A murder nearly 60 years ago that still casts a long shadow over neighborhoods around the University of Pennsylvania today will be remembered Friday when the 3600 block of Hamilton Street in Powelton Village, will be named “In-Ho Oh Memorial Way” in a special ceremony.

In-Ho Oh was a 26-year-old Penn graduate student who was beaten to death by a group of nearly a dozen young men and boys on his way to drop a letter in a mailbox at about 9 p.m. near 36th and Hamilton on April 25, 1958. The murder exacerbated racial tensions in the city and became national news. Oh lived with his aunt and uncle in a small apartment at 36th and Hamilton and planned to return to Korea and his family after his studies at Penn.

Law enforcement’s reaction was swift and severe. Nine people were charged with murder, many juveniles, and prosecutors pushed for the death penalty. In the end, five were sentenced to terms ranging from life in prison to 10 years.  Continue Reading

The Two Gentlemen of Verona: David Glover as Valentine (left), and Jake Blouch as Proteus; and Maria Konstantinidis as Silvia. (Photo by Kyle Cassidy)

Here’s a reminder of one of the most popular summer events this side of the Schuylkill – Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) will return this Wednesday with five outdoor shows. The company will present the romantic comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the park’s “Bowl” at 45th and Chester on July 27 – 31. Shows begin at 7 p.m. All SCP performances are free and open to the public (but consider bringing a few bucks for donation since this helps them immensely).

Photo by West Philly Local

This year’s production is directed by Kathryn MacMillan and features some of Philadelphia’s finest actors and a troupe of community swing dancers (SCP is partnering with Lindy and Blues, an all volunteer organization). Music is by Suburban Jazz Quintet.

In the case of rain, performances will be held at the Main Dining Hall, University of the Sciences, 600 S. 43rd St.

In addition to the theatre, a number of special events will take place this week in conjunction with SCP, including a Friendly Dog Night at Clark Park on Friday, July 29 (co-sponsored by the SPCA and Baltimore Pet Shoppe), Clarkville Call Ahead Dinner Package + Opening Night Party, and Parks on Tap (local craft beers will be served in the park this Wednesday through Sunday, as well as mojitos and white wine).

For more information on this year’s production and special events, click here.

A stolen car with two armed teenagers inside crashed into several parked cars near 48th and Springfield overnight, according to reports. Police say the teens stole the car in South Philadelphia shortly after midnight and drove around in it for a while before they slammed into cars parked along the 4800 block of Springfield Avenue. Police spotted the car earlier in Southwest Philly but decided not to pursue it because they deemed it too dangerous.

“We believe these kids probably don’t have a license to drive,” Lt. John Walker of the Southwest Detectives Division told NBC News.

After running into the parked cars, the teens fled on foot. One of them reportedly has a head injury. No one else was hurt, according to police. Police found two guns in the stolen vehicle.

A patriotic lighting installation will greet the thousands of people expected to visit 30th Street Station before, during and after the four-day Democratic National Convention (July 25-28). The programmable system of color-changing LED fixtures will sweep stars and swaths of red, white and blue across the station’s 29th Street facade.

This light show is sponsored by Amtrak and the University City District and is one of several across the city to welcome DNC attendees.

The lights will be projected onto the station’s 29th Street facade from 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. every night through July 31.

There’s a lot of road construction going out there right now. That means the occasional closed street and detour – and lots of orange cones. This driver found out what can happen if you ignore the cones along 45th Street near Walnut, where crews are replacing pipes.

Here’s a fun and free event this weekend that the organizers are hoping will help bring the community together. Two nights of cosplay life drawing will take place on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at 7-10 p.m. in one of West Philly’s most well-known venues – The Rotunda (40th and Walnut). Any drawing level is welcome from beginner to maestro. You can bring your own supplies or use the ones provided by the organizers.

Two models in cosplay each night! There will be music provided by WKDU 91.7, projections, and props.

NUMiNOUS Magazine, a publication that focuses on Cosplay, will be there exhibiting on Saturday night.

The event is co-hosted by 40th Street Artist-in-Residence Program, Cosplay Life Drawing Club, and the organizers of the Philly Zine Fest.

Tips for models are appreciated but not necessary.

For more information check out: www.cosplaylifedrawingclub.tumblr.com.