Penn Book Center, the 58-year-old indie book store at 34th and Sansom that was saved from imminent closure last summer, recently got a new name from its new owners. Since December, it’s been called People’s Books & Culture, and also has a new logo (see photo).

The new name was chosen from a public poll and has the same initials as the previous name (PBC), which was very important to the new owners.

“We had all kinds of interesting answers, but keeping the PBC initials was central to the store’s branding and community name recognition,” Duquès told Billy Penn.  Continue Reading

The Sanctuary Jam: A Philadelphia First: At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton Village (3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) is open to both Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania students and musicians.

Visit with us and hear the best of the universities instructors in jazz, and if you play an instrument you’re invited to sit in. Come support Jazz in all its Glory…FREE PIZZA – GREAT MUSIC – NO CHARGE.  Continue Reading

Mural Arts Philadelphia, one of the nation’s largest public art programs, is offering special tours in February featuring LOVE and African American-themed murals. Here are the details:

Mural Arts Philadelphia’s African American Iconic Images Collection Mural Trolley Tour 

Sundays, Feb. 9 and 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $32 for adults and $28 for students and kids under 12. Sign up here.

Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad Street (Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building).

In honor of Black History Month, Mural Arts is offering a special mural trolley tour that explores civil rights, freedom, and equality. This rich collection of images highlights iconic African American figures within Philadelphia’s visual autobiography. An experienced tour guide will discuss each mural, the artists, and the mural-making process.  Continue Reading

The Sanctuary Jam: A Philadelphia First: At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton Village (3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) is open to both Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania students and musicians.

Visit with us and hear the best of the universities instructors in jazz, and if you play an instrument you’re invited to sit in. Come on West Philly support Jazz in all its Glory…FREE PIZZA – GREAT MUSIC – NO CHARGE.

And yes we know that February 2nd is Super Bowl Sunday! Jazz in the afternoon, football in the evening! A great day for all!  Continue Reading

Theatre in the X. (Photo by West Philly Local).

Theatre in the X, known for its free summer productions in Malcolm X. Park, is planning something exciting for the upcoming season and wants the community to participate. In addition to their August production in the park, the Afrocentric theatre troupe will present an original play in the summer of 2020. The play will be “created with the West Philadelphia community in mind,” according to a Facebook announcement.

Four public meetings will be held this winter and spring to devise an original theatre piece for Theatre in the X’s new community-based production. Here’s information on the first two meetings:  Continue Reading

West Philly-based arts and culture organization Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has moved to a new location – 3645 Lancaster Avenue. This Friday, Dec. 6, the public is invited to visit their new location during an open house from 5 – 9 p.m. Guests can meet Al-Bustan’s team and enjoy an evening of art, music, food, and mingling.

An art exhibit by West Philly artist Tremain Smith will also be on display at the new Al-Bustan’s location, and guests will have a chance to meet the artist.

“Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is excited to have an administrative and programming hub on Lancaster Ave.,” reads a message on the organization’s Facebook page. “We look forward to building relationships with neighboring residents, businesses, and organizations as we co-create a welcoming cultural hub for all.”  Continue Reading