Don’t forget to vote in the primary election this Tuesday (May 15), when Pennsylvanians from both parties will choose candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, the U.S. House of Representatives and the state legislature. Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for party candidates in the primaries. Independents can only vote on the ballot questions.

First thing’s first. Go here to check your voter registration status. If you’re not sure what district you live in for state legislature or congressional races (it can get confusing with all the redistricting), check here. Go here to find your polling place.  Continue Reading

Dinner in Three Acts is a fun and delicious way to support educational programs at Curio Theatre.

Curio Theatre Company, the community theater at 48th and Baltimore, is starting an exciting new fundraising tradition. On Sunday, May 20, the company will be “producing” a Dinner in Three Acts – a three-course dinner at selected West Philadelphia homes. This is how it works:

Act One – 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Guests will start with registration and appetizers at one home.
Act Two – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – For their entree, guests will choose one style of cuisine from a varied selection served for groups of 10 to 15 people.
Act Three – 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Guests will return to the theater for dessert with coffee and tea.  Continue Reading

The design for the new “Broken Chains” mural at 500 S. 52nd St. (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood).

A new “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood, where several buildings are undergoing extensive renovation, will be unveiled Saturday, May 12th at 3 p.m.

The original Broken Chains mural (see below), a tribute to Black empowerment and leadership, will be removed as part of the ongoing renovation of the building at 500 S. 52nd (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood), one of several buildings near that intersection that the local development company, Spak Group, is renovating from the ground up. When completed, the building will include ground floor commercial (a sit-down restaurant) and three apartments.  Continue Reading

A petting zoo will be back in Clark Park this Saturday (Photo West Philly Local)

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair, a neighborhood tradition for 60 years, will take place at Clark Park (43rd and Chester) this Saturday, May 12, from noon to 6 p.m. This year, the event will include:

– A musical line-up with well-known composer Dan Blacksberg and the Haimishers and special guests HardWork Movement.
– Over 50 local artisans who will offer a wide range of arts and crafts and other unique products
– Tables with information about local groups and causes
– University City Garden Club annual plant sale
– Food for every taste from food trucks and vendors working in University City Continue Reading

A great Cedar Park summer tradition – Cedar Park Jazz Series – is returning June 1st to 49th and Baltimore! The series, presented by Cedar Park Neighbors, will run through July 27th with performances every Friday, from 6-8 p.m. (weather permitting).

The series kicks off with a performance by pianist and composer Alfred “Alfie” Pollitt. Here’s a lineup of this year’s performances:

As always, all performances are free and open to the public. Just bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music.

For updates, please check the Cedar Park Neighbors Facebook page.

Here’s a summary of the latest news and events at local restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

El Taco & Burritos opens in Powelton

Here’s some great news for Mexican food lovers in the Powelton/Drexel area. A new restaurant, El Taco & Burritos, opened earlier this spring at 3233 Powelton Ave., and the reception has been really good, according to owner Alvaro Luna. The restaurant serves very reasonably priced tacos (soft or crispy), burritos (regular, El Macho, or in a bowl), quesadillas, empañadas, and more! The full menu is available here. Also, check out specials: Margarita Mondays and Taco Tuesdays (see Facebook page for more info). The restaurant is open Monday – Thursday: 4 – 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 4 – 10 p.m.; closed on Sundays.  Continue Reading