PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020

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The Sun Ra Arkestra drops first new music since forever

Protests the Philly way: Strike a cop, steal a sneaker. Page 9

Image | STRUT/Sun Ra Arkestra archives

is still the Place

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THE BIG 3

The BIG 3 1

Election aftermath (or fallout)

At the time of this report, there was still no clear winner of who was slated to be the 47th President of these United States. Pennsylvania, specifically Philadelphia, is (was?) at the center of the political universe as both candidates are hoping the Keystone State and its counties like Bucks, Montgomery and, of course, Philadelphia would deliver a win in their favor. With millions of mail-in ballots needing to be counted after the 8 p.m. Tuesday deadline, that said, we still await which way Philly and the state swung.

Knowing Philly, it’ll be interesting to see the fall out either way and just how soon our business can remove the plywood from their windows.

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All kinds of film festivals going on this month

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Show your support for Black-owned beer

Fall means film in Philadelphia (say that shit 10 times fast). This week, movie buffs can get into both the First Glance Film Festival and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. All of the information you need to know about the former located in this week’s The Rundown both in print and online at philadelphiaweekly.com. The latter in PAAFF, kicks off Nov. 5 and is going all-virtual with over 85 comedies, dramas and documentaries to choose from. PAAFF runs through Nov. 15 and in addition to movies also plans to feature a host of live music and panel conversations. | Nov. 5-15; paaff.org/

Shoutout to Philadelphian Charise McGill for showing that beer making isn’t just for dudes with big beards and round bellies. Through her partnership with Doylestown Brewing Company, McGill’s French Toast Bites Ale made her the first Black woman in Pennsylvania to debut a brew. There are several ways to get your hands on a can of French Toast as McGill struck a partnership with goPuff to deliver a large share of the beer. You can find it under goPuff’s Beer and Philly Local Favorites section of the site.

We’re also told that French Toast Bites Ale is also available at local beer distributors across the city and that there are select bars and restaurants carrying it as well. For more on this special brew, check out this week’s The Rundown.

Cheers, Charise.

Thank you, Philly Now let's get to work.

When we launched our Kickstarter campaign to gauge your interest in providing an outlet for conservative/ contrarian voices in Philadelphia, we didn't know what to expect. But we got our answer – in a resounding way.

We not only exceeded our fundraising goal, we also heard from many residents who are as excited as we are about this shift.

We're grateful for your overwhelming support. Now it's time for us to deliver on our promise.

Paul Davis already has joined the team to write a weekly column about crime issues in the city. Over the next few weeks, we'll be adding more writers to the mix – a mix that will still include comprehensive coverage of local arts and entertainment, gossip from Icepack, Timaree Schmit's “Sex with Timaree” column and detailed listings of what to do, where to have fun and the best places to eat.

But today it's all about saying “thank you” to everyone for supporting us. Below are some of those who contributed to our campaign: Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Another taxpayer, Bill Felty, Brett John, Displaced Philadelphians of San Francisco, Garrett Smith, Monica Burke, Natalie, Open Primaries Philly, S. Leopoldo Pennuachi, Steven Bergey, Anna Jensen, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Ashton Thorogood, D M Robinson, Edward Caruso, Jean O, John Forstmeier, Justin Hoffmann, Mark Jakubik, Vicki McCreary, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Anonymous, Daniel McDonough, III, DelCo Sean, Denise fike, Glenn Ianaro, Jo Ann Benner, Pat S, PJ Holland, Reggie Parks, Shy Trumper, Anonymous, Ted Kazantzis PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020

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STATE OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

STATE It was safe,

OF OUR

CITY

Philly says Despite the rising number in coronavirus cases in both the city and throughout the commonwealth, exercising your right to vote on Tuesday in person was completely safe, according to the Philadelphia Department of Health. So if you got out there despite Pennsylvania reporting more than 2k new cases for the six out of seven days at the time of this report (and for those of you in South Jersey, the Garden State has reported more than 1k new cases daily for almost two weeks), you, our friend, are a true American Patriot.

Some people, man...

This isn’t in Philly, but it’s silly. There was a team of people in Erie County on Election Tuesday calling people who dropped off a “naked ballot” to their polling place. That’s despite the thousands of ads on TV, banners on social media and everything you’ve read about how to vote by mail explaining the secrecy envelope and the signature. We’ll have to connect with City Commissioner Al Schmidt to see if the City of Brotherly Love is equally as ridiculous.

OUT HERE DELIVERING FOR Y’ALL Data suggests all the hype and fear mongering regarding mail-in ballots not being delivered by the U.S. Postal Service simply isn’t deserved. We may not be able to quite get a read on the smug face of the postmaster general Louis DeJoy, but the men and women he oversees here in Philadelphia County are getting it done. According to an Inquirer report, roughly 94 percent of ballots reached city elections offices within 1-3 days, the standard for first class mail. These numbers arrive straight from the top, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

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Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher

John Montesano Art Director

Alan Bauer Managing Editor

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

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

Ed Lynes Chief Revenue Officer Stephanie Hawkins Michael Chambers Controller Director of Circulation Signature Supporters: Ted Kazantzis

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

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STATE OF OUR CITY

NICE RACK

SHE SAID IT...

“I’m expecting that it’ll be like what we’re normally seeing on Election Day: The first hour, hour and a half, is usually chaos. There’s always that one polling place where the janitor sleeps late, there’s always those regular issues that we deal with.”

Image: Lisa Deeley/Twitter

– Shoutout to Lisa Deeley, chair of the Philadelphia city commissioners, who kept her cool in arguably what has been the biggest election of our lifetime. With that said, here’s hoping the maintenance man did get another hour or two of sleep in, just to keep an already manic day interesting.

20-25

The average time in minutes a voter said she waited in line at a West Philly barbershop on 52nd and Locust Street. There might be a key learning from all of this. We all know that we should shop small and support our communities, but it also appears now that it pays to vote small too...at least have a polling place that doubles as a small biz.

All That You Can Imagine 2037 Walnut St.

Philadelphia, PA, 19103

215-561-1071 Monday - Saturday

11am-7pm

Closed on Sunday

www.wonderlandpa.com Philadelphia’s Premier Smoke Shop

Established 1974.

Home of the city’s largest selection

REACH OUT TO US. Carry PW’s at your spot. drops@philadelphiaweekly.com.

of smoking accessories,

specializing in high quality glass.

Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food?

OVERWHELMED, School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing?

COVID19? Safety?

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SEND Q's TO

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OVERHEARD IN PHILLY

Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food?

School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety?

Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green

“There isn’t any more plywood in this whole damn city.”

— It looked to be the case walking down Walnut St. on Election Day Tuesday strolling behind a man walking with some pace toward Rittenhouse Square. This man seemed very annoyed. We couldn’t tell if it was the closed stores, the depressed state of our city or if he truly was upset over the lack of plywood. We can’t be too sure.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020

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A CONTINUATION OF

SUN RA

‘Swirling,’ Cosmic Krewe, La Funkalicious keep space the place

The Sun Ra Arkestra recently released its first new music since 1999. Image | STRUT/Sun Ra Arkestra archives

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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here are many things that many audiences miss about the loss of live staged musical events during this ever-lengthening pandemic.

Few regularly scheduled concert showcases currently lost to C-19 are as beloved and missed as the Sun Ra Arkestra’s deep dive into Halloween night at Johnny Brenda’s. The Hallowed eve party is not a long, lived-in tradition (yet), but a sturdy one, one that, since 2015, finds the Germantown-encamped, cosmically avant-garde, big band – led by 96-year-old saxophonist and composer Marshall Allen, an Arkestra member since 1957 who took over bandleader duties when Ra moved onto a higher celestial plane in 1993 – enveloping J-Brenda’s small stage like a spider’s web.

Not just because of its legion (12 to 16 members strong), and its friendly array of complex brass, reed and percussive instrumentation, but also the ensemble’s choice of long, wide, colorfully flowing robes in all their Saturn-al splendor, and its choice of toweringly floppy, Venusian headgear.

If Space is the Place, as goes Ra’s longtime motto, they’re going to need all the universal room they can afford just to comfortably keep the Arkestra in check, and playing. Tightly squozen onto Brenda’s stage from the looks of this 2016 full concert footage (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=47QirfqlpoY&feature=emb_title), Ra trumpeter Michael Ray – handpicked by Sun in 1978, and an Arkestra mainstay ever since – is the most jovial and playful of all the group. Along with his mugging and acting out during this filmed 2016 gig, Ray put the interplanetary spectre of Sun Ra, the man and his music, into Afrofuturist perspective by intoning all gods and phantoms connected with this spookiest of holidays.

“Sometimes you have to call upon some spirits,” said Ray during the 2016 clip, before introducing a woozy, boo-zy version of the “Casper the Friendly Ghost” cartoon theme song. “Most of the ghosts that pop up, they have their own things to say, but this is a friendly ghost.”

Sun Ra, June Tyson, John Gilmore, Eddie Gale and Danny Ray Thompson (the latter two having passed away in 2020) are just some of the warm, friendly Arkestra ghosts whose spirits Ray, Marshall Allen and Knoell Scott conjure up on a regular basis. Most particularly, these same spirits happily haunt the good grooves of Ra standards and Allen originals that fill “Swirling” – the first new full-length from the Sun Ra Arkestra since 1999 – playing alongside still-living Arkestra members whose calling is to provoke, tease, balm, bruise, boisterously laugh up a storm, and, in accordance with Sun’s own rules, practice and pray.

“Ra said that all that practice and prayer will get you through anything,” said Ray on a hot summer’s night in August, after having played at the Arkestra’s communal live-andwork space in Germantown – masked and safely distanced – with a 10-year-old neighbor playing drums. “Act with a sense of urgency

Michael and Laranah Phipps-Ray and their musical efforts ensure that Space will always be the Place. Image | Laranah Phipps-Ray

and move with alacrity.” That’s easy to say for sessions with the Barenaked Ladies’ Kevin Hearn, with whom they played many times in Ray, a trumpeter who is staunchly masterful as he is madly adventurous, as willing to ride the past (their collaborative single “Hello” is due out shortly). along the precipice of tradition (be it New Or“The aura of all the negative forces that leans’ parish parade funk or Philly-intensive we’re being subjected to at this particular R&B) and free jazz futurism with each and evtime made it crucial that a positive force – ery lick. the sound of ‘Swirling’ – be unleashed. And Moving with such fevered zeal and studied there’s always more music coming as Mardedication has not only gotten Ray through the Arkestra (according to both Ray and Allen, shall writes every day, and I write every day Ra was a hardcore taskmaster and teacher), and Laranah writes every day. If space is the place, there’s music to go with that. ‘COVID-19 such guiding principles have pushed the jovial PSA’ is a blip of many blips to come. trumpeter, composer and arranger And “Swirling” is the tip of the icethrough storied sessions with Philly’s berg as to what Sun and Marshall own Patti Labelle, Fat Larry’s Band,

BY A.D. have.”

Byard Lancaster, The Delfonics and AMOROSI The first night that I spoke with The Stylistics, a long membership in Michael and Laranah Phipps-Ray, the brass section and writing team of they were laughing about a summer’s Kool & the Gang, a bit of live recordstorm blackout in their family home of Trening wih Phish, the leadership of his own, selfton, NJ, that they had just experienced before named, funky Ra-inlfuenced ensemble, Cosmic Krewe (they have a new single, “Covid-19 my call. They weren’t panicked in the dark.

PSA”), and a working relationship with his “As long as there’s candles to be lit, we’re wife, Laranah Phipps-Ray in her band of “Sun fine,” said Phipps-Ray with a laugh.

“Besides, there’s always a light,” said Ray, Ra’s Angels,” La Funkalicious. quietly, without stating whether the glow of “In everything that we do, say, play and which he spoke came from the heavens or emsing, we are satellites of Sun Ra, his music and anated from another galaxy. belief systems,” said Phipps-Ray of what Ra The sound of a storm’s thunderclaps and himself called an “equation” – not a philosophy – based on logic and touching on elements the roar of lightyears is but another instrument – a processional drum, a winnowing of Gnostic teachings, Rosicrucianism, Freeholler – to a man who has played through flurmasonry and Egyptian Mysticism. Most of all, Ra’s collective vision has long been made him ries of hyperactive oddball time signatures, chanted vocals, Ellington-ian Harlem Nocan avatar of Afrofuturism, along with author Octavia Butler, photographer Renee Cox and turnal fantasias, psychedelic organ-grinding, Egyptian blues motifs, sambas and what could painter Angelbert Metoyer – all leading the way from the African diaspora through to the pass for elephants braying on aptly-titled Ra rich diversity of various technocultures and studio albums such as 1978’s “Lanquidity,” 1980’s “Strange Celestial Road,” 1992’s “Desscience fictions.

“People are hungry for this sort-of spiritual tination Unknown” – even this week’s “Swirling” – to say nothing of genuinely countless sustenance,” said Ray last week, not long after he and his wife finished several recording official, and unofficial, live Sun albums. Throw

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in what Ray has executed on his own Cosmic Krewe albums such as “Funk If I Know,” and his newest single, and the very real sound of an Orleans’ parish second line party comes into the light.

“Yeah, Cosmic Krewe is a lot more direct than the Arkestra, but it’s just another part of the same hemisphere,” said Ray, as if the gutsy funk of his bawdy band’s music is but a dirtier ring around Saturn.

How Trenton-born Ray, then his wife Laranah, got to Saturn by way of Germantown all started with Ra’s voluminous catalog of music – an array of 80-plus studio-made and live recorded albums from Ra’s start in 1953 up until the point where Ray entered the Arkestra in 1978. “I didn’t know his music, then suddenly I was confronted with all of it at once,” said Ray of meeting Ra during one of the latter’s famed, epic Germantown concerts in Vernon Park. At the time, Ray was playing trumpet in the John Minnis’ Big Bone Band, and was preparing to commence work with Kool & the Gang for its “Everybody’s Dancin’” album.

“You looked at the members of Ra’s Arkestra on the bandstand then, and every one of them had stacks upon stacks of sheet music piled high under their chairs. Not like the regular thing where you have all of the music on a stand in front of you. This was stacked high like phone books, because Ra had so much stuff broken down by his own genres: standards, stomps, Fletcher Henderson material, Jimmy Lunceford stuff. There were more stacks dedicated to his arrangements – very singular – as every song he wrote had very particular structures. All I could think was ‘Wow, how do these cats keep all that music straight?’ But, they did because the music was amazing.” Add to the Arkestra’s sonic display, two fancifully adorned drum kits, fire eaters, dancers and chanters running around, singing “space is the place,” and Ray was hooked.

“I had never seen anything like that.”

Ray eventually found out how Ra kept his ensemble unified and playing through the grand constructs of his complex, spacious music, courtesy of stringent teaching sessions and monk-like discipline. Before that though, things were casual between him and Ra with the two of them running into each other on the 23 trolley running through Germantown.

“I wound bump into Sun on the trolley, and he was always quick to invite me to rehearsal by saying, ‘Get ready to go to Egypt,’” recalled Ray with a laugh.

It took Ray a few invitations to get to the three-story, Sun Ra commune on Morton Street, but when he did he found a row home filled, floor to ceiling, with amps, instruments, cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes and all such musical ephemera. “They had tapes in the refrigerator, no exaggeration,” he said. “Sun looked around and said, ‘I know everything that you need to know about music,’ which was apparent. He asked me if I knew how to play ‘Ladybird’ (a jazz standard composed by SEE SUN RA, PAGE 8

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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Trumpeter Michael Ray has been a mainstay in the Arkestra since 1978.

Image | STRUT/Sun Ra Arkestra archives

SUN RA, FROM PAGE 7 Tadd Dameron), which I did. Then he remarked how ‘Ladybird’ had the same chord changes as his ‘Half Nelson.’ So he got John Gilmore down the steps to play one, while I played the other – then he had us both do each song, together, in 5/4 time. Then 6/8. Then he would tell us where to solo, and in which keys.

And he kept doing this, for hours. A whole day had gone by into evening.”

When the next visit to the Ra row home came, Ray and other Arkestra members, living in the house, fell into the same patterns.

According to Ray, and other Arkestra members I have interviewed over the decades, that is how people wound up living at the Morton Street house: They just played and played there until they wound up becoming part of the family and the furniture. “That exposure to, and relationship with Ra and that music, that was invaluable to me – a wealth of what to play and how to play it,” said Ray. “Everybody stays there because of the music.”

Moving into the “Sun Ra institution” was a 24/7 proposition, not a set of classroom sessions, and lessons, but rather a lifestyle. Ray recalled Ra knocking on the trumpeter’s bedroom door at 3am, asking him to play a line or a song that Ra had just composed minutes prior. “Try this. Try this. Marshall (Allen, the leader and housemaster presently) is the same way, the same creative genius. After Sun died, and before I moved out (in the early 90s, to New Orleans where Ray’s Cosmic Krewe was founded), Marshall would wake me up the same way. ‘Play what you don’t know.’ That was a favorite of Marshall’s that he got from living in the Ra house long before I got there.”

Ray, who also fondly recalls the Horo sessions (“my first encounter outside the U. was in Milano with Sun”) that brought him to the Arkestra, and early albums such as “Disco 3000,” talked about the joys of communal living like a military lifer. Sure, they lived “like monks,” and maybe Ray had to ask Ra’s permission to take a girlfriend to the movies (“Perhaps,” said Ra, “but, there’s a battle on

this planet hanging in the balance, and swinging on your horn. Play this, and we’ll see”).

But Ray also looked forward to the daily meals with his Arkestra brethren and remembered never wanting to get up from a rehearsal until he got his taste of Sun’s famous Moon Stew. “He would have the pot boiling, this African vegetable soup, and you could smell it all throughout the house.” And Ray always appreciated Ra, the jokester, as much as he learned from Ra, the holy man and devout musical force. “He could play and tease about anything and everything, but, when it came to the music, he was always serious.”

As enveloping as the Ra life and house was, Ray’s own good grooves and big funk – combined with the pageantry he acquired from being in the Arkestra – helped him to further his relationship with Kool & the Gang (“we really learned to put on a show,” said Ray of the Hollywood Swingers) and develop slick signatures for his own Cosmic Krewe. “Always be entertaining, and stay dressed up was Ra’s thing … he wouldn’t even allow us to wear dungarees in the hotels we stayed at while on tour. If we played a festival where other bands were, he had us change our costumes three times a day.”

Making a solar show of the music, from his intergalactic uniforms to its use of dancers, neon sculptures, holograms and vividly colorful backdrops has forever been a highlight of the Cosmic Krewe’s presentations. Even the now-popular, crimson-spiked, microbial ball signifying the genetic strands of the pandemic looks like Christmas balls as they adorn the sleeve to Ray’s new “Covid-19 PSA.” The music of Cosmic Krewe – a winnowing psychedelic funk sound, comparable to, say, Parliament running wild in the swamps of Louisiana – is blunter and more direct than any free form jazz executed by the Arkestra. But, according to Ray, the Krewe’s experimentalism and improvisation comes strictly from the Sun. “Between Ra and Marshall – my roommate on the road for years – they schooled me. Shit, I didn’t know anything really … until them. They’re double Geminis with many of the same attri-

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

butes and outer space leanings.”

Ray was quick to praise the making of “Swirling,” the first new studio session with the Arkestra in forever. “There’s always been a push for new music, especially since Marshall has been playing around with the kora and the EVI,” said Ray. “Marshall has at least 100 finished songs of his own that we have yet to have played. The sound of his kora alone is gorgeous. He’s my roommate on the road, and his songs on the kora are lullabies as they put me to sleep every night.”

Recorded at Philly’s Rittenhouse SoundWorks with producer Jim Hamilton, the bold, bright tones of the album’s mix, one where every instrument is crystal clear (“There’s been years with this Arkestra where you couldn’t hear a flute or couldn’t make out an oboe,” stated the trumpeter. “The first thing we worked on here, with the music of ‘Swirling,’ was how you should and could hear … differentiate … each sound”) seems driven as much

by Ray’s need for clarity and focus, as it is Allen’s desire to sail across the universe.

If Ray’s Cosmic Krewe is a satellite of the Arkestra, so too is La Funkalicious, his wife Laranah Phipps-Ray’s future-forward, female funk-free jazz ensemble.

The lead vocalist and dancer for Cosmic Krewe, as well as the frontwoman of La Funkalicious, has a powerful, five-octave range, as well as her own jazz legacy to contend with as the daughter of Newark, NJ, saxophonist Gene Phipps, Sr. Famed for gigs with Wardell Gray, her father is but the patriarch to a long continuum – Newark’s first family of jazz – that includes pianists Ernest and Nat, drummer Harold, tenor saxophonist Bill, music teacher Annie and flautist Gene Jr. And like her husband, she didn’t really know Sun Ra’s music or life lessons until she got up close to it.

“I didn’t even really know who Michael was until I was scheduled to to interview him as part of an R&B Awards affair … I mean, Kool & the Gang wasn’t on my radar, ever,” she said laughing. “We didn’t meet there, though, as I had several gigs that day, and instead met at the Trenton Music Symposium. I don’t know … there was something about the two of us together, a connection that was undeniable.”

Call it cosmic, as she does, kismet, desire or something else altogether, Ray and Phipps have been together ever since, based on the Ra-esque concepts of “something deeper than marriage, something harmonious in the heavens as well as music,” said Phipps-Ray. “We’re bound to the cosmos. To astrology. And I think that Michael and I had the same information regarding all matters of Afrofuturism and all matters celestial too, just from different planes of learning. I worked for the government in the studies of space, and in terms of my faith, I have always been more spiritual than I am religious and have always wanted to know where all of this comes from. Long before Sun Ra, this is who Michael is as well.”

Discussing the feminine energy of La Funkalicious and Cosmic Krewer and its connec-

tions to Ra interplanetary complexion, both Ray and Phillips-Ray recall the relationship to, and the participation of, June Tyson within Sun’s Arkestra, she being the late, great vocalist, violinist, costume designer, choreographer sole woman in Ra’s band. Celebrated in 2019 with the buzzing Bandcamp release of “Saturnian Queen Of The Sun Ra Arkestra,” I report back to Ray and his wife how all of my earliest sightings of Sun Ra – be it in the basement of he African-Merican History Museum, the Community Education Center, the Longmarch Arts Center, St. Mary’s Church or the Painted Bride – all included Tyson leading the parade stroll through the crowd with a smiling Ra and an unsmiling Ra pulling up the rear.

“June used to say that ‘I am not a female, I am an angel,’” said Michael happily.

“That’s why we are Sun Ra’s angels,” said Phipps-Ray of La Funkalicious. “We are carrying on in her spirit, her essence. I see that same spirit in what Lady Gaga does, and what Solange does as well. It is a sisterhood. But, it goes beyond being women into something cosmic.”

Talking over a speaker phone, Ray and Phipps-Ra both giggle a little bit as they lay claim to the kinetic and to the cosmos.

“We know that people don’t believe us or think that we’re kidding,” said Phipps-Ray of the couple’s beliefs.

“Or that this is all a game, like an act,” said Ray. “This, though, all of this, is very real for us and to us,” said Phipps-Ray. “Look, we are a beacon of light. Animals in our neighborhood all come to our house, and big or small, we feed them. We know that people think that is strange. That is our spirit. We talk to the trees on our block. We share that vibration. When you take yourself out of the center of that universe, you can live as one with the universe.

People have a job. Elephants have a job. Trees have a job. We, together – Michael and I – are attracted to these souls. It might sound crazy, but it is how we live. And we don’t put labels on it.”

Married to the spirit of Sun Ra as well as showing who they are as singular and collective artists, Michael Ray states that theirs is the music of spectral ascendancy. “What we do is transcendent, and takes into account the whole spectrum of the spiritual and the intergalactic as well as a school of pageantry, all of which I learned from Sun Ra,” said Ray. “Laranah and I speak of this all the time as a continuation of Sun Ra, and how the tradition continues. That was our instruction from him – bring it all into the future.”

Whether Ray is playing together with his wife in Cosmic Krewe, or she with La Funkalicious, or the trumpeter with the Arkestra, it is all part of the very same continuum, one that goes from the ancient to the future and back again. “And that interplanetary arc is its own crescendo,” said Ray.

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real for us , we are a ghborhood bout half of the people shot and small, we killed by the police nationwide are nk that is white and the other half consists of o the trees black, Hispanic and other minorion. When ties. Yet, it seems that with every f that unipolice shooting of a minority – jusuniverse. tified or not, criminal act or not – job. Trees scores of people take to the streets and I – are and protest, riot and loot. und crazy, How stealing a pair of sneakers or a TV reput labels dresses a perceived grievance escapes me.

While there are legitimate people who proas well as test and publicly express their grievances, and collec- there are, of course, many people who are t theirs is greedy, larcenous and criminal opportunists “What we who take advantage of a weak city adminiso account tration and a beleaguered police department al and the to go out and rip off retailers. pageantry, Stories and images of looters in Phila” said Ray. delphia running out of stores with boxes of time as a sneakers, electronics and other stolen items e tradition are getting national and international press from him and social media coverage. This is embarrassing. r with his Stories and images of police officers being a Funkali- punched, kicked, pelted with bricks and botestra, it is tles, and even struck with a speeding vehicle, m, one that are also getting national and international and back press and social media coverage. This is infuis its own riating.

Although there are rumors that a Philadelphia deputy police commissioner ordered

A

lace, he might well have stabbed to death one officers not to arrest looters, scores of looters were locked up by the police. The cops I’ve or both of the officers. He might have also stabbed his own mother or a bystander to spoken to wonder if the looters will be prosedeath. cuted or simply released on the orders of the While all decent and caring people are symDA and mayor. pathetic to the pain, hardship and suffering As the world knows, this latest round of civof the family and loved ones of a il unrest and lawlessness is over mental ill person, one cannot alan incident involving the fatal low that mentally ill individual to shooting of William Wallace, Jr, harm himself or others. Police aca man who threatened police oftion is required to maintain public ficers with a knife. The man had safety. mental health issues, we have One disgruntled and demorallearned, but that made him more, ized police officer I spoke to, who not less, of a threat, in my view. would rather I not use his name And an initial viewing of video for fear of official retaliation, beclips also tends to justify the polieves that the commissioner, the lice officers’ actions. mayor and the DA are bold and The officers were not equipped unapologetic in their sympathy with tasers, and those who sugand side with Wallace and the progest that the officers should have testers rather than with the cops. shot Wallace in the leg obviously He believes that even before an ofdon’t know anything about firePAULDAVISONCRIME.COM ficial investigation has been comarms. As I was taught in the milpleted, the city’s political leaders itary, police officers are trained have thrown the two officers involved under to fire at center mass (upper torso) for maximum effectiveness. Shooting an enraged the proverbially bus.

Another angry cop I spoke to suggests that man with a weapon in the leg will not stop one should look at Wallace’s violent and crimhim from coming at you. And as any experiinal background. enced shooter knows, it is far more difficult “His rap sheet is full of violence, criminal to shoot a moving man in a smaller target, acts and terroristic threats,” the officer told such as a leg. me. “He should not have been on the street Had the officers not shot and killed Wal-

PAUL DAVIS

anyway. He should have been in prison or in a criminal mental health facility.”

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 President John McNesby, one of the few voices expressing full support for the officers, weighed in, “Our police officers are being vilified this evening for doing their job and keeping the community safe, after being confronted by a man with a knife,” McNesby said. “We support and defend these officers, as they too are traumatized by being involved in a fatal shooting. We ask the public for its patience as investigators work to gather all the facts of this tragic incident in West Philadelphia today.”

While speaking to reporters on the campaign trail, President Trump called the police shooting of Wallace a terrible event.

“The mayor or whoever it is that’s allowing people to riot and loot and not stop them is also just a horrible thing,” Trump added. “I saw the event. Everybody did, it was on television.

It was a terrible event. I guess that’s being looked at very strongly. We have the federal government looking at it also. But the rioting in Philadelphia has to stop. They have to stop it.”

Paul Davis is a Philadelphia writer who covers crime. He has written extensively about organized crime, cyber crime, street crime, white collar crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

COVID-19 makes routine vaccinations more important As Americans eagerly anticipate a coronavirus vaccine, there’s troubling evidence that they’re failing to get inoculated against other infectious diseases.

To get vaccination rates back where they need to be, policymakers must remind the public of the importance of routine immunizations and remove regulatory barriers that make it difficult for people, including children, to get their shots.

Records from the Kentucky Health Department indicate vaccination rates among kids aged 18 and under decreased by more than 56 percent between March and June compared to the same period last year.

In New York City, the number of vaccine doses administered through May dropped 63 percent compared to the same period last year. For children 2 and older, doses were down 91 percent.

The decline in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates is especially problematic. Colorado already has the lowest MMR vaccination rate in the country at just under 89 percent. But from March to July, the rate of weekly MMR vaccinations dropped even further – 19 percent among kindergarten-aged kids.

Colorado’s experience is not atypical. An analysis of records from 1,000 pediatricians across the country found a 50 percent drop in measles vaccinations between Feb. 16 – before the lockdowns began – and April 5.

We can ill afford such declines. Just last year, an outbreak in New York almost caused the country to lose its measles elimination status.

Falling vaccination rates are an understandable, if misguided, response to the pandemic. Many patients and their families feared contracting the coronavirus if they visited a health-care facility. In some places, patients were actively dissuaded from seeking routine care so healthcare professionals could

focus on the coronavirus.

Even when patients felt comfortable going to the doctor’s office, they may have struggled to get an appointment. Scores of pediatricians and primary-care physicians have reduced hours because of plummeting demand.

The pernicious influence of the nation’s anti-vaccination movement also deserves blame.

Even in the face of COVID-19, an astonishing number of Americans remain skeptical of vaccines. According to one recent survey, only 51 percent of the country would “definitely or probably” get the COVID-19 vaccine if it were available today.

Any policy response to the decline in vaccination rates has to start with education. Americans must understand that vaccines aren’t just safe and effective – they are essential. This means that, unlike dining out or going to the movies, routine vaccinations aren’t luxuries that can be dispensed with.

Reforms that make it easier for patients to get vaccinated are just as important. States can give pharmacists the power to dispense routine shots independently. Most states only allow them to do so with a physician’s prescription or according to protocol established by a physician or institution.

Rolling back these rules would make routine immunizations more convenient – especially given that nine in 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy.

And when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, these newly empowered pharmacists could ensure the breakthrough vaccine reaches patients quickly and on a massive scale.

People can’t let the coronavirus stop them from getting inoculated against the likes of the flu or measles, mumps, and rubella. Our nation can ill afford a resurgence of preventable diseases like these while we’re struggling to manage an outbreak of one for which we don’t yet have a vaccine.

Sally C. Pipes is president, CEO, and the Thomas W. Smith fellow in healthcare policy at the Pacific Research Institute. Her latest book is ‘False Premise, False Promise: The Disastrous Reality of Medicare for All’ (Encounter 2020). You can follow her on Twitter: @sallypipes.

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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THE SHOUT OUT

Image | Element5 Digital

The General Election was Tuesday.

Your turn: Give us your thoughts on how everything played out.

Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

VOICES OF OUR CITY

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

11

POLICE POWERS CANNOT

USURP BASIC CIVIL LIBERTIES Breonna Taylor was shot to death by police serving a warrant at her Louisville, Kentucky, home in March of this year. Calls for reforms of that killing have spread far beyond the Bluegrass State since then. One such effort is underway in Harrisburg now, as Democratic State Senator Tim Kearney of Delaware County has proposed a Pennsylvania version of “Breonna’s Law,” which would ban no-knock warrants in the Commonwealth.

There is a lot to be said for the idea. Liberal or conservative, if you care about civil liberties at all, you probably find it alarming that the state would send armed men to force their way into your house uninvited and unannounced. It is a violation of the ancient sanctity of the home and a situation that places both the police and the accused in grave danger.

The facts of Taylor’s case don’t exactly match the thrust of Kearney’s Senate Bill 1271, and Pennsylvania caselaw already requires much of what reformers want in warrant cases. Even so, Kearney is doing what a legislator should: recognizing a violation of the people’s liberties and writing a law that could fix it. In an age where legislators would often rather pontificate (and then, hopefully, go viral) than legislate, this is a good thing.

As is often the case in a tragedy, wild rumors and disinformation circulated after Taylor was killed. People claimed the police went to the wrong apartment. That turned out to be false – the police had identified Ms. Taylor’s apartment as part of an active drug ring which they planned to raid in conjunction with several other homes. The raid was also called a “no-knock” warrant, but that too is disputed. The warrant originally issued for the March 13 incident was for a “no-knock” warrant – that is, one in which the police burst through the door without announcing themselves first. But, as The New York Times and others have reported, the orders were changed before the raid to “knock and announce,” which meant the police had to identify themselves first.

Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, says the police did not, in fact, announce themselves, while the Louisville PD, and later the Kentucky Attorney General, maintains that they did.

But given that the warrant was not actu-

ally a no-knock warrant, banning no-knock warrants would not have changed the situation. Other factors, though, make the situation nearly as dangerous and as much an infringement upon the liberty of these citizens.

What’s the difference between a no-knock raid and one that involves an announcement, waiting 10 or 15 seconds, and then coming in anyway? And is it more or less likely to result in violence when the police crash down the door at half past midnight, as they did in the Taylor case? A suspect determined to shoot at the police will do so whether they announce or not. Others who would possibly submit to the authorities might shoot at an unknown home invader. And if the police know that the suspect is going to shoot whoever comes through the door, announcing their presence is a moot point.

Kearney’s bill requires an announcement and a 15-second wait before forcing entry into a dwelling. It would also eliminate some of the conflicting claims that swirl around the Louisville incident by requiring the officers executing the warrant to wear body cameras. This is one of many cases where body cameras would help police officers who follow the rules, creating evidence of their correct actions so that

defendants cannot sow doubt in a jury’s mind.

It is somewhat comforting that Pennsylvania already seriously limits the occasions on which a no-knock warrant may be used.

The rule in the Keystone State, laid down in Commonwealth v. Stanley and subsequent cases, is that the only exceptions are when (1) the police are “virtually certain” that the occupants already know their purpose; (2) the police have reason to believe that announcing first would endanger them; or (3) the police have reason to believe that the occupants are about to destroy evidence. The third justification is by far the most common: police fear that evidence – narcotics, typically – will be destroyed, so they bend the ancient rule of the sanctity of the home to get to that evidence first.

The second exception is a real concern, but could just as easily justify announcing first.

No-knock warrants create a dangerous situation – one that is compounded when the warrants are served in the middle of the night.

It is perfectly natural that someone, seeing his home invaded in the dark of night, might believe he is under attack by criminals. That misunderstanding is likely to turn deadly; the situation in the Taylor case could have easily

been different, had Kenneth Walker struck one or more officers when he fired on the police entering his apartment.

Kearney’s bill would narrow even these rare exceptions. The new law would hold that a “law enforcement officer shall physically knock and announce himself or herself before forcibly entering a home and shall wait a minimum of 15 seconds to allow the occupants of the home to respond and open the door.” No exceptions.

This also highlights a longstanding problem with a government increasingly disinclined to protect natural rights. In its zeal to prosecute an endless “War on Drugs,” the state has chipped away at the freedoms protected in the Bill of Rights. Ilya Shapiro of the Cato Institute explained the point in a recent article in National Affairs: “In Criminal Procedure – a leading law-school casebook by Joseph Cook, Paul Marcus, and Melanie Wilson – 12 of 18 cases on probable cause, and 20 of 27 on warrantless searches and seizures, involve drugs. In most of these cases, the Court has whittled away or otherwise made exceptions to the Fourth Amendment.” Drugs are indeed a scourge and are damaging to individuals, families, and communities. But shredding the Constitution to eradicate them has barely stopped anyone from using any drug he wants, while at the same time reducing the freedoms of all Americans.

If our freedoms mean anything, they must still exist for people who are suspected of drug crimes. Warrants should be served on suspected criminals and that, at times, will require breaking down doors and entering homes by force. But changes like those Kearney proposes would make this process less dangerous.

Other changes, like showing up in the daytime when possible, could further lower the temperature of a potentially volatile situation.

All of these things can be done while still allowing the police to investigate crimes and apprehend criminals. For all of the talk about law and order these days, we must remind ourselves that “order” applies to both the citizenry and the state.

Making a more orderly process to serve warrants will make everyone safer, while reminding us of the government’s primary purpose: protecting the people’s rights.

Kyle Sammin is a senior contributor to The Federalist, co-host of the Conservative Minds podcast, and resident of Montgomery County. He writes regularly for Broad + Liberty. This article was originally published at Broad + Liberty. @KyleSammin

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

ICEPACK

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Image | Sunyu Kim

NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

MALL WOES I

Whew!

PREIT bankruptcy won’t keep Icepack from his jerky

’m writing this column on the morn- system-wide investments in the Philadelphia ing that Philly is leaving to hit the Gas Works’ infrastructure. Huh? Really? “The polls for the presidential election. $254 million bond deal combines a refundThough quiet now, I do not expect ing of existing debt with low cost funding for that my Italian Market block will PGW’s ongoing capital plan,” states its press stay so hushed. At the very least, the release. “And the robust investor demand for winds from the weekend through to the bonds showcases continued investor conthis morning will blow all the neatly-folded fidence in both the City and PGW through the Biden/Harris fliers, as well as all of the crum- COVID-19 pandemic.” I’m guessing that’s the pled, ripped up, shredded and burned Trump/ same tout that PREIT investors heard, at first.

Pence pamphlets, away from street and toBracing for winter ward someone unknown hell where dead trees “Por los meses que viene de frio, no vamos mourn for all the paper wasted in pursuit of ofrecer servicio de mesero ni mesas para comso-called democracy. er aqui en la Barbacoa. Todo va para llevar.

Also four sheets to the wind is any hope Por favor hacer sus planes con este respeto. of any positive, structured result as to where En este forma puedes llenar con su pedido your vote went on Tuesday. Nothing at all will para recoger sabado o domingo. muchisimas be solved, surely, by the time you read this. If gracias y nos esperamos!” For those who don’t the last four years have taught us anything, read or speak Spanish, that message from for better and for worse, it is to stay unsettled South Philadelphia Barbacoa is the first sign as such. I do, though, hope that everyof where local restaurateurs’ heads one was safe, feels free from harm and are at coming into the currency of horror, and that whomever you voted winter’s chill. Translated, that meansBY A.D. for didn’t get run off the road by anoth- AMOROSI South Philly Barbacoa is switching, er candidate’s hearse full of thugs. during the winter months, to a pre-orMall news der system whose online forms you PREIT, the biggest mall owner in Philadel- can browse at Cristina Martinez/Ben Miller’s phia (that doesn’t sound as much of a snazSPB website. And if you ever needed a reason zy honor now as it did, say, in 1981), filed for for time travel, there’s this note. “We will not Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sunday. The Pennhave any seating available until the spring sylvania Real Estate Investment Trust own2021.” Uhhhhhhhhh. ers of the still barely out of the shrink wrap Another COVID casualty Fashion District Philadelphia (whose reopenWalter Staib’s City Tavern, the Revolutioning was, as I said at the time, and remains, one ary War-theme restaurant in Old City that has of the worst mis-uses of space since Ed Bacon been around for more than a few wars and designed all of those stone gardens in Society Colonial skirmishes, just closed due to the linHill) has a restructuring plan in mind geared gering F of a long pandemic. More later. UGH toward unlocking $150 million in new borFavorite songs rowing options – AND, IN CASE YOU WERE I have two Philly-made favorite songs this WORRIED – intends to remain open for those week. One comes from a fresh, Black rapmust-haves from Easy Pickins, As Seen on TV, per, and the other, a handful of old white inand the Beef Jerky Experience. die-rock guys. Track number one, the highGas bonds ly contagious “SOHO,” comes from North Speaking of additional weird and lousy Philly’s Aseni and Blk Cancer, and its video investments: The City of Philadelphia just was shot in and around Saks Fifth Avenue on priced out Gas Works Revenue Bonds that the Main Line. Trust me, everyone is going to will achieve $15 million in net present value shop at Saks after this. The other tune is the savings and provide $240 million for crucial sinister synth-pop tune, “Wolves in White,”

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY from Static Shapes, which just happens to feature Steve Yutzy-Burkey from The Swimmers, with One Star Hotel owner Rick Seiber, Summer Fiction’s Alex Yaker and legendary local drummer Mike Kennedy from Audible and Lefty’s Deceiver.

Dance On Philly I’ll remind you about this closer to the date, but Philly’s one-time Ropeadope label owner and current executive director of 30Amp Circuit, Andy Blackman Hurwitz, is gathering resources for Nov. 14’s Dance On Philly, “a cross between Soul Train and TikTok,” and a live, on-air, six-hour dance party hosted by Lauren Hart and spun by DJ Cosmo Baker, Image | Ruth Perlmutter live streaming from The Fillmore. Single and group dancers, as in traditional dance-a-thons, walking marathons or freezing water charity events, will seek hard pledges before the event, so watch for that, and don’t welch when they come back to you for the money. Proceeds from DOP benefit Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly, which provide music and dance education to thousands of Philadelphia-area school children each year. Go to DanceOnPhilly.com for more info if you don’t get it, because even I’m a little lost.

Masked Philly: Ruth Perlmutter In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during C-19’s pandemic, I reached out, this week to Ruth Perlmutter, the Grand Doyenne and co-founder of the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, whose 40th anniversary falls this weekend.

No, the Jewish Film Festival she started with her husband, the late, great Archie Perlmutter (“a supremely witty and funny man who loved to travel and loved to devour film”), will not be held in person at the Gershman Y. Yes, the GPJFF will be a fully immersive, all virtual event of screenings and speakers, running Nov. 7 – 21 with tix and info (some stuff is

free) available at PJFF.org.

“I’m going to miss the intimacy of being around people for the fest,” said Perllutter. “I miss going to theaters to see any films. You’re not getting the opportunity of civic engagement, of sitting next to people preoccupied by the same cinematic experience. Theaters are closed, and this ailment is taking its toll. But we have to be safe, I get it.”

Perlmutter hand-picked one local film to highlight for GPJFF40, the first being “From Philadelphia to the Front,” shown in honor of her late husband Archie Perlmutter, and the recently-deceased Judy Gelles, the latter of whom co-directed the documentary with another Philly-based artist, Marianne Bernstein. Another Philly film making its debut at the festival is the “My Israeli Story” short created by students from Israel American Council’s Eitanim group.

Along with spending the last seven months scouring Netflix (“a real boon to film”) and devouring Gabriel García Márquez novels, Purlmuter has developed a fondness for listening to books on disc. “I would go to the PFS drive-in series at the Navy Yard, in a car, if anything they were showing interested me. And I would go out to dinner more often with friends if they would clean up 18th Street near where I live. All these people sitting outside eating – how, with the masks – in the gutter. It’s nice and private since cars can’t come down the block, but still,” she finished her thought with a laugh.

As for wearing a mask, Purlmutter is fabulously frank. “Ugh. Are you kidding? Who wants it? It’s hard to talk through, hard to understand people talking to you, and hard to remember to keep It on. It is an internal, eternal problem. I think as soon as his pandemic is over people will burn their masks in a huge bonfire. That would be good, wouldn’t it?”

@ADAMOROSI

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MUSIC

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CATCHING UP WITH

MT. JOY New single fuses anxiety, hope for the future

Mt. Joy has been active during the pandemic – playing outdoor shows and pitching in to help worthy causes. Image | Matt Everitt

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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MUSIC

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

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hiladelphia act Mt. Joy recently dropped “New President,” the first single since the release of their critically acclaimed sophomore album “Rearrange Us” this past summer. Produced

by Caleb Nelson, “New President” marks a soulful fusion of anxiety and hope. The arrangement is both peaceful and stirring at the same time, resulting in artful folkrock with a pertinent message.

Mt. Joy challenges the status quo of today’s political disarray in not a heavy-handed sort of way, but with an open mind fueled by optimism and empathy. With “New President,” Mt. Joy veers into course with their signature vistas of needed social change, cultural awareness and the deep complexities of the human spirit.

Mt. Joy consists of singer/guitarist Matt Quinn, guitarist Sam Cooper, bassist Michael Byrnes, drummer Sotiris Eliopoulos, and keyboardist Jackie Miclau. They released “Rearrange Us” on June 5 via Dualtone Records. Produced

by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, Neko Case) and written during a period of personal struggle and romantic failures, the album is a triumph of spirit and self-knowledge. Packed with new musical ideas – threepart psych-folk suites, gospel singalongs, grooving road trip rock – and Quinn’s philosophiPhilly’s Mt. Joy recently dropped a new cal musings about mental health single, ‘New President,’ a mixture of both struggles, loneliness, and the need anxiety and hope. Image | Julia Abner to consciously fight for one’s own happiness, “Rearrange Us” is a highly personal and ambitious success for the ter college. I didn’t really have many friends in added Jackie, the talent in the band just felt young band.

Los Angeles, so it was great to have someone undeniable. Most importantly, from the start, playing together was fun. We have some really I knew well in town. We had played music toAmid the health concerns relating to funny people in this band, which is so necesgether in high school, so we kind of picked up COVID-19, Mt. Joy hosted an Instagram Live sary in this business. where we left off and put together what would stream consisting of a variety of artists and You recently released a new single, “New become the first Mt. Joy record. speakers. Resulting in over $30,000, all proPresident.” Your sophomore album, “RearOnce we felt like we had some songs we ceeds of the live stream were donated to Musiwere confident in, we started looking to fill out range Us,” dropped this summer. How have Cares and Philabundance. your fans responded to both the sinthe band. We found Michael Byrnes, The group also donated 100 percent of algle and the album? What is the mesbum profits from its first week to Campaign our bass player, on Craigslist. We had some not-so-great rehearsals where BY EUGENE sage behind “New President”?

Zero, a nonprofit dedicated to ending police viSo far the response to the album it was just the three of us with no olence. Additionally, Mt. Joy serves as an amZENYATTA has been amazing. Truly. It definitely drums. They were fine, but we quickbassador for nonpartisan voter registration wasn’t our plan to release an album in ly realized we needed a drummer. Miorganization, HeadCount. the midst of a global pandemic and massively chael recommended Sotiris, and he has been Mt. Joy has played a dozen drive-in shows important civil rights movement, but we realwith us ever since. Actually, for reference, I reshowcasing their latest album. member meeting and jamming with Sotiris for ly feel like we made the best of the situation PW recently caught up with Quinn to talk the first time on election night in 2016. Tough and our fans have responded in a way that has about the new single and the band’s music. evened everything out. night.

Talk a little about how the band formed.

“New President” is about feeling like we so Despite the election, the first rehearsals How did you all meet, and was their “chemdesperately need a new President. The meswith the four of us were definitely when I istry” from the beginning? started to feel that we could make something sage is that, like any failed relationship, we Sam and I grew up together outside of Philhave let too many issues pile up and now we special out of the project, and then, when we adelphia. We both ended up in Los Angeles af-

15

face a very serious turning point in our democracy. We have to remove Donald Trump from office.

People’s lives depend on that.

What a shame to have gotten to this point. I hope everyone votes and we can start to build a more equal and just nation.

The pandemic closed pretty much everything, but you’ve been playing a lot of drive-in shows in support of the album.

Other than forcing the performances outside, how have all of the closures impacted you? How have you spent your downtime?

I think in terms of Mt. Joy the biggest impact is that we felt like we had this great momentum coming off The Lumineers tour and releasing an album. We were so excited to get back in front of our fans and perform the new record.

It has been a bit of a bummer to not fully have that opportunity. But in the meantime, as you said, we’ve been able to play a few drive-in shows, and have had lots more time to write the next chapter of music.

You’ve helped a number of causes, from food banks to nonprofits dedicated to ending police violence and boosting voter registration. Why is it important to you to give back and support worthy initiatives?

For us, as we express in the new song, it’s now or never in terms of giving our energy, or using our voices to help people in need.

We’ve been horrible to the underserved in our communities for far too long. Now we see people of color disproportionately being affected by coronavirus, and it becomes crystal clear that through years of systemic racism we’ve pushed our neighbors’ noses in the dirt.

We are all responsible for that. So, it’s our burden to help fix what we’ve broken. We know how fortunate we are to have the platform we do and we will continue to help wherever we can.

What’s ahead for you once the pandemic clears? More live performances? New music?

In the near future, we are really diving into creation mode and are working on a ton of new music. We are always planning show ideas, but it’s hard to say when all of that will be back. Until then, I know everyone says this, but starting with “New President,” I honestly can’t wait to start putting this new music out.

What are the best ways for your fans to keep up-to-date with what you’re doing?

Best ways to keep up with us are on Instagram and Twitter @mtjoyband – we have a website too if people still do that, mtjoyband.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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PEOPLE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

‘HANH, SOLO’ When possibilities seem both endless and nonexistent

Pennsylvania People Productions’ latest project, ‘Hanh, Solo,’ has been picked up by Amazon Prime and Vimeo. Image | Courtesy ‘Hanh, Solo’

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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ennsylvania People Produc- forts more legitimate. The first natural step toward that seemed to be coming tions – a film production company that was founded up with a name, and, after a few days in 2010 – is composed of ac- of brainstorming, we settled on Pennsylvania People since it defined us in tors, writers and directors the most literal sense: a group of people from the Philadelphia area.

The group participates from Pennsylvania.

Your latest feature, “Hanh, Solo,” every year in the 48 Hour has been picked up by Amazon Prime Film Project (it won best film one year and became city champions of Philadel- and Vimeo. IMBD.com describes it phia), and has yet to not bring home a as: “Stuck dating guys she doesn’t like and working at her dead-end prize. job, Hanh finally finds the courage PPP’s latest project has been picked to pursue her dreams.” Can you exup for distribution by Amazon Prime pand on that description a and Vimeo. The full-length fealittle? Where did the idea for ture – “Hanh, Solo” – was shot the film originate, and who entirely in the Philadelphia

BY EUGENE should see it? area and was created by TemZENYATTA Back in 2013, Hanh and Japle alumni. The film completson were living together, and ed the festival circuit by debutone day after work, Hanh came ing at more than 10 festivals home and said she had an idea all across America (several of for a new project. Having just graduatwhich were local – The Women’s Film Festival, PA Indie FF, and Garden State ed college and breaking up with a longterm boyfriend, Hanh wanted to use FF), and was acquired shortly after the this as a vehicle through which to chanpandemic for distribution.

PW recently caught up with Hanh nel all of her anxieties and doubts, using them constructively and creatively.

Nguyen, co-writer and lead, and Jason After the script was completed, we Taylor, co-writer and director, to talk started reaching out to friends and acabout the film and film production in tors we knew and had worked with in Philly.

Talk a little about Pennsylvania the past (some of whom we had spePeople Productions. How did it all cific roles in mind for during writing).

Now, after seven years and many public come together a decade ago? screenings, the best compliment we’ve Pennsylvania People Productions gotten has been when audience memwas the name we gave our group while we were working on our first feature in bers tell us that they related to Hanh’s 2010. Most of us had known each oth- predicament; being at a time in your life where the possibilities seem both er since at least high school, and we’d been making shorts for a few years at endless and nonexistent all at once. that point, but we’d never formally sat Even if you’ve found the path that’s down and talked about making our ef- right for you, there’s still that mix of

’

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PEOPLE

uncertainty and awkwardness present that we worked with someone who has and will gladfeel almost anyone could relate to the movie ly recommend them if they think they can and its themes. get the job done. People are pretty generous Did the pandemic impact production? with their time and talent, and there’s always something exciting happening somewhere.

Did you run into any hurdles while making Every job I’ve gotten has come from someone the film?

With any low-budget/indie movies, there’s recommending me or knowing me from a past always going to be a certain amount of diffi- job, and liking the work that I do, and, I think if someone’s willing culty making it toward to put themselves out the finished product. there, there’ll always We shot about 80 perbe someone who needs cent of the movie over a hand on set. the course of about Pretty much everysix months, with the one who helped make last 20 percent tak“Hanh, Solo” possible ing us about a year to is someone we’d met complete. This mostly through local acting came from scheduling classes, local film proissues, Hanh moving to ductions, friends of New York mid-producfriends, or were people tion, replacing actors, we’d known for years. among a number of We didn’t have to look other complications. very far or stretch outEven things as simple side of our network to as shooting a scene find talented people or where two characters interesting locations... talk in a restaurant rethey were right there, quired multiple trips to ready and willing to the set, working withhelp us make our movin the confines of that ie! That’s what makes sweet spot between smaller movies like when the restaurant “Hanh, Solo” special... was open, but empty it was made as a labor enough for us to shoot, of love by a group of and closing, with the friends (or people who owner impatiently became friends) as an watching as we tried expression of a shared our best to be speedy experience that we all and efficient. go through. And we’re We’d spend a month so happy to finally put scheduling a time it out there for people when Hanh could to discover! come down to shoot, What’s ahead for only for it to end up PPP? If someone raining when the day would like to join finally came. However, your group, or just after all of the delays, stay up-to-date with we finally finished in what you’re doing, late 2017 and had our Temple alumni are behind Pennsylvania what’s the best way festival run through People Productions’ latest flick, ‘Hanh, to follow you? most of 2018. While Solo.’ Image | Courtesy ‘Hanh, Solo’ You can always folthis was all long below us on social media, fore the pandemic bethrough our Facebook or IG (@pennsylvaniagan, once we were all stuck inside for six-plus months, it became clear that people were seek- peopleproductions and @hollywoodhanh), as ing fresh content for their quarantine binge, well as our YouTube page, which has all of our past work. We update pretty regularly/when leading us to find distribution with Bayview there’s exciting news to share – we’ve always Entertainment. got something in the works. We’ve been workPPP is composed of actors, writers and directors from Philly. Describe the mov- ing on our next feature, which is almost done shooting, and will hopefully be done before ie-making scene in the city. Is Philadelphia the world ends! The one thing we do regulara good place to be for those who want to ly participate in is the 48 Hour Film Project. make movies?

As I’ve (Jason) had the opportunity to work We’ve been competing since 2010, and every year, we always end up needing people to on more and more sets and projects around the city over the last decade, it’s only shown help us either behind the scenes or in front of just how small Philadelphia really is, at least the camera, so we’re definitely open to walkons if anybody’s interested in joining our as far as the filmmaking community goes. If you’ve haven’t worked with someone, you’ve group in the future.

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THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

Eat, drink, be merry

The temperatures are falling, and the holidays are just around the corner. Here are a few food and drink deals you’ll want to check out.

South Philly Barbacoa French Toast Bites Ale

French Toast Bites by Lokal Artisan Foods has announced the debut of the first-ever French Toast Bites Ale in partnership with Doylestown Brewing Company. The anytime ale is a sweet, smooth and toasted dessert brew that pairs great with breakfast, brunch, dinner or dessert. It will be available in 16 ounce cans in four-packs, as well as in a limited run of kegs and sixtelles through distributor Muller, Inc. For Charisse McGill, the debut of the new beer makes her the first black female in Pennsylvania with her own signature beer. goPuff has acquired more than half of the initial shipment and will have it ready for immediate delivery today through the goPuff app, alongside other local iconic brands such as Federal Donuts, Famous 4th Street Cookie Company and La Colombe.

NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

South Philly Barbacoa will be take out only for winter.

Pre-orders can be made up until the time they open service. If you miss the pre-order cutoff time, you can try to come in and make an order. Orders for tacos can just be made in person! Follow barbacoachef in Instagram or call (215) 694-3797 for details.

The Olde Bar

The Olde Bar, located at the former home of Philadelphia’s iconic Bookbinder’s Restaurant, is officially open for indoor dining with a new menu, a newly renovated dining room, and socially-distanced seating. The celebrated space that once housed one of Philadelphia’s most famous seafood restaurants debuts a new library-inspired dining room that pays homage to the Bookbinder family. Patrons are invited to enjoy 16 new dishes while dining in the comfort of their own beautifully decorated, intimate library nook.

Additionally, The Olde Bar will be the new favorite for date nights with retro library desks that feature classic emerald green reading lamps throwing off a vintage dose of nostalgia. The 14 dining nooks all ensure that tables are more than the standard six feet apart.

For more information and reservations, visit www. theoldebar.com or call 215-253-3777.

Chocolate + Cheer a virtual Tasting for Two fundraiser

A sweet and savory explosion for your taste buds!

The virtual tasting will feature the work of local Southeastern Pennsylvania artisans: Chef Chris of Éclat Chocolate in West Chester brings his decadent specialty chocolates, and Brewmeister Mike of Victory Brewing in Downingtown brings renowned craft brews.

Your registration includes a Tasting for Two package with beer, chocolate, and other goodies hand-delivered to your door prior to the event, along with a URL link to join the exclusive virtual tasting event. For those 21+.

All of the proceeds go directly to charity. Presented by Rotary Club of the Upper Main Line. Friday, Nov. 6, 7 – 8pm. $150. Eventbrite.com

Best of Fall Fête: Exploring the Super Seven with Tria & the JLP As part of The Junior League of Philadelphia Inc.’s Best of Fall Fête series, the Tria Fermentation School will present a virtual wine class (with real wine), featuring wine from Tria, Philly’s original casual wine bar, and taught by Lauren Harris, Tria’s wine director. Includes a glass of welcome wine, seven 2-oz tasting portions, Tria cheese and snack box, and eight reusable, supercute wine glasses. Friday, Nov. 13, 7:30 – 9pm. $85. eventbrite.com

THE RUNDOWN

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19

23rd Annual FirstGlance Film Festival

The 23rd annual FirstGlance Film Festival, Philadelphia’s Independent Film Festival since 1996, opens at the iconic Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, on Nov. 13, with the horror, thriller, “Bad Candy,” co-directed by Scott B. Hansen and Desiree Connell. The festival runs in-person through Nov. 15 and it will also be held virtually, Nov. 10 - 15, on the digital platform itsashort.com. FirstGlance features premiere, original independent films from Philadelphia and around the world, filmmaker interviews on the red carpet, and a live awards ceremony on closing night. Firstglancefilms.com.

From holiday lights to digital ballet, here are a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

Films, ballet and more Winter on Broad Street

A brand-new, dazzling outdoor holiday light attraction is coming to Wells Fargo Center starting Nov. 27. “Winter on Broad Street: A Holiday Light Spectacular! presented by Dietz & Watson” will bring the magic of the holiday season to Philadelphia through an immersive, one-of-a-kind event where guests can stroll through a winter wonderland of lights, shopping, and dining. Winter on Broad Street will run from Black Friday through Jan. 3. Tickets and capacities for Winter on Broad Street are limited and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at WinteronBroadStreet.com.

Masonic Library and Museum

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, which maintains and preserves the historic Masonic Temple, located at One North Broad Street in Philadelphia, has reopened for limited public tours and a Masonic-themed art exhibition.

For the time being, guided tours of the Masonic Temple are available for individuals and groups of up to 10 people, Tuesday through Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contact 215-988-1917 to schedule a tour or find more information about tours at pamasonictemple.org.

Pennsylvania Ballet

Pennsylvania Ballet has announced the launch of its digital season, titled Director’s Choice, featuring four complete archival ballets and excerpts directed by Artistic Director Angel Corella. The online season will be available free of charge and is scheduled to launch in two installments on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. EST. Each stream will feature conversations with the artists of Pennsylvania Ballet. For more information, visit paballet. org.

Lunch & Learn: Sugar Jaws

Join Grace Tessein and Dennis Ritter, the artists behind Sugar Jaws, and Jennifer Zwilling, curator of artistic programs at The Clay Studio, for a Lunch & Learn. Sugar Jaws, owing its namesake to Dennis and Grace’s beloved dog, is a collaboration through which beautiful animal-inspired pottery pieces are created. The Sugar Jaws team, both alumni of The Clay Studio, will discuss their time at The Clay Studio, what they’ve both done since then, and what brought them to where they are today. Join the Zoom call to listen to the discussion and ask questions. Nov. 5 at noon.

Theclaystudio.org

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020

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THE RUNDOWN

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Town Hall: Understanding COVID-19 in North Philadelphia

An evening Town Hall hosted by COVE NP (Collaborative for CardioVascular Disease in North Philadelphia). This is a wonderful opportunity for the North Philadelphia community to share experiences, voice concerns, and ask questions to experts in health, medicine, and research. Presented by College of Public Health at Temple University.

Tuesday, Nov 17, 6 – 7:30pm. Free.

While some events are moving to in-person, there still are a lot that will be held virtually. Here are a few we found that look interesting. Visit eventbrite. com for details on these and many more Philly happenings.

Virtual events coming up soon Ask a Curator

Indigenous Futures: One Book, One Philadelphia Finale

Join the Free Library and We Are the Seeds for the rescheduled One Book, One Philadelphia virtual Finale event, in celebration of the many voices heard in Tommy Orange’s novel “There There” and throughout the One Book season earlier this year. This free event will take place online only; RSVP to receive a link to a YouTube livestream. Performances will feature local artists Urie and Cory Ridgeway (Nanticoke Lenape); Native Nations Dance Theater (Blackfeet/Seminole/ Creek); Mabel Negrete (Counter Narrative Society) with Campatlanezi (Danza Azteca del Anahuac); master storyteller Tchin (Narragansett); Cassie Rose Mitchell (Modoc/Klamath); We are the Seeds Dance Troupe (Saponi/Tuscarora/Narragansett); and violinist Lauren Garrett (Eastern Shoshone of Wind River). Friday, Nov. 20, 7:30 – 9pm. Free.

NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Join the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, for a candid conversation with Lauren Downing, executive assistant to the director, and Anthony Elms, Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, both of the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania.

Downing and Elms share insight into various art spaces, highlighting the roles of artists. In a conversation focused heavily on Q&A, Downing and Elms draw from their experiences curating and organizing exhibitions, from ideation through to the opening of a show, to help demystify how museums function. Free online event.

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 – 7pm.

Philadelphia Virtual Job Fair

Job seekers must create a free virtual profile to attend.

Conduct live online one-on-one virtual interviews with nationally known employers at The Philadelphia Virtual Job Fair. No more sending your resume into the black hole and waiting for a phone call. This event will put you front and center with the recruiter who can hire you.

Presented by Virtual National Career Fairs. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 – 9pm. Free.

Mr. Furness’ Neighborhoods: A Birthday Exploration of His World

On the 181st anniversary of Frank Furness’s birth, this talk will explore the influence of the communities that shaped Furness’ life. It will follow the development of Furness’ values from his birth neighborhood in Rittenhouse Square, his student years in New York’s Washington Square, to his long-time home near Philadelphia’s Washington Square tempered by Civil War military camps from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and the hunting and fishing camps that connected him via the Boone & Crockett Club to Teddy Roosevelt and the industrialists who headed the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Presented by Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Thursday, Nov. 12. 6 – 7:30pm. Free to $5. Online event.

FGI PHILLY #FashionFriday with PFGITF

Join for a discussion with Philadelphia Fashion & Garment Industry Task Force (PFGITF) regarding its commitment to sustainability. The mission of the PFGITF Sustainability Subcommittee is to move Philadelphia fashion toward a responsible, and circular future.

Chat with Joanne Litz and Rachel Mednick during this member spotlight. Friday, Nov. 6, 5:30 – 6:30pm. Free

THANKSGIVING

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21

Give COVID the bird Image | Nathan Ansell

Hey, restaurants, any Thanksgiving specials you’d like to share?

BY EUGENE ZENYATTA

C

OVID. Closures. Social distancing.

Thanksgiving 2020 will not be like all of the others.

Already the “experts” are asking families to cancel holiday gatherings. But we all have to eat, right?

And, especially this year, does anybody really feel like spending hours in the kitchen? Didn’t think so.

That’s why we’re asking Philly restaurants to share their holiday specials with us – so that we can share them with everybody else.

(We know there are at least a few Thanksgiving things going on because some restaurants already have sent their info to us.)

On Nov. 19, PW will publish a roundup of Thanksgiving offerings. We’ll list all of the socially distanced meals at those restaurants that are doing the inside dining thing. Have a take-out or delivery option? We’ll include those too.

Want to be a part of it all? Just send your holiday specials by Nov. 16 to mail@philadelphiaweekly.com. Include all of the basics, including any virus-related rules, reservation requirements, etc.

People need a break in 2020. A break from everything – and that includes cooking Thanksgiving dinner.

So, local restaurants, how about it? Tell us about your Thanksgiving specials and we’ll let everyone else know.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020

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

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

JUST SAY ‘NO’ TO BAD MARKETING

CAMPAIGNS

“This is your brain on drugs.”

These lessons are frequently assessed to see: “Just Say NO!” Do they actually meet their objectives? Do stuAnd, of course: “I learned it from watching dents understand facts after taking this class?

YOU!” Does this flier campaign really lead Making something as unforgettato a reduction in STIs? ble as these taglines is a marketer’s There are some school-based prowet dream, but catchiness is only grams, social media movements and one measure of a commercial’s ad campaigns that have proven to success. In the case of a public be effective at reducing unwanted health campaign, the goal is (usupregnancies, encouraging people ally) to change people’s behavior. to get tested for STIs, or to raise These notorious ‘80s-era anti-drug awareness of PrEP as an option to campaigns absolutely succeeded in prevent HIV, for instance. memorability but were not great at There are also lessons that fail the things they purported to do. utterly at their stated goals and Not only did they fail to offer any manage to spread shame and foster meaningful education or resources stigma while they’re at it. Abstirelated to drug use, but they suffer nence-only courses are infamously from the same core miscalculation bad at imparting accurate infor@TIMAREE_LEIGH mation or preventing pregnancies of a lot of abstinence-only campaigns (whether it be about sex, and STIs, and they also manage smoking or what-have-you): spotlighting the to exclude queer kids, shame sexual abuse supposed dangers of a survivors and encourbehavior without seemage damaging gender ing to understand why norms. people engage in them The reason they fail in the first place. is the same reason that This is relevant not the notorious ‘80s anonly for the effectiveti-drug ads did. It’s the ness of public health same reason that the in general, but speschool-based DARE cifically in the era of program was such a COVID-19. What lesspectacular failure that sons can we take from it managed to introthe decades of previous duce kids to drugs they campaigns to apply to otherwise wouldn’t our current pandemic? have considered. It’s Stark examples of the reason why the ansuperbly effective and ti-smoking campaigns rill, rill bad health funded by tobacco mancampaigns are in the ufacturers resulted in world of sexuality eduincreased teen smoking cation. Some sexuality (shocker!). campaigns and lesson These ineffective plans are focused on campaigns don’t underaddressing the realities stand – or perhaps even of sexuality, reducing risk, and endowing peoconsider – why people aren’t already doing the ple with knowledge and the ability to apply it. healthier thing. They fail to offer a bridge for

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“Consistently the most effective campaigns are the ones that use peer pressure and foster the idea that ‘people like me are doing this thing.’ It’s the best way to get people to recycle, and it’s the reason DARE was such a flop: It told kids everyone was doing drugs.”

TO NG

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

the people to change their behavior. Just saying that it’s bad, icky or stupid isn’t going to counteract an addiction or provide an alternative means of getting whatever human need is currently being met by the risky activity.

In the interminable, godforsaken year of 2020, there is not a single person who is unaware smoking is unhealthy. It’s not a lack of knowledge.

We have to provide a meaningful counter-argument to the appeal of engaging in an addictive, sensually pleasing, coded-as-rebellious social activity. sed to see: So given what es? Do stu-we know, what are this class?the things that a really leadgood, effective ad campaign would inbased pro-clude? ments and Good public proven tohealth campaigns unwantedare planned out: g peopleThey establish r to raisewhat need they’re option totrying to meet, figure out what res that failsources are already goals andin place, identify and fosterwhat audience it. Absti-they are reaching, nfamouslyand are clear on ate infor-what action people egnanciesare being called to o managemake. ual abuse Effective camd encour-paigns figure out g genderwhat messages resonate with their n they failtarget audience and eason thattake their message s ‘80s an-to where those folks d. It’s theare already conthat thegregating. A really DAREgood campaign by s such athe National Instiailure thattute for Health and to intro-Care Excellence drugs theyheaded to Snapchat wouldn’twith pictures and ered. It’semoji-filled posts hy the an-about how infeccampaignstions are spread acco man-and how drug reesulted insistance works. n smokingInstagram posts are extremely popular and easy to share, and have been used to spread ineffectiveknowledge on mental health, anatomy and n’t under-even COVID. haps even Striking the right balance of emotion and doing theeducation is important. It’s not enough just bridge forto get attention or provoke a reaction. Man

NS

SEX WITH TIMAREE Therapy, a funny campaign to encourage men to seek help for mental health issues, found incredible success at being meme-able and also getting men to look at suicide prevention resources.

Unfortunately, accurate information is relatively useless if a campaign counters someone’s deeply held beliefs or sense of identity.

Given the way that mask-wearing and general concern about COVID has become super politized, the best messaging will consider either the most universal values or be super targeted to specific groups.

We know shaming people is a super ineffective method of encouraging behavior change, so how can we reach people who seem to be literally resistant to information?

Consistently the most effective campaigns are the ones that use peer pressure and foster the idea that “people like me are doing this thing.” It’s the best way to get people to recycle, and it’s the reason DARE was such a flop: It told kids everyone was doing drugs.

I don’t pretend to have a comprehensive COVID-19 public health campaign in my back pocket. But I do invite everyone to consider how they can factor this information into their own social media and conversations with friends or family who may need some persuading when it comes to wearing masks and distancing.

After all: The more you know…..

Have a question for Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly. com.

“These ineffective campaigns don’t understand – or perhaps even consider – why people aren’t already doing the healthier thing. They fail to offer a bridge for the people to change their behavior. Just saying that it’s bad, icky or stupid isn’t going to counteract an addiction or provide an alternative means of getting whatever human need is currently being met by the risky activity.”

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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THE

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SAY CHEESE

Members of Ironworkers Union 234 were out Wednesday with the ever-popular union rat in tow in protest of unfair wages and a lack of union presence at a massive mixed development project underway at the corner of York and Emerald Sts., in East Kensington. Have a pic you’d want the rest of Philly to see? Email us: mail@philadelphiaweekly.com or tag us on social media using #PWBigPic.

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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.

Legal Notice NOTICE OF DIVORCE Kimberly Bagby Matthews, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Jerry Dewayne Matthews’ Complaint for Divorce and other relief by December 9, 2020, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR 2020-900525, Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The attorney for Jerry Dewayne Matthews is Jason Theodore Fleishman, 2317 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, Telephone: 205-553-9764.

Done this the 14th day of October, 2020.

Magaria Bobo Clerk Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa County

Public Notice Pursuant to the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act, the act of May 19, 1995, Act No. 1995-2 (the “Act�), notice is hereby given that Follow Through Capital (Remediator) is coordinating a public meeting regarding the former Scholler, Inc. Site located at 3320 Collins Street a.k.a. 2101 – 2109 East Westmoreland Street in Philadelphia (the “Site�). The City of Philadelphia has requested a Public Involvement Plan regarding site remediation plans. The Site has been found to contain concentrations of Tetrachloroethene (PCE), Trichloroethene (TCE) and Benzo(a) pyrene in soil and Trichloroethene in groundwater. The Remediator has indicated that the proposed remediation measures will be a demonstration of a combination of the Act 2 Statewide Health and Site-Specific Standards. The proposed future use of the property will be residential. A public information website has been established at www.rtenv.com under Resources which includes relevant documents regarding the remediation of this property. A virtual meeting (in lieu of an in-person meeting) will be held on Wednesday November 18th at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom meeting at the following address: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76145732763?pwd=aCtCOXp5Y1ZHK0NCY3BLeG5RYjRxdz09 Meeting ID: 761 4573 2763 Public comments may be submitted in writing to RT Environmental Services, Inc., 215 W. Church Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, Attention: Mr. John Lydzinski or via email to: jlydzinski@rtenv.com

by November 18, 2020.

Public Notice

Public Notice

T-Mobile proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 126.4’) on the smokestack at 7500 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA (20201575). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 101.4’) on the (smokestack) at 9800 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia PA (20201995).

Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

Public Notice T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 81.4’) on the (building) at 3101 West Oxford Street, Philadelphia PA (20201734).

Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

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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.

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NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY

REAL ESTATE

REGGIE Skyline view

$1,855 / 1br - Beautiful 1BR Center City Skyline View and NO RENT UNTIL 2021 (Rittenhouse Square) 201 S. 18th Street.

Looking for a new home? Come check out Apartment 502, a newly renovated 1 bedroom apartment with hardwood floors located in Center City on Rittenhouse Square! Call 844-8081705 to schedule your tour today. AMENITIES: Brand-new 8000 square foot resident lounge with top-of-the-line fitness center & free Wi-Fi. Pet friendly – dogs large and small and cats welcome. Elevator building with 24/7 doorman and concierge desk staff. Amazing roof deck with great views.

APARTMENT FEATURES: Renovated, modern granite kitchens with dishwashers. All utilities included (except cable/internet).

Oversized floor plan. Large closets. Upgraded carpet or hardwood-style floors. Gorgeous CITY VIEWS from your living area & bedroom. The Rittenhouse Claridge offers you the opportunity to live in Philadelphia’s most vibrant, walkable neighborhood. We are located in the best neighborhood at the best address – at the corner or 18th and Walnut – right on Rittenhouse Square! This apartment will rent quickly, so call John at 844-808-1705 to schedule an appointment or reserve this apartment. www.rittenhouseclaridge.com.

Fully furnished

$1,800 / 1br - 1172ft2 - FULLY-FURNISHED, CENTER CITY, LARGE 1BR / SHORT-TERM LEASE Nov-Apr/May (10th & Spruce) Large, fully-furnished, 1 BR apartment in Center City Philadelphia’s Washington Square West neighborhood.

Combines classic architecture with modern amenities. On 2nd floor of 1840’s-era walk-up building. Nearly 1200 sq ft, 12 1/2 ft ceilings, hardwood floors with partial rug coverage, 3 large windows facing Spruce Street, office area in corner of living room, long hallway leading from front door to living room and working fireplace. Comcast internet/cable and 52” Samsung flat screen LCD TV. Large, carpeted bedroom with adjacent walk-in closet, wall-length mirror and queen bed with extra-firm mattress/box spring. 1 1/2 baths with large glass-paneled walk-in shower. Towels and linens. Kitchen with granite counter top, mosaic tile backsplash, black appliances, china, silverware and glassware. Coin-operated washer & dryer in basement of building. Larger laundry room in adjacent building. Rear courtyard with ample outdoor/garden space.

City views from roof of adjacent building. No parking. Lease from November til April/May. $1800 per month, includes everything except parking & laundry. Very close to Jefferson & Pennsylvania Hospitals, Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street) and Washington Square. Good option for: 1. Remote employee who wants to experience Center City Phila, 2. Relocated employee who needs short-term, fully-furnished housing in Center City or 3. Patient at Jefferson or Pennsylvania Hospitals or family member of patient. Call 215-238-9421. No texts.

Astonishing studio

$995 / 317ft2 - Astonishing Studio Condo in Center City w/ Elevator & Secure Entry. 1324 Locust St. This studio is in the Arts Condominium, just off center city’s Avenue of the Arts, and walking distance to anything that you could possibly need!

With a long list of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping right outside your door, as well as quick public transportation to anywhere in the city, you’ll be in the center of everything!

This sunny studio is on the 15th floor of this luxury building.

Amenities include a 24-hour front desk attendant, elevator, laundry and fitness facilities, as well as a salon and common area for tenants to enjoy. This unit has wall-to-wall carpeting, a walk-in closet, large windows that flood the space with natural light, and provide stunning views of the city. The bathroom is tiled and has a full tub and lighted vanity with storage below.

Schedule your showing today! jg-realestate.com.

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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.

Near Center City

$975 / 2br - 900ft2 - 2BR/1BATH renovated near Center City & City Line Ave! (City Line / Overbrook / PCOM) 3921 Lankenau Avenue. 2BR/1BATH apartment located on the 2nd floor of a duplex (with a small balcony for plants). It has been updated recently and is located near City Line Ave. This is a very convenient location for those who work near City Line Ave, Saint Joe’s University, or PCOM. This unit is also located 20 minutes away from Center City. Plenty of parking and very close to Fairmount Park, ShopRite, and Fresh Grocer! Very easily accessible to SEPTA and major roads! ALSO INCLUDED IS GARAGE, Storage space in the basement, and laundry hookup! REDBLOCK Realty Inc. | (215) 331-5252.

University City

$3,120 / 2br - 1009ft2 - 2 BEDROOM APT UNIVERSITY CITY-PARKING, FITNESS CENTER, ROOFTOP! 3737 Chestnut Street. New and vibrant apartment rentals on Chestnut street in University City are here – at 3737 Chestnut! Another luxury community by Korman Residential Properties. Experience the excitement of high-rise University City apartments, located in one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic neighborhoods!

Enjoy stunning views of the city and river from our stylish, pet-friendly, modern rentals at 3737 Chestnut. Contact us to schedule a video call tour. Porcelain, marble, and tile accents in kitchens and baths. Yoga studio. Entertainment and media room with large LED TV. Secure underground parking available. Stainless-steel appliances. Ground-floor retail, Hildebrandt Early Learning Center next door. Fully carpeted bedrooms. Moveable kitchen islands. Dramatic, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling picture windows. Kitchens with engineered hardwood flooring. Private rooftop lounge. Bosch stackable washer and dryer. Call: 215-622-9893.

Arts Condo Building

$950 Center City Studio (1324 Locust St.) For rent is a beautiful corner Studio in the “Arts Condo Building” at 1324 Locust Street, has lots of sunlight-corner apt. Located on 5th floor. Three extra windows. H/W floor, beautiful light fixture.

Fully furnished with, bed, chest of drawers, dining table and chairs, microwave and refrigerator. $950/mo all utils included.

Also includes: Laundry room and Gym, bike storage, lobby has computer and printer with internet, community room, 24/7 reception, lobby entrance. Call 215-771-5729 to make appt.

Gorgeous condo

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$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 $120.00 that management charges every space. There is a parking space available behind the building if you need it, fee $120 which management company charges every space in the parking lot. 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.

Upgraded kitchens, baths

$910 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 $910 to $1,080 based on availability. ONE BEDROOMS range $1,265 to $1,455 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.

Timeless grandeur

$1,575 / 399ft2 - Center City Studio (City Hall). 1401 Arch Street. Located in Philadelphia’s historic Center City neighborhood, One City offers modern elegance with timeless grandeur. With views of Philadelphia’s City Hall, and just steps away from Philly locations such as the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market and Love Park.

One City offers the most discerning residents the ultimate living experience. Inside this historic building, located at 1401 Arch Street, each apartment residence holds unique original features coupled with contemporary sophistication.

Thoughtful design details include custom built-in storage, stainless steel appliances, and modern connectivity offering luxury and convenience to a range of lifestyles. Control is always at your fingertips with your app-based smart home features including keyless entry. With community spaces for every activity One City offers multiple lounges and entertainment experiences. Our tech-connected fitness center, lobby lounge, and rooftop sky lounge with demo kitchen enhances your city life. Immerse yourself in the historical architecture, modern convenience and innovative charms that One City has to offer. Be one with the city.

Amenities Include: Guest Suites. Fully Equipped Kitchens.

Additional Storage Available. In Unit Washer & Dryer. Rooftop Sundeck. Custom Built-In & Historic Detailing. Interior & Exterior Entertainment Lounges. Stainless Steel Appliances.

Quartz Countertops. Dapper Lounge. Smart Thermostat. Bike Storage. Call: (844) 204-7536.

Near Temple

$750 / 1br - Studio apartment near Temple U/Center City (1220 N. Carlisle St.) Cozy studio apartment available for rent near Temple University. 15 minutes walk to Temple U and 10 minutes transportation to Center City. Close to all public transportation, grocery store nearby and laundromat right across the street. Hardwood flooring, full size kitchen and bathroom. Lots of cabinet space. On the second floor front.

One year lease. $750/month. $60 credit check. First month, last month, and one month security deposit to move in. Please message, call, or email to schedule an appointment or for any further questions. Diana. (201) 889-0583.

The Preston

$1,399 / 1br - Perfectly designed 1BR - 15 minutes to Center City. 3300 Henry Avenue. The Preston at Falls Center 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 theatre room. Cats Allowed. Elevator In Building.

Exercise Facility. Large Dogs Allowed. Parking. Range. Resident Pays Electricity. Small Dogs Allowed. Washer & Dryer On Site. Kitchen and Bath: Dishwasher. Refrigerator. Garbage disposal. Utilities and Extras: Air conditioning. Building and Surroundings. Yard. Contact Us: Watchtower Property Co. Julie Foyle. 215.515.0942.

Utilities included

$1,500 / 1br - 588ft2 - Awesome 1BDRM in Center City w.

Secure Entry & HW - Move in Now. 1324 Locust St. 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-realestate.com.

Generous closets

$1,550 / 504ft2 - Walk to Center City, Generous Closets, Panoramic Views Available. 1600 Callowhill Street. This is a Studio, 1 Bath, approximately 504 Sq. Ft. Originally built amidst a sea of immense factories that made up the Callowhill branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Sixteen Hundred is an incarnation of the city’s manufacturing heritage. The newly updated Sixteen Hundred is timeless, modern, and distinctly Philadelphian. (267) 460-7663 x 23.

Midtown Philadelphia

$1,295 / 1br - 563ft2 - 1 Month FREE!! Great Price~1 Bedroom~1 Bath~Center City (1411 Walnut St.) 1 Bedroom Apartment home with Hard Wood Floors; Central Heating; Central Cooling; Microwave; Building Features Exercise Room and Front Desk. The original home of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange; Known for its popular restaurants and nightlife spots, Midtown Philadelphia is a fun and exciting place to live.

Just steps away from some of Philadelphia’s best culinary experiences, you will revel in the hustle and bustle of Center City life! Living room. Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Microwave.

Heat: forced air. Central A/C. Double pane / Storm windows.

Cable-ready. Hardwood floor. Pmcpropertygroup.com.

Ledger Residences

$1,998 / 2br - Luxury Two-Bedroom Apartment Rental in City Center. At the Ledger Residences, you will step into history when you enter the spectacular Art Deco lobby while enjoying fully renovated modern light-filled residences. The Ledger is located directly across Independence Square Park and a few minutes from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

The Ledger will have over eight floors of curated residences ranging from studios to three bedrooms, offering soaring, coffered ceilings and oversized windows featuring spectacular views of Independence Hall and Independence Mall, the Delaware River, and the beautiful Philadelphia skyline. The Ledger’s residences are thoughtfully designed to evoke tranquility for all residents – and serve as your city sanctuary whether you commute to the office or work from home.

Select features include unparalleled Center City Philadelphia location, stunning park and skyline views, beautiful new kitchens and baths, a washer/dryer in every unit, and luxury hotel quality amenities. Please visit www.ledgerphilly.com for more information. Visit www.ledgertours.com or call 833-5334370 to book your virtual or in-person today.

New condo

$1,600 / 2br - 930ft2 - Brand New 2 Bedroom Condo. 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 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, Grey Hound 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. $1600 per month plus utilities, was $1700.00. Please call Kin 267-912-7888.

Rittenhouse

$1,150 / 1br - Beautiful Newly Renovated Rittenhouse Square One Bedroom, Center City (20th and Chestnut). Beautiful, Sunny Rittenhouse One Bedroom Apartment - Only $1,150 per month, Heat, Hot water & Gas included. Available for Lease Date starting November 15th or Before. Go to RobinApartments.com. Heart of Center City Philadelphia - Just two blocks from Rittenhouse Square, Cable & Internet-ready, Excellent Sunlight, Newly Renovated Kitchen and Bathroom, Beautiful Hardwood Floors, Laundry Facilities on-premises, Within UP & Drexel Shuttle District, Walking distance to University City - UP & Drexel & Hahnemann Hospital, Maintenance included, One cat allowed, Packages accepted at RE office for your convenience, Robin Apartments management graded A+ by University of Pennsylvania student survey eight years in a row. Apartments can be viewed M-F 9:00 - 5:30.

Tree-lined street

$2,295 / 2br - 860ft2 - Center City Apartment on Tree-Lined Street. 2027-31 Arch near 20th/21st. Desirable Location.

Unique Floor Plan. Natural Light Throughout. Spacious Kitchen/Dining Area. Modern Kitchens. Quartz Countertops.

Garbage Disposal. Washer/Dryer. Plenty of Closets. Pet Friendly (Restrictions Apply). On Call Maintenance. 24/7 Customer Service. Metropolitan-living.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | NOVEMBER 5 - 12, 2020

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