PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 by Philadelphia Weekly

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Pandemic, accusations of racism rock Philly’s theater scene

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The play

isn’t the thing

Icepack: Where’s the outrage over NAACP head’s anti-Semitic meme? | Page: 12

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FROM THE EDITOR

Easier said than done P

olice reformation is one of the you really think the FOP gives AF about relamost important topics right now, changing/improving/strengthening tionships between cops and city residents? but to listen to discussions on Especially when a lot of the police within its how to effectively reform the culauspices also buy into the fear-mongering ture is, frankly, all over the place. There’s obvious confusion rhetoric in those ad campaigns? I also see the side of police, as I’ve menabout what “defund the police” tioned before in previous columns that I have really means and how “defund” doesn’t necessarily mean fewer cops on the street, that two friends on the force here in the city and by all accounts it just alludes to additional I’ve heard the shit they see and have to deal social supports for routine calls that cops may with on the streets. It’s easy to get jaded and group a certain race of people into the same respond to. However, we all know that’s not boat or just assume that this is what easy to ascertain from the political it’s like in certain pockets of the advertisements, which show sheer city. Fortunately, these two friends mayhem and anarchy with no reof mine happened to be educated sponse from dispatch teams. enough to also look at the little by My personal favorite is the one way of support there is for people of the older white lady who hears in these underserved communities someone trying to break into her and how, when the police go in, it’s home. As she tries to call for help, a lose-lose situation off the bat. she gets a bot telling her no one “This uniform has never made is there to assist, just before the someone feel safe when you roll up burglar gains entry and attacks in my district,” my one friend said. her. The fact that there is blatant “Right off the bat I roll up, lights fear-mongering at the notion of deflashing and jump out as a white funding police departments popping cop in this uniform, I’m the enemy. up in between your favorite show’s I’m not saying that’s how everyone three-minute commercial break, feels, but it’s how a lot of people how is one supposed to get educated @SPRTSWTR feel. I’ve lost count how many times on what “defund the police” actualI’ve been called a ‘dirty pig,’ it’s ally means? most to be expected. People just don’t trust us, In Philadelphia, the fracturing between our and I mean I get it, but we still have a job to do force and residents is so heightened it led to whether they like how we go about it or not.” the resignation of the city’s managing direcOn the flip side, though, he also noted that tor, who admittedly “underestimated” peothere are guys on his own force who don’t prople’s anger that he felt he wasn’t qualified to vide any favors in changing the notion. handle the problem. Admittedly, I don’t real“We have one guy, his locker is like three ly know who would be. People would suggest that a person of color would be a great start, down from mine, and I hear him on the phone referring to people as “ghetto trash,” but I really don’t think race plays a role in any or “hoodrats,” he continued. “I mean, real of this. Philadelphia has always been a city hamstrung by immovable forces that don’t talk, if that’s the way you go into your shift, if that’s your mentality to the job, then how can have to play nice if they don’t want to. One of those forces is the Fraternal Order you see people and situations for what they of Police, which, led by John McNesby, isn’t are and not just assume because someone is poor they’re not worthy of the same respect?” going to change or modify the way it’s been But he also made a good point that should for decades. Despite all of the lip service that arrives from the organization, it’s one that be noted: “What’s hard to explain to people is that for looks out for officers first, not residents’ concerns about said officers. By its very makeup, every guy like him, and there are a lot of cops it doesn’t have to, but that’s also magnified across the city that feel this way, there are three times as many officers who go about this by a group you watch give support by way of job looking to help, looking to do our job the standing ovation to an officer who maliciousright way. But how do you prove that to people ly clubbed a Temple student in Rittenhouse who see you and it’s negative, right from the Square on his way to turn himself in. If that is how that situation is viewed, do jump?”

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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Good news of the week award goes to... The All-City Orchestra Summer Academy, which, despite COVID-19, still figured out a way to get 90 junior and high school-aged students from all over the city music programming completely free of charge for the past two weeks. The program, in concert (pun intended) with the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Project 440, and the School District of Philadelphia, provides “intermediate-level music enrichment online from world-class instructors and performers” in everything from strings to percussion. The program, which ends July 31, crushed expectations this year, with 90 students enrolled in the program, up from 65 the year before. Shoutout to ACOSA for not letting a thing like COVID-19 get in the way of inspiring Philly kids.

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Pays to be a player We know one Philadelphian having a great week. His name is Jonathan F., and after he placed a side bet on a blackjack hand at Valley Forge Casino, Jonathan left that bitch $785,000 richer than he walked in. Actually, to be exact, he won $785,427.36, which we’re told he put all on black in a hand of roulette. Just kidding. According to David Zerfing, general manager of the casino, the payout was one of the largest in the history of the casino, which just reopened on June 26.

Police under fire Well, not really. But someone is going around setting fire to police cars in Center City. At least four police cruisers were set ablaze in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. Fortunately, no officers were inside the vehicles at the time of the blaze, but if we can insert a dad joke it’s still clear that many people are “all fired up” when it comes to police-city resident relations in Philadelphia.

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STATE OF OUR CITY

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She said it... “People don’t understand that when they don’t follow the rules they’re putting us at risk. Especially someone immunocompromised like me, if I catch [COVID-19], there’s a chance it would have irreversible effects. Sad to say, but I’ve been in this business for a long time and I’m not surprised that we still have to tell patrons to put on a mask.”

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

OVERWHELMED, School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green CONFUSED, Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? Safety?

School?

Reopening?

Voting?

Stimulus

Green

NEEDTesting? ANSWERS. COVID19?

Phase?

Check?

Rent?

Food?

School?

Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

SEND Q's TO

Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food?

– Adesola Ogunleye is a longtime restaurant industry worker in Philadelphia, who recently decided to find another career choice after she was “in shock” at the number of patrons attending city bars and restaurants who aren’t taking COVID-19 seriously. Her story, along with others like her, is part of an upcoming piece in Philadelphia Weekly looking at what it’s like on the other side of the check, you have to check out.

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

Safety?

School?

Reopening?

Voting?

Stimulus

Green

Phase? Testing? COVID19? FREE, ANON. INFO-LINE Check? Rent? Food? School?

Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase?

TEXTING Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? EQUALINFO School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety?

The number of players and staff of Major League Baseball franchise the Miami Marlins who tested positive for the coronavirus following a weekend series here with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. It should be noted that, according to data, the Miami-Metro Dade region has the highest rate of new COVID-19 cases among any of the teams in Major League Baseball. It should also be noted that along with Texas and California, Florida is one of the states with the highest case counts in the nation. So WTF are these dudes traveling around playing baseball for?

TO 73224

Voting? Stimulus Check? Rent? Food? School? Reopening? Green Phase? Testing? COVID19? Safety? Voting? Stimulus THX! Check? Rent? Food? Safety?

School?

Reopening?

Voting?

Stimulus

Green

Phase?

Check?

Rent?

Testing?

COVID19?

Food?

School?

OVERHEARD IN PHILLY

“Not only is no one wearing a mask on this [subway train], there is a man smoking a cigarette in the other car right now.” — Not overheard per se, but a tweet from Tuesday we had to share here. I mean if you live in this city, you know it’s hard to be surprised by much anymore, but given we’re living in a pandemic, we’d be lying if we said this didn’t take us by surprise. Now we know why it’s impossible to find a decent bicycle in the city these days, no one wants to ride SEPTA. NM-00428291

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

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TROUBLE – WITH

A CAPITAL T Pandemic closures, racism accusations take center stage BY A.D. AMOROSI

ike so many cities with a vividly imagined arts locus, the Philadelphia theater scene, at present, is in trouble. That’s Trouble with a capital “T.” And that rhymes with “P.” And that stands for Pandemic, the likes of which have closed local stages since March with questions of safety and distance for artists and audiences going

forward. And that stands for the accusations of systemic racism – to say nothing of charges of sexual harassment – the likes of which rocked PlayPenn, its annual summer season of New Play Development, and brought down its longstanding, founding artistic director Paul Meshejian (who resigned) and associate artistic director Michele Volansky, who was fired by PlayPenn’s board of directors last week. And that stands for the hassles of the Actor’s Equity Association and local theater, whether it’s trying to allow actors on stage together, safely, for filming and streaming purposes, paying actors properly for the potential of a global audience – and the potential of big money – rather than strictly a Philly crowd once gone virtual and streaming, as well as the jurisdictional dispute between theater unions and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. We’ve surely got trouble. Anything that slows the roll of a large portion of

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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Power Street Theatre is only one of many companies in Philly struggling through a host of challenges these days. Pictured are actors from a production of ‘MinorityLand.’ Image | Louis Kang

es, ns this city’s arts dollars, its $4.1 billion total economic impact and the ongoing, aesthetically driven pursuit of its 55,000 full-time workers (according to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance) spells trouble. Since March, when Philly stages shut down due to state regulations in accordance with COVID-19 quarantines, most of the city’s artistic and producing directors have stayed talking to each other, via Zoom meetings, about what could be done and should be done regarding everything from live and recorded streaming events to union issues, to each company’s responses to Black Lives Matter. Luckily, as inventive, independent and equitable as Philadelphia theater is at its best (and probably its worst too), is how dedicated many of its artists and administrators have been in trying to solve its problems as swiftly as possible while distanced in quarantine. Looking back The last time Philly stages were basesloaded-up-and-to-bat was in March, between the 8th and the 10th to be exact. “Babel,” by Jacqueline Goldfinger, was finishing its run at South Philly’s Theatre Exile. Director Jaylene Clark Owens’ multi-author penned “Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale” was readying its end at Broad Street’s Wilma Theater with Aleshea Harris’ “Is God Is” hot on its heels. “The last show I did was ‘Cabaret’ at Bristol Riverside Theatre,” said singer, actress and First Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Actor’s Equity Liaison Committee Meredith

Beck. “We opened one night, closed the next. I thought we’d get at least a few weeks when COVID-19 started. I was wrong. At least we got a chance to open, though. Interesting too, that ‘Cabaret’ was about the world ending ... and life being forever changed. Society will definitely operate differently coming out of this pandemic.” Even though we’re coming into month five of isolation, every artist or manager I spoke to was as daunted as the day they first shuttered stages and closed doors. Theatre Exile’s Producing Artistic Director Deborah Block recognizes the obvious, that the heart of theater is about gathering, that artists and audiences feel good when together, creating a shared experience, and that C-19 has now made theater’s togetherness – like dining out or going to a ball game or concert – dangerous or uncomfortable. “It’s made us feel vulnerable, so when we are legally allowed to gather, we will have a hurdle to jump through in order to feel good in the company of others,” said Block. “We know that we want our audience members in the best state of being before the lights go out to start a show. That will be almost impossible for a while.” Exile was in an odd place just prior to the pandemic. Its basement theater property at the corner of S. 13th was freshly-opened as part of a brand new condominium complex that took well over a year to construct. Exile was also in the middle of a capital campaign, an effort on the part of the nonprofit to raise

significant monies. “We determined that we needed three years to find our new business model so we were committed to being lithe and flexible,” stated Block. “That flexibility helped us to adjust to the pandemic and new societal norms around gathering. On the flip side, we have no business model to fall back on. We were just about to explore expanding our staff to be ready to deal with a new building and rentals and all of the things that would change because we were growing. I am forever thankful that we did not go through that expansion yet. That could’ve devastated us.” The Wilma, too, was in a period of dramatic transition in March. Along with just having hired proactive multi-hyphenate Leigh Goldenberg away from her marketing manager gig at Theatre Philadelphia to be the Wilma’s new managing director, the theater’s legendary co-founder, creator and artistic director, Blanka Zizka, shifted Wilma’s leadership model. Zizka brought in three additional co-artistic directors in what was called “The Next Chapter.” Joining her was Philadelphia playwright-director-actor James Ijames, Brooklyn-based director Morgan Green, and Yuri Urnov, each serving as lead artistic director for a season, for the next three years, with Urnov plotting the 2020/21 season. Power Street Theatre’s co-founding co-Artistic Directors Gabriela Sanchez and Erlina Ortiz’s multi-cultural, multi-racial collective of multidisciplinary artists in North Philly had, after eight years of existence, only re-

cently started making a very small living wage through their work at the company. “Depending on what grants come through in the next few months, we may have to redistribute our energies to other jobs that will pay our bills – if we can find them,” said Ortiz, “and I know we aren’t the only ones making those calculations. The lasting damage that I see will be that many artists, especially BIPOC artists, will reconsider pursuing theater careers out of necessity, because funding for arts has become and may continue to become more scarce.” Said Block hopefully, “I don’t think there is any lasting damage, however there is lasting change. Theater by nature is ever evolving. In the case of Exile, the small garage where we were able to do daring theater for 50 people, doesn’t exist anymore. Regardless of what propels growth, we can only go forward. As is the case for everyone, the road ahead is very hard to see.” That said, how will theaters move forward – especially smaller room theaters, marginalized community theaters and those POC without the advantages of institutional monies and position within the community – when Pennsylvania state codes move from Yellow to Green, and distancing/safety procedures are put in place? Exile’s vision of full flexibility was a major part of reconstruction and will serve the staff and stagers well when they return. SEE THEATER, PAGE 8

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THEATER, FROM PAGE 7 The Wilma’s talk of physical reinvention for purposes of audience and artist distance and safety is historic, the talk of the New York Times and beyond: the Wilma Globe. Created by Urnov with set designers Misha Kachman, Sara Brown and Matt Saunders and video designer Jorge Cousineau and inspired by the legendary arena theater, Shakespeare’s Globe, the new model to be built within the current Wilma puts audience members – as few as 35, as many as 100, individually or in small groups – into two tiers of boxes/stalls separated by wooded dividers while facing the stage. Twelve or more film and video cameras will be placed on-and-above the stage (“in actors’ pockets, on the furniture,” said Urnov) for maximum multiple angles and aesthetic options, as well as offer greater streaming capabilities to a broader, outside audience. Moving forward while thinking big – like the Wilma and Exile – for a smaller theater of color such as Power Street, the concepts of the Wilma’s Globe and Exile’s flexibility is almost foreign. “Several folks within Power Street are immunocompromised, so I don’t see us doing live-in-person shows until there is a vaccine,” said Ortiz, matter-of-factly. “The financial barrier of providing PPE to staff and audience for a live show is almost insurmountable for small orgs. Financially we are given the short end of the stick. We don’t have a large pool of major

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donors to turn to. In our most successful campaign, we raised 10 grand in one week, and the majority of those funds were small donations from fellow arts and culture workers. Foundations are mostly white-led and they tend to put more faith in white-led institutions. BIPOC artists have to work twice as hard for twice as long before they are trusted with large funds to do this work. In some ways, however, Power Street has a benefit, being smaller, because we are used to making something out of nothing and operating in crisis mode. We are used to being flexible. No season of Power Street’s has looked the same as the last.” Addressing racism Deeply institutional and systemic racism, racial injustices and bias, and even issues of sexual harassment all figure into the present-day drama unfolding at PlayPenn, the new script development workshop and annual festival. By the time of the recent upheaval in staff, countless theater artists had spent the season of C-19 pointing out PlayPenn’s all-Caucasian staff, the manner in which its directors devalued Black speech and invention, and logged allegations of sexual harassment against donors such as one-time, PP board member Victor Keen (WHYY.org published a statement from Keen that apologized but did not deny said allegations). While the outing of PlayPenn as having racist and sexually harassing tendencies is a bold move for its victims, past and present, the tradition of such injustices are hardly new or

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

very removed from other local companies. “Every leader needs to address the systemic racism that is inherent in each of their own companies,” said Theater Exile’s Block. “I thought that I was doing all right when I expanded the voices that explore our mission. But it wasn’t enough. After a series of conversations with my staff, board and supporters, my takeaway was that I was better at addressing misogynistic micro and macro aggressions than racial ones. And while our programming and staffing and board are not homogenous, we can still do better.” Exile’s answer is in the works, a process of assembling board and staff committees that will work to influence the company’s strategic plan. The Wilma’s Goldenberg has long looked into inequality where nonbinary and trans artists of color and artists of color came to play when she started at Theatre Philadelphia, a revolutionary marketing arm that tended to the duties of navigating all aspects of the Barrymore Awards, this city’s annual “best-of” celebration. More artists and producers of color were asked to be adjudicators under her reign. Gender divisions such as Best Actor and Actress became fluid, and the Barrymores became more equitable with Goldenberg’s guidance. Along with pointing out the Wilma’s June streaming screening of James Ijames’ police slaying drama, “Kill Move Paradise,’’ to benefit Black Lives Matter Philly, Goldeberg states the Wilma – from its staff and its board to its

HotHouse group of actors – is forever pushing to use its platform in useful ways. “We’re thinking about direct ways that we can work against racism and hold ourselves accountable … what we need to measure and track. … Where the theater scene is starting from is just so far back that even with the best of intentions – hiring artists of color, producing stories by artists of color – we’re rooted in an inequitable system. Any idea of growth is rooted in white supremacist concepts. Things the Wilma has achieved, such as a good budget level, a property on Broad Street, the frequency of producing. Yes, we need to celebrate that, but we also need to support and amplify other voices.” Erlina Ortiz from Power House, a company of color, expresses her thoughts on the PlayPenn situation best with this metaphor: “Your toe hurts. Your body is telling you something is wrong with your toe. Your leg hurts. Your body is telling you something is wrong with your leg. You ignore it. You start limping. Your back hurts. Your body is telling you something is wrong with your back. You do yoga one day and hope that will fix it. Your whole body hurts. You take Motrin to hide the pain but you don’t actually address the problem. Finally you end up in the hospital and there is a crisis. Your body has been broken for so long. Why have you continued to ignore it? Don’t you want to find out what’s wrong? Don’t you want to fix it?” What happened at PlayPenn, in her opinion, is a symptom of a wider disease. “The community finally had to stand up and say enough is enough. Too many conversations were had at PlayPenn to privately address these issues and nothing was done so ... I’m not surprised things blew up the way they did. And yes. That was why Power Street was founded. We realized as freshly graduated theater artists that there was no place in this community for us to do our art and to be our true and authentic selves. I truly do not think I would have survived in this community if I didn’t have Power Street. I would either have given up on theater or I would have contorted myself so badly into the shape that White Supremacist theater wanted me to be that I wouldn’t even recognize myself today. But we are unlearning as well. For so long we thought that success would be Power Street looking like and being a Wilma Theatre or InterAct Theatre to North Philly. That was the only thing we could look to as success, but that model actually doesn’t serve us or what we want to do with our communities.” Beck, the actors union’s first vice chair, states that Actor’s Equity has strong guidelines in place that prioritize safe working conditions and working situations free from harassment, prejudice and bias. “There is always supposed to be a chain of command in reporting any problems. That, though, is trickier said than done ... there is such a fear of saying how you feel, that you are uncomfortable that you have experienced something inappropriate and that somebody should be stepping

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ver push-down as a result … people fear ys. “We’rebeing blacklisted, being percan workceived as difficult to work with, s account-and never being hired at that and track.theater or any other again than ting fromto get an artistic director or a he best of donor to step down.” producing Actors Equity and other rooted inunions, such as the Screen Acgrowth istors Guild-American Federats. Thingstion of Television and Radio good bud-Artists (SAG-AFTRA) play a et, the fre-large part in the last chapter of o celebratethe feature. nd amplify The mother of invention that is the season of C-19 has forced companymany a company into creative the Play-performance options – nearly hor: “Yourall of them involving video or somethingstreaming capabilities. urts. Your Deborah Block states that rong withher company’s “Exiled with ping. YourExile” series of online play-lets you some-and post-show conversations u do yogacombats the blues of not being our wholeon stage for audiences and arte the painists alike. oblem. Fi- Wilma Theater has had the there is amost luck with innovative or so long.non-mainstage virtual producit? Don’ttions. Along with showing off Don’t you“Kill Moon Paradise” in June, Blanka Zizka co-wrote and er opinion,directed a tense new drama, e commu-“Code Blue,” with two Hotay enoughHouse actors in tight, sweaty were hadclose-up filming from home. ese issuesLast week saw director James surprisedIjames and AV designer Thom d yes. ThatWeaver making dusky radio . We real-theater magic and the WIlma’s rtists thatfirst aural drama, Aleshea Harnity for usris’ blood-and-violence driven, d authen-Obie Award-winning darkly ould havecomic drama, “Is God Is.” idn’t have “The pandemic happened ven up onwithin a month of Wilma anmyself sonouncing our next chapter,” premacistsaid Goldenberg. “We wanted ldn’t evento work, to create. It’s why peonlearningple lead a theater.” at success Ask Urnov how alluringly innovative and beingstreaming explorations fit into the Wilma’s e to Northaesthetic, and he reminds us that it is the could lookheart of what has driven the avant-garde thely doesn’tater since 1973. h our com- “Experimentation is the soul of what the Wilma is and does,” he said. “Sometimes limice chair,itations such as the ones before us now … I ong guide-actually think it is kind of amazing. Now, I rking con-wonder how long or how many of these can from ha-sustain us. We must market these things anew e is alwaysto a new audience. What are people going to in report-pay for content such as that? Permanent exs trickierperimentation on one hand is beautiful and ar of say-super inventive, but still the return to live themfortableater and live audience…it’s not possible to not g inappro-dream about it.” e stepping “The Wilma is under a Theater Authority

Agreement for ‘Is God Is,’ where they had to work with Actor’s Equity – Theater Authority meaning that, to get permission to do this, the show had to be a fundraiser, and to watch meant donating $10 or more to get the link to view the production,” stated Meredith Beck, vice chair of the Philadelphia Actor’s Equity Liaison Committee. Though Erlina Ortiz at Power House seems cool to the idea (“I’m OK with experimenting and trying new things, but at the end of the day we will just have to be patient until we can be in physical communion with each other again”), moving forward with online/streaming theater is a tool for local theaters to keep the lights on, literally and figuratively. To do so, however, Philly theater companies must get around issues with and through Actor’s Equity. Everyone has just a slightly different ver-

the union disputes that preceded the COVID situation are not allowing these sister unions to work together to solve this problem. SAG-AFTRA unions really aren’t in a position to address the needs of the many theater companies across the country right now. For the sake of not devastating an industry, I hope that they can put a one-year hiatus on their disputes and create a contract with a sunset on it so that the union that is used to dealing with the theater companies can freely deal with us now.” Meredith Beck is hoping with theaters, but gets the headaches theaters, companies and producers are going through as she’s on both sides as a union boss and as an actor. “Beyond keeping actors safe, the problem became, suddenly, the idea of greater access – a global audience for a play – that wasn’t there for its live staged version,” stated Beck. “This affects, say, a contract where your actor is getting paid X number of dollars for rehearsals and a onetime stream. But you as the producer suddenly have the ability to sell tix to the entire world … that seems like the actors should get more money due to the gross opportunity … it should be infinitely greater than if you were only doing the Theatre Exile, like other Philly run of your show for five percompanies, has had to adjust formances to a room that fits to the pandemic and all of 100 people max ... so how is an the changes that came with artist compensated for this?” it. Pictured are actors from a Be it looking at racist, sexist performance of ‘Completeand inequitable producers, paness.’ Image | Paola Nogueras trons and staff or figuring out what a visionary virtual future sion of what it is Actor’s Equity does, repfor theater is, in the immediate resents, and challenges in the case of C-19 future (and far beyond?), Beck found one favor staging and streaming. Ultimately, however, with being stuck in quarantine. since the pandemic, Actors’ Equity has told “As actors, directors, stage professionals theaters that they are not sanctioning live perand such, we’re always busy,” she said. “We formances due to safety concerns, and they’re live in a theater bubble, go from show-to-show, allowing streaming for that same reason. Sicast-to-cast, meet new people. This forced multaneously, the union would fight for actors shutdown has a great opportunity for us to to be paid for their performances, including look at who and what we need to be, and how those streamed or online. Add the Screen Acwe must support it. What voices have not been tors Guild (SAG) into the mix, trying to figure heard but should be ... how can we all be part whose jurisdiction – theirs or Equity – filmed of that ... how do we come out of this time – versions of past theater shows or new plays a pandemic, a time of racial and social reckfilmed in an empty theater fall under. What oning – better stronger and listening to each makes this not a television show or movies? other?” “Honestly, it’s all been quite confusing Editor’s note: This article has been editand frustrating,” said Exile’s Block. “A live ed for length. To read the full version, visit streaming performance is always differphiladelphiaweekly.com. ent from something that has gone through @ADAMOROSI post-production. It is beyond frustrating that

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

VOICES

OF OUR

CITY

Lessons during a pandemic: A way to save nature 2020 has been an unprecedented year to say the least. The last few months have taught us all a lot – about ourselves, our communities, our fragility – but most surprisingly just how quickly we can adapt, both locally and globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted our world almost overnight. For better or worse, our lives have changed in some capacity. One of the lessons I believe we’ve all taken to heart is just how valuable our parks and public open spaces truly are. Now, more than ever, we’ve turned to nature to help us in this time to escape the news, the constant overwhelm and anxiety, and isolation. Even if it’s just been in our backyards or gardens, we’ve reconnected with nature to soothe our souls and find peace in a time of turmoil. It’s been our constant in this ever-changing world. This time has also given us the opportunity to once again consider what’s most important to us. To strip down the excess and examine what we value in our lives and communities. I see a shift in our collective understanding that the natural world isn’t just a nice to have, but a valuable interconnected part of our lives today and for future generations to come. Here in Philadelphia, we appreciate our parks and waterfronts, most residents can find themselves in nature within 10 minutes of where they live. We’ve put forth intentional effort to protect and preserve our cherished natural resources and they have provided us with benefits beyond a dollar value. From the office of sustainability to the Green City, Clean Water program, we support our local environment. Despite this, Philadelphia is also becoming hotter and wetter due to climate change, and this adds a layer of challenge to our approach in managing these resources and creating a sustainable future. However, there is more we can do. Thankfully other cities and states have recognized the many threats we face and have helped to put forth a national call to action in the “Thirty by Thirty Resolution to Save Nature.” This resolution calls on the feder-

al government to establish a national goal of conserving at least 30 percent of the land and 30 percent of the ocean of the United States by 2030. The resolution responds to scientific recommendations to help address the current extinction, climate and biodiversity crisis because nature, like climate, is at a tipping point. As an ambassador of the Inland Ocean Coalition – a network of people fighting to protect ocean health by building a land-to-sea connection – I know how deeply interconnected we all are to the health of our oceans by our actions inland. The oceans help regulate our climate and absorb most of the carbon we release. To fight off the worst impacts of climate change locally and globally we’ll need a collaborative approach to protect ocean health and our natural environment. This is where 30x30 comes into play. Scientists say that protecting at least 30 percent of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030, and 50 percent by 2050, will be necessary to prevent mass extinctions and ecological collapse. In the United States only 12 percent of the land area and 26 percent of U.S. oceans have been conserved as protected areas. As we pause to reflect and observe our surroundings more closely during this time, let’s use this as a proactive call to action. Let’s build momentum to fight for what we really value, what truly matters: our earth, land, water and air, and our natural resources. Let’s reach out to our elected officials to support this legislation, share it with those we know, get involved with local clean up efforts, and use our social media platforms to amplify this message. Together we can make this happen. We’ve proven to ourselves and the world we have the capacity to swifty change and adapt our lives when the time calls for it. The environmental crisis we face no longer needs to be something we wait on; we now know we can work together for the greater good. Let’s rise to the challenge of our time to face this together – nature will take care of us if we take care of it.

Nicole Matthesen is an Inland Ocean Ambassador working to build a land-to-sea connection and local Philly environmental advocate supporting efforts to create a sustainable future.

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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THE SHOUT OUT Image | Florian Olivo

President Trump says he’s considering sending federal officers to a number of cities, like he did in Portland. Philly reportedly is on his list.

Your turn: How would you react to federal officers patrolling the streets of Philadelphia? Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com

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VOICES OF OUR CITY

Guns and young people Young people need a lot of mentoring and a lot of direction. We, the adults in their juvenile lives, should never expect them to learn or know the set forth realities of the world on their own automatically. For many years, I worked as a middle school teacher. I personally thought it was my professional responsibility to teach kids right

from wrong. Teaching social studies allowed me to accomplish this goal. I started with the Second Amendment. Informing youngsters, the Constitution grants every citizen the right to bear arms. Stating that to them, I received giggling responses. Right then, they learned that everything isn’t gangster.

Wayne E. Williams | Camden, NJ

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Renewables alone PEOPLE TURN TO PW can’t save the planet Coalville wants to ditch fossil fuels. The Utah city has pledged to draw its electricity from 100 percent renewable sources by 2030. From California to New Hampshire, dozens of cities have set similar goals. But these cities can’t produce and store enough wind and solar power to run solely on renewables. As a result, their ambitious environmental policies could soon leave them powerless. Fortunately, these cities can rely on natural gas to supplement renewables while still reducing emissions. Renewable energy sources are frequently unreliable. Solar and wind-powered grids can’t generate electricity on still, cloudy days. A city, state, or country that relies on renewables alone needs to store enough energy to power its grid when wind turbines and solar panels fail. Most cities can’t manage that. The country would need 900 times its current energy storage capacity to rely entirely on renewables, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie. Several states have already struggled with the shift to renewables. For instance, wind farms account for nearly a quarter of Texas’ electricity generation capacity. But during a recent heat wave, slow breezes caused the state’s wind power generation to plummet. As temperatures in Dallas rose to over 100 degrees, fear of a power shortage sent energy prices through the roof. The average wholesale price for electricity hit over $6,500 per megawatt-hour, an increase of 36,000 percent. California has had similar problems with wind power. One scorching day in July 2018, electricity demand peaked at 5pm and remained high through the night, but wind and

solar production had peaked hours earlier, as Robert Bryce explained in the Orange County Register. More than 30,000 Angelinos went several hours without electricity as temperatures reached 108 degrees. Cities can avoid nightmare scenarios like these by employing natural gas alongside renewables. Compared to wind and solar power, natural gas has a much more reliable supply and can more easily be produced in a pinch. As a result, natural gas would help cities avoid an energy crisis when their renewable energy sources failed. Contrary to what environmentalists claim, relying on natural gas helps the environment. The advent of “fracking” has made cheap natural gas more widely available. This abundance of affordable gas has enabled the American energy sector to move away from coal, a relatively dirty energy source. Compared to natural gas, coal generates twice as much carbon dioxide. In 2018, natural gas accounted for 35 percent of all U.S. electricity generation – up from 17 percent in 2001. Meanwhile, in 2018 U.S. coal consumption hit a nearly 40-year low. Natural gas helped bring U.S. energy-related emissions to their lowest level in 30 years. The United States emits 14 percent less carbon dioxide than it did in 2000, according to the International Energy Agency. U.S. emissions would have been 15 percent higher last year if natural gas hadn’t displaced coal, according to the IEA. Shifting to renewable energy sources may help people feel more environmentally conscious. But if city officials want to help reduce emissions without depriving their residents of electricity, they can’t abandon natural gas.

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Drew Johnson is a columnist and energy policy expert who serves as a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

GOSSIP

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A RARE RANT Where’s the outrage over anti-Semitic meme?

ICEPACK

Image | Joshua Hanson

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

hen I first started this col- ly condemn Minister Muhammed’s acumn, I was going to call tions and ask that the NAACP hold him accountable. The NAACP has worked for it “Rant.” The word is bold, simple, active. It de- more than 100 years to advance the cause scribed the wild and im- of racial justice, equality, and striving for an inclusive society. This action by Minpassioned manner – and ister Muhammed is in direct violation subject matter – I wanted to court and spark. “Rant’ had heft, force of the very principles upon which the NAACP was founded.” – a sniper’s direct hit rather than So where are Philly’s other a machine gun’s spray. so-called social justice warriors, I changed my mind as “rant” BY A.D. such as Helen Gym, in denouncalso meant “bellowing” and AMOROSI ing this? WHERE? “spouting off” often without High Street relocating rhyme or reason. And I’m also Not closing, but relocating, but, rhyming. hey, fuck this landlord: Ellen Yin’s High I bring this all up because, since Icepack’s return in PW, I’ve used this top Street on Market, the Siamese twin to its big sister, next-door-neighboring Fork, space for things on my mind beyond gossip, griping and tiny-news. And this week, must leave its longtime 308 Market Street home (16 years), probably by mid-Sepmy head is spinning from the rant at the tember, as its rent has increased 50 perbase of my brain: the weekend’s anti-Secent-plus in the past year. Oddly enough, mitic meme on the Facebook page of RodFork has a separate lease with a separate ney Muhammad, president of the Philalandlord, and THANK GOD, stays in biz delphia NAACP. Mere weeks after Eagles’ wide receiver forever. No word yet where High Street DeSean Jackson pulled his own similar will go but expect pop ups. Martino benefit gig stunt – sharing anti-Semitic Instagram South Philadelphia-born guitarist Pat posts, claiming to not know what they Martino is famed and beloved beyond city meant or stood for – comes a community leader, the head of the NAACP, with the limits. After playing bluesy, complex jazz lines since the late ‘60s, on solo albums same excuse, after posting anti-Jewish imagery AND at a time when calls for so- and gigs with the likes of fellow locals cial justice are at their most incendiary such as Jimmy Smith and Joey DeFranand necessary heights. To call this action cesco, Martino was hit with an aneurysm in 1980 that left him with amnesia and no counterproductive is mild. “I share the outrage of Philadelphia’s recollection of his career or how to play the guitar. He was forced to learn how to Jewish community to this offensive message, and I am extremely disappointed relearn everything, including his guitar that Minister Muhammad saw fit to post skills, from zero. Not only did he relearn, he found an it,” said Mayor Kenney in a statement. even greater richness and complexity to OK. Kenney is in. his work. The Philadelphia Muslim-Jewish CirWell, Martino is again sick, and in need cle of Friends, convened by American of medical assistance. To that end, Chris’ Jewish Committee (AJC), issued this Jazz Café – C-19 closed since March – statement on Monday: “We unequivocal-

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GOSSIP

hosts benefit livestream shows (a first for the in my day and in my line of work to sit back club) on Aug. 1 and 8 for Pat’s medical aid. Af- – I found myself seeking and fostering new ter this, Chris’ will commence live streaming collaborations and partnerships – with Better Box and Black and Mobile. While I couldn’t be gigs, not for charity, but for getting cash in at festivals during this time, I expanded my local musicians pockets. Check https://www. online footprint, expanded my online sales for chrisjazzcafe.com. The Only French Toast Seasoning You’ll Ever New menu for chef Need ™, and laid the groundwork for summer If the chef name Yun Fuentes sounds faat Spruce Street Harbor Park.” miliar, it’s because he is: A Puerto Rico native What McGill loves about her go-to face who has helmed wonderful kitchens (Alma mask – a neck-scape, locally produced by “For de Cuba, JG Domestic, Double Knot) and not-so-wonderful watering holes (Rosa Blan- the Culture” – is that it’s more comfortable than masks, versatile ca) in the past. This and “adds some style time, he’s trying an to my game,” she American menu with said. “It’s definitea French accent at The ly been a challenge, Wayward, the Deco apopening outside at pointed brasserie and Harbor Park to not cocktail salon at 1170 be able to smile at Ludlow whose outdoor customers and have patio space is primed them see my facial to pop this weekend. expressions. I’m a Masked Philly: people person, and Charisse R. McGill there’s something In Icepack’s conlost behind the tinuing saga of askmasks and face coving mask-donning erings. But it only local celebrities to means I have to work tell me what they’ve harder to connect been up to beyond the with them in new pale during C-19, I and different ways – reached out this week including perfecting to Charisse R. McGill, my smize.” the owner of Lokal Along with “flashArtisan Foods – the ing my big smile and home of Philly’s tasty being able to speak French Toast Bites, clearly again,” when and its ancillary dethe masks come lights, such as French down, McGill looks Toast Milkshakes and forward to new opBacon on a Stick (man, portunities in what my whole life should was planned to be the be bacon on a stick), all biggest career in her of which are now availprofessional life yet. able at Spruce Street “It was a dark Harbor Park for sumday when it was anmertime nibbling. nounced festivals and The first-ever Black events won’t return female chef-operator until at least Febat the family-friendruary 2021. But you ly Harbor Park spent have to pick yourself what little C-19 down- Image | Courtesy Charisse R. McGill up, dust yourself off time that she had inand move forward. corporating locally sourced fresh herbs into her home-cooking, The timing couldn’t have been better to get news that French Toast Bites would be commeal-making. ing to Spruce Street Harbor Park. Already, I “I have been working hard, being challenged by maintaining my at-home herb am leveraging that opportunity and prepargarden that consists of BBQ Rosemary and ing to launch a collaboration craft beer with Doylestown Brewing Company. You are the Strawberry Mint,” she said. “It’s a rewarding challenge to give time and attention to it while very first to publicly hear of this. We’ll start brewing the first batch of ‘French Toast Beer’ keeping my business going and finding new in August. It is yet another unexpected collabways to pivot. I also don’t have a green thumb – and the fact that I kept the plants alive is oration that will keep me moving forward and help me stay positive.” more of an accomplishment than it sounds. McGill had me at bacon on a stick, so that “Outside of this project, on the work front I got out of the box and brainstormed part- French Toast Bites brew is a double plus. nerships, ways to keep business moving while @ADAMOROSI keeping an eye on the future. There’s no time

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

MUSIC

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5 Questions: Buddie The group’s first LP is optimistic, but uncompromising

ically, the album is optimistic, but unriginally the solo exprescompromising in its urgent attention sion of Dan Forrest in 2015, to the environment and the role of huand now a full band, Budmans in it. Several tracks on the album die is a four-piece act from also turn attention inward to Forrest’s Philly that writes fuzzy, poppy, rock songs about personal life, friends’ experiences, and relationships, offering characteristicalsocial anxiety, environmenly hopeful and generous takes on these talism and trying to be a good person. topics. The band turned to Last year, they solidified Keith Abrams (The Districts, their lineup and released an Vundabar, Pine Barons) for BY EUGENE EP, “Change of Scenery,” production and Ryan Schwabe through local label Super ZENYATTA (Hop Along, Trace Mountains, Wimpy Punch. Following Mal Blum) for mastering. this release, they performed Buddie includes: Forrest, vocals, guiregionally at venues, DIY spaces, and tar, synthesizer; Danielle Farley, guitar, even Philly’s House of Vans pop-up vocals; Brian Thomas, bass; and David event that featured Yowler and Tierra Dean, drums, synthesizer. Whack. Building on the recent success PW recently caught up with Forrest of a long time coming, they recorded their first full-length record this past to talk about the group, the new LP and future plans. winter. Talk a little about how the band “Diving,” Buddie’s first LP, features came together. How did you meet and eight songs written collaboratively by discover the four of you would make the permanent lineup and will be released Aug. 4 on digital and cassette via a great band? I met Brian through my partner, Crafted Sounds. The album pushes the dynamic, guitar-driven sound of their Dana. They went to Ursinus College EP further, effectively incorporating together and are still part of a literary group that meets weekly. Brian and I new folk and pop influences. Themat-

Philly-based Buddie will drop its first LP, ‘Diving,’ on Aug. 4. Image | Ashley Cordoba

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

MUSIC

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‘Diving,’ Buddie’s first LP, covers much of Dan Forrest’s life over the last year or so – social dynamics and relationships – and general thoughts on environmentalism, politics, and existential crises. Image | Ashley Cordoba started playing together around the beginning of fall in 2018. We started looking for drummers and guitar players together, and tried out a bunch of people – mostly through Facebook groups and Craigslist. We eventually found David from a Craigslist post! He was a fan of a bunch of the influences I listed in the post, and we just clicked from there (and he’s just an amazing musician). After a while of searching for guitar players without much success, Brian suggested that his partner, Danielle, play guitar, and I don’t know what took him so long. Danielle fit in immediately, plays incredibly, and sings beautifully too! I’m super grateful to play with such a cool bunch. How have the pandemic and all of the closures that have come with it impacted the band? How are you spending your self-isolation time? Obviously, we’re not playing shows, and haven’t for nearly all of 2020 (our last show was on Jan. 3 with locals A Million Dollars and Swear Wolves, and our friends in Laveda from Albany, NY). We also had plans to go on tour this summer for two weeks, with the goal of playing the South for the first time (cities like Athens, Atlanta, and Gainesville). That being said, we’re so glad that the industry as a whole has taken the virus seriously and stopped having shows early enough to prevent massive outbreaks from concerts. We’re definitely sad

that we can’t be playing right now, but not being able to see and play shows pales in comparison to the alternative. Instead, we’ve been taking the time to write songs, and get creative with Connor (Crafted Sounds) on promoting the release. We still haven’t all come together and played as a band since late February, but David and I have played through some new songs a couple times very recently. I’m seeing this as an opportunity to devote more time than usual to crafting songs from the ground up. Though, honestly, current events (namely, the racial equity and anti-police brutality movement and COVID-19) have rightly taken precedence over what we do as a band. Give us the details behind “Diving.” How did you come up with the eight songs? Are you happy with the way the LP turned out? These eight songs were written over a period of about a year, and the first five were written well before the last three. We recorded the first batch of songs very slowly, and piecewise over several months with our friend Tim McMonigle out of our practice space. That process was really fun, Tim did an awesome job, and we learned a lot about ourselves as a band, but the long period of time left us feeling pretty disconnected from the songs by the time we finished. The last few songs were recorded with Sean Reilly at Studio North here in Philly, and we

tracked everything in just three days. We’d written the songs way more recently, and everything felt a lot more relevant and passionate that way. Altogether, these songs are definitely pushing our sound further than the last EP. I can see that I grew as a musician and songwriter while writing them. Lyrically, it covers much of my life over the last year or so – social dynamics and relationships (Boiler, In Aquamarine, Vines, Circe, Seeker) – and general thoughts on environmentalism, politics, and existential crises (Heartbeat, Tell Me Why, Garden Glow). How has being from Philly influenced your music? Are there any local bands or musicians that have had a special impact on you? All of us aside from David (he moved up here from Florida a few years back), are originally from just outside of Philly, and have lived in the city for the past four to eight years. We all pretty much grew up in the music scene here, playing house shows in basements around Temple, Drexel, in South Philly, and now bars and venues, and so we know so many amazing musicians in the city. Some more recent projects, like Yowler, 2nd Grade, A Million Dollars, Grocer and Yeenar, have been on rotation non-stop, and definitely influence our sound, and many of them are our friends and give us a sense of community

here. Around the time that we were first getting serious about playing in bands, around 2010-2015, bands like Swearin’, Radiator Hospital, Mumblr, and Alex G were playing basements and tiny venues, and put on such cool shows and so many people turned out. It was definitely inspiring to see. What does the future hold for Buddie – once the pandemic passes? What are the best ways for fans to keep up with what you’re doing and get your music? We’d love to get back to playing shows, whenever it’s safe to do so. We were excited to play with, and meet some of the bands we love from down south for the first time, and see firsthand what our friends have told us about the scenes down in Athens and Atlanta, as well as return to some of our favorite places to play closer to home (Pittsburgh, NYC, Albany, Providence, etc.). With that on hold indefinitely, we’ll be focusing most of our energy into writing, and getting back into the studio. We always post about what’s going on with the band on Instagram, and put some info on Twitter and Facebook, as well. To keep track of new releases, folks can always follow us on Bandcamp and Spotify, or any other streaming service! We’ve got tapes and T-shirts for sale on our Bandcamp page, as well. To find our music and social accounts, visit www.craftedsounds.net/diving.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

MUSIC

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Breaking rules and spreading love

Space Kamp continues to turn lemons into lemonade

zine, endorsements from Illadelph ennsylvania-based Space Kamp is on Glass, Beard Bros Pharms, Weedmaps and SRH Productions, and a mission to break rules and spread love currently resides on 150 Spotify around the globe with playlists (and counting). Soon after, they hit the road their recently released with the release of “Terpene Staalbum “Electric Lemonade.” After spending three tion,” their collaboration album with lyricist Spit Divo and producyears on the road touring and er, Juno awards-winner gaining a cult following Rob the Viking (Swollen of dedicated “Kampers,” Members, XL the Band). the band has honed its BY EUGENE The band embarked on stylistic sonics. The new ZENYATTA three U.S. tours, two album takes listeners on tours in Canada, gaina sonic trip, mixing psying a dedicated followchedelic soundscapes, hip ing along the way. Every Space hop, and reggae while keeping to Kamp show promised high energy, the mission – breaking rules and good vibes and personal connecspreading love. tions to the audience. Every tour, Space Kamp is composed of Oskee and Adoo, who first came “Kampers” follow the band from together to make music in 2017 city to city, and the band’s brand, with the goal to create whatever Rebel Hippies, founded by Adoo with co-owner Stoney J, have befelt right and without limitations. Their music exploded onto the come a part of the Space Kamp scene with their first single “Ston- community, from must have Reber Chic,” which garnered critical el Hippie concert tees to supportaccolades from Hightimes Maga- ers showing off Rebel Hippie and

Pennsylvania-based Space Kamp continues to make music that feels right and is without limitations. Image | True Optics Photography

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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MUSIC

Space Kamp tattoos and custom artwhich is most important. Many people have lost everything, we can’t help but work. think and try to do something about In 2019, they hit gold once again with producer Rob the Viking, who captured that. their ever-progressing sound and viWe took this time to grow closer as friends and partners and create as sion with the release “Break Rules x much as we could. We miss the stage Spread Love / Neon Soul.” A record and traveling and surely miss eating where Space Kamp pushed the boundin different cities! From supporters, to aries of experimentation and moved to venue staff and promoters we can’t wait All-Live instrument production. And now in 2020, they return with “Electric to reconnect. Lemonade.” You just released your new album, “Electric Lemonade.” How did it For the new album’s demo, they recorded at Space Kamp’s home base come together? What’s been the reacDizzibot studio in Allentown, with tion from your fans in the few weeks engineer Jeff “Big City” Freer. And it has been available? for the masters, they teamed up once This album is a collection of songs again with Rob the Viking at The we wrote over two years of touring and Chamber Studio, in Nanaimo, Victoria being around each other pretty nonIsland, BC. Space Kamp recorded the stop. We have so many memories totitle track at the legendary Hyde Street gether already, it’s really a trip that we Studio (formerly Wally Heider) in San are just getting started. Francisco. There is an old saying if you get lemons make lemonade. We’ve been dealt Adoo said, “We were on tour and had a lot of lemons! No matter what you’re the opportunity to get a session and faced with you gotta make the best of couldn’t pass it up. Recording in a place every situation. We took that attitude where greats like Grateful Dead, CCR, and put some electric in it. We wanted 2Pac, Green Day and so many more to just go in and make music without have created in was truly a blessing and a memory that won’t ever fade.” any restraints or limitations. Just create whatever felt right. Our only real The new album was produced, engoal was to be honest, have fun and gineered, mixed and mastered by Rob make a positive record that we felt was the Viking, with guest production from: DJ Hoppa and TabinStereo and guest timeless. appearances from Demrick, DJ TMB, It’s been a long time coming and feels Split Divo and Jessica Lamb. good to finally see our vision come to life. This project represents growth for There’s a story behind at least one of us. We have grown as artists and more the new songs. The track “Chicken and Waffles” came about serendipitously importantly as people. We feel this alwhen they first arrived in BC to record bum is a new beginning and the start to the new album with Rob the Viking. our journey. According to Adoo, “We were walkWe had the time of our lives making the record and think above all that’s ing with Rob from the studio and he what comes through in the music. So was telling us about this great Mexfar we have had amazing feedback! To ican restaurant that was across the be honest the messages we have gotten street. After we dropped off our bags we headed out. We were talking about our have been a huge motivation. kids and family, joking about how this You’ve said you make “Rebel Hiprecord was gonna make Oskee’s son’s pies music.” What is “Rebel Hippies mother really believe in him, and make music”? How would you describe it? his father proud. As we walked up to Space Kamp is on a mission to break rules and spread love. The group’s latest offering, ‘Electric Lemonade,’ does just that. We were getting asked what genre we the restaurant we saw it was named consider ourselves, or hearing people Image | True Optics Photography Jeana’s, which is her name. We sat say things like “it’s kinda hip hop, kinwe were neighbors. Few years later, here we down at the table and as we did, one of Oskee’s their second home. da Reggae, kinda psychedelic.” We just make are. We share a lot of interest and goals, we music that we feel is true to us, we’re not condad’s (the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achieve“In a time of negativity, social status and also have a lot of fun together which is most cerned with labels or genres, if we have to be ment Award winner, Cuco Valoy) came on the greed we feel like the world needs the message of peace and love more than ever. We make important. The name Space Kamp we thought labeled, it’s Rebel Hippies music. radio in the restaurant! Oskee won’t admit it was as out there as you can go. That’s where Rebel Hippies music, think for ourselves, but a single tear rolled down his face! What’s ahead for you? New music? Waitwe wanna be. ing for things to open back up again so you “We knew right then we had something, the break rules and spread love!” they added. You spent a lot of time touring in the can tour? PW recently caught up with Space Kamp to universe doesn’t lie. We made an interlude the past few years. How has the pandemic and talk about the new album and what lies ahead. next day that ended up being the intro for the We are always working on new music, we all of the subsequent closures impacted are sitting on some records we really love and So you guys got together in 2017. How song ‘Chicken and Waffles.’” It was the perdid you meet, and how did you know that you, and do you miss your “Kampers”? connect with. The minute we can tour safely fect addition to the 4am after-the-party waffle Like everyone else, we were forced to cancel it would be a great partnership? Where did house anthem! we will be on the road both our US and Canada tours. Touring is cruthe name Space Kamp come from? As soon as they can, Space Kamp will tour What’s the best way for your fans to keep We met at a local dive bar through some cial for independent artists to make a living, the new album with more unreleased music. up with your music and what you’re up to? so to say it hurt is an understatement. That mutual friends. We started bumping into each They look forward to getting back on the road Spacekamp420.com or on socials @Spacekaother in town here and there before realizing said, we are fortunate to be healthy and safe, with the “Kampers,” a place they consider mp420.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

COVID-19

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

A few events and openings that show things are starting to move again...

Things are slowly getting up-to-speed again. Here are a few events, specials and reopenings that prove that statement.

Virtual Hamlet

Fried chicken Fridays

Running through Friday, Aug. 14, The Bourse Food Hall invites fried chicken lovers to its patio for “Fried Chicken Fridays” with Freebyrd Chicken, a month-long pop-up. Each Friday from 3-8 pm, Freebyrd Chicken will be on The Bourse’s 5th Street patio across from Independence Mall slinging grab-and-go fried chicken sandwiches and beers. All guests must be seated at a table after ordering. Masks are required at all times, unless seated. Tables are first-come, first-served. 111 S Independence Mall E in Philadelphia’s Old City District. Theboursephilly.com.

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Laurel Hill Cemetery and REV Theatre Company are teaming up to bring a theatrical experience like no other. “Hamlet,” a virtual reading, will feature a glittering cast of Philadelphia actors all performing one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. The tragedy of Hamlet: a prince haunted by his murdered father looking for revenge. Falling into madness, the country of Denmark’s beloved rulers face the truth of their monarchy. This free virtual, theatrical reading will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7:30pm on Zoom. Donations appreciated. thelaurelhillcemetery.org/ events/hamlet.

Park fun

Fairmount Park Conservancy is encouraging parkgoers to safely explore the lesser-known gems of East and West Fairmount Park this summer and fall. The nonprofit champion for Philadelphia parks is offering a variety of ways to discover all that the 2,050-acre park offers, from a new free scavenger hunt to guided yoga and hikes to solo park cleanups. In addition, the Conservancy has created a new digital guide, highlighting trails, historic landmarks, and natural areas in Fairmount Park. The Fairmount Park Digital Guide allows users to find less traveled gems all on their own. Find the guide at myphillypark.org.

Red Owl is back

Guess WHO’s back? Red Owl Tavern, Old City’s modern American restaurant and bar perched on the corner of 5th and Chestnut streets across from Independence Hall, has re-opened for takeout with outdoor dining and brunch. Diners are encouraged to grab their Quaran-Team and sit down for a sizzling lunch or dinner on the sunny, socially-distanced patio across from Independence Hall, order a delicious takeout meal, or stop by for grab-and-go breakfast items. The all-too-tempting brunch menu includes favorites such as the Tavern Omelet, Berry Cobbler French Toast, Egg White Scramble, or Breakfast Sandwich. The brunch menu will be expanded to include some lunch offerings and will be available on Saturdays from Noon to 7pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 3 pm on Red Owl Tavern’s expansive patio. 422 Chestnut St. RedOwlTavern.com. 215- 923-2267.

BlackStar Film Festival

Philly Stewards gave us a heads up on this event, which takes place Aug. 20-26. While online this year, you’ll see a lot of panels and films from Black and Brown filmmakers, including one session where prospective movie makers can make their pitches to a panel of experts. Visit blackstarfest.org for a complete lineup, ticket info and more.

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Live Nation Philadelphia, in partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies, recently announced plans for a four-week local drive-in concert series coming to the parking lot of Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. The Live-In/Drive-In Concert Series presented by Budweiser Zero, a new alcohol-free brew from Budweiser, kicks off on Sunday, Aug. 16 and will continue with a wide variety of musical genres through Labor Day Weekend. Visit phillies.com/drivein for the full lineup and details, but here are a few acts we’re excited to see.

AJR

Multi-platinum indie pop trio AJR has announced “A Night In Your Car with AJR,” a special drive-in show at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Aug. 19. AJR’s latest single “BANG!” has racked up more than 90 million worldwide streams, is No. 2 at Alternative Radio and recently made its Billboard Hot 100 debut. In their decade music roundups, Spotify named AJR’s smash “Sober Up” one of the Best Rock Songs of the 2010s and Apple Music named AJR’s hit “Weak” one of the Best Alt Songs of the 2010s.

Here’s how we’ll be enjoying the Live-In/Drive In Concert Series... The Front Bottoms

The Front Bottoms will hit the drive-in stage Sunday, Aug. 23. This Jersey-based duo has been around for awhile now and won legions of fans with its alt-rock, punk sound. Want to warm up for the show? The Front Bottoms dropped a new album only a few weeks ago.

Michael Blackson & Friends with special guest DJ Jazzy Jeff

Catch the comedian – and apparently some of his friends – along with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff on Monday, Sept. 7. It’s an awesome way to wrap up this series, right? Blackson has appeared in a number of movies, but you might know him for his appearances at local comedy clubs back in the day right here in Philly.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

OK, we admit we didn’t know who these guys were, but, with a name like that, we had to find out. Turns out they’re a Baltimore funk-jam band that will be at the series Aug. 21. Just Google them and click the “Images” button. After you see photos of them in action, we think you’ll agree that this is a show you’ll want to see.

The Struts

The English rock band hits the stage on Saturday, Aug. 22. They’ve been around for just short of a decade, and you’ve probably not only heard their music, but also seen them on a number of national television shows. Or maybe you caught them as an opening act for some of the biggest names in the business. In any event, you don’t want to miss this performance in Philly.

Lotus

Long-running Philadelphia-based instrumental-electronic quintet Lotus, which is releasing its new album “Free Swim” on Aug. 21, will return to the live stage on Friday, Sept. 4. “It has without a doubt been a trying time for everyone,” shares the group’s Jesse Miller. “As a band who has built our sound, following and career around live performances, it has been tough to cancel show after show. With all that in mind, we are embracing the chance to play this unique drive-in show. While it might be different than packing onto a dance floor, we hope we can take this opportunity to capture the magic and energy that is improvised music played live.”

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

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Self-Guided Tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery

This circa-1836 Northwest Philly cemetery with picturesque views of the Schuylkill River offers more than pleasant outdoor strolling. Download the cemetery’s free app and venture out on one of three themed tours – Art & Architecture; Pop Culture & Contemporary Stories; and Lore & Legends – to visit permanent residents like Sarah Josepha Hale (author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) and former Philadelphia Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. Pair a visit with gorgeous bike- and pedestrian-friendly Kelly Drive via the park’s southwest entrance, or explore nearby East Falls’ dining offerings (like fried chicken from Foghorn or pizza from In Riva).

Everybody has their own schedules to keep – especially these days. So why not make your own itinerary when it comes to exploring some of the history around the region? Visit Philly just released a list of self-guided tours to help you do just that. Go to visitphilly.com for the complete list, links and details, but here are a few tours worth checking out.

How we’re exploring Philly, on our own... Anti-Slavery Walking Tours from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Audio Tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park

No battles were fought in Valley Forge, but the time the Continental Army encamped here in 1777 and 1778 went down as one of the Revolutionary War’s most trying periods. Take a deep dive into Valley Forge’s history at your own pace via the park’s official audio tour, available for purchase to stream or on CD. Drive through the park, accompanied by period music, while character voices help you envision the 18thcentury encampment during a 60-minute tour.

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Philadelphians were heavily involved in the abolitionist movement, and the Underground Railroad passed through the city, helping enslaved people find freedom here and north into Canada. Two free audio tours from The Philadelphia Inquirer guide people through Old City and Society Hill and around Northwest Philadelphia to visit anti-slavery landmarks like Congo Square (now Washington Square), a convening space and burial ground for the Black community; and Germantown’s Johnson House Historic Site, which served as an Underground Railroad stop and may have hosted Harriet Tubman.

The Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia

Known for their in-depth guided tours of Philly architecture, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia also offers three free self-guided tours available online. The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood is so history-dense that separate tours are needed to cover the east and west parts of the area. And don’t sleep on a walk through roomy Girard Estate in deep South Philly, complete with an engrossing story involving the richest man in America and a rare planned community in the city.

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt

Charge up your mobile device (consider bringing a portable charger!) and put on your detective’s hat for this outdoor scavenger hunt that starts on Independence Mall. Great for solo adventure seekers or small groups, this 150-object hunt is a game, knowledge test and history lesson all rolled into one. Take photos of your finds to score points and complete the challenge.

LGBTQ Sites in Greater Philadelphia

Philadelphia hosted the country’s first major demonstration for LGBTQ rights, the Annual Reminders, in 1965. But the city’s history of equality activism long predates that and continues today, as evidenced by public art, historical markers and notable attractions. A colorful mural pays tribute to the late Gloria Casarez, Philadelphia’s first director of the Office of LGBTQ Affairs; and historical markers recall the contributions of John Fryer, who helped declassify homosexuality as a mental illness, and Barbara Gittings, who edited the nation’s first lesbian magazine. The guide to Philly’s LGBTQ history includes many more sites, including some that are in the public space or don’t require admission fees.

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FringeArts has announced the artists participating in the 2020 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The 24th annual Fringe Festival runs Sept. 10 through Oct. 4, and the 125-plus works will take place largely online, with a handful of outdoor, distanced performances, health conditions permitting. Full festival details, including show, schedule, and ticketing information, will be announced in mid-August. Head over to FringeArts.com for more information, both now and when all the details are released, and a list of curated and independent artists. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at what we know now.

In-person performances There are currently 24 shows in the 2020 Fringe Festival scheduled to take place with in-person, outdoor components. There will be no indoor performances, as directed by the Philadelphia Department of Health. Audience size for all outdoor shows will be limited, and ticket reservations must be made in advance to maintain capacity and ensure hands-free transactions. Attendees will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing regulations. Staff will monitor the local outbreak numbers daily and are prepared to adjust or cancel in-person presentations should health conditions worsen and Philadelphia shift or change its guidelines.

How we’re getting ready for Fringe Festival this year... The Bookstore

The Fringe Festival Bookstore will return this year in a virtual capacity, featuring talks with artists and community partners to provide context for the works in the curated slate, and reflect on the current moment in the arts and society at large. All talks will take place online and will be free of charge.

Digital performances

The Philadelphia Fringe Festival has featured a Digital Fringe component since 2015, but this year, digital shows make up over 80 percent of the lineup. The majority of these works will be presented virtually via Zoom, YouTube, Discord and Twitch, among others. Some will be available to watch throughout the festival, while others will have specific viewing times and involve a degree of interactivity between performers and audiences.

Curated productions

Additional artists

Also participating in this year’s festival are the artists from FringeArts’ 2020 High Pressure Fire Service series – Nell Bang-Jensen, Emily Bate, Kyle Dacuyan + Antigravity Performance Project, James Allister Sprang and Alexandra Tatarsky – whose spring performances were not able to be presented as scheduled due to the pandemic. The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, originally scheduled to participate in FringeArts’ 2020 Hand to Hand Circus Festival, completes the lineup for this year’s Curated Fringe.

FringeArts will present 12 productions as part of this year’s curated slate, including works by The Bearded Ladies Cabaret; Nichole Canuso Dance Company; David Gordon; Jaamil Olawale Kosoko; Trey Lyford, Geoff Sobelle, and Steve Cuiffo; and Swim Pony, the Philadelphia Environmental Council, Toasterlab, and Mike Kiley.

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Friends In Deed

– Craving Organic Viable Earthly Touching Q: I’m a 20-something more-or-less lesbian in an East Coast city. I’m primarily into womThere’s no way to ensure that a sexual en, and I’m only interested in relationships and/or romantic relationship with a cowith women, but I’m sometimes attracted to worker (or anyone else) won’t end badly men and have enjoyed sex with men in the – and a little awkwardness would be the least past. of your worries if this proposed arrangement For various reasons, I decided a few years ended badly. But if your relationships and ago not to pursue physical stuff with men anybreakups are generally drama-free, COVET, more, and I publicly identify as a and if you’ve been friends with this lesbian. This worked great pre-panguy long enough to know that his demic, but now, with a tiny social relationships and breakups have bubble and no dating prospects, I been mostly drama-free, I think you find myself feeling very attracted should tell him how you’ve been to a male friend/coworker. He’s feeling. Ask him if he’s interested 30-something, single, straight, and in finding a COVID-19 sex buddy, as we’ve hung out a few times since the Dutch call them, and if he is, tell COVID (only outside, and while him you would like to apply for the socially distanced). As far as work position. goes, neither of us has a manageWhile most couples meet online ment role, we’re in different departthese days, COVET, roughly 10 perments, and we rarely interact procent of opposite-sex couples – which fessionally. So, hypothetically, the is what you two would be – still meet coworker part wouldn’t be an ethithrough work. And while you’re cal issue if we were to get involved. not interested in anything roman@FAKEDANSAVAGE tic or long-term, couples that meet I have a feeling he’d be down for

DAN SAVAGE

a casual pandemic thing… although it’s possible I could be projecting. But I have no idea how to broach this subject. He’s a respectful person and we work for a very progressive organization, so he’s not going to flirt with me since I identify as gay. I don’t know how to bring up in casual conversation that I sometimes like sleeping with men, Dan, and my usual approach to flirting involves a lot of casual physical contact, which obviously isn’t possible right now. What should I do? Should I just let this go? Even though we don’t work closely together, there’s obviously the potential for professional issues if feelings get hurt, and celibacy is obviously a responsible option during this pandemic. But COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions are going to continue and he and I seem well enough suited to keep each other company. I was single and celibate for a while before the pandemic and am feeling desperate to touch another human being. If it’s not a terrible idea, how do I flirt with him without endangering public health, messing up our friendship, or making our work situation incredibly awkward in the event that he’s not into me?

JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

through work remain the most likely to marry. Which means work relationships don’t always end in tears and/or pink slips and/or lawsuits. (Although they do sometimes end in divorce.) People who find themselves attracted to coworkers need to be thoughtful about power dynamics, of course, and cognizant of company policies where workplace romance is concerned. And it sounds like you are being thoughtful and it doesn’t sound like either of you have power over each other and are unlikely to ever be in positions of power over each other. And life is short and this pandemic is going to be long. So the next time you get together for some socially distanced socializing, COVET, open your mouth and tell this guy what you’ve been thinking. If he’s as liberal and progressive as you make him out to be, he’s no doubt aware that human sexuality is complicated and that while many of us can find a perfect fit among the most commonly understood set of labels, many of us pick a label that doesn’t fit perfectly because it comes closest to capturing some combo of our sexual and/or romantic inter-

SAVAGE LOVE

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est and desires. Don’t think of this ask – don’t think of this disclosure – as walking anything back, COVET, but of expanding and complicating what he already knows about you. You remain homoromantic – you’re only interested in other women romantically – but you are sexually attracted to both men and women sexually. In other words, COVET, your heart is lesbian but your pussy is bi. If he’s up for being your COVID-19 sex buddy, swear to each other that you’ll handle the inevitable end with grace and compassion. For while awkwardness can’t be avoided, COVET, stupid and unnecessary drama certainly can. And it’s been my experience that promising in advance to act like grownups ups the chances of everyone acting like grownups. SimilarTouching ly, simply saying, “Well, a sexual this might get awkward,” ith a co- in advance of awkwardnd badly ness or, “This is awke the least ward,” if things should angement get awkward reduces the ships and strength and duration of e, COVET, awkwardness by at least s with this half. w that his Finally, a note to all ups have the guys out there readthink you ing this who think COVu’ve been ET’s question gives them interested license to hit on women buddy, as who identify as lesbians: f he is, tell No, it doesn’t. Don’t do ply for the that. If there’s a lesbian-identified-but-noteet online averse-to-all-dick dyke hly 10 per- in your life… if you work es – which or to go school with a ho– still meet moromantic-but-bisexual ile you’re woman who identifies as ng roman- a lesbian… and if that that meet woman is even remotely most like- interested in fucking you, ationships she will let you know. pink slips And even if your hunch sometimes is correct – even if your dickful thinking is spot-on and that one lestracted to bian you know does wanna fuck you – being out power disrespectful enough to make the first move t of com- instantly disqualifies both you and your dick. omance is are being Q: This is a letter from a gay guy. If one e either of of my regular kinky playmate friends were nd are un- to gag and hood me and then fuck me while ower over wearing a condom, would that reasonably be expected to prevent COVID-19 transmission? ic is going – Hoping Or Otherwise Determined You’re less likely to contract COVID-19 r for some if you’re hooded and gagged and it’ll be VET, open even safer if your kinky playmate wears ou’ve been a mask too. But you should be hooded and ressive as gagged before your kinky playmate arrives, ubt aware HOOD, because if he gets close enough to hood d and that and gag you himself then he’ll be exhaling all fit among over you and inhaling whatever you’re exhalof labels, ing. And that – inhaling what other people are fit perfect- exhaling – is the risk we all need to avoid right ring some now. And while COVID-19 has been found in ntic inter- semen, the jury is still out on whether semen

presents a significant risk of infection. (Unless a dude shoots so hard his semen is aerosolized and his sex partners are in danger of inhaling his spunk into their lungs.) That said, COVID-19 isn’t the only thing we need to worry about, HOOD, so he should wear a condom to protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The biggest risk, according to health departments from sea (NYC Health) to shining sea (British Columbia Centres for Disease Control), is kissing – we’re being urged to forgo “kissing and saliva exchange” with randos for the moment – so kinky fuckers who get off on wearing masks, gags, and hoods have a built-in, hard-wired advantage. But no kissing before the hood goes on. Q: Please settle a debate with my “friend.” I’m correct in that your staff comes up with the clever names of those who submit letters to your Savage Love column, right? My “friend” holds the delusional belief that the clever names are created by the letter writers themselves. Please settle this with a confirmation that I am correct. – Friendship Risked In Entirely Needless Dispute A million or so years ago, I began shortening sign-offs created by the letter writers – I began making acronyms out of them – to cut my word count and save space. Readers noticed what I was doing and began creating sign-offs that, when acronymized, became words that playfully referenced their questions. It quickly became something “Savage Love” readers looked forward to – something they liked as much or more than my dick jokes – and it wasn’t long before readers were letting me know they were disappointed when signoffs didn’t result in clever acronyms. So nowadays when readers don’t go to the trouble of creating clever sign-offs for themselves, I do it for them. I would say I come up with roughly half the sign-offs that appear in the column, FRIEND, which means you and your friend are both right.

“We’re being urged to forgo ‘kissing and saliva exchange’ with randos for the moment – so kinky fuckers who get off on wearing masks, gags, and hoods have a builtin, hard-wired advantage.”

On the Lovecast, Dan interviews an activist from “Love is Not Tourism.” www.savagelovecast.com

THERE’S ALWAYS MORE OF SAVAGE TO LOVE! Read: PhillyWeekly.com Have a question?: mail@savagelove.net

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Public Notice AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility on the existing 155-foot overall height transmission monopole tower located at 1500 Natrona Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania 19121 (N39Â° 58â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 45.5â&#x20AC;? and W75Â° 11â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 19.7â&#x20AC;?). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Action Section 106. Comments pertaining specifically to historic resources may be sent to Impact7g, Inc., Attention Ms. Casey Radke at 9550 Hickman Road, Suite 105, Clive, IA 50325 or call 515-4736256. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. NE 641/CR AT&T proposes to replace an existing 13â&#x20AC;&#x2122; traffic light pole with a new 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; traffic light pole and install a top-mounted antenna at 34.6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; near 3650 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA (20201375). Interested parties maycontact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties. AT&T proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 103â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 107â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) on the building at 2400 North AmericanStreet, Philadelphia, PA (20201251). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

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classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY                                                                           

                                                                                    

                                                                              

                                                                                    

                                                                                     

                                                                                        

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JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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REAL ESTATE

REGGIE University City

$2294 / 1br - 692ft2 - Beautiful 1Bedroom, University City Available Now. 3601 Market St. Arrive University City allows you to walk into the next stage of your life confidently. Live at the nexus of the unique urban setting and close-knit community that is Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, as you embrace the vibrant energy and modern lifestyle you’ll find here. This community is perfect for so many stages of life; in fact, a large number of our residents are students, scholars, or young medical and tech professionals looking to be in the middle of it all. Our convenient location allows you to walk, bike, or ride to the many exciting nearby attractions, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn Museum, Academy of Natural Sciences, Institute of Contemporary Art. Keep your finger on the pulse of the city, starting with the vibrant street food scene, Iron Chef-run restaurants, and high-end shopping destinations. Our studio, one-, and two-bedroom high-rise apartments offer spacious floor plans with modern interiors and stunning city views. Each floor plan also ensures your apartment necessities are more than taken care of, with included stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, washers/ dryers, and so many more luxury features. Atop our prominent high-rise community, residents are invited to relax in our heated, saltwater pool, enjoy the fire pit and grilling area, and chill in private lounges with outdoor TVs. All of this gives you top-end entertainment surrounded by the stunning vista and city views of Philadelphia. Residents can also keep up on personal fitness goals in our 24-hour fitness center featuring complimentary classes and a yoga studio. Arrive University City is a pet-friendly community, welcoming both cats and dogs with only a few breed restrictions. Contact us today for availability and to schedule a personal tour of our University City apartments! Pets Allowed. Disposal. Elevator. Range. Unique studio, efficiency, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and penthouses. Door Attendant. On-site Maintenance. Two-toned cabinetry with chrome fixtures. Call Now or Text (888) 525-9659.

Great views

$2215 / 1br - 650ft2 - INCREDIBLE VIEWS! Brand new glass tower residences w/endless amenities (200 N. 16th St.) FEATURES: Modern kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, under-mounted sinks, and breakfast bar. In-unit washer and dryer. Hardwood flooring. Floor-to-ceiling convector-free glass windows. Abundant natural light. Astonishing city views. AMENITIES: Stateof-the-art fitness center. Peloton Cycle® Studio. Resident lounge featuring table games, big screen TVs, and WiFi. Fullyfurnished roof deck with panoramic views, outdoor fireplace, and grills. Indoor basketball court. Theater and media rooms. Resident bicycle storage with tools and pump. On-site storage rooms available. Business center with private work spaces. Entertainment dining room. Kids’ playroom. Pet friendly with on-site dog park and self service dog wash. NEIGHBORHOOD: Exceptional walkable dining options include Chops at Comcast Center, Kite & Key, Sansom Street Oyster House, Harp & Crown, SuGa & Abe Fisher. Close proximity to Center City’s business district, parks, and pet-friendly spaces. Local schools and universities include The University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, Moore College of Art & Design, Hahnemann University, Friends Select, and PAFA. Easy access to all forms of public transportation, including 30th Street & Suburban Stations, as well as I-676, 76, 476, 95, and Kelly and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. (267) 467-2164.

Want to list your apartment with Real Estate Reggie? For only $75, you get 100 words to describe your place. For only $125, you get 100 words, plus a photo. Need something more or different? Reggie can make it happen. happen Deadline is every Monday at 10 am for Thursday’s issue. Email him at REReggie@philadelphiaweekly.com for details.

New clubhouse

$1255 / 2br - 800ft2 - 2 Bed 2 Bath - $299 Deposit Alternative/ New Clubhouse. 3360 Chichester Ave. We do things differently to provide you with an easy experience from the second you start searching for your new apartment, with features such as a security deposit alternative, 30-day movein guarantee, no-fee transfer and move-out flexibility options, no weight limits on pets, Airbnb friendly, 24/7 phone support, full quality move-in inspection, plus online applications, payments and service requests. Make your move to Willowbrook Apartments today. 24/7 Phone Support. Transfer Flexibility. Self Guided Tours. Security Deposit Alternative. Online Leasing & Service Requests. Furniture Discount. Full Quality Inspection. Home Purchase Freedom. Convenient Relocation. Airbnb Friendly. 30-Day Move-In Satisfaction. Pet Friendly- No Weight Limits. Call: (610) 255-7624.

Great location

$3938 / 2br - 1114ft2 - Side-by-side washer/dryers, Floorto-ceiling windows, Track lighting. Situated steps from all the best of Philadelphia, 2116 Chestnut is the ideal address for an urban lifestyle. Walk to work in Center City or classes in University City. Rittenhouse Square, with its outdoor recreation and surrounding shops and restaurants, is a five-minute walk away. Shop for daily necessities at retailers within the building or at an abundance of stores nearby. Our community prides itself on providing world class customer services. Our team members are uniquely trained to focus on the needs and desires of our residents. From your first visit our teams are here for you. At our community, you are never just an apartment number. You are our valued resident and will be treated as such. No matter what you’re looking for, 2116 Chestnut is an experience…Life is Better Here. Call Now: 215-825-1400.

Spacious studio

$1599 / 605ft2 - Stylish, Spacious Studio Available Now! 1601 Vine Street. WELCOME TO THE ALEXANDER. Call Now: (215) 596-4234 x 118 or Text 118 to (215) 596-4234 for more information. Discover the definition of exceptional living at The Alexander. Here, at our high-rise Philadelphia apartments, you will find the perfect blend of modern design and enduring style. The Alexander will feature luxurious homes with unique configurations and unmatched amenities, all in a smoke-free environment. Enjoy upscale urban living from the rooftop deck, the lavish courtyard or by simply letting our on-site concierge assist with making your everyday a little more extraordinary. Live in a walkable, pet-friendly residential neighborhood near museums and parks. Classic, warm, and inviting – find your future at The Alexander. Features: WoodLike Flooring throughout apartment home. Open-concept floor plans. Spacious studio-, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartment homes available. In-home washers and dryers. Walk-In Closets. Views of Center City Philadelphia from select apartments. Custom cabinetry in Kitchens. Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops in Kitchens. Oversized windows for extra light. Picturesque terraces and balconies in select apartments. Community Amenities: Valet Laundry Service Available. Fitness Center with Cardio Equipment. Package Receiving. Public Art Landscaping. Bike Storage with Mechanic Station. Lavish Community Clubroom with Demonstration Kitchen. On-Site Management. Storage available. Roof Terrace with Observation Deck. TV Lounge. Access controlled garage parking. 24-hour Concierge. Pet Grooming Station. On-Site Underground Parking Garage. 2nd Floor landscaped terrace with BBQ Grilling Stations. Refreshing, Spa-Inspired Indoor Pool. Children’s Play Room. Pet Friendly. Penthouse and Townhomes available. Smoke Free Building.

Modern and hip

$1819 / 1br - 768ft2 - ☀ Great apartments located in Philadelphia, Online Payments Available. 4601 Flat Rock Road. If you’re looking for a modern and hip space to call home, then look no further than Apex Manayunk. Located in Philadelphia, we feature modern 1, 2, and 3-bedroom loft style apartments and townhomes, many with dens. Our 2 and 3-bedroom townhomes have a fun and industrial feel. That’s because Apex Manayunk expertly blends three brand-new buildings with four historic textile mill structures to create one of the region’s most exciting luxury apartment communities. Stateof-the-art fitness center overlooking the Manayunk canal. FREE Echo Dot (Alexa) for All New Residents. Alexa or Google Home Capable in all Apartments. Upgraded Hardwood Floors in all Foyers, Kitchens, Dining and Living Rooms. Upgraded Gourmet Kitchens with Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops and Breakfast Bar Seating. 9’ ceilings with large windowed walls featuring unobstructed views of the river, canal or courtyard. Front Desk attendant during mornings and evenings to greet you and assist you with anything and everything. Online Payments Available. Marble master baths, some with deep linen storage. Jogging trail right outside your door. Livewithjrk.com.

Lincoln Square

$2200 / 1br - 796ft2 - IN PERSON TOURS AVAILABLE AT LINCOLN SQUARE! Lincoln Square features convenience and luxury living at our newly constructed apartment community. We offer hand-selected retailers that were chosen with our clients in mind. Living at Lincoln Square makes it easy to streamline your lifestyle with all essentials and more in one location! Shop at the following without even leaving home; Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Wine & Spirits, Starbucks, Chipotle, Insomnia Cookie, Petsmart, Chase Bank, and more! We are a quick walk to Graduate Hospital, Passyunk Square, Bella Vista, Point Breeze, and Center City! The community is located only a small city block from the Ellsworth-Federal stop on the Septa Broad St. Line and we offer many bus pick-up/drop-off locations near the building as well. Our amenity green roof features multiple lounges, fire pits, outside grills, TV’s, city views, corn hole game boards. All that accompanied by beautiful landscaping throughout! Our fur babies have it great too with a private dog park to run and play! Our indoor amenities give our residents plenty of options on the days that going outside is not ideal. On the second-floor amenity space there are two indoor club rooms with fireplaces, two conference rooms, a movie theater, two ping pong tables, a pool table, poker table, Foosball table, 24-hour fully equipped gym, golf simulator, and more! Some other amazing building features include 24-hour concierge, indoor bike storage and workshop, private indoor pet grooming station, and an onsite covered parking garage. Lincolnsquare.com.

Outdoor kitchen

$1288 / 1br - 525ft2 - Outdoor Kitchen, Resident Concierge, Game Room. 5450 Wissahickon Ave. The Avenue at East Falls brings vibrant luxury living to the city’s historic East Falls neighborhood. Steps from Fairmount Park and overlooking the Philadelphia skyline, our iconic 1950s-era residence is newly renovated, complete with a new swimming pool, our GOFit Fitness Center, and updated apartment interiors. Easy access to public transportation and minutes from Center City, the best of Philly is yours to enjoy. Property Amenities: Fire Pit. Game Room. GOChat BusinessCenter. Community Kitchen. Car Charging Station. Parking Available. 24/7 Go Fit Center Complimentary Classes. Resident Concierge. Outdoor Kitchen. Dry Cleaning. Swimming Pool. Private Study Room. theavenueateastfalls.com.

New kitchen

$1790 / 2br - *SUMMER SPEC! New Kit, Pets Wel, Train Nearby, Gardens! 118 Montgomery Avenue. Apartment Features: Air Conditioning. Kitchen Island. Walk-In Closet. Microwave, Dishwasher. Gas Range. Refrigerator w/Ice Maker. Washer/Dryer. Quartz Countertop. Tile Backsplash. Hardwood Floors. Ceiling Fans. Tiled Bath. Stainless Steel Appliances. Storage Available. Accent Walls Available. PET FRIENDLY. Community Features: Off Street Parking. Garage Parking Available. BBQ Area. Private Courtyard. Walk to Train. Walk to Restaurants. Jogging Trail. Convenient Shopping. 24 Hour Maintenance Service. Online Payments. Onsite Management. Yourmetropolitan.com.

Fitness center

$1850 / 2br - 1050ft2 - Perfect Location, Fitness Center, Assigned Parking. 6100 City Ave. Located in the seconddensest business district for Philadelphia,The Point at City Line is less than 10 minutes away from Center City Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Manayunk, Penn Valley, Wynnewood and Ardmore Station. Steps away from Overbrook train station and St. Joseph’s University, this high rise is the most Urbane on the district’s strip. This two bedroom, two bathroom features a private balcony and a washer and dryer! Apartment Features: Walk-in Closet. Pre-wired for internet and cable. Washer and Dryer in unit. Roommate Friendly Floor Plan. Vertical Blinds. Disposal. Air Conditioning. Extra Storage. Furnished Options Available, Call for Pricing. Dishwasher. Private Balcony. Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishwasher & Electric Stove. Linen Closet. 855-459-6293.

Midtown Center City

$1290 / 400ft2 - Large Studio Apartment Home – Midtown Center City – Immediate Move in (201 S. 13th, Philadelphia). KEY FEATURES: Bedrooms: Studio. Bathrooms: 1 Bath. Lease Duration: 1 Year. Deposit: $500. Pets Policy: Cats & Dogs OK. Laundry: Shared. Floor: 9th. Property Type: Apartment. DESCRIPTION: 1Studio Bedroom – 1 Bath, unit. Vinyl Laminate flooring, with carpeted bedroom. Kitchen nook. RENTAL FEATURES: Range / Oven. Refrigerator. Heat: baseboard heating. Updated Kitchen, Granite Countertops, Hardwood floor. COMMUNITY FEATURES: Vintage building. Pmcpropertygroup.com.

Exceptional living

$2062 / 1br - 690ft2 - View Franklin Square & Center City Like Never Before! The View at Old City unveils an exceptional portrait of living. A unique fusion of style and sophistication, our apartment residences reflect your contemporary flair. Enjoy the life you deserve. When you live at The View at Old City, your address says it all. Paw Park. Zen Garden. Refrigerated package retrieval. Open and Spacious Floorplans. Designated Bicycle Storage. Reserved, On-Site Parking. PetFriendly Community. Cyber Café. Private Entries. Outdoor Grill Station with Fire Pit. 24-Hour Package Acceptance & Retrieval. In-Home Washer & Dryer. theviewatoldcity.com.

True luxury

$2875 / 3br - 1500ft2 - Truly Luxurious Center City Apartment - 3 BR/2.5 BA - UNRIVALED. 12th Street near Vine Street. Amazing features include: Dramatic 14’ ceilings. Built-in kitchen appliances, including wine fridge. Quartz counters. LED overhead lighting and ceiling fans. Exotic hardwood flooring throughout. Extra-large master bedroom closet. Washer/dryer in apartment. Building amenities include: Rooftop pool and hot tub. Rooftop fitness center. Rooftop deck. Resident lounge. 24-hour concierge. Pet friendly. Bicycle storage. Onsite available parking. You have to see this place in person! Call today for a tour. (215) 883-1025.

Loft style in CC

$1986 / 1br - 651ft2 - Gorgeous 1 bedroom Loft Style apartment in the heart of Center City. 1125 Sansom Street. Call Now - 855-403-1262. This is a 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, approximately 651 Sq. Ft. At The Collins, you’re in the heart of Midtown Village where it’s all happening, from street festivals to cocktail hours to art openings. Stake your claim to insider status in the neighborhood’s newest shopping-and-dining destination. Indulge in luxury loft living in your choice of design styles – modern chic or authentic vintage – steps from the Blue and Orange lines near the best of downtown. , Luxury detailing ceramic back splash & classic white cabinetry. Oversized entry hallway perfect for a gallery wall, Front Load Bosch Washer and Dryer in every apartment, Quartz countertops compliment the GE Stainless appliances, Beautiful Shower stall with floating glass door and spacious Bath Countertops, Designer drop lighting & bedroom ceiling fan(s), Steel overhead venting, Spacious Bedroom closet, Coat Closet, Large Pantry, Unique floor-ceiling Open Box Window off living room, 11’+ ceilings with loft open-air Bedroom walls. Community Amenities: Front desk with concierge, 90,000 square feet of onsite retail, including Starbucks, Target Express, and PA Wine and Spirits, 24-hour emergency maintenance, Onsite management, Prime Midtown Village location with a Walk Score® of 99 and Transit Score™ of 100. Bike storage facility. Rooftop resident lounge and club room with outdoor terrace and grilling stations. Commercial laundry room. Lush dog park. State-of-the-art fitness center.

Artful living

$2425 / 1br - 805ft2 - 1 BR 1 BA LUXURY APT CENTER CITYFITNESS CENTER, ROOF TOP, CLUB ROOM. 1338 Chestnut St. near Broad Street. Be a part of it all at Griffin – masterfully renovated apartments located along the Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Center City. With all-new finishes and features, complemented by a smart collection of amenities, Griffin is your canvas for artful Philadelphia living. Features: Washers and dryers. Quartz countertops. Modern kitchens. Stainless steel appliances. Engineered hardwood flooring. Mecho-style blinds. Designer backsplashes. Spectacular city views. Wood cabinets. Freestanding kitchen islands. Luxurious bathrooms with quartz countertops and glass showers. Keyless entry. Carpeted bedrooms. Community Amenities: Private conference space. Concierge service. Onsite bike storage. Panoramic views. Walking distance to dozens of Center City shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. State-of-the-art fitness center open 24/7. Indoor-outdoor rooftop club room. Golf simulator. Catering facility. Billiards. Fire pit. Shuffleboard. 24-hour maintenance. Valet laundry. Resident business lounge. Onsite management team. Historic character. Prominent Avenue of the Arts address. 24-hour front desk. Outdoor kitchen. Cl.greystar.com.

Rittenhouse

$1250 / 1br - 450ft2 - Handsome Rittenhouse / Fitler Square One Bedroom, Center City (22nd and Locust St.) Heart of Center City Philadelphia - Two blocks to Rittenhouse Square Park and Schuylkill River Trail, Full Kitchen with Dishwasher, Brand New Beautiful Hardwood, Excellent Sunlight, Stunning Built-in Shelving, Laundry Facilities Available, Ceiling Fans in Living Room and Bedroom, Within the UP & Drexel Shuttle District, Walking distance to University City - UP & Drexel & Hahnemann Hospital, Cable & Internet-ready, 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, Leasing Sept. 1 or before. www.RobinApartments.com.

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | JULY 30 - AUGUST 6, 2020

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