Lucky Old Souls is a radio program, monthly concert series and soon-to-be jazz club. Lucky Old Souls was founded in 2008 by Matthew Feldman to support and promote the jazz scene throughout Philadelphia.
“Lucky Old Souls is all about bringing the people and the music together,” Feldman said.
A vacant building, located at 1713 McKean St., is the future home of the planned jazz club. Feldman explained that the building has been vacant for at least 30 years. He said the community is glad to have the venue coming to the neighborhood.
“The response I’ve gotten from the neighborhood has been overwhelmingly positive,” Feldman said.
Feldman has been working with the Newbold Neighbors Association and explained that they have been very supportive in his efforts to open the club. Feldman has also gone door-to-door in the area to talk to neighbors about his plans. He explained that only a few neighbors were apprehensive about having a bar atmosphere in the neighborhood.
Feldman applied for a liquor license with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in October 2009. Many neighbors embraced the plans for the jazz club but a few filed protests.
A hearing was held in August and the PLCB approved the application in January. In early February, another neighbor filed an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.
Last month, Feldman received news that the individual who filed the court appeal had withdrawn it.
Feldman was approved to get a liquor license for the jazz club after waiting patiently since 2009. To celebrate, Lucky Old Souls presented “Jazz on Colorado Court.” These free outdoor concerts were held every Saturday in May outside of the future home of the Lucky Old Souls jazz club. A different jazz band played for the neighbors each week.
In October, Philadelphia’s City Paper recognized Feldman with an honorable mention in the music category. Feldman was acknowledged for his “die-hard” jazz advocacy.
“The reason I’m doing this is really because I love this music,” Feldman said.
For more information about Lucky Old Souls, visit its website at https://www.luckyoldsouls.com/.
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