This Week: August 31, 2023

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Dark Into Light

Late Saturday afternoon found us walking along the 18th St. side of Rittenhouse Square to have a look at the display of artwork that was organized in response to the City’s removal earlier in the week of artwork by individuals who did not have a permit and who refused to re-locate when asked to by the Police.

This isn’t the place for judgment (nor art criticism), but it’s fair to say that the vibe there that afternoon was on the dour and downbeat side. Not exactly like a visit to the Barnes.

It was in that frame of mind, then, that we headed up 18th St. and made a left onto Market, where we suddenly – and unexpectedly -- found ourselves fully flush with the Philly Naked Bike Ride in all its glory, at which point the previous glum mood was completely obliterated by the sheer full-frontal joy of the many, many bike riders. (The Ride went on for blocks.)

And Just Like That: Heaviness replaced by Lightness, Sadness by Joy.

Thanks, Naked Philly Bike Ride. Turns out we needed that.

CCRA News and Events

From the Editors

Effective with this week’s issue, the version of CCRA This Week that you’ve become accustomed to will now be produced on a bi-weekly basis, with the in-between weeks comprised of a curated list (with links) of events and happenings around town.

This can be considered a refinement of what we’ve been doing to meet the needs of both the community and the organization. While it’s been our great joy to bring you the full-form version of the newsletter week after week, at the same time it needs to be sustainable; it’s worth noting that this is a volunteer effort.

So, from now on you’ll be getting the best of both worlds: CCRA This Week as you’ve known it, plus now a new, go-to place for the many events and happenings going on around our most eclectic city.

And, not least, a most sincere thank-you to the many readers who’ve written to us to tell us how much they love (or, sometimes, don’t love) the newsletter. We truly enjoy hearing from all of you. As the saying goes, please keep those cards and letters comin’, folks.

A Reminder: Concert in Fitler Square TONIGHT

Our Friends of Fitler Square Park extend a warm thank you to Center City Residents Association (CCRA) for sponsoring this concert. Long-time favorite band Elegance Quartet will entertain us again!

Elegance Quartet performs a wide array of programs on both traditional and electric strings, enhanced with effects, pedals, live rhythm and vocals. Check out their website and follow them on Instagram for more information on public shows and private events.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Center City photography emporium Photo Lounge.

Got Pix? PhotoLounge is the Photo Go-To

In a world where image is often everything, you can’t take a chance when you’ve got critical photos to print. That’s where PhotoLounge comes in.

An independent small business since 1997, PhotoLounge believes in its soul that photos should be beautiful, affordable, easy to make, easy to get and long-lasting, and they back that up every day with superior service and knowledgeable, courteous staff.

You name it, they do it: digital prints, reprints and enlargements, archiving, fine art printing and Giclee, film processing, design and print photo books, professional head shots, passport photos and more. The store itself is an eyeful, and worth the trip alone.

So go where the pros go: PhotoLounge at 130 S. 17th. And BTW: CCRA members enjoy 10% off excluding other sales or discounted items.

Clean, Safe and Green

In Re-Imagining the Ben Franklin Parkway, YOU Have a Voice

The Ben Franklin Parkway is great, but can it get better? The William Penn Foundation certainly thinks so, as it is funding a major re-think of the famed boulevard, and it wants your opinion.

The project includes five goals: History & Culture, Democratic Design, Infrastructure, Environment and Economics. Details can be found here; survey is here.

Want to say it as you see it? In-person comments encouraged this weekend. Come to the Oval Pop-Up at the Art Museum Sat. or Sun. to share your thoughts on potential transportation, amenities, and programming design ideas.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

A Taste of Southeast Asia

Savor the flavors of Southeast Asia at South Philadelphia’s FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. and Broad St., every Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Oct. 29, as vendors from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer a wide range of ethnic culinary specialties. More details about the Southeast Market are available here.

A Moving Experience

Philadanco has saved the next dance for you with free community dance and movement classes at the Philadelphia Dance Company, 9 N. Preston St.

The next class is Oct. 7, from 12 – 1 p.m. No prior experience needed. Bring a towel and water, and come in dance or sports wear and sneakers. Click here for more information.

Community News and Events

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

If the shore’s not your thing this weekend, and you’d rather explore the world via music and dance, we’ve got your groove. Come on out Friday night and listen to a FREE world music jam, Latin style, at World Cafe Live. Their live house band, Guachinangos, showcases South American rhythms with African beats. All in WCL’s upstairs Lounge….with great food, drinks and atmosphere.

Sunday gives us another op to enjoy Philly’s multicultural gifts at Brazilian Day at Penn’s Landing, where artists and musicians will share with us the folk traditions of Brazillian Capoeira , music by Samba Reggae drum bands (think Bob Marley), and shows featuring exotic Samba Dancers. If the music or the heat gives you a thirst, drink up some authentic Brazilian drinks such as Caipirinhas, Guarana, and fruit smoothies, Brazilian style.

So…..Happy Labor Day. Have lots of fun, with no sand in your food.

George Washington's Tent: Free Admission for Kids this Weekend

Families….here’s a great chance to explore one of Philly’s newer museums, the Museum of the American Revolution.

Kids will get to see the original tent that George Washington slept in, and you’ll get a taste of all the underlying strains and tears which then became the fabric of America. Whose side were Native Americans on? Listen to the pow-wow. Did Black slaves think their lot would be better…or worse? Hear their voices.

And for Labor Day weekend, kids enter free. The flag flies here with the details.

National First Amendment Summit at Constitution Center Wednesday, September 13

No matter where one resides on the political spectrum, there is cause for concern these days as regards the right to free expression.

The National Constitution Center recognizes this and is hosting a First Amendment Summit on September 13 in conjunction with its new First Amendment Gallery. Keynote speaker is none other than Salman Rushdie (virtually), with three First Amendment panels to follow. You can find all details here.

Fringe Fest is Back, with an Event at The Ethical Society

It’s getting to be that time of year: Fall, Football and… Fringe, and yes, the Fringe Festival is back, running from Sept. 7 through September 24.

And while it’s as Fringe-y as ever, this year there is an event right here in our backyard, at the Ethical Society at Rittenhouse Square. It’s a play called “Train to Essex Junction'', by David S. Traub. Details of the play can be found here; for full Festival details, fringe it over here.

Foodie Fest in Philly

Hold onto your forks for this (these) events, for while it’s a “first” and still a bit “untidy” in the making, it’s sure to be a hit for those willing to navigate the complexity of events and reservations which are still unfolding. If you’re in search of the next Michelin Star in our Phillyscape, travel here for a list of the month-long Cookbooks and Convos festival, taking place in Sept/Oct., from river to river.

Their mission? To empower and celebrate the talented female chefs and authors that make Philadelphia’s culinary scene thrive. Meet the chefs, get signed cookbooks, talk to the authors….and mangia, mangia at Philly’s finest.

Art in One Color

What would a final group project by students of an imaginary, defunct Swiss art school look like through the eyes of a noted American artist?

Find out here at the Philadelphia Art Alliance’s latest exhibition, Dan Levenson: SKZ Monochrome Classrooms. The exhibit, free and open to the public, runs through Oct. 14 at the University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St.

Useful links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.

Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St (215-735-6311)

Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St (215-732-3663)

The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St (215-644-9714)

The Philadelphia Orchestra, One S. Broad St (215-893-1955)

The River Boat Tours, Schuylkill River & Walnut St (215-309-5523)

The Rounds, internet only

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-519-2001)

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

Astral Artists, 1500 Walnut St. (215-735-6999)

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St (215-496-9244)

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048)