Hunting Park: Black Diamond Dance Troupe Prepares Girls For Healthy Futures Through Dance and Mentoring
Hip-Hop music played loudly at the Hunting Park Recreation Center, where a group of young girls smiled with joy as they began preparation for their next performance. The Black Diamond Dance Troupe was founded two years ago by Camisha Moyer, Shana Bowman and Kishna Jeantine, who serve as the dance coaches for the troupe. The […]
Center City: Philadelphia’s Irish Community Supports Civil Rights
People of Irish descent in Philadelphia have a history dating back to the pre-American Revolution era. According to the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA), Irish Americans make up the largest ethnic group in the Philadelphia area. The 2000 U.S. Census lists the population of people of Irish descent in Philadelphia as more than 206,000. However, this […]
LGBTQ: Toasted Walnut Brings the ‘L’ Back to LGBTQ
When Sisters Nightclub closed in 2013 after serving the lesbian community for 17 years, Philadelphia lacked a gathering space catered to LGBT women. However, with the opening of Toasted Walnut Bar & Kitchen, that need has been filled. Denise Cohen, who was a general manager at Sisters for its entire run, opened Toasted Walnut right before […]
Kensington: Musician Works to Help Band Earn Spot in Philadelphia Scene
In the madcap world of the Philadelphia music scene, Tom McHugh earned a spot in his band under the most unusual circumstances. “I actually auditioned via Craigslist,” the 22-year-old guitarist said. “The original guitarist, unbeknownst to me, ended up being my girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, which was pretty awkward when we all found that out.” McHugh has […]
Rittenhouse Square: Innovative ‘Two Piece Fest’ Finds Home In Church’s Underground Music Scene
Rittenhouse Square is home to upscale apartments, boutiques, a five-star hotel, popular restaurants – and underground music. Independent music concerts in Philadelphia are often in less residential and less commercial areas than Center City. The contrast to the upscale neighborhood is interesting but is nothing new. The First Unitarian Church and R5 Productions have been bringing independent […]
Arts & Entertainment: Record Label, Store Boost Metal Scene In Philly And Beyond
Beyond its popular and busy live music scene, Philadelphia has a number of small labels and record stores that stand behind heavy metal artists. These labels help to build artists, local and otherwise, from inside the city. One such entity is metal label Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. The brainchild of Mike Juliano, the label […]
Fishtown: Recording Studio Quietly Making Its Name In Variety Of Genres
Spice House Sound opened its doors in Fishtown two years ago, and has been quietly building itself since then. A studio partially owned by Alex Santilli with the intention of providing high quality services, Spice House has worked with a large variety of artists. “Even in rock there’s a huge variety of different-sounding rock records, […]
South Philadelphia: Roger Artigiani Brings Change to 2300 Arena
Roger Artigiani talks about his arena like he is showing off a prized possession. “This is what we have planned for the one wall,” he said while proudly showing a picture of a mural of the Walt Whitman Bridge. “It’s gonna look great.” The mural will soon become one of the many changes Artigiani has […]
Queen Village: PACK Students Put A Twist On Classic Theater Productions
The Performance Arts Center for Kids inspires students one lesson at a time with a unique combination of dance and theater classes. PACK owner and director Jessica Noel teaches students more than just choreography. She creates a safe and encouraging atmosphere, reminding students that this is their “artistic home base.” While the company mostly caters to children, the space welcomes […]
Kensington: After-School Program Allows For A Comeback In The Arts
After the school day was over at John Moffet Elementary, eager students sat attentively in an auditorium holding a tabla (“hand drum”) in one arm while rhythmically tapping with the other. With the help of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Moffet has been able to maintain an after-school program that focuses on enriching students through art […]