Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) is working on their Summer 2020 production of Pericles, which is scheduled to run from July 29 – August 2, and is currently seeking community artists, ages nine years old and older. But this time, recruitment and training will be online.

Pericles will be an open-air circus adventure, and the show producers want to involve a Community Troupe who’s interested in learning juggling, tumbling, and a little bit of Shakespeare! No prior experience is necessary.

If you’d like to know more, fill out the Google form here. This doesn’t commit you to the troupe, and is just a way for SCP folks to contact you and send updates on how to apply to be a part of the show. Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled to begin in May.  Continue Reading

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is inviting residents to join her at a 3rd District Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m.

Participants will receive the latest information on City services and resources available during the COVID-19 crisis. There will also be an opportunity for small-group discussions.

The Town Hall will be accessible both via video chat and by phone. For more information about how to join in, click here. The event is co-hosted by University City Science Center and Venture Cafe Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

The Spruce Hill Community Association has canceled this year’s May Fair – scheduled for Saturday, May 16 in Clark Park – due to public health concerns associated with the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The decision was made based on the City of Philadelphia’s guidance to limit large gatherings in an effort to slow down the spread of the deadly virus.

“It’s not a decision we take lightly,” reads a statement from the May Fair Planning Committee. “May Fair has been a community tradition for 62 years and we hate to disappoint our neighbors, local organizations and businesses who look forward to this annual spring event. However, considering any emerging health risks, and our responsibility to the community, we feel this is the right decision.”  Continue Reading

UPDATE (Thursday, March 12, 2020): Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier has postponed all upcoming Community Conversation meetings (see below) due to increasing concern over potential spread of COVID-19 at social events. Stay tuned for updates once new dates are confirmed.

Community members in West and Southwest Philadelphia have a chance to meet newly elected City Councilmember (3rd District) Jamie Gauthier. She is organizing a series of community meetings, beginning this Wednesday (March 11) in Cobbs Creek. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on issues that are important to them and to help inform Gauthier’s legislative agenda. Food and childcare will be provided.

The following meetings have been postponed until further notice:  Continue Reading

Photo from Sofar Sounds’ Facebook page.

Sofar Sounds has made it to West Philly! This is immersive experience that offers secret gigs and live, intimate concerts around the world, including neighborhoods all over Philadelphia. And now it is going to hold West Philly gigs a few times a month.

Sofar events feature three acts (most shows are music but some are poetry/comedy) and guests do not know who is performing until they arrive at the show.

Guests purchase tickets to the event based on which neighborhood they choose, and they find out the exact location of the show by email the day before. Ticket prices range from $15-$20.

This month, there will be some shows celebrating women and Women’s History Month. Here’s what’s happening in West Philly and University City:

Thursday, March 5
Sofar Philadelphia show in University City
Theme: Women Take The Stage 
Ticket link: https://www.sofarsounds.com/cities/philadelphia/events/33233

Friday, March 6
Sofar Philadelphia show in Spruce Hill
Ticket link: https://www.sofarsounds.com/cities/philadelphia/events/32882

Friday, March 20 
Sofar Philadelphia show in University City
Theme: Comedy show 
Ticket link: https://www.sofarsounds.com/cities/philadelphia/events/33557

The race for the 188th state house seat is beginning to heat up. The community is invited to hear from all four candidates – incumbent Rep. Jim Roebuck, Karen Dunn (Facebook page link), Gregory Benjamin, and Rick Krajewski – at a community forum/debate organized by the Penn Democrats (Facebook page link) on Monday, March 2.

The 188th House District (map) includes parts of Spruce Hill, Squirrel Hill, Walnut Hill, Spruce Hill, Garden Court, Beige Block and University City. Roebuck has held the seat since 1985.

The event will take place at the University of Pennsylvania Houston Hall (3417 Spruce St), Room 218 (Ben Franklin Room), starting at 5 p.m. Here’s the event Facebook page.