Although their 2015/2016 season recently ended, Curio Theatre folks have been keeping themselves busy with working on a few summer theatre shows and their first Ultimate Sidewalk Sale Fundraiser. We’re happy to share more information on these events.

• Curio Theatre’s Ultimate Sidewalk Sale Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 18, from Noon – 4 p.m. in front of the Calvary Center at 4740 Baltimore Ave. Curio is trying to keep their ticket prices low and classes affordable as the theater aims to benefit all of the West Philadelphia community, so all proceeds from the sale will go to the theatre’s Scholarship Fund and general operating costs. The sale features a great variety of collectibles: art, ceramics, housewares, gently used clothing, furniture, toys, and more at very low prices. Rain date is Sunday, June 19.

• For the culmination of their second year, the CuriosiTeens! present Sophocles’ timeless ANTIGONE on Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m., Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Written over 2,500 years ago, this piece finds sensitive relevance as performed by the theatre’s advanced teen troupe. All shows will be presented on the theatre’s Mainstage (4740 Baltimore Ave.). Tickets are $5-$10 and can be reserved here.

• Curio presents MAGDALENE by Rachel Gluck as part of the 2016 SoLow Fest June 16-26. This part ritual, part performance tells the story of Mary Magdalene, one of the most complex but recognizable icons of the feminine divinity. The 45-minute long show is directed by Brenna Geffers and performed by Colleen Hughes on Curio’s Corner Stage. Here are the remaining shows: Friday June 17: 8 p.m., Saturday June 18: 9 p.m., Sunday June 19: 4 p.m., Friday June 24: 10 p.m., Saturday June 25: 9 p.m., Sunday June 26: 6:30 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-can. Space is limited, so reserve your seat here.

Post Brothers recently purchased Garden Court Plaza at 47th and Pine.

Garden Court Community Association‘s annual meeting will take place on Thursday, June 16, at Mosaic Community Church (123 S. 51st St), and the topic will be development and change within the neighborhood, which stretches from Locust Street to Cedar Avenue and from 45th to 52nd Street. All neighbors are invited.

The meeting will discuss planned rental and retail development in Garden Court, improvements related to the Spruce Street and 52nd Street commercial districts. You can also learn about how Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) participates in the zoning and development process, and how you can get involved in shaping the neighborhood over time.

A panel of speakers will include developers and community and economic development professionals:  Continue Reading

Gretchen Elise during her June 10, 2015 Cedar Park Jazz performance (Photo © Jacques-Jean Tiziou / www.jjtiziou.net)

Gretchen Elise is a woman about town. You might recognize her from her performances at local community events or from her 9-to-5 as Director of Development at St. Mary’s Nursery School. You can catch her at the Cedar Park Jazz series on June 17 with her five piece band, with DM Hotep (David Middleton), the guitarist from Sun Ra Arkestra, along with The Authentic, Naeemah Maddox, Anam Owili-Egar, Brandon Kerakowski, Rick Martino and Luke Walker.

Gretchen performs during Make Music Philly Day at Arch St. Meeting House in June, 2014 (Photo by Ella Gahnt)

Growing up in Swarthmore, Gretchen has been playing music since she was a kid. She joined chorus, bell choir and took piano lessons. She wrote a song and sent it to her idol and former Olympic gymnast, Nadia Comaneci.

As a part of her creative process, Gretchen mentioned the need to integrate all aspects of her life, which makes the Cedar Park music series the perfect way to tie all aspects of her identity together.

Gretchen has worked on writing a song for the Cedar Park show with her 7-year-old daughter, who might even make a guest appearance.

“For me it makes sense to integrate my identity as an artist, as an educator, as a community member and as a mother,” she said. “I’m happiest when all of these things are integrated, which is why I think Cedar Park is the ultimate gig. It’s in my community, with my family, in a setting where there’s a park next door where my kids and other kids can play.”

Cedar Park Jazz Series is held every Friday through July 29, from 6 – 8 p.m. (weather permitting).

– Rana Fayez

The sidewalk along 49th Street where the Bar(n) hopes to put outdoor seating (photo by West Philly Local).

Residents mostly supported a proposal for outdoor seating at the Bar(n) at 49th and Catharine Streets during a sometimes heated Wednesday evening meeting of the Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) zoning committee.

About 30 people were on hand to hear the Bar(n)’s manager, Tim Blair, describe a plan that would enclose a portion of the sidewalk along 49th Street with planters to create an outdoor seating area that seats about 30 at five or six tables. The area would only be accessible from inside the bar, would be geared mostly toward food service and would close by 10 p.m. nightly.

“More of a place for someone to sit down and have a nice meal,” he said. “It’s not a party spot.”

Wednesday’s meeting will help determine whether the Bar(n)’s application to the city is approved.  Continue Reading

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West Philly’s first Porchfest took place on Saturday, June 4, and this Saturday (June 11), a West Philly neighborhood Porch Hop organized by the 48th Street Neighbors community group returns. This event is a great opportunity to meet and hang out with your neighbors, new and old. Everyone is invited to drop by host porches (see the list below) for a drink, a snack, and some good conversation.

This year’s event will also include a sale, which will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. The Hop starts at 4 p.m. and will go on until approximately 8 p.m.

The following porches have signed up for the event (see map below):

Sale: 902 S. 48th St., 817 S. 48th St., 802 S. 48th, 812 S. 48th St., 816 S. 48th, 827 S. 48th., 4915, 4917, and 4919 Cedar Ave., 4721 Springfield Ave., 4806 Trinity Pl.

Hop: 902 S. 48th St., 4811 Trinity Pl. (Flea Market), 4820 Windsor Ave., 4917, 4919, 4932 Cedar Ave., 4721 Springfield Ave., 4806 trinity Pl., 4800 Springfield Ave.

Sale porches are marked in red; Hop porches are marked in blue. Some porches are both, but ask when you get there.

Mayor Jim Kenney will be a guest at the 9th Annual Festival at ParkWest Town Center. He will join more than 2,000 friends, neighbors and businesses to celebrate the West Philadelphia community on Saturday, June 4.

Photo via goldenbergdevelopment.com

Kenney will recognize high school seniors Charnae McCoy and Christopher Rivers at 1 p.m. for their commitment to improve the West Philadelphia community and award them each a $2,500 ParkWest Town Center scholarship.

The festival will feature live performances by Kriss Mincey, the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, and Zumba dancing. Also, there will be raffles, senior bingo and giveaways.

Kids will be treated to face painting, pony rides, arts & crafts, Lowe’s Builder Workshop, Ree Ree the Clown and Parrot Show, and a stilt walker and a juggler.

Also, presenting sponsor WURD’s Health Pavilion will provide cooking demonstrations, health screenings, chair massages, reflexology, financial fitness and a live broadcast.  Continue Reading