PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 7 – 14, 2021 by Philadelphia Weekly

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Philadelphia artists are cashing in with NFTs

Digital Image | Chris Hytha

art,

physical dollars

Alt-rock powerhouse Manchester Orchestra will play The Fillmore on Oct. 15. | Page 13

CRIMEBEAT

THE FEDS

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Philly GOP Chair Martina White sees a crisis in city leadership

WARN OF

GRANDPARENT

SCAMS A

grandfather received a frantic phone call from his grandson who told him that he has been arrested in a foreign country. Through sobs and sniffles, he tells his elderly grandfather that he must have money wired to him so he can pay for bail and get out of a horrid and brutal prison. “And please don’t tell my mom or dad, because this will just make them worry.” Sadly, the caller is not his beloved grandson, but the caller knows enough about the boy and the family to pull off the impersonation. The FBI states that this is a common scenario in what has become known as “the Grandparent Scam.” This scam takes advantage of a grandparent’s love and concern for the welfare of their grandchildren. The grandparent scam is but one of the many criminal schemes that crooks use to bilk money from seniors. Law enforcement officers and security experts say criminals target senior citizens because they believe the elderly are more likely to engage in conversation with a stranger on the phone due to loneliness, isolation, and in some cases, cognitive decline. Seniors also tend to be less cynical and more emotional and can be manipulated easier than younger people.

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Like the scenario above, a grandson who notes I spoke to a reformed scam artist who told me that the key to success is to get the “mark,” on Facebook or other social media sites that the potential victim, on the phone and keep he is a photographer who often travels to Mexico, makes it easier to convince a grandparent them on the phone as long as possible. that he is his grandson and that he “You have to offer a good quick is in a prison in Mexico. pitch to get the ‘mark’ to talk to you The FBI warns that scamsters on the phone. And the longer the often call late at night or early in mark is on the phone, the better the morning when most people the chance you’ll have to convince aren’t thinking that clearly. Some them to believe anything – and I calls have the crook pretending to mean anything – and then they’ll be a police officer, a lawyer, a bail pay for something utterly bogus,” bondsman, or a friend rather than the former crook explained. the grandchild. The FBI also warns The former scamster, who saw of crooks using couriers to collect the light after serving a short money in the scheme. The FBI has stretch in a federal prison, said a also seen military families victimcon artist must do intensive reized. search and talk a good game to conAfter reading a service memvince the mark to fork over money, ber’s social network site, a con but many people, especially older artist will contact the service mempeople, are often gullible. And, the ber’s grandparents, claiming that a former crook said, seniors tend to PAULDAVISONCRIME.COM problem came up during military have more savings readily on hand. leave that requires money to adAccording to the FBI, they have dress. been receiving reports about the According to the FBI Internet Crime Comgrandparent scam since 2008, but scam artists plaint Center (IC3), these schemes accounted have become much more sophisticated these days. Utilizing the Internet and social media, for the highest losses reported by the elderly in 2020 with more than $280 million in comcrooks can discover personal information plaints. From January 2020 to June 2021, the about their targets, which makes impersonations of loved ones much more believable. IC3 received more than 650 reports of poten-

PAUL DAVIS

tial grandparent scams, resulting in losses of more than $13 million. During that time frame, more than 90 victims reported money was picked up from their home, resulting in losses of more than $3.6 million. The FBI suggests that you be careful what you post online and be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to take immediate action. Be warned that crooks know how to use technology that can disguise the actual number they are calling from (called a “spoof”), and never give the caller personal information. The Federal Trade Commission also offers some crime prevention tips regarding the grandparent scam. The FTC states you should take a breath and resist the pressure to pay immediately. Check with a family member to get the real story. And know that anyone who asks you to pay by gift card or a money transfer is possibly a crook. The imposter who claims to be a “grandchild” on the phone may beg you to keep this a secret, stating they’re “under a gag order.” If you believe you’ve been the victim of a grandparent scam, contact the local FBI office or the police. Paul Davis’ Crime Beat column appears here each week. He can be reached via pauldavisoncrime.com.

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FROM THE EDITOR

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SMALL RULES DON’T FIX GREAT CONTENT BIG PROBLEMS and help us make it.

ere comes the iron-fisted hand of trivial rule, regulation, and law, the costs to the government: As of October, the public and to the city build. the city has banned single-use At some point, enforcing small requireplastic bags. ments isn’t worth the manpower they take. I kid. The ban is inconvenient, Social pressure or community groups to fix a annoying, and probably won’t problem would be better. do much to reduce trash on city Philly has what’s called a state capacity streets, but it’s a small rule in a problem: The city government likes to pretend that it can do more and has more control over city full of them. Philadelphians than it does in reality. This The city has announced that it will fully enforce the ban by April – along with all the pretension has two problems: 1) It makes politicians think they should do more other rules, regulations, and reinstead of focusing on the tasks that strictions for businesses and indineed to be done, and 2) It burdens viduals. (And why delay enforcecity workers with impossible tasks. ment until April 2022? Businesses Garbage collectors in Kensington have known of the incoming ban for can’t keep the streets clean when years. But I digress). open-air drug markets and homeThe problem with the anti-bag less encampments aren’t controlled. ban goes beyond fights over conserSocial services can’t give locals the vation and street litter. It’s only a support they need to flourish in life minorly bad law, and if it does make if violence is left unchecked. The the streets cleaner, there’s at least a problems are interconnected here. pragmatic argument in its favor. It’s better to see the flaws at hand The bigger issue here is that and ask, “Is another small rule the bag ban, like the city’s soda more important than dealing with tax, takes years to pass and uses this big issue?” up plenty of political capital for a @ANTHONYHENNEN Even dealing with street litter, small payoff. City politicians work there’s a trade-off. City resources on the small stuff – at the expense could do more by hiring more people to pick of bigger problems. What’s better for Philadelphia’s environ- up trash instead of fining businesses that use ment: Harping on residents to shop with re- plastic bags. If businesses shift to bags that are at least usable bags and add more costs to local businesses, or creating effective bus lanes to make 40% recycled material (exempt from the ban), the city less car-dependent? Passing a soda then we have yet another city rule with no change in street trash. tax, or raising street parking fees to reduce The solution here is for a little more hucongestion? Cracking down on reckless driving so no pedestrians die within city limits, mility in rule-making. Dwell more on what or passing a symbolic Council resolution that Philadelphia can actually do and less on what asks Congress to pass President Biden’s $3.5 it would be nice to do. Let’s wait to expand on the problems to tackle until we’ve demontrillion spending plan? The responsibilities of local governance strated some success. Corner stores and take-out places have can be small, tedious, and boring, yet still necessary. Big issues aren’t the only important enough to worry about. City beautification is ones, of course, but big issues get less atten- great – but, in the future, let’s focus on bigger tion when the provincial priorities of Coun- problems and not get hung up on the small fry cilmembers focus on the trivial. With each ideas.

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021

STATE OF OUR CITY

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THE RETURN OF STATE

MONEY

OF OUR

CITY

Sweater weather is back – and so is the return of one of the most celebrated fall festivals in the region. Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest returns for the seventh season through Oct. 30. Head to the expansive dining destination as it converts into an autumn wonderland with stunning views, entertainment, new fall food and cocktails, seasonal beers and much more. Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest will operate Fall Fest seven days a week this year. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 2am, Friday to Sunday, noon to 2am, weather permitting. Reservations are recommended for table service; walk-ins are welcome for all bar areas. Visit morganspier. com for details. Morgan’s Pier is located at 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Councilmember David Oh recently introduced legislation to create a new tax credit for productions that opt to film in the City of Philadelphia. Under the legislation, production companies that make a $500,000 or greater investment into a project filmed in Philadelphia are eligible to receive a 25 percent tax credit against local business income and receipts taxes or real estate taxes. If a production company can verify at least 30 percent of crew and staff are women or racial minorities, the eligibility threshold to receive the credit is $250,000. To qualify for the credit, productions must commit to certain promotional clauses, such as including the Philadelphia promotional logo in the final credits of the film.

IT’S FALL COCKTAIL TIME

Image | Brands&People

Image | Courtesy of Morgan’s Pier

FOR MOVIES

It’s time to head over to the Library Bar at The Rittenhouse for fall cocktails. The stunning bar, known for being one of the most beautifully designed spaces in the city, just launched its fall cocktail menu with seasonal highlights, including the Dark Light: Bombay Sapphire gin, cranberry, apple, lime. The Library Bar is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 to 11pm. Visit rittenhousehotel.com for details.

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Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, A. Benjamin Mannes,Jesse Bunch, Paul Davis, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Stu Bykofsky, Eugene Zenyatta. Intern: Genevieve Wittrock

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NFTs: A

growing circle of artists in Philadelphia have found a niche in a new genre of digital art that is part speculator craze, part collector bonanza, and part community-building: non-fungible tokens. A non-fungible token (NFT) is sort of like cryptocurrency with a picture attached. The image can be downloaded by anyone, but the original is a digital asset tied to a blockchain (basically a digital ledger) that marks it as authentic. NFTs are hosted on blockchains tied to cryptocurrencies such as ethereum. The blockchain authenticates the original image, allowing ownership to be traced and verified. NFTs matter for digital art because they create a market that wasn’t there before. Art-

Aaron Ricketts, a photographer and visual artist in Philadelphia, has found success with his non-fungible tokens. Image | Aaron Ricketts

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

A NEW ART MARKET

Philly artists find outlet in non-fungible tokens BY ANTHONY HENNEN

ists can now sell digital images and fans can buy them to support the artist. Previously, digital artists had to sell physical prints or find some other form of creative work. Buyers can also speculate: Some try to flip NFTs on the secondary market. This practice helps artists, too: Secondary sales generate royalty fees for the original artist, so if an artwork gains in value, the artist gets a check. Some collectors have flocked to NFTs, seeing them as the new frontier of art collecting.

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PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Other buyers simply want to support digital artists they admire, like fans do for musicians and writers on Patreon or Substack. Whether for prestige, patronage, or profit, the COVID-19 plague era gave NFTs a chance to take off. Many people had some extra spending money, were homebound, or had time to work on new projects. For Chris Hytha, a 24-year-old Drexel University architecture graduate, NFTs have become a viable income stream. Hytha’s “Rowhomes” project is a series of 100 images of rowhomes from Philadelphia, mostly neighborhoods in West and North Philly. In his art, each house stands alone with a flat background to avoid distractions. The viewer’s attention gets drawn to the architectural details, shaped by the influences of time, nature, and human hand. “I like to think of it as a science experiment isolating variables,” Hytha said. “So I keep the composition constant, I keep the subject matter of the rowhomes consistent, and the general representation of that, so the variable I’m allowing to fluctuate is the character of the homes.” “The person that built it really cared,” he said. As the buildings changed owners, so would the houses. “It becomes this really weird collage of time, you can see the change from the original to what they are now...I wanted to exaggerate character – not exaggerate the character, but present the character of the individual homes as best as possible. “These houses tell a story and I’m just letting them tell their story, you know?” So far, he’s created 65 images. Hytha will find houses on Google Street View, bike to them, and create an image. “I feel like some hoarder of architectural character,” he said, roaming the city for what stands out. He’s found a market – a big one. “A good friend of mine bought one of the rowhomes I made for around $500, $600, and he sold it for $50,000,” Hytha said. The traded volume of his rowhome NFTs, which include secondary sales, has reached 120 ethereum – almost $360,000. A handful of platforms have emerged where NFTs get put up for auction. Hytha lists his on OpenSea, and others such as Foundation, MakersPlace, and SuperRare are popular. Aaron Ricketts, a photographer and visual artist in Philadelphia, has also found some success. “I jumped into [NFTs] in March this year,” he said. “It’s been a pretty wild ride so far, just because the space itself is still fresh, and it’s still new.” Ricketts’ artwork is more surreal and conceptual, with the unexpected happening in mundane spaces and compositions breaking the laws of physics. “Ice Block” has Ricketts holding a large block of ice, his tongue stuck to it and stretched half the length of his body. In “Hats Off,” a well-dressed headless body stands in front of a glass skyscraper, hat floating above, hands held in front, as if the headless figure stares at them in wonder. “Rough Patch”

NFTs matter for digital art because they create a market that wasn’t there before. Artists can now sell digital images and fans can buy them to support the artist. Previously, digital artists had to sell physical prints or find some other form of creative work. Image | Aaron Ricketts

shows two arms reaching upward, trapped in a cactus grove. “I think I’ve gotten to a point where I have some bit of notoriety in the NFT space….it’s a continuous build and just working toward continuing to do what I do and networking, continuing to create,” Ricketts said. He’s sold one piece for around $5,000 and his collection of NFTs have fetched a trading volume of 8.7 ethereum on OpenSea, about $26,000. For Hytha and Ricketts, more success in the NFT world has goosed their sales of physical prints, too. When Ricketts sold a limited-edition print that had an equivalent NFT, a buyer chose the print without the NFT for $1,500. “That’s the first time I’ve ever sold a phys-

ical print in the thousands,” Ricketts said. “I believe that NFT has the capabilities to provide longevity for itself and the artist. But it also, as the popularity of these things increase, it also can translate into more sales in the physical realm as well.” Young artists can build a reputation online, giving them some seed money for future artistic projects and a demand for their physical art. They also get some space to work on something new. “I feel as though I’m continuing my practice as an artist...as you continue your practice, you have the chance to experiment with new things,” Ricketts said. The NFT artist scene in Philadelphia is still small. Hytha said he only knows a few others. “I’m still not even sure how many people are

actually involved in the NFT space in Philadelphia,” Ricketts said. “There might be a chance down the line for all of us to come together and see how that expands within the city.” The center of NFT activity is the internet, whether artists are from Philly or Germany or Indonesia. It’s not limited to artists, either. “I’ve never seen this bond between collector and artist,” said Chikai Ohazama, the creator of Superniftyfan, a website that makes it easier to find NFT projects and serves as a hub for fans and collectors. “You can have a much deeper conversation on art with the artist.” That openness motivated some collectors to get more involved. “Initially it was the art that pulled me in,” Ohazama said. “But then the people and the community and the artists and everybody in it was just – I had never been part of a community like that before.” The strong bonds in the NFT community have made the art viable for so many artists. It expanded the market. “Your market now is the entire world,” Ohazama said, “[not] just your local gallery on hand.” Ohazama declined to say how much he’s spent on NFTs, only saying “It’s way more than I thought I would spend.” It’s too early to tell whether that’s money well-spent. It’s unclear how much of the NFT market is driven by fans supporting artists and serious collectors, or how many buyers are speculators. NFTs could serve as a community to support independent artists, giving them the financial support to develop their art and future projects. Or speculators could drive a boom-and-bust cycle, as cryptocurrency has occasionally done. At the University of Pennsylvania, there’s some action to develop the business side of NFTs. The Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance has launched a Cypher Accelerator to find and develop some of the best startups in the crypto space, said Sarah Hammer, managing director of the Center, which is also open to NFT-focused projects. “I think that we’re at an interesting intersection of both having the artistic and digital talent, as well as the business acumen and know-how to create a powerhouse of NFT production,” said Rishin Sharma, accelerator manager at the Center. The art students can create it, and the business students can sell it. The unique ability of NFTs to create a new market for art that didn’t previously exist, and its capacity to create an artistic community outside of any established institution, could make a long-term difference. Who needs art school or contracts with national brands when you have 1,000 financial supporters from around the world? If NFTs do fizzle out, they’ve at least burned bright for some artists. It may be enough for a firm foundation, either artistically or literally. “The dream would be to buy one of the rowhomes in the series and fix [it] up,” Hytha said, reflecting on his “Rowhomes” series. “That would be incredible. It’d be like full circle for the project.”

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021

GOSSIP

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SANDLER STILL AROUND TOWN The Sandman takes in Philly views

ICEPACK

Image | GR Stocks

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

hether the news comes harm in giving the folks a plug, JZ. When my from the left, the right dad was alive and gigging I’m sure I plugged or the center, whethhis sax playing. Dig it. er the news is good or Remembering Candace Smith bad or wrong in this Speaking of South Street, Candace Smith, town, 6abc’s Jim Gardthe new age gemstone procurer and spirituner, Philly’s silver-iest alized book seller Garland of Letters, passed of silver foxes, has away recently. Condolences to her family. If been there to cover it. you weren’t busy doing yoga there, or getting Seriously but genial- your chakras shifted at G o L, you grew up ly, since anchoring Action News starting in watching her do print and television ads for 1977, he’s been there (unless it was that time many of this city’s top advertising agencies when he had this weird look-alike intern from (real Mad Men stuff, this) as well as being one Temple University that I went to school with, of the first of the modern-day Philadelphia which is quite another long story). Think of Phillies’ “Phillies girls.” That’s a solid citya joyful or tumultuous time, an imwide honor. portant moment or a silly one, and EMM anniversary Gardner has been the guy with the Since 1997, WKDU’s Electronic BY: A.D. mustache that Philly has turned to. Music Marathon has become what AMOROSI Having him get sick then, even for Germantown’s Sun Ra alluded to a minute as he did last week, is an with space being THE place: an allexistence-altering experience when out free form, free forum of diverse it comes to a man who daily, without electro-devised sound vision and missing a beat, is steadying an unsteady ship. thought. Starting at noon on Oct. 8 and runSo yes, Gardner took ill, and took off for a few ning until midnight on Oct. 11, the Drexel U’s days to himself, but now will return to Action still proudly underground radio station will News where he’s been since long before most celebrate the EMM’s 17th anniversary with all of you were born. And all is right with the donation monies going to West Philly’s Paul world (even with another longtime 6abc vet, Robeson House, The Coalition for Black Trans their forever health reporter, Ali Gorman, Economic Liberation, and The Block Gives leaving Channel 6 after a baker’s dozen worth Back’s community outreach programs. of years). Restaurant news Sandler around the town A handsome handful of Philadelphia Actor-comic Adam Sandler, The Sandman, restaurant veterans are making Icepack is to Philly 2021 what Jason Sigel was in 2019 news this week. Last weekend, Stephen with his everywhere-all-the-time “DispatchStarr and his fresh princely crew at the Post es from Elsewhere” crew. Over last weekend, Fishingtonian-meets-Baja Mexico new hot his Netflix b-ball “Hustle” cast and crew, this spot-bookstore (!?) art gallery and live music time, leapt into the intimate confines of Pine room, LMNO, held a private pre-opening for Street Church and its surrounding grounds an invited cast with its custom live-fire grill for filming’s sake, as well as the Magic Garfired up for fresh tortillas with carne asada dens around the corner on South Street. Sureand Pesacdo zarandeado ready to snap. All ly, most of you have figured this out even as 6,000 square feet and 200-plus seats at LMNO I write this (and if not shame on you, Philly popped their top on Oct. 6. Then there’s the history and fun fact buffs), but the Magic Garfact that Fergie’s Pub’s dynamic duo Fergus dens is the all-enveloping mosaic, bric a brac Carey and Jim McNamara have hooked up filled mini-museum from iconic Philly artists with fish-focused restaurateur Tony Rim (1225 and curators Isaiah and Julia Zagar, the parRaw, The Foodery) for an upcoming-for-auents of Hustle director Jeremiah Zagar. No tumn new spot suspiciously near me, in South

GOSSIP

PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY Philadelphia, at Eighth & Morris for something they’re calling The Jim. If you know that block and are trying to imagine what and where, Fergie-Rim took over the old and legendary JC Chinese Restaurant spot that had been around for half a century, but closed – of course – with the scourge of the pandemic. The Jim is focused on take and delivery of both a modern traditional Chinese menu as well as a fresh sushi menu. Can’t wait to salivate. Outdoor dining Speaking on local restaurants, big yays for City Councilman Allan Domb who recently introduced legislation to allow, permanently, all of those fun, expanded outdoor dining structures erected in the name of COVID’s Image | Courtesy of Michael Norris slowdown – the same wood, steel and heat lamp-filled construction projects also JUST disavowed by Council President Darrell L. Clarke who wants more money, I mean, legislative oversight through the process. May I just say, if anyone should be afraid of dining out and worrying if someone was spitting or peeing in his food, it should be Clarke. Starting. Now. Masked Philly: Michael Norris In Icepack’s way too-long and now way overly complex and continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during C-19 – from lock down to the current reopening, present-day unmasking and re-masking, worrying about Delta variants, freaking out about Fauci’s call for a potential third round of vax shots mere five months after the last, and new mask and vax card mandates – I reached out this week to Michael Norris. Norris is a Philly socio-civic bigwig as the executive director of the Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia and Carpenters’ Hall, the local historic landmark that hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and once housed The American Philosophical Society, the First and Second Banks of the United States and was home to Ben Franklin’s Library Company. When it came to the C-Hall, during COVID, the world-renowned physical tourist hot spot focused on creating engaging virtual programming, “This has been particularly successful for our local visitors – most of our regular visitors are tourists – as attendance for our virtual author talks and lectures has

sometimes gone into the hundreds, which is really significant for us as a relatively small organization. For myself personally, it has been a time of trying to prioritize self-care: walks with the dog, reading, cooking and, yes, naps.” Dogs and naps are good. When it comes to masking and vaxxing, Norris is way on-board with both aspects of civic-minded safety. As a public site, the city mandates that staff and visitors are required to wear masks inside. “It’s become a normal aspect of our behavior. But I do think it’s an important way to visually signal that we are prioritizing visitor safety and are compassionate in our concern for the wellbeing of others. My mask came from one of the regular vendors who supply our gift shop and so unfortunately is not locally made. It’s taken from a WPA poster of Carpenters’ Hall so I dig that it shows the classic Georgian design of the building but surrounds it with that almost jazzy feeling you get from the colors and shapes of 1930s and ‘40s graphic design.” And the vax? “The evidence is pretty clear that masks and vaccinations are what are going to make this thing go away.” In the present and immediate future, Carpenters’ Hall – on Oct. 12 as part of DesignPhiladelphia – will host an in-person panel discussion about the intersection of architectural design and the principles of democracy. “This has been a topic of interest in the design community for many years, but it really flared up last year when President Trump issued an executive order that all future federal buildings be designed in the neoclassical style,” says Norris. “There was a lot of backlash against this within the architectural community since to many it felt like a form of artistic censorship. We’re not going to debate the merits – or lack thereof – of this executive order, but we will explore why neoclassical architecture is often associated with democratic or republican (emphasis on lowercase!) forms of government. And since Carpenters’ Hall is a gem of classical architecture and a birthplace of American representative government, there’s no better place to talk about this topic.”

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021

VOICES

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CITY

Reclaim the classroom As we approach Columbus Day next week and Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving next month, I want to make some observations about the current state of American culture. As a candidate for the Wissahickon School Board, I especially want to focus on the educational system that has been so corrupted by the dominance of Leftists and those they manipulate. They pretend to be altruistic, morally superior, and intellectually exceptional. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, for the most part, they are the self-righteous, led by the self-important, for the benefit of the self-interested. They are not altruistic, but instead selfish. They are not morally superior, but instead supercilious. They are not intellectually exceptional, but instead sciolistic. They have removed from public education some basic tenets that need to be restored, or if they were never included, need to be added now. What are these precepts? Some are the traditions of our country. Americans are united not by language, ancestry, race, or religion. We are united by an idea. An idea that was often ignored or forgotten but always the polestar. An idea that caused us to fight a civil war in which 600,000 of us died to ensure that idea was realized. An idea that was enunciated in our Declaration of Independence, implemented by our Constitution, and reinforced by our Bill of Rights. Documents that were created in Philadelphia over two centuries ago and still adequate for the governance of this nation. This idea guarantees freedom of speech and religion. This idea limits government from oppressing its citizens. This idea allows people to engage in whatever business, profession, or trade one chooses – or simply to sell their labor to others for a fair price. There is a ball of confusion today, especially among the young. The rapid dissemination of information and competing information outlets engaging in sensationalism to increase market share has perverted news. The development of the internet is giving people not only an information overload but it has also created distractions from serious issues. Our young people are taught little of the basic skills necessary to be self-supporting. These are replaced by political and social doctrines that are at best tendentious and at worst

lies. Our young are more entertained than enlightened. It is no wonder they are confused. The panem et circenses approach of the politicians, which has existed since probably the New Deal, has chipped away at society so badly this past century that we are in danger of an entire generation of Americans who know more about the Billboard Top Ten songs than they do about the First Ten Amendments. They learn only the Hollywood version of American history, not the real version. Their morality and ethics are shaped by television shows. Soi disant intellectuals in academia pass judgment about things of which they have no knowledge. These “scholars” denigrate America to their captive classroom audiences. This teaching to loathe America is intentional. It is manifested in that the “Star-Spangled Banner” was a signal to stand up – now it means to take a knee. If our young people are filled with doubt, America’s future is in doubt. We need a revival of patriotism – not the brand of patriotism of Chairman Mao, Comrade Stalin, Der Fuehrer, or Il Duce. That was not patriotism at all. We need to revive Americanism. Teach all of our history. Teach the bad, but teach the good too. Do not omit parts to denigrate certain groups of people. Remember for all of America’s faults, we have never produced a Stalin, a Pol Pot, a Castro, a Mao, a Hitler or a Mussolini. It is for us the older generation of Americans to do this. We, who lived through WWII, Korea, and Vietnam; we who helped the oppressed claim their rights as Americans, rights which were denied because of their race, religion, or gender; we who fought the Cold War and now are fighting the war against the twin evils of communism and jihadism. We must bring the truth to American classrooms. Benjamin Franklin was asked on September 17, 1787, while leaving the Constitutional Convention at Independence Hall, what kind of government was created. He replied, “A republic if you can keep it.” It is up to us to keep our republic. It is up to us to maintain and pass on to succeeding generations the genius that is our Constitution. If we fail, the best chance of freedom for mankind fails with it.

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THE SHOUT OUT

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The United States Postal Service recently announced it would be slowing delivery service and increasing prices.

Your turn: Will this impact you, especially during the holidays?

Michael P. Tremoglie

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The war to end all wars The mission is complete and over, or at least that’s how the Biden administration would like to describe the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Maybe the mission is over but it’s far from complete. The push to drive out the Taliban in Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks was successful initially but over the years has failed significantly. The American efforts to establish an Afghan military and democracy never really materialized. The reality today is a Taliban-controlled Afghan country. I can’t help but reminisce about the “so called” end of the second Gulf war in Iraq. George W. Bush made a victory speech under a larger than life banner aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln stating mission accomplished. The fact is both Afghanistan and Iraq still have a homeland for rogue mercenaries and terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The manhunts to capture or kill Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden were successful and produced a sense of American nationalism at first but slowly waned. Don’t forget Trump was credited with taking out the leader of ISIS, al-Baghdadi. This could be an ironic play on words of the Trump administration’s rhetoric of fake news. The latest cost to American military was

an attack on an airfield by ISIS-K who is now public enemy number one on the U.S. counter-terrorism radar. Over a dozen military personnel lost their lives on that day, and Biden has admitted it could happen again. This strategy of withdrawal has been a debacle from day one. The blame can’t only be placed on Biden. Trump wanted out of Afghanistan as well as Obama. I think the biggest cause for alarm was when the withdrawal of American personnel commenced from Bagram Airbase nobody in Afghanistan knew about it. The Afghans were notified at the last minute that U.S. aircraft and equipment were being evacuated from their country. This is unheard of for a military campaign that has lasted well over 20 years and is known as the longest war in American history. There seems to be a pattern here with U.S. foreign policy in a post-9/11 world. The push to take the head of the snake off has been an unsuccessful strategy. It is evident with the suicide bombing attack at the Kabul airport by ISIS-K. The Biden administration will have to take a longer look at the consequences of a lack luster end game by American military and foreign policy going forward.

Joseph A. Olmstead | Downingtown

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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HITTING THE

STAGE Manchester Orchestra to play The Fillmore in support of recent album

SEE MANCHESTER, PAGE 14

‘The Million Masks of God’ represents a refocused approach to record-making that Manchester Orchestra has forged in recent years. Image | Shervin Lainez

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MANCHESTER, FROM PAGE 13

lt-rock powerhouse Manches- death but the life. It’s unfortunate but unter Orchestra will play The avoidable: in life, death happens, and it’s been Fillmore in Philadelphia on happening forever. We’re figuring out how to Oct. 15 as part of a massive exist with grief, but grief hasn’t killed humantour in support of their crit- ity. We have to zoom out and see it as part of ically acclaimed album “The life.” Million Masks of God.” The Tickets for Manchester Orchestra’s upcomfall tour marks the live debut ing show in Philly are available at thefillmoreof the record and their epic philly.com. hit single “Bed Head,” which PW recently caught up with McDowell to reached the Top 2 at AAA radio and Top 20 at talk about the band and its new music. Alternative radio. The current lineup of Manchester Or“The Million Masks of God” presents an chestra has been together for about eight even grander scale of the epic and refocused years and four albums. How has the band approach to record-making that the band has changed over the years in terms of its muforged in recent years. The band – lead songsic and how it approaches the creative prowriting duo Andy Hull and Robert McDowell, cess? alongside Tim Very (drums) and Andy Prince Whether it’s due to the lineup or getting (bass) – pushed themselves to create music older, it feels like the four of us are more that would break beyond the scope and limopen. Being in a band requires being vulnerits of every previous album, all while sorting able with your bandmates. There is a trust bethrough the aftermath of a devastating loss. tween us all that we are aiming for the same While making 2017’s instant-classic “A thing – the best version of the song. Black Mile To The Surface” (featuring the Your sixth album, “The Million Masks band’s first No. 1 AAA and Top 15 of God,” dropped earlier this year. Alternative radio hit “The Gold”), Talk a little about how it came BY: EUGENE Hull and McDowell had an epiphany together and what the response ZENYATTA about how they wanted to approach from your fans has been. their band’s music from that point It was an album that we were forward, a way inspired heavily by the multiluckily able to finish right before the world tiered challenges and rewards they encoun- shut down. We then had time to reflect on it tered while working on their first film score rather than go right into the process of tour(2016’s “Swiss Army Man”). The new method ing/promoting it. Once it finally came out, it was to make tightly-woven “movie albums” was like a weight was lifted. The coolest thing intended to be listened to in sequence and in a about an album is once it’s out, it belongs to single sitting, with the songs working together the listeners. It’s amazing to hear how music to tell a bold, long-form narrative. can affect people in so many ways. “Masks” explores the loose story of a man’s You’re now back out on the road touring encounter with the angel of death as he’s to support the album. How does it feel to be shown various scenes from his life in a snapback before live audiences? What can your shot-style assemblage. Some moments he witfans expect when they show up at The Fillnesses are good, some are bad, some difficult, more on Oct. 15? some commendable – in other words, they deAs of writing this, we have done one full pict an entirely normal life. Initially based on band festival show since the pandemic began. a fictitious character, “Masks” began to proIt felt amazing. I love playing The Fillmore cess real-time emotions as McDowell’s father and hope that we can continue the tradition entered the toughest part of his fight with of having special shows there. It’s a magical cancer, eventually losing the battle in 2019. room and city. “It started off really abstract, but as RobLooking back, what are some of the ert’s dad’s fight with cancer got harder and Manchester Orchestra’s highlights that harder those last couple years, I started makyou’ll always remember? What are some of ing parallels in my mind to what I was actuthe goals still on the band’s “bucket list”? ally writing about,” Hull explains. “It became Every step of the way has been a highlight. an examination of my own faith. We feel very lucky to be able to play music While Robert’s dad’s story certainly influaround the world. Our main goal is to continenced this album, it’s equally about me comue to push ourselves and not to settle. And uling to grips with the realness of adulthood timately to still be doing this in 30 years. and that there’s an expiration date to all of When you wrap up the tour next year, this – and how you’re going to live your life what’s ahead for you? Is there more new knowing that.” music in the works? “My dad was a musician and our band’s We have lots planned for the next year, but biggest fan, and I can’t think of a more flatcan’t give away too much! tering way to honor him than to let him exist What are the best ways for your fans to in a form of art he loved so much,” McDowell stay current with what you’re doing? says. “It wasn’t shocking to hear what Andy We are on all of the normal social media had been writing; the way he writes, the real platforms, but we also have a Patreon where life around him will always trickle in. For me, we do monthly concerts from our studio, podthe album’s story isn’t just about the figure’s cast, B sides, demos and more fun stuff.

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MUSIC

lockwise On Fire, a new Philadelphia-based two-piece, released their debut single “Dig” recently and announced their self-titled debut album will be coming Oct. 22. Clockwise On Fire molds a living and breathing hybrid of psychedelic rock, progressive, funk and alternative, shapeshifting with each key change. The musical union of longtime friends and collaborators Tim Arnold (Good Old War, Anthony Green) and Brian Lynch consistently surprises as it blurs the lines between eloquent songcraft and instrumental fluidity. During middle school in the Philly suburbs, the duo regularly played music for hours on end, experimenting, improvising, and exploring sounds at a formative age together. They made the most of every basement jam and talent show throughout high school. Life carried the musicians down separate roads. Arnold co-founded Good Old War, toured everywhere, and released four full-length albums and four EPs in addition to playing with the likes of Anthony Green (Circa Survive) and more. Meanwhile, Lynch performed in various local bands. During 2017, the musicians reconnected and launched a Primus cover band, Los Bastardos, performing an annual gig at Triumph Brewing Company in New Hope. In 2019, Arnold had moved back to Philadelphia, and Lynch sent him a track on a whim. “It was really cool,” recalls Arnold. “He started sending me all of these songs, and it was fun to build the beats and put lyrics and synths on them. It naturally evolved from there. We also had some friends who really encouraged us to keep going.” PW recently caught up with Arnold and Lynch to talk about the band and its music. You guys made music together way back in middle school and have been part of other projects over the years. What eventual-

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

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New Philly-based band Clockwise on Fire will be dropping its self-titled debut album later this month. Image | Courtesy of Clockwise on Fire

New Philly-based two-piece Clockwise on Fire to drop debut album

FIRE

ly brought you together for Clockwise On towards a creative release in the wake of everything going on around us. It all happened Fire? Tim: I think it was a right place/right time pretty organically, actually. What’s the dynamic like with Clockwise situation because we’ve always shared music On Fire in terms of the creative and prowith each other and played together in a caduction processes? How does making music sual sense. I guess this was the first thing that with a childhood friend compare actually kind of sparked a need to to some of the other projects really focus in and take it seriousyou’ve been involved with? ly. Also, we were both kind of in a BY: EUGENE Brian: We should mention that position to take on something new, ZENYATTA we both recorded all of our parts seeing as the world was crumbling for this album remotely from two around us and human existence different cities. Tim was living in was on the brink. Why not give it a Atlanta, and I was up here in the Philly burbs. full go? Tim has since moved back up here. As far as Brian: I agree that it was kind of a byprodthe dynamic for the creative process for us, uct of what was happening with the pandemic. it has kind of evolved as we got more seriI think we were both finding a lot more time ous about the project. At the beginning, Tim at home and itching to put some of that time

reached out to me to see if I had any beats or ideas that I could send his way. I started sending a few and then he would send them back with some killer drums and then eventually he wrote some lyrics and sent them back with vocals on them. A lot of ideas I had in my backlog had some potential but were pretty unfinished, but once Tim started adding to them, the motivation to put in the work to push those songs towards a final product was definitely there. Once we had a couple songs that were pretty much finished structure wise, we were both very pumped about what we had going on and started to take the project more seriously. Once that happened, it became more fluid and the ideas were flowing both ways on a regular basis. As far as comparing to some of the oth-

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MUSIC

projects I’ve played in, I’ve alrest of the tracks. I think ways pretty much played with the one cohesive element good friends, but never seribesides it being the same ously played or collaborated two people on every track with someone I go as far back is that we had a blast makwith as Tim. I think we have a ing each and every song. I chemistry that can be traced think that comes through back to playing music togethin “Dig” and the record as er from the time we were in a whole. It’s fun for us and middle school. We kind of got hopefully for the listener into new and different types as well. We made the muof music together at the same sic available on all streamtime and that would always ining sites and are working fluence our playing and have on vinyl right now, which us venturing into new realms seems to be a bit of a wait. as we got into different styles/ What’s ahead for you? genres, etc. More new music? Live Tim: Production-wise we shows? had the songs to a point where Tim: All of the above, all we felt as though they were the time. We intend to keep ready for the world. We had creating and experimentdiscussed the details at length, ing until we can’t anymore. sent the songs back and forth We both have a million enough times with notes and ideas and the plan is to were both happy with the finjust implement each one ished product. I called up my and share it with the world old friend/producer/engineer one by one, hopefully in an Jason Cupp and he agreed to interactive way, whether mix and master the record. that be live in front of an He worked on most of the audience, live on social meGood Old War records and a dia, sort of in the matrix ton of other amazing soundin a virtual setting and, of ing records so once he agreed course, releasing music on to work on this, Brian and I streaming sites and vinyl, were very stoked. Keith Goodetc. One of the things we win and Aaron Hendrickson love about music is sponhelped get some great drum taneity and improvisation, sounds too. and we want to share that You’re both from the Philwith people and also make adelphia area. How has the it available to interact and city influenced your music? collaborate. We are curWhat’s the local music scene rently setting up a space to like these days? record and perform, make Tim: I think in a lot of ways videos and music and art the Philly music scene pushes all day every day. It’s exyou to be better because the tremely exciting. bar is so high. So many great Brian: As I said earlier, artists live and create and we recorded this all recollaborate in this town that Tim Arnold and Brian Lynch, musical collaborators since growing up in the Philly burbs, just dropped their debut single, ‘Dig.’ Image | Pamela Lynch motely, so we are actually if you’re not on your A game working out the live perthen you won’t get invited to jam. And that’s very receptive audiences even when I’m sure the vocals just happened and it was a moment. formance of these songs. We have put in a lot We both knew we had something. not specifically referring to a technical acu- they had not heard us before. And then I’ve of hours and work to create the space where Brian: I agree completely. I had sent Tim definitely seen some Philly bands who we love men that is normally required. I think what is we can work out the live songs and work on all most important is that you come to the table go onto national acclaim, like Dr. Dog, War on the bare bones of “Dig,” which was a cool litsorts of new ideas, but it has been a labor of Drugs, and the Disco Biscuits. I like to think tle beat, but definitely nowhere near a song with enthusiasm and ideas. It’s fascinating to love for sure, and well worth all the time we’ve the Philly scene helped make that happen, but yet. I was in the middle of working from home put in. have lived in and outside of Philadelphia and when he sent it back. He added those catchy witness how everyone pushes everyone else maybe that’s just being provincial in the same What are the best ways for your fans to vocals and the drums and percussion tracks stay current with what you’re doing? and we all learn from each other. What a won- way we feel about the Eagles, haha. Go Birds! that made me just want to get out of my seat You recently released your debut single derful town. Tim: The best way to get all your info in “Dig” and announced your self-titled debut immediately. I think I listened to it 10 times one spot is our website clockwiseonfire.com as I can’t really speak on the state of the music scene as an individual because my participa- album will be coming Oct. 22. Talk a little back-to-back and I knew we really were onto it will have links to any and all streaming and about how the single and album came to- something. tion ebbs and flows, but I would assume that events and will also have news and updates on Tim: I think that informed the rest of the it’s as strong as it’s ever been. I choose to be- gether. What are the best ways for people to what is going on in our world and how you can record and gave us the juice we needed to hear your music? lieve that COVID has given everyone a chance participate. There is a sign-up for our newsTim: “Dig” was the first song that came really go for it. It’s funny because all of the to settle down and look at what can be imletter on the site as well that will always have songs really sound different and there is no the most relevant information coming directly together and made both of us sit up and take proved. It certainly did for us. “Dig part 2” on the album. It was just that Brian: Having played in bands that mostly notice. For me, it was a scenario where I’m to you. We generally focus on TikTok and Insplayed locally at points in the past, I always laying down the drums and while I’m doing energy of both of us getting excited about tagram as a social avenue, but the website is a felt like there was a great scene and had some it, I’m thinking “oh man this is great.” Then something working that expanded out to the good way to get it all in one shot.

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DOES YOUR RACE AND GENDER IMPACT YOUR PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS? Black men are three to four times more ing their personal judgments and trying to likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia find consensus based on ideas that prevailed than white men. Asian Americans are more at the time. There wasn’t any unified system likely to suffer symptoms of depression than of classification across the field and the popwhites, but far less likely to be diularity of doctor’s theories had agnosed with a depressive disorder. more to do with their social status For many years, autism was widely than the strength of supportive evbelieved to only impact males, but idence. There was also little undermore recent research finds that girls standing that biology played a role. and women who meet the criteria From today’s lens, we can find are simply going undiagnosed. many early psychiatric ideas laughUnfortunately for those seeking able. Diagnoses of hysteria as an help for mental health issues, we exclusively female disease obviouscan’t just get a blood test to find our ly reflect a culture of women being status. While biology and genetics treated as second-class citizens. undeniably play a part in the develThe 19th century label of drapetoopment of psychiatric disorders, mania or “disease causing slaves to there are no simple biological mark- DR. TIMAREE run away” is absurd, beyond being ers to test for – at least not as far as offensive. And we can see that the modern science is able to measure. prevailing notion that autism only @TIMAREE_LEIGH occurred in the children of the suBecause of that, who you are – and when and where – still impacts per wealthy and educated is clearly how your mental health issues are a reflection of who was able to seek perceived, diagnosed, and treated. professional help, not a reflection of actual inWhile the scientific method is all about obcidence. jectivity, science is The first attempts only as objective as to officially classify the people who conmental disorders was duct it. Humans pick thanks to the 1920 the variables to exUS Census, when a amine and the means diagnostic manual of measurement, and was developed with they interpret the data just 21 diagnoses, – and humans are not most of which were objective. And for as psychotic disorders. far as psychiatric sciPsychiatrists largely ence has come, it will ignored this manual always be imprecise. and didn’t make their But there is a lot that own until decades we can do to make the later. Even then, the process less biased. notion of diagnostic Psychiatric diagreliability or validity nosis is effectively didn’t enter the picputting a label on a ture for several decluster of behaviors and symptoms that is cades more. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the causing a person distress. In the scheme of American Psychiatric Association ditched the history, this is a science in its infancy. Psypsychodynamics model for empiricism, that chiatric medicine became recognized as its is: doing research to see if their theories were own branch of medicine in the mid-1800s and correct. to call it a science at that time would be… exSince the 1980s, the field has been far more tremely generous. scientific and the categories of diagnosis reEarly psychiatry was largely clinicians usflect not only an increased understanding of

SCHMIT

“Culture, race, gender and other demographics are going to color every facet of a mental health issue, from the way people describe their symptoms to the level of distress that their behavior causes in daily life.”

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the biological basis behind illnesses, but also of the impacts of trauma. Also gone are the labels of hysteria and the pathologizing of homosexuality, both relegated to the dustbin of bigoted history. The fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – the most recent one – overhauls a lot of the classification systems, considers patients across the lifespan more, and is approached as a living document meant to be continuously revised with greater understanding. Psychiatry must continue to learn, reconsider, and change and it must become more culturally competent in the process. While categorizations of disorders – especially those with a genetic basis – should theoretically be universal, there is still a lot of difference in the way people experience symptoms and are viewed by clinicians. There are also variations in how a given disorder will manifest in different cultures, as well as the thresholds for considering something to be “abnormal” or “unhealthy.” Take, for example, hyperactivity. Rates of prevalence among kids varies from 1 to 20%, depending on the study – and kids in Hong Kong are twice as likely to be diagnosed as children in the U.S. This has far less to do with the actual incidence than differing thresholds for how much aggression and emotional expressiveness parents are willing to tolerate before seeking professional help. Similar pat-

terns can be seen with Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. While the DSM lays out criteria for labeling a kid with these disorders, the cultural background of both patients and clinicians will impact how these things are expressed and interpreted. Culture, race, gender and other demographics are going to color every facet of a mental health issue, from the way people describe their symptoms to the level of distress that their behavior causes in daily life. It’s important to consider the context when diagnosing or treating a mental illness, as well: the same person will react very differently while living in a refugee camp than in the suburbs. So what can we do to make mental health more inclusive and accurate? In addition to learning the science and art of clinical practice, professionals must also be trained in cultural competency and seek to understand how racism, homophobia and other systems interact with mental illness. Research must be conducted by diverse groups of scientists and on populations that reflect the wide variation of the real world. Critically, patients must also be free to seek the assistance of therapists who understand not only the complex impacts of their identities, but are aware of how their own biases will seep into their work. Have a question for Dr. Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly.com.

“While the scientific method is all about objectivity, science is only as objective as the people who conduct it.”

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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021

THE RUNDOWN

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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell

IT’S CONCERT TIME

Samantha Fish

Samantha Fish will perform at Union Transfer on Nov. 7. Her sixth album, “Faster,” produced by Martin Kierszenbaum (Lady Gaga, Sting), was released last month on Rounder Records. Revealing her affinity for North Mississippi blues heroes like R.L. Burnside and wildly inventive iconoclasts like Prince, the album ultimately embodies unbridled energy true to its emotional core. Samantha’s live performance is an explosive brand of blues/ rock-and-roll not to be missed. utphilly.com

The Philly stages are filled. Here are a few concerts that you’ll want to check out.

Enforced/Bewitcher

Richmond crossover thrashers Enforced and Portland death metal band Bewitcher will be in Philadelphia on Nov. 4 at Johnny Brenda’s. Formed in 2013 as a duo, M. Von Bewitcher and A. Magus pumped out a handful of Bewitcher demo tapes that stormed the underground with blasphemous and raw speed metal. Virginia-based crossover maniacs Enforced open their Century Media account with their blistering new album, “Kill Grid.” johnnybrendas.com

Squid

Known for their unique take on post-punk and energetic live performances, Squid is one of the most exciting bands to recently emerge from the UK. This is their first-ever U.S. tour, and they’ll be in Philly on Nov. 9 at Johnny Brenda’s. johnnybrendas.com

Crys Matthews

Lansdowne Folk Club presents prolific lyricist and composer Crys Matthews on Oct. 28. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 7:30. Tickets are $17 when purchased in advance online or with an advance phone reservation, and $20 without an advance reservation. For reservations, advance ticket sales or more information visit website folkclub.org.

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Porter Robinson

Porter Robinson will play a show at The Met on Oct. 17 as part of his tour for his latest album “Nurture.” The album spans a highly challenging period in Porter’s life when he felt creatively crippled, but ultimately serves as a testament to the hope and perseverance that pulled him out of the darkest moments. Themetphilly. com

Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega will be at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, N.J., on Oct. 16. Vega is touring in support of her new career-spanning album “An Evening of New York Songs and Stories,” out now to critical acclaim from The New York Times, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and many more. scottishriteauditorium. com

THE RUNDOWN

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Boo at the Zoo

It’s not Halloween without Boo at the Zoo! Join Philadelphia Zoo for three spooky weekends for this annual fall extravaganza. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, explore the zoo during the beautiful autumn season and enjoy festive fall offerings for purchase. Free to members with advance online reservation. Admission for Boo at the Zoo is free with the regular price of admission. Oct. 16 to Nov. 1. philadelphiazoo.org

There are a lot of things to do in the coming days and weeks. Here are a few of our favorites.

Halloween, comedy and more John Vasquez Mejias

Partners and Son is presenting a performance and exhibition of work by John Vasquez Mejias. Meijas’s stunning novelette “The Puerto Rican War,” tells the story of Puerto Rican revolutionaries fighting American colonialism in 1950 entirely in woodcut prints. Partners and Son will exhibit a selection of wax rubbings taken directly from these woodcuts and host a performance of “costumes, puppets, and marionettes” based on the story on Oct. 9. On view to Oct. 10. partnersandson

Poetry spoken word show

Kevin O’Brien will be hosting and participating in a poetry spoken word show. The show will also feature two local poets, Ta’ sier Scriven and Bevan McShea. The show will be free with a suggested $5 donation. It will be on Oct. 25 at Cavanaugh’s Headhouse Square, 421 S. 2nd Street. Proof of vaccination will be required.

Bearded Ladies Cabaret

Love Tour Presents: AltSlut69 on Oct. 16 at Love City Brewing Company, 1023 Hamilton St. AltSlut69 parties are known for fabulous drag performances, live music, and DJ sets. Now, the Bearded Ladies are throwing a big gay truck into the mix. Created by the moon baby and co-presented by Vox, Altslut69 is a party inspired by juvederm, tax evasion, and every dog Paris Hilton has ever owned. For ages 21 and over. beardedladiescabaret.com

Ed Bassmaster

YouTube and TV prankster Ed Bassmaster returns to his hometown to entertain with his recognizable characters at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Skippy, Ronnie and Chip Diamond are just some of the familiar faces likely to question, “Would you just look at that?” when he performs in The Event Center on Friday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. Tickets for Ed Bassmaster Live! are on sale now for $25. riverscasino.com

Candytopia

Get ready for a sugar rush this Halloween! Skip the tricks this year, and head for the treats as Candytopia hosts a special Halloween celebration and theme days. Candytopia: Halloween Sweets & Treats brings the extra sugar and spice (and everything nice) to Philadelphia Fashion District for a deliciously immersive and outrageously interactive party. Oct. 22 to Nov. 1. candytopia.com

PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021

THE RUNDOWN

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Art in the Age

Old City’s one-of-a-kind tasting room, home bar supply and bottle shop offers imbibers a verdant, sweeping outdoor cocktail garden for sipping unique, seasonal craft cocktails courtesy of the expert, in-house mixologists. The lush al fresco garden is an ideal venue for enjoying spirit tastings and cocktails made with autumnal ingredients such as Sierra Fig Cordial, Spiced Maple Vodka, and Apple Crisp Apple Brandy, in addition to partaking in happy hour daily from 3 - 5pm, featuring $2 off cocktails and $1 off local beer and cider. 116 N. 3rd Street | 215.922.2600 | artintheage.com

Fall is here. Temperatures are super comfortable and leaves are starting to change color. It’s the perfect season for outdoor imbibing. We put together a round up of some of our favorite restaurants, bars, distilleries and more for drinking outdoors in Philadelphia

Image | Daniela Fedorowicz

It’s fall, so let’s drink Assembly Rooftop Lounge

Center City’s upscale rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts expansive outdoor seating on a vast chic terrace, fit for enjoying a bevy of frozen cocktails, Champagne, sparkling wine, and more whilst taking in sweeping views of the parkway. For chilly fall nights, a smattering of heat lamps and fire pits add to a comfortable atmosphere for guests. 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 215.963.2723 | assemblyrooftop.com

New Liberty Distillery

South Kensington’s craft distillery and home to awardwinning spirit lines such as the revived heritage Kinsey brand has recently launched an outdoor cocktail garden, boasting a full bar (built entirely by distillery staff during the pandemic), plenty of high-top tables, tastings, yard games such as the crowd-pleasing cornhole, and more. Imbibers can sip on libations including Kinsey brand craft spirits, seasonallyapt hand-crafted cocktails, and candy-colored ALCO Canned Cocktails. 1431 N. Cadwallader St. | 267.928.4650 | newlibertydistillery.com

Devil’s Den

Known as one of the city’s best beer bars, Devil’s Den also has a plethora of frozen popsicles, craft cocktails, and a selection of wines available for sipping at the outdoor streetery and sidewalk patio. Guests can take in fall temps during the fan-favorite weekend brunch service (fit with $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas) as well as the highly-successful monthly drag series Drag Me to the Den. 1148 South 11th Street | 215.339.0855 | devilsdenphilly.com Image | Courtesy of New Liberty Distillery

OCTOBER 7 - 14, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY

Philadelphia Brewing Company

Philadelphia Brewing Company holds an expansive beer garden open for service yearround with covered picnic tables galore available for patrons to take a seat, grab a pint (or six pack) of Walt Wit, Working Cat, or Kenzinger, BYOF (bring your own food – or order from nearby Martha, Zig Zig BBQ, Pizza Brain, etc), and enjoy the warm weather. Bonus: the beer garden is pet-friendly too! 2440 Frankford Ave | 215.427.2739 | philadelphiabrewing.com

Red Owl Tavern

The modern American tavern on Independence Mall gives guests a chance to dine and drink al fresco on the spacious sidewalk patio with views of the historic Independence Mall. The seasonal food and beverage menu includes spirited, autumn-inspired cocktails – ideal for sipping outdoors while catching up with pals and taking in scenic Old City. 433 Chestnut St | 215.923.2267 | redowltavern.com/

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

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215-465-7525 Public Notice AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility on an existing building located at 302 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania 19107 (N39° 57’ 29.8” and W75° 9’ 36.7”). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Action Section 106. Comments pertaining specifically to historic resources may be sent to Impact7g, Inc., Attention Ms. Casey Radke at 9550 Hickman Road, Suite 105, Clive, IA 50325 or call 515-473-6256. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. NE 870/CR

General Employment

Full Time Flagger Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay & benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 510 Hertzog Boulevard King Of Prussia, PA 19406 on Mondays 9am -12pm or apply online at or online at www.trafficplan.com

Legal Notices

Notice of Public Sale: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by 1645 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 (445)300-5955 to satisfy a lien on October 12th, 2021 at approx. 8:00pm PM: www.storagetreasures.com: Chauncey Williams 2032 Raquan Perkins 2054 Elyssa Voltaire 2056 Roy Rosario 2115 Fredrik Pacll 2127 Tyrone Williams 4143 Crysal Rivera 5028 Symone Baker 5149

classifieds@philadelphiaweekly.com Public Notice

Public Notice

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to install the following telecommunications facilities in Philadelphia, PA 19134: A 47.5-ft tall replacement pole near 2948 Edgemont St. (Node 36 SC–A), near 2236 E. Clearfield St. (Node 37 SC–A), near 3298 F St. (Node 06 SC–A), near 2841 Jasper St. (Node 11 SC–A), near 1814 E. Cambria St. (Node 24 SC–A), and near 3263 Jasper St. (Node 25 SC–A). A 52-ft tall replacement pole near 2700 Ruth St. (Node 09 SC–A), 522 Hart Ln. (Node 10 SC–A), and near 1810 E. Clearfield St. (Node 20 SC–A). A 38.5-ft tall replacement pole near 3073 Agate St. (Node 38 SC–A). A 43-ft tall replacement pole near 558 E. Clearfield St. (Node 08 SC–A). Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Project 6121007752 - MVA c/o EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, machimov@ebiconsulting.com, or (848) 992-8086.

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of Act of Assembly, No. 295, effective March 16, 1983, of the filing in the office of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, PA, on September 2021. An application for the conduct of a business in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, under the assumed or fictitious name, style or designation of #theveganway with the principal place of business virtually online & at 1500 Chestnut Street, #1884. The name(s) and address(es) of the (all) person(s) owning or interested in said business are: Sabrina Minor-Shaw, 1500 Chestnut Street, #1884.

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