient musical heritage, no matter how experimental they might get. “We need to, with this enemy, figure a way to work with our artistic community – the channel is a start – a way to communicate until we can literally be inside theaters again.

Then rethink that too. Hopefully we can unleash a great amount of artistry together.”

Talking about the Opera Philadelphia Channel’s initial offerings, Devan mentioned how one-time OP composer-in-residence David T. Little’s “Soldier Songs” was a perfect pandemic film choice: an elegiac yet triumphant piece for seven instrumnetalists and one singer (“we can on have 25 people in our studio, including camera people, technicians and artists”) about a war veteran who lives in a camper.

“We actually bought a camper and are filming this in the old-fashioned way, building a new set and crafting it as if we were making a movie – NO – we are literally filming a movie,” Devan said of the intimately-lensed production starring Johnathan McCullough, a baritone who’ll also man a camera and co-direct with James Darrah, the director behind OP’s visionary 2019 production of “Semele.”

Bringing in soprano Lisette Oropesa to discuss her star-making turn Violetta in OP’s 2015 take on “La traviata,” after screening that 5-year-old “debut of the decade,” is a coup for Devan’s burgeoning television channel.

“We’re making this up as we go along,” saud Devan with a giggle. “What was once solely available to 515 people at the Kimmel’s Perelman is now available internationally.”

Bass-baritone Sir Willard White makes his long-awaited Opera Philadelphia debut in “El Cimarrón,” composer Hans Werner Henze’s drama about a real-life Cuban activist who escaped bondage on a sugar plantation, survived in the jungle, fought for Cuban independence from Spain, and lived to describe it before dying at the age of 113. “We’re doing that with Sir Willard, three musicians and tons of percussion,” said Devan of C-19 ecomony of space. “We’re hoping that all artists of color will be able to relate to, and reflect upon, this experience.”

Known for his color-blind casting practices (“That was a large part of what drove me to Opera Philadelphia,” said Brownlee), Devan and Opera Philadelphia has been dedicated to Black causes and matters of social justice since his start there.

“We need to see diversity in every aspect of the company: the boardroom, backstage, in the administrative offices, in the orchestra and the chorus,” said Brownlee. “We need that if we are to truly market to different neighborhoods and audiences. Each area and each audience needs different language, certain awareness, true diversity.”

There’s 2017’s “We Shall Not be Moved,” an interdisciplinary chamber opera by composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, librettist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and director-choreographer Bill T. Jones about North Philly teens discovering the West Philly house and history behind the MOVE organization, and its deadly 1985 standoff with local police.

“The MOVE show was perfect in that it showed audiences that opera is not this stuffy thing,” stated Brownlee. “It helped to open eyes and whet appetites as to what new can be done AND started a conversation about race in Philadelphia.”

FEATURED

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

iladelphia 2015’s “Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD,” mentionedwith music by Daniel Schnyder, libretto by dence Da-Bridgette A. Wimberly and a career-refining a perfectperformance by Brownlee, was equally dyyet trium-namic in opera’s discussion of race. Both of alists andthese shows were among the finest examples ple in ourof how art interprets the Black voice – the culechnicianstural Black voice and the political Black voice. ho lives in “It is the voice of America,” noted Devan.

“As a white leader of an arts organization, d are film-I don’t have a black voice agenda other than , buildingthat we give people in our artistic community were mak-– all of its people – a voice; a way to tell their filming astories. All we do is produce what they want to ely-lensedtell. ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’ is an important Cullough,story. It wasn’t our work. It was their work. and co-di-We just gave it a good home.” or behind The same historicity and import were in“Semele.”strumental when getting one of America’s sa to dis-premier Black opera singers – “Larry” to a in OP’sDevan – to make his debut with Opera Philscreeningadelphia as the brooding, buoyant Charlie ” is a coupParker in an opera written for him. “Corrado channel.was crucial in bringing Brownlee to the comong,” saudpany as they had worked together at la Scala,” nce solelystated Devan. “He was famous for his bel canel’s Perel-to work and the standard canon of Rossini and y.” all that Italian work when we asked him If he makes hiswould be interested in us writing an opera for but in “Elhim. I mean, WHAAAAAAAAAT?” r Henze’s Devan goes on about bringing Brownlee tivist whointo Opera Philadelphia as its artistic advisor, ation, sur-a role that finds the tenor dealing with Black n indepen-civic and cultural leaders for the reasons of ribe it be-community outreach and development necdoing thatessary for the future, as well as artists. “We nd tons of created the artistic advisory position for him omony of to really bring his viewpoints of a Black man s of colorliving in America to our practices so that upon, thiswe could start some truly thought inclusion work. He’s working to make sure that we hear practicesall the artists who can sing these roles and ove me toother artists of color who get missed in the e), Devanmachinery of a largely white opera industry. dedicatedPlus, Larry introduced us to Tyshawn Sorey, ial justiceour new composer-in-residence who, quite actually, is the bomb.” ery aspect Brownlee picked up the story to discuss backstage,how a complex composer, a Black modern orchestraclassicist who had never written an opera, need thatbecame that Opera Philadelphia composent neigh-er-in-residence (with an even newer gig, as a and eachprofessor of music gig at University of Penne, certainsylvania to follow). “‘Cycles of My Being’ is very progressive – there is a strong Black Moved,” anLives Matter element to it – and is being capy compos-tured in this raw, but highly cinematic fashttist Marcion,” said Brownlee. “Tyshawn is very focused eographeron making the music right… flexible… it is an ns discov-extremely difficult piece.” istory be- Brownlee has made singing difficult music its deadlysomething of a calling card since performing as Charlie Parker in “YARDBIRD.” in that it Known abroad with a successful career of this stuffybel canto music, “YARDBIRD” was a delicious d to openchallenge for Brownlee, dramatically and mut new cansically. “It showed that I had a lot of range as ion abouta singer, as an actor, and as a musician; that I could use my voice in many different ways,”

said the tenor. “Suddenly I wasn’t a one-trickpony anymore.” Doing “YARDBIRD,” especially on the stages of the Apollo where so many Black singers and musicians made their bones and won the reputations, was an earth-shattering, soul-stirring invocation of what it meant to be an artist of color in America. “It was, as if, I had the ghosts of so many giants on my shoulders,” said Brownlee. “Everything about ‘YARDBIRD’ was a game-changer for me. A showcase such as ‘Lawrence Brownlee & Friends’ that I’m doing for the Opera Philadelphia Channel will be fun – me and several women with deep ties to Philadelphia (sopranos Lindsey Reynolds, Sarah Shafer and Karen Slack, accompanied by pianist Myra Huang) performing the work of female composers (Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger, Amy Beach, and Jacqueline Hairston). But works such as ‘YARDBIRD’ and ‘Cycle of My Being” test my metal.”

So what does it mean to Brownlee to be a Black man in opera in 2020? Not just Opera Philadelphia, but the whole of a form sadly unrepresented by additional artists of color?

“That’s a big question,” he said, holding back a chuckle. “Wow, I feel like, yes, I’m representing Black men in opera and in the arts.

But we’re currently seeing some of the disparity and the opportunities that we, as Black people, are given compared to other people. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t say that I had been given the fortune of having some great opportunities. I know though that I am probably the exception and not the norm. I look at my Black colleagues, and others who have struggled who are incredibly talented, and the advances they have made recently. Look at last year’s ‘Porgy & Bess’ at the Metropolitan Opera (at the Met for the first time in nearly 30 years). That stage was littered with talent. All of the world’s great stages should have these sorts of opportunities for Black people. Sadly, few of them do and are.”

Philadelphia is progressive in that way in that it gave the world contralto singer Marian Anderson – the Met’s first Black soloist. Opera Philadelphia is progressive in that way, by Brownlee’s account, and he believes that local audiences – and the world, if the Opera Philadelphia Channel has its way – will commence to seeing more of the Black artist initiatives (on stage and off) that he and Devan have been pushing for, soon after this pandemic gets done with and the Opera Philadelphia company can forge its new paths, onstage and online.

“What does it mean to be a Black man in opera in 2020?” asked Brownlee. “It means we’re still fighting the good fight that was started by George Shirley (the first African-American tenor to perform a leading role at the Met) and Camilla Williams and their like. I encourage all Black artists to stay focused and on track – stay with their noses to the grindstone so that they could make progress. We see a lot of social issues happening right now. And I hope that there is a seismic shift because of it all.”

@ADAMOROSI

9

Alfredo (Alek Shrader) returns to the bedside of Violetta (Lisette Oropesa) as she is dying of consumption during a performance of ‘La traviata.’ Image | Kelly & Massa

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

10

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

EPA should tighten ozone pollution regs Being a young person in American right now means thinking about how the environment will look in the future. As a resident of Pennsylvania, it also means being concerned about the quality of the air I breathe, and what that means for my future health.

Millions of people across Pennsylvania are breathing in polluted, unhealthy air. In the Philadelphia region, we breathe around 90 days of degraded air quality each year. Air pollution is responsible for heart attacks, cancer and other serious health problems and is causing thousands of premature deaths in

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE SHOUT OUT

the United States. Even air pollution levels that meet the federal government’s current air quality standards can be harmful to our health.

To ensure we all have clean air to breathe, the EPA has to listen to experts who are saying the current regulations on clean air are not strict enough.

The EPA has an opportunity to protect us from pollution by updating their rules on ozone pollution. I am asking them to tighten their regulations on ozone pollution so that we have healthier air to breathe.

Molly | Exton

New bill would upend property right laws I write on behalf of the 70 member organizations of WeConservePA (formerly the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association) and the more than 100,000 Pennsylvanians they count as members and supporters.

WeConservePA opposes HB 2724.

The work of land trusts is grounded in property rights and providing conservation benefits to the public. We conserve land by purchasing or accepting donations of property rights, working within a well-established framework of common and statutory law.

HB 2724 appears to upend this law, providing favor to one class of property owners at the expense of another class of property owners – namely, the public. WeConservePA supports private property rights and likewise the property rights of the public. And just as we object to undue impingement on private

property rights for public interests, we object to the usurping of public rights by private interests.

By prohibiting private groups from stepping up to defend potential property interests of the public in court, HB 2724 puts those public rights at risk given the often limited capacity of and potential political constraints on public agencies to address such matters.

WeConservePA recognizes an argument that if the bill does not pass, there is a risk that landowners will cease to permit trails to pass through their properties; we also recognize the counter-argument that landowners can quite easily prevent prescriptive easement claims by granting simple, revocable licenses.

WeConservePA welcomes discussion of these conflicting views and other issues raised in this bill.

Andrew M. Loza | Executive Director

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Image | CHUTTERSNAP

Philadelphia restaurants recently were given the go-ahead from the city to increase indoor dining capacity from 25 percent to 50 percent.

Your turn: Are you ready to go back to indoor dining, or are you still eating outside or doing the pickup/takeout thing?

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

VOICES OF OUR CITY

No more outbreaks A new Pennsylvania House bill has been proposed. House Bill 2755 would make coroners or medical examiners wait at least 24 hours before sharing autopsy results to the public.

The goal of HB 2755 is to avoid added hardship and pain families of the dead will be experiencing by the result release to the public.

Supporters claim that current law overlooks the anguish caused by immediate result release to the public. However, this not only risks fake information going viral, but also endangers community safety. The number of social media users increased by approximately 120 million in just the last year.

Stanford Engineering analyzed how fast fake information can go viral on social media. The study showed fake news travels faster than truth online. Losing a family member is painful enough, they do not need to suffer from fake information spreading online.

Back in July, the World Health Organization finally admitted China made COVID-19 pandemic worse by not reporting about coronavirus immediately. Since January, when COVID-19 cases in the U.S. were slowly mak-

ing their way up to skyrocketing, WHO was giving a round of applause to China’s government for “promptly” sharing a genetic map of coronavirus and kept praising the government for being transparent. However, unlike what WHO was believing at that time, China was neither being prompt nor being transparent. In fact, China was sitting on sharing information about the new virus and busy covering it up.

According to a study published in March, if China’s government had acted three weeks earlier than it did, the number of COVID-19 cases could have been down by 95 percent.

This clearly shows a fast release of cause of death, especially if it is by a contagious disease, to the public is crucial. Wearing masks and keeping social distance has become our new norm. And I still wonder what it would have been like if we were able to manage the COVID outbreak before it became out of control. I urge you to reach out to your local legislators at www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/ legis/home/findyourlegislator/ and show your opposition to the bill. Help us build a safer community.

Rebecca Kim, BSN, RN, MSN candidate | University of Pennsylvania

Pandemic hasn’t broken the employer health insurance system Over 55 million Americans have filed for unemployment since COVID-19 struck. But for the most part, they haven’t lost their health insurance. An astounding 98 percent of workers who had employer-sponsored health benefits before the pandemic are still enrolled in workplace plans, according to a July report.

That encouraging statistic ought to debunk the notion that America needs to move toward a government-run, single-payer system.

If our employer-sponsored health insurance system can withstand the worst pandemic and unemployment crisis in a century, it’s worth keeping.

Employers, insurers, and agents and brokers all deserve credit for the resilience of this system. Consider that many businesses have continued providing health benefits, even when they’ve been forced to furlough employees.

Keeping laid-off employees on company

health plans is just one way to protect workers. As COVID cases have climbed, new health needs have emerged – and employers are meeting the challenge. One survey of 816 employers found that nearly half have enhanced their employee health benefits in response to the crisis.

Expert advice is necessary now more than ever. Brokers and agents are advising companies on how to get the most value out of their current plans and helping them navigate the loan and grant programs available through the recent federal stimulus packages.

When the pandemic first hit, many pundits predicted that widespread layoffs would cause tens of millions of people to lose their health insurance.

But that nightmare scenario hasn’t happened – thanks to the employers, insurers, and agents who’ve made our current insurance system so resilient.

Dane Rianhard is president of the National Association of Health Underwriters and a founding principal of Maryland-based Tribridge Partners. This piece originally ran in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

READY TO REBOUND? PHILLY IS REOPENING: LET CUSTOMERS KNOW YOU’RE READY AND OPEN. Philadelphia Weekly is ready to help your business rebound from the lockdown.

Your customers are ready to get back out and support you. PW hasn’t missed a week since the lockdown began, and our readers are the people most excited to be in your establishment!

REOPENING SPECIAL $99 / week

4 INSTAGRAM STORIES 4 ADS IN PW PRINT EDITION Say you’re ready, and PW will do the rest to get you reopened and customers back in your business.

PHILLY IS PRIMED TO GET BACK TO BUSINESS CONTACT: JCOOPER@PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM OR CALL JOURDAN AT 267-296-1094 PW puts its money where its mouth is! All payments deferred until two weeks after your business reopens.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

ICEPACK

12

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

CHEESESTEAK

REMIX

Pat’s Steaks part of national dining effort

W

hether you’re on the Left or Philly Weekly cover subject Ali Awan, who on the Right, good and great just released a dreamy, nostalgia-heavy new news came earlier this week track, “Cherry Pits.” Apparently, he recorded when the most annoying, the tune, predominantly, through an Apple cloying, lying yet menacing- headphone mic in his van that he’s named ly sanctimonious – and often “Pickle.” Man, he’s definitely getting COVID MIA, hey it’s not enough to buggy if he’s naming his modes of transport. just be a mean prick, you got Then again, great song – so name your refrigto at least show up for the gig – figurehead erator “Tom,” and your clock, “Liam” if you that Pennsylvania has had in some time, Relike. publican Sen. Pat Toomey, decided (or pretty War on Drugs show? much had it decided for him) that he will neiSpeaking of dreamy local music, is/are The ther run for reelection nor, NOR, for governor War on Drugs up to something? Anything? of Pennsylvania in 2022. Huzzah.

This fuzzy, newly-dropped Instagram footWhile I will really really miss those age of a smoky live show from Philly’s Tuesdays With Toomey protest seshAdam Granduciel & Co. (https://www. es, I won’t miss his numbly bullheaded instagram.com/p/CFubfBaDlFJ/?utm_

BY A.D. stance on anti LGBTQ+, and anti-abor- AMOROSI source=ig_embed) – and points to anytion issues, and his wonton way with one who can tell me where this psychethe environment and our health care. delic dry ice fest was staged – portends Plus, I never saw him smile (probably a good that a new product is possible/probable. Good thing), and he always has an annoying peanut thing, too. Three years from “A Deeper Unhead, a long double-pindar, that just seems to derstanding,” their last album, is a long time have popped up above his collar like a bad surbetween drinks. prise. So bye, Pat. Cheesesteak remix Red Paw relief I’m not going to bitch and moan about While everyone is busy bitching about fundcheesesteaks. You like them? You eat them, ing and defunding Philly’s Police Department and I’m fine with that. No angry finger point... Wait. Are they still? Things seem so quiet on ing trope here. That said, Pat’s Steaks, or Pat’s that front for the time being – the Philly Fire King of Steaks – in celebration of its 90th anDepartment has been left to its own devices – niversary – has been doing this thing, off-andin this case, great, as the PFD announced beon, with local name chefs, so to celebrate the fore the weekend that it will integrate the sercombo, and from Oct. 16-18, the classic cheesvices of Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, the esteak will get a remix courtesy Zahav, etc. nearly-decade old, not-for-profit animal/pet chef-owner Michael Solomonov. It’s all part of disaster rescue program about to shut down, a national dining initiative. into its own service.

The Classics Remix, from Resy.com – the New Ali Awan music culinary locator site – is in partnership with All that sweet civics is giving me a toothAmerican Express Gold Card, where eight ache. To facilitate a solidly bittersweet bite, I top chefs based in eight U.S. cities will do ask that you turn your attention to Philadeltheir own takes on major menu items in each phia singer, songwriter, guitarist and one-time town. You have to go and reserve https://resy.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

GOSSIP

com/404?date=2020-10-05&seats=2 to make week I reached out to local restaurateur (Tathe $25 purchase – no just walking up to the lula’s Garden, Love) Aimee Olexy and her window and yelling “Wit” this time, buddy – daughter Annalee Talula. and perhaps get a Resy Golden Check in your The daughter-mother team has, of course, takeout bag for a $100 discount at Solomon- been keeping their distance while keeping ov’s restaurants. And no. We don’t know as their culinary hot spots open (Talula’s has yet what Solomonov is doing to make a chees- been a great respite, what with their garden). esteak, Zahav-ian. Think hummus. Think ta- To that end, Aimee realized her inner factotum. hini. Think tabbouleh. Just don’t think Whiz, “I came to terms with being a workaholplease. Mike’s head will explode. ic,” said Olexy. “I tried not working, but I just Wawa music couldn’t do it. Maybe it is my way of coping.

Heck, if I’m going to discuss cheesesteaks ad infinitum, I might as well move to anoth- I like to contribute and be productive in the restaurants. In the early mornings, though, er everyday Philly-cultural-culinary totem: Wawa. This time though, it is the name of a I do take my dog Coopy for extra-long walks. new song from West Philly jazz vocalist-writer And I did find time to paddleboard and adventure to new farm stands in the region.”

Gretchen Elise Walker who, after a year-long Daughter Annalee, did, however open up quest for a licensing deal with the area retailher busy work er, releases the soschedule to include ca-styled “Wawa” craft and art in and its full-length tackling embroivideo in a free ondery and painting. line event co-star“I’ve been emring City Commisbroidering my old sioner Omar Sabir jeans and T-shirts at 3pm on Oct. 10 and making lit– www.gretcheneltle gifts for my ise.com/wawa and friends and family. live on her FB, IG, I’d drop gifts off Tw and YouTube in their mailboxes channels with too. And painting hashtags #wakeis relaxing for me, upandjump #getso now there are outthevote #wawa. canvases all over OK, so cheesmy room.” esteaks, check.

While Annalee Wawa, check, I doesn’t seem to guess if anyone mind having to has any frigging wear the mask at news about Habball (“I think it’s ersett Scrapple or great that so many Pork Roll, they’re Image | Courtesy Aimee Olexy and Annalee Talula people are making going to have to their own masks hold it until next and making them for little kids and people week’s column. who need them”), mom Aimee seems to have ‘Jingle Jangle’ had enough. “Please let it end!,” she said. “I Philly-raised John Legend and Mike Jackcook, train people, and talk for a living. The son – partners in the Get Lifted film company, responsible for co-producing the Oscar-win- mask takes some energy and enthusiasm ning “La La Land,” the Emmy-winning “Je- away for me. I find it difficult to smell the nusus Christ Superstar in Concert,” and the ances of things cooking in the kitchen. Interviewing and training are exhausting with a Tony-winning “Jitney” – (are you sensing a pattern?) just dropped the film release date, mask on. I value the safety and protection of the mask, but I truly miss our mask-free life.” the soundtrack release date (both Nov. 13) Missing a mask-free life is a big thing for and the first single (Usher’s “This Day”) from “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.” Sure, the pair. Annalee looks forward to being able that title sounds a little corny, but, that’s the to smile at friends and people from across the point. “Jingle Jangle” is Netflix’s biggest bud- way. “It’s a simple thing, but, I miss that the geted musical film from a Black director (Da- most.” Mom, however, wants to rock out. “I’d vid E. Talbert), stars Forrest Whitaker, and is love to see some live music safely in a great venue again,” said Aimee. “To sing along, on a streaming network where Get Lifted has dance and watch a killer performance is so ina deal, starting with the first competitive hip hop show, “Rhythm + Flow” starring Cardi B. spiring! Live theater and concerts bring an intangible good feeling for me. I’m amazed and Wap. feel recharged when artists give incredible Masked Philly: Aimee Olexy and Anperformances. I’d love to support that again nalee Talula In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking soon...and it would be extra fun – mask off!” mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve @ADAMOROSI been up to beyond the pale during C-19, this

ARE YOU READING

THIS? GOOD. SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS.

Are your customers under 40? Engaged in the city?

Chances are they read PW, and we want to help you get more of them. Our marketing team will help you build a multi-channel campaign that delivers REAL RESULTS, and new customers in the door.

PW

E-News

Native Content

@phillyweekly

$62.50 / week 28,500 circ

$237 / article 18,900 weekly visitors

$150 / week 15,800 subscribers

$50 / week 19,500 followers

NO MATTER THE PLATFORM, PEOPLE TURN TO PW REACH YOUR AUDIENCE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS. CONTACT JOSH AT 267-240-1969 OR SALES@PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM

See Us About...

Whether You’re Purchasing

a New Home or Refinancing Your Existing Mortgage,

Turn to us for a Great Deal and Personal Service.

Mortgage Loans

to Meet all of Your Needs -

u

Conventional Fixed and Adjustable Rate Programs

u

Various Terms

u

Low Down Payment Options

u

Jumbo Mortgages Home Equity Loan Home Equity Line Of Credit

Competitive Rates • Quality Service Customized Lending Programs Our friendly mortgage experts will work with you to choose the financing option that meets your specific needs.

A Home Mortgage Loan

215-755-1500 www.psbanker.com Notice of Non-Affiliation and Disclaimer: Prudential Bank is not affiliated, associated, authorized or endorsed by or in any way officially connected with The Prudential Insurance Company of America or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

14

MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

5 QUESTIONS:

JORDAN

CAIOLA Artist’s first solo album dropped last week

Jordan Caiola’s debut solo album, ‘Only Real When Shared,’ dropped last week. Image | Kirby Sybert

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

:

N

A

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

S

ongwriter, musician and producer Jordan Caiola released his debut solo album, “Only Real When Shared,” on Oct. 2 via Workaround Records. The atmospheric indie folk LP consists of 10 original tunes penned

by Caiola and recorded during quarantine alongside co-producer/engineer/drummer Shane Woods (Mo Lowda & The Humble). Though he always felt writing folk songs was his true wheelhouse, it wasn’t until the nationwide lockdown in early 2020 that Caiola finally put aside the time to capture a collection of these songs for his first solo effort.

The title of the album was inspired by a quote from Christopher McCandless (the subject of the book and film, “Into The Wild”) who declared, “happiness is only real when shared.”

“I was always inspired by the way ‘Into the Wild’ told his story in particular,” Caiola said. “I think that quote at its core is something to live by. Not every song relates, but many of the songs are about relationships which I believe can be boiled down to trying to find someone who makes you happy, and then constantly figuring the best way to share that happiness. It’s not easy. I chose the album art based on the quote as well.

There are two gulls within reach and sight of each other, but they both have their backs turned to each other. I saw it as a symbol of people who are right there, but don’t quite give Jordan Caiola can’t wait to get back to touring enough or put in enough effort to get after the pandemic passes. Image | Kirby Sybert the most out of their relationships – whether they be romantic, family, or sort of moved that way anyway, as an indusfriendships.” and figured this would provide a much needed try. I myself am guilty of just saving one or catharsis … I love being in the studio.

Caiola plans to perform select dates in supI think it turned out better than I could’ve two songs from an artist to my library. Unforport of the album and hit the road again as tunately, I think our attention spans are much soon as possible. In the meantime, he contin- imagined. We began by just recording the ues to write, record and generate new materi- rhythm section and electric guitars at Shane shorter these days, and as much as I would love for every single listener to put the album Woods’ house in Fishtown (producer, engial for all of his creative endeavors. on in order and listen front to back, I underPW recently caught up with him to talk neer, mixer and drummer) and then would stand that’s not particularly realisfinish up the vocals and acoustics about the new album and his career. tic within the current climate. I still So while other folks were binge-watching and other overdubs at Headroom hope for that… I think all artists do, Netflix during the pandemic, you recorded Studios in Kensington once the stayBY EUGENE but it was also quite fun to plan and at-home orders started to relax a bit. your debut LP. How did “Only Real When ZENYATTA craft these releases. I approached Shared” come together? Did it turn out how The whole process just felt incrediit as if the five singles themselves bly organic and I therefore was able you expected, and how can people hear it? should make up a little half-album of to write a few more songs during the Well, I DID still find time to binge watch all three seasons of “Fargo” for the second time recording process because I was so inspired their own and sequenced them accordingly. I also chose the five songs as a sampling of what ... but yes, the focus was on the album. When by the workflow we had and was just fully the lockdown first happened and my band Mo engulfed in the direction of the project and the full album would hold; touching on a little Lowda & the Humble (and every other band the album. Folks can hear it anywhere on the bit of everything.

You tour a lot. Has being off the road due on the planet) had our tours cancelled, I sort whole wide internet. I don’t think there’s anyto the pandemic been tough for you? of saw it as this perfect window that had fi- where that it won’t be (digitally at least).

It’s been very difficult. I’ve kind of stopped You’ve been releasing singles off the alnally been created to record this project. A solo album had always been in the back of my bum for awhile now. What’s the response lying to people about how I am. I’m fully aware and want to be respectful of folks who mind, but we toured so often that I never re- been from your fans? have lost a whole lot more due to all of this, The response has been great… I think peoally set aside the time to focus on officially reple like the consistent release thing. We’ve but I also feel that it doesn’t have to nullify, cording it. Also, I was incredibly bummed out

MUSIC

15

nor minimize the effects the pandemic has had on me.

In many ways, I felt like touring defined me. It gave me purpose. It was my favorite thing to do. I RARELY had the nights on tour where I really longed for my own bed and a good night sleep – I really just tried to be 100 percent in it all the time…

I felt that’s where I was meant to be.

This last Mo Lowda album was our biggest to date, and the ticket pre-sales for the national tour were doing very well. So, it was a tough pill to swallow that it never got to happen… and still is. The livestream stuff held us over monetarily in the early quarantine phases, but it really wasn’t so much about how touring paid our bills – we just loved playing for people… Having our ears ringing at the end of a great set… Drenched in sweat and packing up the van discussing who had the scoop on some after-party plans. I miss it. I think we all do.

How did you get your start in music? What were some of your earliest influences?

My dad was my biggest influence as far as piquing my interest in music at an early age. He had eclectic taste, but was definitely huge on Van Morrison and Springsteen when I was little. I took a liking to those two and then once I got my first electric guitar I started diving into Zeppelin, Stones, Hendrix until I eventually leaned towards more contemporary stuff. I think if I could put my finger on a particular moment though, it would be one of the times I sat by while my dad and my Uncle Gene howled some Bruce song on an acoustic guitar a few Yuenglings deep.

I remember thinking it looked like so much fun… I wanted to do that. I always had an ear for it though. I can recall being so embarrassed that I was chosen for “Select Chorus” in fifth grade. Thought it was totally uncool.

Which, it kind of was… BUT, I guess that’s when I knew I had decent pitch at the very least.

What’s ahead for you, after the pandemic clears and things at least kind of return to normal?

Touring is the first priority hands down.

Who knows what that will look like and when, but I think there are plenty of folks who miss live shows just as much as we miss playing them. I long for an incredible first tour where every show feels like the best crowd we’ve ever played for because everyone is just so ready to do it again.

Learn more at: Official: https://www.caiolamusic.com/#Contact Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caiolamusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mocaiola/ Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/CaiolaSpotify

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

16

ARTS

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

LIGHTS, CAMERA,

ACTION Local film director takes home award for ‘Colors of Truth’

P

He made his comeback as a director in a short hiladelphia film director Rabinder Parasher recently won Best Male Direc- movie titled “Colors of Truth,” which exposes the tor for his short film, “Colors of Truth,” abuse of Indian women by their NRI (Non Resident at the Phoenix Monthly Short Film Festi- Indian) husbands. Parasher hopes to expose this horrible abuse of Indian women worldwide and reval in Canada. veal the cultural obstacles still present Parasher has been active in in current-day society. At the same time, the filmmaking business for this film carries a social message also for the last 23 years. He started as an assistant

BY EUGENE those girls who are thinking of marrying director in 1997 in Mumbai, India, to BollyZENYATTA abroad. wood film directors Tanuja Chandra and PW recently caught up with Parasher to Mahesh Bhatt for films like “Dushman,” talk about his career making movies.

“Zakhm” and “Sangharsh.” Soon he beWhen did you first become interested in makcame a screenplay writer with the feature film “Yeh ing films? Were there any directors who had an Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan.”

In 2007, Parasher made his debut as a director in early influence on you?

I was born and brought up in Chandigarh, India, a Bollywood feature film titled “Yeh Sunday Kyun and I was so fond of watching movies that most of Aata Hai” that addressed child labor in India.

He shifted to Philadelphia a few years ago with a the time either I was narrating some film scene to mission to make Hollywood films. He began by open- my siblings in my own style or I was requesting my parents to make us watch a movie in a theater. My ing his own production house, Rabinder Parasher Films of USA LLC, in 2018 and making a web series father was a bank manager and my mother was a housewife. On my repeated requests, my dad would titled “Playing With the Past” in collaboration with the production houses of his brothers Chander book the movie tickets and then we all would go to watch a movie in a theater almost every Saturday as Mohan and Rajesh Prasher.

Rabinder Parasher directs Philadelphia actors on location for 'Colors of Truth.' Image | Courtesy Rabinder Parasher

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

my dad us Saturdays In my l developing maker. Th titled “Am Manmoha the secon

by Ted Ko dia, becau used to re original U in college when I Blood.” I ber, I wa “First Blo I reached determina become a like Ted K That was first becam making fil Talk a “Colors o did you w movie abo Indian w non-resid bands? H see it?

“Colors an Ameri ie about woman wh on her lif of Truth how her I husband a fought bac I wante of Indian back, I re an who w abuse by then sudd making he called up Rajesh Pr and co-pro I told th as a direc based on so that, th important are thinki that’s how Then w of Indian we wrote t it in Phila were reall plete the fi pandemic.

Curren cuit, and an OTT pl The m

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Image | Courtesy Rabinder Parasher

my dad used to have half days in the bank on Saturdays.

In my life, two movies are responsible for developing my interest in becoming a filmmaker. The first film was a Bollywood film titled “Amar Akbar Anthony” directed by Manmohan Desai, which came in 1977, and the second film was “First Blood” directed

by Ted Kotcheff, which came in 1983-84 in India, because at that time Hollywood movies used to release a little later in India than their original U.S. release date. It was my first year in college in Chandigarh when I watched “First Blood.” I still remember, I was so moved by “First Blood” that, when I reached home, I made a determination that I will become a film director like Ted Kotcheff one day.

That was the time when I first became interested in making films.

Talk a little about “Colors of Truth.” Why did you want to make a movie about the abuse of Indian women by their non-resident Indian husbands? How can people see it?

“Colors of Truth” is an American short movie about a young Indian woman who writes a book on her life titled “Colors of Truth” and reveals how her Indian-American husband abused her in America and how she fought back.

I wanted to make a movie about the abuse of Indian women because, almost two years back, I read an article about an Indian woman who went through the torture of physical abuse by her Indian-American husband and then suddenly one day was abandoned by him making her life a complete hell. I immediately called up my brothers, Chander Mohan and Rajesh Prasher, who are also my co-writers and co-producers in the film.

I told them that I will make my comeback as a director with an American short movie based on the abuse of Indian women abroad, so that, through this short film, we can give an important message to those Indian girls who are thinking of marrying a man abroad. So that’s how it started.

Then we conducted research on the abuse of Indian women by their NRI husbands and we wrote the script accordingly. Then I filmed it in Philadelphia with local actors, and we were really lucky that we were able to complete the film in February 2020 just before the pandemic.

Currently we are covering the festival circuit, and after that we will be releasing it on an OTT platform for the people.

The major studios have huge budgets

ARTS when they make their movies. It can be much more difficult for independent directors and smaller studios. What are some of the challenges you face when making a movie?

A studio film will always have a much bigger budget than an Independent film, because studios have complete knowledge and infrastructure of recovering their money. Actually a director’s specialization is making a film and a studio’s specialization is selling a film, and that’s why, whenever a director finalizes a script, his first wish is to get a studio backup. But when you don’t get a studio backup, then as an independent filmmaker, right from filming to selling, script to screen, you have to take care of everything.

This is the biggest challenge we face while making an independent film.

How have the pandemic and all of the restrictions that came with it impacted your career and ability to make films? How have you spent your downtime during self-isolation?

I guess film is the only product in this entire world that cannot be made with restrictions. Now as per the script of our next film, even if I direct a simple exterior scene with the actors or an interior scene with the actors, at some point actors will have to come very close to each other or may hug or kiss each other as per the requirement of the scene, but we cannot do it due to the concerns over the coronavirus and with the well-being of our cast and crew as the number one priority. So that’s why we have decided to postpone the production of our next film projects.

During self-isolation, I did yoga and meditation. I spent quality time with my wife and son. Also I started working on a feature film subject, for which I am conducting research on these days.

Are you working on any new films?

What’s ahead for you?

We have three projects in the pipeline, a feature film, a short film and an American web series “Playing with the Past” (Season 2), which are to be filmed most likely in 2021 under our production houses Rabinder Parasher Films of USA LLC, Chander Mohan Film Production and Rajesh Prasher Film Production.

The Best Male Director Award that I received recently from the Phoenix International Short Film Festival has given me a recognition that I am on the right path. It has not only given me validation, but it has also boosted my confidence. So now I have started working toward achieving my ultimate goal, which is to direct a Hollywood film.

want to

VOTE

Drama?

WITHOUT the

TEXT "EQUALINFO" TO 73224 and get straight answers about casting your ballot in Philly

learn more and sign up for early access at nourity.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

18

COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

How we’ll check out Theatre Exile’s upcoming season

Theatre Exile has announced its 2020-21 season, featuring productions that encapsulate the “grit” and provocative conversations that theater-goers have come to expect from the cutting-edge theater company. Here’s what you’ll see:

Sin Eaters D-Pad

By Jeremy Gable and directed by Brey Ann Barrett, the online performances will take place Nov. 27-Dec. 13. D-Pad explores the world of independent gaming through the lens of a wunderkind developer as she creates something beyond entertainment.

Written with humor, thoughtfulness, and humanity, D-Pad follows Alex as she finds herself in a nightmare of production delays, self-doubt, and a rabid fan base. Interactions with real and virtual characters lead her into selfisolation as she struggles with family and in her male-dominated industry.

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

By Anna Moench and directed by Matt Pfeiffer, the online performances will take place next year, Feb. 11-28. Toeing the lines between satire and harsh reality, Sin Eaters is a hilarious, poignant, and brutal examination of the human experience and how the daily toil of life transforms our perceptions of ourselves and those around us. Mary is a “content moderator,” one of the unseen people who scrub our social media feeds of violent, sexual, and otherwise disturbing imagery. As she goes deeper into the recesses of the internet, she finds a graphic video that makes her question her relationship, her sanity, and her own capacity for violence.

The Ever Present

Next spring, Out of Exile will present the world premiere of The Ever Present (working title) by R. Eric Thomas and directed by Brett Ashley Robinson. Playwright Thomas is working with South Philadelphia community members to create a truly “magical” tale about an empty lot in the local neighborhood. Full of folklore, the show will examine one neighborhood’s connections and attachment to place. More information to come.

Pass Over

By Antoinette Nwandu and directed by Ozzie Jones, this production will take place next year from April 22 to May 9, with a venue to be determined. Moses and Kitch stand around on the corner – talking shit, passing the time, and hoping that maybe today will be different. As they dream of their promised land, a stranger wanders into their space with his own agenda and derails their plans. Award-winning playwright Nwandu purposely crafts language that many deem “profane” into poetic and humorous riffs, exposing the enduring human spirit of young men stuck in a cycle looking for a way out. A provocative take on Waiting for Godot, Pass Over is a timely tale told by a bold American voice.

Ticket Information

Subscription sales are available online, with packages starting at just $30. You can also purchase tickets by calling 215-218-4022. Programming and scheduling are subject to change. For more information, visit theatreexile.org, and follow Theatre Exile on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

COVID-19

19

At the Drive-In

Centerpiece films exclusively at the PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard are available first to Spotlight All Access and Premiere All Access badge holders with a limited number of individual tickets going on sale. They can check out Ammonite by director Francis Lee and Nomadland by director Chloé Zhou.

The Philadelphia Film Society has announced the first wave of programming for the 29th Philadelphia Film Festival, spanning from Oct. 23 – Nov. 2. PFF29 features in-home screenings available through the Festival’s digital streaming platform, alongside nightly socially-distanced screenings throughout the 11-day Festival at the expanded two-screen PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard. Individual tickets going on-sale for PFS members on Oct. 11 and to the general public beginning Oct. 13, with badge holders receiving a headstart on drive-in screenings on Friday, Oct. 9.

Badges are currently available to purchase. Visit filmadelphia.org for details, but here’s what we’re anxious to see:

How we’re watching the first wave of PFF29 Freeland

From directors Mario Furloni and Kate McLean, an aging pot farmer finds her world shattered as she races to bring in what could be her final harvest. The reviews we’ve seen all give it five stars.

Gunda

Director Victor Kossakovsky brings us the daily life of a pig, two cows and a one-legged chicken.

Seriously, isn’t this something you’ve waited your whole life to see?

The Killing of Two Lovers

Director Robert Machoian’s piece revolves around a husband and wife split, the efforts to keep the family together and the struggles surrounding new relationships. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a bunch of high ratings and special points for authenticity.

Pass options

PFF29 offers three pass options for audiences.

The Streaming Pass ($200) allows Festival viewers to watch all PFF29 films and filmmaker talkbacks available on the PFF29 digital platform from the comfort of your own home. The Spotlight All Access Badge ($300), available exclusively to PFS members, gives access to both streaming films and the ability to reserve slots for Opening Night, Closing Night, and Centerpiece screenings at the PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard. The Premiere All Access Badge ($600), available in limited quantity, gives access to all streaming films; a free Roku Streaming device, allowing viewers to stream PFF29 films on your TV via the PFF29 customized app, sent to their house; access to Opening Night, Closing Night, and Centerpiece screenings at the PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard; and premium parking at screenings at the PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard. For more information and to purchase a badge please visit Filmadelphia.org/Festival.

The Dilemma of Desire

This feature film from Maria Finitzo is about female sexual desire and the powerful gender politics that revolve around NOT acknowledging female desire. We know that the female body is the primary metaphor for sexuality – saturating advertising and mainstream erotic imagery.

However, female sexual desire – what women actually want – is left out of the conversation. To make matters worse, cultural, religious and political forces, in fact punish women for expressing their sexual desire. The bottom line however, is this: there can be no equality without equality of pleasure.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

20

COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Fright Factory

Housed inside a 120-year-old factory building in South Philadelphia, the Fright Factory summons screams galore for its 20th anniversary year. Within the attraction, guests set out to explore 25,000 square feet of highscream, high-startle environments across three separate areas. Due to reduced capacity for 2020, pre-purchased timed tickets are required. 2200 S. Swanson Street | Through Oct. 31 (select dates) | Frightfactoryphilly.com

Halloween is about all things scary, and visitphilly.com has a list of places that definitely will take your breath away. Here are a few of our favorites. But remember, it’s 2020, and advance tickets are highly recommended or required at many events and attractions. Plan ahead. Look online or contact the venue to get a better sense of what experience to expect.

All things scary for Halloween Candlelight Ghost Tours at Fort Mifflin

Rumors persist that Fort Mifflin is one of the most haunted sites in America. Find out for yourself on a popular Candlelight Ghost Tour, a three-quarter-mile, hour-long nighttime amble through the creepy historic fort. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended.

New for 2020: Gather 15 to 25 of your closest friends for a private candlelight tour, which also includes access to the attraction’s Soldiers Barracks to enjoy BYO refreshments. 6400 Hog Island Road | Oct. 9-31 (select dates) | Fortmifflin.us

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres moves to primarily outdoor scares for 2020.

This year’s experience takes visitors through two attractions – The Hollow and The Field – featuring the ruins of a village, a massive cemetery, a deserted section of the farm and more. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. 881 Highland Road, Newtown | Through Oct. 31 (select dates) | Sleepyhollowhayride.com

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Night Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary

Explore one of the most famous prisons in the world like never before during Eastern State Penitentiary’s new Night Tours. Rediscover the attraction’s imposing architecture emphasized by dramatic lighting, listen to the real voices of men and women who lived and worked there, and watch large-scale video projections on the penitentiary’s 30-foot-high perimeter walls, including a silent film shot in 1929, and 20 animated short films created by incarcerated artists for Eastern State’s project Hidden Lives Illuminated. Note that Night Tours is replacing the annual Terror Behind the Walls for 2020. 2027 Fairmount Avenue | Through Nov. 15 (select dates) | Easternstate.org

Bates Motel & Haunted Attractions

With professional performers and hair-raising animatronic effects and pyrotechnics, it’s no wonder that the Bates Motel was named one of the 10 best haunted houses in America in 2019 by CNN. In addition to exploring the motel, other spooky attractions include the Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Corn Trail and – new for 2020 – the Bates Psycho Path, a 25-minute, half-mile walk-through featuring, among other frights, a 200-foot-long cave and a full-scale mock-up of a New England church.

1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills | Through Nov. 1 (select dates) | Thebatesmotel.com

Spooky Twilight Tours at The Betsy Ross House

Spooky Twilight Tours are on tap for visitors to the pint-sized home of the nation’s famous flag maker this October. They’ll hear true tales about smallpox and yellow fever in the courtyard before heading inside to continue their frightfully themed tour. Recommended for kids ages 10 and up. 239 Arch Street | Through Oct. 30 (Fridays only) | Historicphiladelphia.org

COVID-19

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

21

Fright Nights

The Bourse, Philadelphia’s modern artisanal food hall on Independence Mall, is getting in the Halloween spirit with Friday Night Fright Nights on the 5th Street patio every Friday in October from 6-9pm, featuring five showings of the cult classic, “Hocus Pocus,” themed treats and more.

Through Oct. 30, The Bourse invites witches, ghouls and spooky season lovers alike to the patio every Friday evening to watch “Hocus Pocus” on a 16-foot projector, while enjoying themed treats from select The Bourse Food Hall vendors. Tickets are available for $20/table. theboursephilly.com.

With Halloween just around the corner and fall in full swing, here are a few of the events coming up soon you’ll want to check out.

Coming soon around the town AGITATED! Performance with a Point

For three years, HoneyTree EvilEye and Pilar Salt commissioned the most innovative artists in Philly to present funny, scary, sad, infuriating, weird, genrebending performances based on social and political issues dear to them. Now, on the eve of the election, they’re bringing back the award-winning experiment that proves audiences can think, drink, get boners, and cry all at the same time. Enjoy a night of incisive drag, burlesque, theater and comedy – all taking aim at pressing social issues and current events.

Friday, Oct. 16 at 8pm | Zoom | $5-$15 (sliding scale; suggested $10) | agitated.eventbrite.com

Graverobber Unholy Rye

This season, imbibers can drink dead people.

Graverobber Unholy Rye, Tamworth Distilling’s annual limited-edition autumnal elixir crafted with specially curated maple syrup from mature and gnarled trees grown amid graves of human remains on Great Hill Farm in New Hampshire, is now available at Art in Age locations in Philadelphia and Tamworth.

And for the first time, the spirit is available in a coffin Halloween Gram that can be sent near and far to ensure proper nod is given to this season’s All Hallows Eve. artintheage.com.

Virtual StorySLAM: BREAKING BREAD

Prepare a five-minute story about sharing food.

Gatherings big or small and all flavors in between.

Whether you’re at the head of the table or sitting with the kids, spending time with family, strangers, friends, or foes. Tales of feeding the heart, eating crow or serving humble pie. French cheese, forgiveness, food for thought. Whatever ‘s on the menu, remember: “Mise en place” – everything is in its place. Friday, Oct. 16 | 7:15-9:15pm | $10 online | eventbrite.com

Ride the Cyclone

The University of the Arts will present Ride the Cyclone, with book and music by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richman, and directed by Elana Mirella Mariani, as part of the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts Fall 2020 remote season. The project will be available for viewing via Broadway on Demand’s ShowStream service Nov. 6-15. A poignant and moving comedy that asks us to reflect on what we value most in life, our varying definitions of success, and the ways in which we identify and perceive ourselves and those around us, Ride The Cyclone challenges the meaning of “dying too young” and examines the legacy we leave behind after life. In this auditory experience with accompanying visuals, audiences follow six dead high school choir students who tell their stories in a bid to win the favor of an elusive fortune-telling machine, The Amazing Karnak, who promises to grant life to the most deserved storyteller. www.uarts.edu/brind-fall-2020

Nightmare Before Tinsel

This year, during the global pandemic, the former spooky season pop-up bar will return as a socially distanced haunted restaurant with food, drink and art. Nightmare Before Tinsel opened last week. Weekly hours are Monday through Friday, from 4pm to 11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm to 11pm. Tickets range from $15 to $20 and include one food and one drink item. For more about Nightmare, visit @TinselPhilly on social media. Come if you dare and enter a spooky new world created inside a former jewelry store space at 116 S. 12th Street in Midtown Village. Among the ghosts that still haunt the space, look for eerie ambiance, scary photo opps, and tons of frights and flights. Halloween fans can find witches bru cocktails, seasonal fall beers and other food and drink surprises too.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

You take phenomenal photos. Let us share them. We’ll share it and follow.

FOLLOW US ON

INSTAGRAM

@PhillyWeekly

OREGON CO. KING OF WINDOWS MULTI - UNIT AND APARTMENT WINDOW SPECIALISTS

215-336-3448

628 OREGON AVE. www.oregonwindow.com

ALL TYPES OF GLASS REPLACED Lic # 20283 WINDOWS REPAIRED/GLASS REPLACED WE ALSO DO VINYL CAPPING & SIDING

MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE GIFT!

Real Men. Real Community.

VISIT WWW.SQUIRT.ORG AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW FEATURES:

Video Chat Video Push Notifications Search Filters … and more!

NM-00419000

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Voting SEX WITH TIMAREE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

while trans Trans folks disproportionately impacted by voter suppression efforts as many lack correct identification

O

ne thing is clear about the 2020 ically. People without one may be turned away presidential election: Voter turnout at the poll or deterred from trying. One group is going to be crucial. that is disproportionately impacted The Trump adminisis trans folks. A report by the Wiltration’s hostility toward liams Institute revealed that over a LGBT people seems to be quarter million trans Americans do galvanizing queer voters: not have ID that correctly reflects an NBC News report found that one their name and/or gender identity. in 10 voters on Super Tuesday 2019 This issue has been compounded identified as LGBT, nearly double

by DMV and court closures due to the 2018 midterms. But between the COVID. pandemic and active suppression efIn theory, this shouldn’t affect a forts, getting out the vote this year trans person’s ability to vote, but is easier said than done. there are documented cases of poll Voter suppression today looks workers turning away trans people. different than the overt segregation In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, of the past. Now it’s about laying the law says that voter ID is not reout a series of obstacles on the path quired for voting at all – unless it’s to the ballot box, each one intended your first time voting in that dis@TIMAREE_LEIGH to make an already marginalized trict. However, poll workers have inperson frustrated enough to give correctly demanded ID from voters up: close down polling locations (especially in in Philly and even posted illegal signs telling areas populated by poor and non-white vot- voters “Please have ID ready for poll worker” ers), require notaries in New Jersey. for absentee ballots, If voters know deny coronavirus their rights and feel fears as adequate exconfident in pushcuse for not voting ing back against that in person, removing harassment: that’s people from voter great; but it shouldn’t rolls for “inactivity,” be necessary. So what requiring hefty fines can folks do to ensure to reinstate felon’s they can exercise voting rights, and by their rights? Transrequiring an ID – a formTheVote is a major barrier for peogreat online resource ple who lack reliable that includes a #Vothousing or transporingWhileTrans guide, tation. a one-pager on what Thirty-five states require an ID be shown at to do the day of the election, and contact inthe polls, 18 of them demand a photo ID specifformation for the National Election Protection

TIMAREE SCHMIT

“Poll workers have incorrectly demanded ID from voters in Philly and even posted illegal signs telling voters ‘Please have ID ready for poll worker’ in New Jersey.”

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

Hotline. Another option is to consider trying out one of the satellite polling places Philly set up where people can register, request a mail ballot and turn it in, in one trip.

There are a lot of reasons a person might want to change their gender marker, well beyond voting, but getting an accurate gender marker on legal documents can be tricky in some places: many states require a note from a doctor, court order, amended birth certificate or even proof of surgery: something that not all trans people can afford or even want.

Fortunately, in Pennsylvania it’s significantly easier and just requires filling out a form and taking it to a PennDOT location. There’s not even a fee associated rned awaywith the change. In One groupPennsylvania there’s impactedalso the option to y the Wil-identify as neither hat over afemale or male on ericans doone’s ID. ly reflects I spoke to one r identity.Philly resident who mpoundedrecently updated the res due togender markers on his birth certificate ’t affect aand state issued livote, butcense. ses of poll “I decided to upns people.date my documents w Jersey,because of the times is not re-we are living in. I was unless it’sscared that I would that dis-no longer be able to rs have in-self-identify if the om voterselection results were gns tellingthe same as Novemll worker”ber 2016, so I took ey. the steps because my rs knowbirthplace, New Jerand feelsey, now allows trans in push-citizens to self-idenainst thattify without gender that’saffirming surgery,” shouldn’tsays James De La y. So whatVega, a 33-year-old to ensurechef and burlesque exerciseperformer who lives s? Trans-in Port Richmond. e is a De La Vega is in resourcethe expensive process of changing his name s a #Vot-legally, but in the meantime, the gender markans guide,er change means a degree of safety at work. on what “I forced myself to work in ‘stealth’ for my ontact in-own safety and peace of mind, and having that Protectionsingle letter change means I don’t have to live

SEX WITH TIMAREE in fear of a superior [or] co-worker using that information against me again.

As an unemployed, trans person, I’ve had to out myself strictly because of legal documents, formal applications, etc. and I wanted to have a future where I no longer had to do that.”

He decided to make his paperwork journey public and share each step on social media.

“If we weren’t in a pandemic, I more than likely would’ve had a party to celebrate this, but we are, so using social media allowed me to share with all my loved ones everywhere.

“In New Jersey, the process is pretty simple now that we no longer need the surgical confirmation of our transition,” he says.

“One application to the Vital Statistics Registry, and payment for copies of your new birth certificate with the amended gender marker.”

The bureaucratic hoops have been worth it for De La Vega, he says.

“I’m not afraid of showing my ID anymore,” he says, “[There is a] seriously big weight off my chest, because while I am out and proud of who I am, I know how scary the world is for trans folks currently and that every day we fear another one of rights being stripped away. I just am happy to have an ID that reflects who I truly am, legally and physically.”

For more information on changing your gender marker in the state of PA check out https://www.dmv. pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/ Pages/Gender-Neutral-Designation.aspx.

For questions or concerns about voting in Philly: https://www.philadelphiavotes.com/.

“Voter suppression today looks different than the overt segregation of the past.

Now it’s about laying out a series of obstacles on the path to the ballot box, each one intended to make an already marginalized person frustrated enough to give up.”

ARE YOU READING THIS? GOOD. SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS. Are your customers under 40? Engaged in the city?

Chances are they read PW, and we want to help you get more of them. Our marketing team will help you build a multi-channel campaign that delivers REAL RESULTS, and new customers in the door.

NO MATTER THE PLATFORM,

PEOPLE TURN TO PW PW $62.50 / week 28,500 circ Native Content $237 / article 18,900 weekly visitors @phillyweekly $50 / week 19,500 followers E-News $150 / week 15,800 subscribers

Reach your audience and grow your business. Contact Jourdan at 267-296-1094 jcooper@philadelphiaweekly.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

24

THE

BIG

PICTURE

Starting fresh West Philadelphia is underrated when it comes to being one of the most beautiful sections of the city. Fortunately, this shot from photographer Juni Baguhuna proves that the colors of West Philly's great Victorians and tree-lined streets are a true contender for most desirable section. Which section of the city is your favorite? Show us by snapping a pic on social, tagging us or by using #PWBigPic.

MARKETPLACE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY EMPLOYMENT

NOTICES

General Employment

Public Notice

Non-CDL Drivers

Wanted

€

�‚ ƒ ­

Paratransit Operations

NM-00441272

Immediate Positons Available / Paid Training / BeneďŹ t package Match of salary with experience!

Apply in Person

 � ��

���� �  ­ �

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

General Employment

Apartments for Rent

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

PAID RESEARCH SUBJECT SLEEP QUALITY STUDY 7-day study of cognitive performance at Univ. of Penn. Must be healthy, approx. 27-55 yrs. old, pref. with BS/BA degree or military exp.

Compensated time & travel CALL 215-573-5855

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 MondayĘźs 9am - 12pm or online at trafficplan.com.

Sell with PW Classifieds classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

13TH & LOCUST AREA1 BR, 2nd fl. front, a/c & carpet $995 + util. Available Immediately. 215-384-4202

8500 BUSTLETON AVE. Corner of Evart St. Fall Special 1 & 2 BR $900 - $1,200. Water & gas included. 215-742-2261 Grant Garden Apartments Fall Special, upgraded 1 & 2 BR, 1 BA. $825 - $1000 includes water. Laundry rm on site. Off of Blvd. 215-464-6411 HOME IMPROVEMENT Windows

HAPPY WINDOWS Shutters, 2-Inch Wood, Pleated Shades, Roman Shades, Drapes, Verticals, Mini-Blinds

Discount Price With Installation

Call Eileen

215-465-7525 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Legal Notices

Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart, 456 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia PA 19123 (215)922-3715 to satisfy a lien on October 12th, 2020 at approx.6:00 PM: www.storagetreasures.com: B207 Terrence Pickron

25

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on November 09, 2009, a certain mortgage was executed by Cherry L. Savage, as mortgagor in favor of Bank of America, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder ofDeeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document ID 52146138 (“Mortgage�); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 1627 Conlyn Street Philadelphia, PA 19141, parcel number 135N03-0323; 171142800 (“Property�); andWHEREAS, the Property was owned by Cherry L. Savage, by virtue of deed dated June 29, 1959and recorded July 1, 1959 in Book CAB 1099; Page166; andWHEREAS, Mortgagor/Record Owner Cheryl L. Savage died on March 2, 2016 intestate and is survived by no known heirs; andWHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“Secretary�), pursuant to an assignment recorded on July 30, 2015 in Document ID 52947454, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; andWHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph9 (a)(i)), as died on , and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; andWHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of August 22, 2020 is $207,017.98 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable;NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 etseq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on in Misc. , in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that on October 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107all real property and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises will besold at public action to the highest bidder: ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, described according to a Plan and Survey thereof made by Joseph F. Delany, Esq., Surveyor and Regulator of the Fifth District, on the Fourteenth Day of April, A. D. 1936, as follows, to wit:SITUATE on the Northeasterly side of Conlyn Street {50 feet wide} at the distance of one hundred fifty-three feet six inches Southeastwardly from the Southeasterly side of 17th Street (60 feet wide}, in the Forty-ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.CONTAINING in front or breadth on the said Conlyn Street eighteen feet one inch and extending of that width in length or depth Northeastwardly between parallel lines at right angles to said Conlyn Street, one hundred feet to the Southwestwardly side of a certain twenty feet wide driveway, extending Northwestwardly into 17th Street and Southeastwardly into 16th Street (60 feet wide).BEING No. 1627 Conlyn Street.TOGETHER with the free and common use, right, liberty and privilege of the aforesaid driveway as and for a passageway, driveway and watercourse at all times hereafter, forever, in common with the other owners, tenants and occupiers of the lots of ground bounding thereon and entitled to use thereof.BEING parcel No. 135N03-0323; 171142800.The sale will be held on October 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $207,017.98 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale.The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $207,017.98 as of August 22, 2020, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary’s bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of thepayment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the depositsof the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due.If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder’s deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, atthe direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder.There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.KML LAW GROUP, P.C.Foreclosure Commissioners(215-825-6305)

Sell with PW Classifieds classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

Help Wanted Window and door installer needed ASAP. Call Oregon Window 215-336-3448

Help Wanted Part time receptionist with computer knowledge call Karen at Oregon window 215-336-3448

Recent

break up?

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

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com

Public Notice AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility on an existing building located at 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania 19106 (N39° 56’ 47.4� and W75° 8’ 35.0�).

AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Action Section 106. Comments pertaining specifically to historic resources may be sent to Impact7g, Inc., Attention Ms. Casey Radke at 9550 Hickman Road, Suite 105, Clive, IA 50325 or call 515-473-6256.

Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. NE 829/CR PUBLIC NOTICE – Chestnut Hill 10085024 AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to collocate antennas on a 141-foot building at 201 West Evergreen Avenue, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA. Public comments regarding the potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: Amanda Sabol – CBRE, 201 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 201, Stamford, CT 06901, whiteplainsculturalresources@cbre.com or (717) 601-1436.

Recent

break up?

PW Classifieds is a great place to sell your ex’s stuff. classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

26

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY                                                                              

                                                                                 

                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                         

                                                                                 

“QUARANTINE IS KILLING ME! I CAN’T STAND THE INSIDE OF THIS APARTMENT ANYMORE!” -Literally Every Young Person in Philly Philadelphians have been trapped in their house for months. Work from home, eat at home, live at home. They’re craving a change of scenery.

Don’t wait for them to start searching online.

Give PW readers a reason to move today.

Contact sales@philadelphiaweekly.com today to get your property listed.

All real estate ads come with a FREE Real Estate Reggie listing each week!

GET MORE

Move to Media,PA Minutes from Center City on the Septa R-3 Rail Line Six New Single Homes Starting at $439,900 2500 SqFt on ½ acre lots includes Gas Fireplace, Deck, Finished Basement

at Siena Place

HUGE NEW 3-4 bedroom townhomes starting at $495,900

Tony DeCicci REALTOR 484-902-8880 office 610-724-3088 cell

You take phenomenal photos. Let us share them. We’ll share it and follow.

FOLLOW US ON

INSTAGRAM

@PhillyWeekly

Largest townhomes in Packer Park Abundant green space • Easily accessible Private garage & ample street parking Convenient to FDR Park, airport, Walt Whitman Bridge & more!

215.339.5390 SIENAPLACE.COM MODEL HOMES OPEN

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Mon, Thurs thru Sat 11-5 | Sun 12-5 2300 Hartranft Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145 Between Penrose Ave. and 26th St. BROKER COOPERATION IS WARMLY INVITED & APPRECIATED. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

All prices and features subject to change without notice. Please see sales consultant for details.

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

REGGIE Private garage

$3,295 / 2br - Charming 2BD/2BA with Private Garage Parking - Center City. 23 S. 23rd St. 4C. Bright natural light, a spacious floor plan, high ceilings, hardwood floors, private garage parking, and clean modern finishes await at this lovely center city condo. 1 parking spot is included with your lease in the building’s garage, so no need to worry about finding parking! Take the elevator to the 4th floor, where double doors lead into your beautiful corner unit. Windows wrap around two sides of the living/dining area creating a bright and airy feel. The kitchen overlooks this space, separated by a large island/bar, with seating for 4, granite countertops, Viking stainless steel appliances, tile flooring and minimalistic wooden cabinetry. There is a bathroom, and two equally sized bedrooms at the back of the unit, each with hardwood floors are huge windows. The hallway ends with a large closet, and your spacious bathroom featuring a full tub, stall shower with frameless glass doors, and a huge vanity with the same cabinets as the kitchen and lots of storage space. About the Neighborhood: Located just off Market St, between Logan and Rittenhouse Squares in the luxurious 23 Condominium building. This central location offers convenient transportation and highway access, and tons of local shopping and dining options that you’re sure to love. Walkable to the Schuylkill River Trail, 30th St Station, Trader Joe’s and other markets, a huge variety of restaurant options including Thai, Vegetarian, American, and Japanese cuisine, Pubs and bars, convenience stores, entertainment venues, gyms, comedy clubs.. the list goes on and on! The 23A Condominium offers a front desk concierge, secure entry, glass elevators, a large atrium courtyard, community garden, roof deck with expansive city views. JG Real Estate. (215) 467-4100.

Condo unit

$2,000 / 3br - 1566ft2 - Gorgeous Condo Unit for Rent in Center City. 1121 Hamilton St. Gorgeous 3 bedrooms, 2 &1/2 baths Bi- bevel-condo unit in the burgeoning Spring Arts Point neighborhood. Beautiful granite and stainless custom kitchen opens to the spacious living/dining area. Awesome countertop and cabinet. Stainless steel appliances. 9’ ceilings and large, plentiful windows, Hardwood floor throughout with one large bedroom, two nice size of bedrooms and two full baths. Lovely Spring Arts Point condominium community. Less than 5 minutes to all major highways and so many premier restaurants and nightlife around the complex to choose from, as well as shopping, public transportation, access to Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing, the PA Convention Center and the Reading Terminal Market.

Available immediately! Come take a look- you will love it.

Proof of income required.$50 for credit history checked and processing fee. $2000 per month plus utilities. Please contact Kin: 267-912-7888.

Private roof deck

$2,899 / 3br - Private Roof deck - Renovated Center City Philly Brownstone. 335 S. 15th Street. Stunning 3 bedroom 2 bath with a roof deck! Renovated kitchen and bathrooms, washer / dryer, and charming details throughout. Cats Allowed. Range. Resident Pays Electricity. Small Dogs Allowed.

Smoke Free. Unfurnished. Washer & Dryer. Kitchen and Bath.

Dishwasher. Refrigerator. Microwave. Utilities and Extras. Air conditioning. Building and Surroundings: Deck. Watchtower Property Co. Julie Foyle. 215.515.0942

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.

Pets OK

$1,850 / 2br - 985ft2 - Lease Today, Pets OK, Near Center City.

6100 City Ave. The Point at City Line is located on City Avenue.

Lease today! This two bedroom two bathroom apartment features a private balcony and a washer and dryer! VIEW OUR WEBSITE: thepointatcityline.com. Community Features: Cardio Room. Covered Parking. Professionally Managed. Easy Freeway Access. Sun Deck. Community Lounge. TV Lounge.

Our prices can change daily, price listed is based on today’s availability. Call for details. .Renters Insurance is Required.

Swimming Pool. Fitness Studio. Concierge Service. Roof Deck.

Outdoor Grill Area. Garage Parking. Bike Racks. Minutes from Restaurants, Shopping, and Much More. Controlled Access.

Package Acceptance. Reserved Parking. Short or Long Term Lease Available. Easy Access to Public Transportation. Credit Cards Accepted. After-Hours Emergency Maintenance.

Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service. E-Lounge. Elevator.

855-459-6293.

Utilities included

$1,500 / 1br - 588ft2 - Chic 1BD Condo in Center City w.

HW Floor & Secure Entry. 1324 Locust St 1603. Rent this condo and receive ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED with your rent (electricity, water, heat, Comcast Cable TV channels 1-100 + Free HBO). The only thing extra you would need to pay is Internet for your unit if you want it, but there is free wi-fi in the lobby of the building. Unit #1603 is on the highest floor of the building, so it has stunning southern city views. This one bedroom condo has a very large open floor plan living room, with enough space to have a dining area as well. The kitchen has an electric stove/oven, and full sized refrigerator. There are two coat closets in the living area for additional storage needs.

The Arts Condominium is a doorman building with 24/7 front desk concierge, large common laundry facilities, a state of the art fitness center, business center, and free wi-fi Internet in the lobby of the building with computer/printer terminals for common usage. Two AC units come with the unit. About The Neighborhood: An ideal Center City location, The Arts Condo building is right in the heart of Midtown surrounded by the city’s best restaurants, cafes, theaters, galleries and other entertainment. 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. JG Real Estate. (215) 467-4100.

New, large kitchen

27

$1,350 / 1br - Blocks from Center City!1BR, HW Floors,Central Air! 15th near Spruce. Beautiful one bedroom apartment with central Air and hardwood flooring throughout and New Bathroom! This apartment also features a new large kitchen, spacious closets, decorative fireplace and great sunlight!

Hot water and cooking gas are included with rent, and tenant pays electricity. Laundry and additional private storage in the building! Building is located on 15th Street between Pine and Spruce Street, across the street from the famed Kimmel Center, and conveniently near the Avenue of the Arts, Broad Street and Rittenhouse Square! To view this apartment or any others we have available, Contact us at Centra Associates: 215-733-0480 www.centraassociates.com. Hardwood Floors.

Cat Friendly. Close to Public Transportation. Washer/Dryer in Building. Microwave. Decorative Fireplace. Recessed lighting.

Conveniently Located near Ave of the Arts and Rittenhouse Square. Additional Storage for Apartment. Window A/C Unit.

Hardwood Floors. Garbage Disposal. Dishwasher. Central Air Conditioning. Cable/Internet-ready. Conveniently located near Rittenhouse Square. Close to public transportation

Center City

$2,780 / 2br - 1000ft2 - BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM! REDUCED DEPOSIT! CENTER CITY (1900 ARCH STREET). Center City Philadelphia offers the region’s best shopping, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Home to the Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square, and City Hall districts, Center City is the perfect choice for those looking to work or attend school in the city.

Location, lifestyle, and luxury! This 14-story rental community features more than 300 1- and 2-bedroom luxury apartments in Center City’s Logan Square neighborhood. Located just steps away from the new Comcast Center, 1900 Arch offers a resident roof deck, a public courtyard, a state-of-theart fitness center, resident lounge, and an underground parking garage. Features: Hardwood floors throughout.

Modern, fully-equipped kitchens with granite countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, glass tile backsplash, Grohe gooseneck faucets, under-mounted sinks, and breakfast bar. Full-size Bosch washer and dryer in each apartment.

High-efficiency, individually controlled A/C and heat. High ceilings and expansive double pane windows with natural lighting. Custom window shades. Cable-ready. High-speed Internet. Amenities: State-of-the-art fitness center with flat screen TVs. Entertainment lounge featuring Wi-Fi, leather club chairs, billiards, shuffleboard, and gas fireplace. Fully furnished resident sky deck. Resident courtyard with fire pits. Dog-walking and pet-sitting services available. Resident bike storage. Bike-share program. Green roofs. Elevator. Pet friendly. Dog Park. Services: Front desk attendant. 24-hour emergency maintenance. 24-hr doorman. On-site property management. Valet underground parking. Packageacceptance service. Grocery delivery available. Laundry and dry-cleaning delivery services. On-site merchants. Online resident portal featuring rent payments and work order entry for your convenience. Neighborhood: Local attractions include Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, Walnut Street Shopping, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Schuylkill River Park. Situated closely to the Comcast Center, One Liberty Place, Two Liberty Place, and Logan Square. Local universities include Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson University.

Rittenhouse Square Park Farmer’s Market, Parc, Rouge, Dandelion, Garces Trading Company, El Vez, and Sampan offer exceptional dining within a few blocks. Easy access to Market East SEPTA station and SEPTA bus routes, and routes I-95 and 76. (267) 634-0472.

Brand new condo

$1,700 / 2br - 930ft2 - Brand New 2 Bedroom Condo for Rent in Center City. 211 N Camac Street. Brand-New 2 bedroom condominium with 1 full bath in the heart of Center City. Gorgeous custom-kitchen with granite countertop and stainless appliances, opens to the spacious living/dining area, premium hardwood floors throughout . Additional features include a private laundry room and individual heating and air conditioner units. This building is conveniently located in the Center City district, just across from PA Convention with plenty of restaurants and nightlife to choose from, walking distance to shopping mall, Greyhound Bus Station, Jefferson Train Station and still bustling Reading Terminal Market.

Available immediately! Come take a look – you will love it.

Proof of income required. $50 for credit history check and processing fee. $1700 per month plus utilities. Please call Kin at 267-912-7888.

Arts condo

$1,000 / 345ft2 - Arts Condo, 1324 Locust #615-Center City Studio w/ Utilities Included! 1324 Locust St. The Arts Condominium building, formerly the historic Sylvania Hotel, is located in the Avenue of the Arts section of Washington Square, just off Broad Street. This studio includes a kitchenette with a microwave and mini refrigerator, AC unit, ceiling fan, hardwood floors throughout and bathroom with retro black and white tile and shower. The building features include a 24 hour concierge, wheelchair accessibility, 24 hour fitness center, secured bike storage room, coin operated laundry facility on site, community room, business center, and free wifi in common areas! Sorry, no pets. $250 move in fee. Moving permitted weekdays and Saturdays from 8-4:30 pm. UTILITIES INCLUDED (Electric, water and basic cable).

215-735-7368. www.ocfrealty.com.

Upgraded kitchens, baths

$905 Experience Center City Living!! Heat and Water Included! 206 S. 13th Street. Sunny, Studio AND One Bedroom Apartments available for rent!! Apartments feature upgraded kitchens and baths. STUDIOS range $905 to $1,080 based on availability. ONE BEDROOMS range $1,330 - $1,475 based on availability. Apartments feature large windows and 9 ft. ceilings. Ask about our No Security Deposit Program! Cats are welcome (add’l fee)! All apartments are rented unfurnished.

Chancellor Apartments is a convenient high rise apartment community in an amazing location in Center City. We are close to most major schools and universities, public transportation, historical attractions, shopping, restaurants and theaters.

Center City at its best! Rent includes: heat, hot/cold water, 24-hour front desk attendant, free bike storage room, package acceptance service, 24-hour emergency maintenance service, on-site smart card laundry plus card access system and BuildingLink resident services portal access for all residents. The Chancellor boasts several different studio and one bedroom floor plans. Apartments feature high ceilings, large bright windows, ceiling fans in most units, hardwood floors and breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline and Delaware River. Many apartments have large walk-in closets, too! We have partnered with Optimal Sport Health Club to offer a generous discounted gym membership (we pay your initiation fee!). There are several off street parking lots and garages in the area, too! 215-735-8404. www.cpihome.com.

Gorgeous 3-bedroom

$2,000 / 3br - 1566ft2 - Gorgeous Condo Unit for Rent in Center City. 1119 Hamilton St. Gorgeous 3 bedrooms, 2&1/2 full baths Bi- bevel-condo unit in the burgeoning Spring Arts Point neighborhood. Beautiful granite and stainless custom kitchen opens to the spacious and open living/ dining area. Awesome counter and cabinet space plus pantry.

Stainless steel appliances. 9’ ceilings and large, plentiful windows, Hardwood floors throughout. Second-floor offers three bedrooms, two full baths. Lovely Spring Arts Point condominium community. Less than 5 minutes to all major highways and so many premier restaurants and nightlife around the complex to choose from, as well as shopping, public transportation, access to Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing, the PA Convention Center and the Reading Terminal Market. One parking space included in the rent, valued $120 that management charges every space. Available immediately! Come take a look – you will love it. Proof of income required.$50.00 for Credit history checked and processing fee. $2000 per month plus utilities. Please contact Kin: 267-912-7888.

The Preston

$1,599 / 2br - 1000ft2 - 2BR – 15 mins from Center City – Huge closets – HW floors. 3300 Henry Avenue. The Preston at Falls Center we designed a lifestyle that is unparalleled in apartment living. Our exclusive amenity package offers a living experience that is focused on wellness and convenience. Wake up each morning to a cup of gourmet coffee in our onsite café.

Enjoy a true live-work environment by staying connected with free wifi in our club room. Relax and rejuvenate by taking a complimentary yoga class in our yoga studio. End your day with specialty pizza in our on-site restaurant. Afterward, we invite you to relax by one of our fire pits in the main courtyard or to enjoy a movie in our on-site theater room. Cats Allowed.

Elevator In Building. Exercise Facility. Large Dogs Allowed.

Parking. Range. Resident Pays Electricity. Small Dogs Allowed.

Washer & Dryer. Kitchen and Bath. Dishwasher. Refrigerator.

Garbage disposal. Air conditioning. Yard. Watchtower Property Co. Julie Foyle. 215.515.0942

Stunning views

$975 / 3br - 1800ft2 - Top of the World Townhome Enjoy stunning views of Center City. Your private rooftop deck.

Corner 3 story Victorian in an urban setting. Three (3) spacious Bedrooms with three (3) full baths for each Bedroom, Den, 2nd floor laundry, 1st floor powder room, stucco villa all in move-in condition. This lovely home features tile floors, wide & open living areas, newly installed oak floors, new wall to wall carpets in Bedrooms, recessed lighting, ceramic tiled baths, all in a neutral palate. Slick and sophisticated gourmet Kitchen with flecked ebony granite countertops, maple cabinetry, stainless appliances, exiting to rear secluded patio. New mechanics, CENTRAL AIR, new roof, new electric, LOW real estate taxes better than an abatement.

Class and Comfort. Convenient to everything. Are you tired of throwing away your money month after month just renting?

Then you need our Rent to Own Program. Call us Now. Over the Years we come across way too many people that are not qualified to Rent To Own. So we created the Mortgage Ready Program. There are many properties available in this neighborhood. Under our Rent to Own program you can Customize Your House.....you tell us where you want to live, It will be fixed according to your liking. All of our clients own their houses in a very short period of time. Most landlords use “Rent to Own” only as a way to charge you more rent and could care less if you buy the property. Some even prefer you don’t. Tenant Buyers must be looking for purchase and will be required to work with a company that will help you qualify for a loan. This lovely Spacious house is an example of the type of house you could OWN! Call us to get started!

PHILADELPHIAHOUSE.COM. Call Now! 215-302-1134.

Spacious studio

$900 Center City Spacious Studio (Washington Square).

135 S. 10th St 2F. Spacious Studio. Separate kitchen with gas stove, full size refrigerator, good cabinet and counter space.

Large open living room and sleeping area, can accommodate a queen size bed. Double closet with storage above. Full three piece bath with a dressing area. Hardwood Floors.

AC unit. Across the street from Jefferson Hospital, steps to Reading Terminal and public transportation. 900 plus utilities.

Available. Center City 19107. For fastest response, call or text: Bob Shuman @ 215-668-6868.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 8 - 15, 2020

Pride is not slowing down.

Visit

­

­