Photo by Sasha Aleiner

Last year, West Philly witnessed its very first Porchfest, a concept that was introduced into the neighborhood by musicians Owen Lyman-Schmidt and Ross Hoffman (Liana Moskowitz, Abram Taber and Bobby Szafranski also helped organize last year’s festival). This year, Lyman-Schmidt and Hoffman are joined by new organizers, and West Philly Porchfest (WPPF) is back for year two.

New organizers include Carmen Greenwood, Morgan Melissa Robinson, and Ciara Chaly.

“I think it was a really wonderful sort of proof of concept that we could bring this to West Philly and it was embraced so quickly within the first year. I wouldn’t want to say that we were surprised at the turnout, but it was certainly validating to have seen it somewhere else and think this could work in our community and then have folks agree with us,” said co-organizer Lyman-Schmidt.  Continue Reading

A great summer tradition is still alive in Cedar Park! Summer live jazz series is returning on Friday, June 2, according to Cedar Park Neighbors. Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Six will kick off the series this Friday. West Philly musician Gretchen Elise will perform next Friday, June 9.

2017 Live Jazz Fridays in Cedar Park will be held every Friday at 49th and Baltimore, 6 – 8 p.m., weather permitting, through July 28th (see the flier for the full lineup). Don’t forget to bring your kids and your neighbors, as well as chairs or a blanket.

Stay tuned for more announcements about live jazz in West Philly – at Malcolm X Park and the annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz Festival. Continue Reading

The Cobbs Creek neighborhood, with the help of Cobbs Creek Neighbors, is holding the annual Spring Fling Fair on Saturday, May 27. The event will take place at the Blanche A. Nixon (Cobbs Creek) Library at 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway, from 1-4 p.m.. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and learn about resources for the community. A used book sale will also be held.

Vendor and resource tables are still available. There is a fee for vendor tables ($25), but resource tables are free.

For more information and other upcoming events, visit Cobbs Creek Neighbors’ Facebook page.

Houses of worship are a vital part of Cedar Park, serving the neighborhood’s diverse population. This Thursday, May 25, community members and all interested individuals will have a chance to learn more about Cedar Park’s houses of worship at a townhall hosted by Cedar Park Neighbors and People’s Baptist Church.

“Have you ever walked by a house of worship in Cedar Park and wondered what went on inside? What do they believe? Who are their members? How do they live out their faith in the community?” reads a message on the event’s Facebook page.

Residents are invited to come hear from members of the following churches and fellowships:  Continue Reading

West Philly small business owners, from corner grocery stores to hair salons, child care centers to cafés, are invited to a series of free workshops at Community College of Philadelphia. “Power Up Your Business” is a new initiative offering in-demand business development tools to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the College’s effort to reinvigorate City neighborhoods.

Here are the upcoming three workshops to be held on Tuesdays at Community College of Philadelphia’s West Regional Center at 4725 Chestnut St. from 6 to 9 p.m.:

May 23: Capital and Credit for Growth
Learn the importance of personal and business credit to your business’ success.  Continue Reading

The 40th Street free summer concert series will return to the green space behind the Walnut Street West Library on Saturday, May 20 with a performance by the Sun Ra Arkestra. This marks the third time Sun Ra, which presents a unique combination of big band swing, outer-space jazz, Afro-pageantry, dancing, singing, and chanting, has performed on the Summer Series stage near 40th and Walnut. The opening act for Saturday’s concert will be RU Bhangra who will present traditional Bhangra dancing.

Earlier this week, the University City District, one of the organizers of this popular, family-friendly summer event, revealed more dates and performers for the series, which will be held once a month through September 16:  Continue Reading