Blogs: NW Playlist

Opera Night returns to Manayunk this Saturday

newsworks@whyy.org (Jimmy Viola for NewsWorks ) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Manayunk residents can enjoy an evening of opera and Greek cuisine at Zesty's during the second opera night this Saturday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., featuring local opera singers John Nicholas Peters and Jessica Gruver.

The idea was born from a collaboration between Fatima Peters, who has designed costumes for some 60 operas since 1995, and her husband, John Nicholas Peters.

Fatima Peters says she was surprised by the success of the first opera night, which took place on Dec. 15.

"The bar was completely full with a lot of young professionals," she says. "They were talking loud, and some people had no idea they would hear opera."

But as soon as Peters cued the orchestral accompaniment to the first aria, sang by her husband, she says the room quieted. Opera night had won their attention.

John Nicholas Peters says Zesty's is different than other restaurants in the city that have already established themselves as an opera destination, like the Victor Café.

"For Zesty's, we needed operatic show stoppers, crowd pleasers, big arias that will appeal to anyone," he says.

The first opera night featured selections like "The Prologue" from Pagliacci, the "Te Deum" from Tosca, amd "The Toreador" from Carmen.

Fatima Peters says the next opera night on Saturday will follow the direction of popular opera shows, and future events will likely include themes like love songs for Valentine's Day and musical theater selections.

Peters negotiated with Zesty's owner Tom Konidaris to create a $40 three-course menu specifically for opera night.

Originally from Brazil, Peters moved to the Philadelphia area in 1988, and has lived in Manayunk since 2001. She says opera resonates with her because of the honesty and rawness performers must impart with each show.

"When a singer goes out with their persona, they're pretty much naked," Peters says. "How incredible it is to tell a character and also tell a story by singing."

Mr. Magic and Santa Claus make guest appearances at Roxborough holiday party

newsworks@whyy.org (Jimmy Viola for NewsWorks ) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:25:00 GMT

The Roxborough Development Corporation hosted a holiday party for kids this weekend, complete with magic tricks, a Santa sighting, finger painting and plenty of other children's activities.

Lamont Samuel, who has been performing magic shows as Mr. Magic for 40 years, kicked off the event.

Samuel performed a simple set of hand tricks, with props such as cards, ropes and rings. He says the nature of his magic tricks are often simple and mechanical while his presentation and stage presence are what captivate the audience.

“I like the humor and making people laugh,” Samuel said. “I think that's the best part of it.”

Samuel is often seen performing at the Manayunk Arts Festival each year.

“These [Roxborough Development Corporation] guys saw me at the Manayunk Arts Fest and they stole me from the Manayunkians,” Samuel says.

Roxborough's native comedian Chris Morris is another resident who enjoys making people laugh. He attended the Roxborough Development Corporation's holiday party dressed as Santa Claus, talking to attendants and waving to cars and people who passed along Ridge Avenue.

Morris says he has performed in character roles for 16 years, just as long as he has done comedy.

“I've always loved kids and to see them happy when they see Santa is priceless,” Morris says. “Playing Santa is extremely rewarding because to see kids' faces light up when they see him is awesome.”

The Roxborough Development Corporation has grown to include 80 volunteers, said its executive director Bernard Guet, who joined the non-profit in 2006.

Manayunk celebrates the holidays with ice carving, Christmas tree lighting

newsworks@whyy.org (Jimmy Viola for NewsWorks ) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:19:42 GMT

Main Street in Manayunk kicked off the holiday season this weekend with the bustling sights and sounds of Christmas at Canal View Park.

On Saturday afternoon, the Manayunk Development Corporation hosted a live ice carving followed by the Christmas tree lighting and live performances in the evening.

It began with noisy chainsaws and industrial sanders ripping through ice blocks while Christmas songs echoed from loud speakers at noon. Ice sculptors Don Lowing, Peter Slavin and Rob Capone carved an ice sleigh in just under three hours. Small children, infants in strollers and parents looked on as the freezing mist sprayed into the air.

The artistic creation was completed by 3 p.m., just in time for Santa Claus to pose for photos with children and adults atop his brand new sleigh.

Holidays in 'the best small town in America'

MeadowSweet Vintage owner Stacy Morris says Saturday was her first time attending the Christmas tree lighting. Morris opened her store on Main Street almost a year ago, on Dec. 14.

"This side of Main Street has definitely gotten more attention this time of the year," Morris says.

The Sydney Hale scented candle collection has sold well these last few weeks, Morris says, and she has had to order more to meet the demand.

"We try to sell best and most unusual vintage with our inventory," Morris says. Her store almost entirely consists of acquisitions from factories and foundries. A found ladder hung from the Morris' ceiling horizontally, repurposed into a suspended wreath with pine branches twisted between its rungs.

Councilmen Curtis Jones Jr. and Bill Greenlee led the opening ceremony prior to the tree lighting on Saturday evening.

"Manayunk is the best small town in America," Jones said. "That's why I fought so hard with the zoning, to keep this area from being overdeveloped. I wanted to maintain its quaintness for residents."

Local businesses participate

Also in attendance was Manayunk's Merge Dance Studio owner Crista Campbell, who says she expects an influx of new students at her studio in the coming months as people set their resolutions to get in shape. Campbell, a Wisconsin native and Manayunk transplant, opened her dance studio in July on Cresson Street. This weekend was Campbell's first time involved in the Manayunk Christmas tree lighting as a business owner.

Campbell's studio teaches ballet, jazz, modern and creative movement for children and adults, along with having Zumba and a mix of pilates and boxing called piloting.

Campbell assembled a performance group called Merge Dance Company which performed at Canal View Park after the tree was lit. They moved to a flowing number with twirls, leaps and high kicks reminiscent of the Rockettes to the tune of Meaghan Smith's "It Snowed."

The Society Hill Dance Academy also performed a swing rendition of Winter Wonderland for the event. Manager Charissa Prince-Ferdinand says this is the Manayunk branch's return to the Christmas festivities on Main Street after taking a a few years off from performing in the tree lighting ceremony.

Prince-Ferdinand says Society Hill's dance lessons for couples and classes typically make for popular gifts around the holidays.

"The group classes are pretty social, and I think that goes a long way, when people communicate and socialize on the internet so much these days," she says.

The newly-lit Christmas tree is located at Canal View Park on Main Street near Gay Street in Manayunk.

Northwest stores offer shoppers a calmer Black Friday

newsworks@whyy.org (Zach Shevich for NewsWorks) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:34:07 GMT

As shoppers gear up for the frenzy of the post-Thanksgiving holiday weekend, retailers in the Northwest offer a calmer option for Black Friday shopping. While many local stores will offer alluring discounts, overall they expect a more modest turnout on the “biggest shopping day of the year.”

Hardcore shoppers who can stand the crowds will be travelling to malls, leaving minimal lines for Northwest Philadelphia shoppers.

Seida, an employee of the GameStop at 45 West Chelten Ave., in Germantown, mentioned she expects a small line when the store opens its doors early at 5 a.m.; however, she doesn't think the store will get busy until closer to regular opening hours. “The last Black Friday I worked, it started off a little slow until around 7 a .m.”

Stores in Chestnut Hill will be offering some bargains to help drive up business, but Chestnut Hill is not the shoppers’ hub that the malls are. Peggy Miller of the Chestnut Hill Business Association said that while people will be out and shopping, she conceded that Chestnut Hill is “not a great place for waiting on lines.”

“Chestnut Hill is not quite as big on [Black Friday]. We don’t open early; we let people sleep in on Thanksgiving,” said Miller.

In Mt. Airy, they’ve bypassed the hysteria of Black Friday for their own sales celebration. Our folks tend to get more excited about Small Business Saturday”,said Elizabeth Moeselle of Mt. Airy USA. “Black Fridays traditionally haven’t been a strong day for Mt. Airy retailers, with folks tending to go to the malls and big box stores”.

Small Business Saturdays in Mt. Airy highlight the small businesses that don’t normally get the attention on a commercial-friendly day like Black Friday, while encouraging residents to buy local.

However for Northwest residents looking for more of the traditionally busy Black Friday, Nicole Miller at 4249 Main Street in Manayunk is continuing their yearly “doorbuster” tradition offering bridal gowns and gala dresses.

Samantha Sciola, an employee of Nicole Miller said, “We have something called White Friday and… they line up at the doors. Even if you’re not necessarily looking for a bridal gown, dresses cater to all kinds of events. It’s great way to own a Nicole Miller dress.”

If you insist on running around on Black Friday, The Bryn Mawr Running Company store at 4320 Main St, is hosting their Shop Near, Run Far 5K. You can walk, or run down the refurbished Manayunk Towpath.

The base-level entry is $25, but higher fees are offset by gift cards to the Running Company and Winnie’s LeBus. For more information and to register online go to www.brynmawrrunningco.com.

Hearing for man accused of fatally strangling pregnant Germantown girlfriend delayed

newsworks@whyy.org (Brian Hickey) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:00:00 GMT

A defense request for a continuance delayed the preliminary hearing in the case of a pregnant East Germantown woman who was allegedly strangled to death by her boyfriend in September.

Originally scheduled for Tuesday morning, Roysce Haynes is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 4.

In a previous NewsWorks story about the case, Atiya Perry's sister commented that she urged the victim to break away from her boyfriend.

"I wanted her out of this relationship," Latia Perry wrote. "I wish she would have listened to me, but she [is] in a better place now. May God protect her soul.

The back story

On Sept. 10, probation agents arrived at a tiny one-bedroom efficiency on the 800 block of E. Chelten Ave. to perform a routine check on Haynes.

There, they found the body of Atiya Perry, who investigators believe had been fatally strangled during an argument a day earlier. The 24-year-old woman was pregnant at the time of her death.

Haynes was taken into custody and charged with murder, homicide of an unborn child and abuse of a corpse.

The agents were checking on Haynes in relation to a 2011 case in which he pleaded guilty to simple assault and was given 18 months probation, according to court records that stated aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person charges were withdrawn.

Seven years earlier, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to up to 23 months incarceration and two years probation.

A Taste of Olive's Chestnut Hill branch to open by Saturday

newsworks@whyy.org (Jimmy Viola for NewsWorks ) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Nancy Smith was on her second retirement from the education field when she opened A Taste of Olive in West Chester four years ago. Now, Smith is days away from expanding her artisanal olive oil and healthy eating store to its fourth location in Chestnut Hill at 8505 Germantown Avenue. Smith, 67, hopes to open A Taste of Olive's Chestnut Hill branch by this Saturday, Oct. 13.

Although Smith first went through locations in West Chester, Ardmore and Haddon Heights, N.J., opening a store in Chestnut Hill was Smith’s first choice.

“From the beginning we wanted to do Chestnut Hill. What kept us was dealing with the city of Philadelphia, the business part,” Smith says. “We want stores in the heart of the community.”

A native of Kankakee, Ill., Smith relocated to Doylestown 12 years ago, as she neared the end of her career in education. She and her daughter developed a taste for olive oil with her daughter because of its health benefits at first.

Smith says her olive oil business resonates with customers spanning all backgrounds and familiarity with olive oil, whether they want to splurge on a high-end bottle for a special occassion, or are seasoned connoisseurs. What distinguishes A Taste of Olive from other stores, Smith says, is that customers can sample any of the 80 varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Rows of shiny metallic cylinders line the aisles, each with their own spouts.

“We love the idea that you can taste them,” Smith says. “There are great olive oil brands in bottles, and they have flavors, but you don’t know unless you try them. It’s a substantial purchase if you’re not ready.”

Much like wine, Smith says olive oil's flavor profile varies on its origin. A Taste of Olive features olive oils and balsamic oil from Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa and South America as domestics. The store also has a range of vegan and gluten-free products like pastas and vegetable spreads, martini olives, plates and dining accessories as well.

Smith attributes the rapid success of her store to its simple mentality – quality products, price options ranging from affordable options to higher end, and a friendly atmosphere to make all customers feel comfortable.

“People who like to cook are in general very fun, nice people to talk to,” Smith says. “The way the store is set up is for sharing and talking.”

"Plaidmania: From Royal To Renegade" opens at Phila U.

newsworks@whyy.org (Maura Filoromo for NewsWorks ) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:00:00 GMT

From school uniforms to expensive handbags to bow ties—plaid is a pattern that seems to sneak into all types of clothing and accessories. It's a pattern that has been around for hundreds of years but never manages to look outdated. It's a pattern that's marked eras in history in the Scottish highlands to the grunge music days of the 90s.

The newest fashion exhibition at Philadelphia University shows the scope of plaid throughout the last two decades. "Plaidmania: From Royal to Renegade" includes collections from students from 1993 to 2012.

The idea for a plaid-themed exhibition came from Clara Henry, director of the fashion design program at Philadelphia University.

She said she has always loved tartans and plaid and wanted to "curate an exhibition with a theme that is relevant today."

Showcasing generations of student work

"The exhibition shows the broad range of alums—a retrospective of student work. It is representative of the use of tartans and plaids. It spans from Scotland to rebellion, used from monarchy to Axl Rose," Henry said.

"[This exhibition] is celebrating fashion in the city," she said. This is the time of year when all the collections are out, from Paris to New York to right here in Philadelphia.

Plaid goes back to tradition, lineage, and class. Families could be identified by the tartans they wore. Henry noted that plaid still has an element of social rank, giving the example of Burberry purses.

Jen Sondheimer was the only current student featured in the exhibition. Sondheimer, who will graduate in May, was asked to include a dress that was designed for a class she took last fall in her junior year. The challenge was to make a dress for the "Red Dress Competition." The event was sponsored by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of heart disease in women. The dress made it to the top 20 selection.

Sondheimer said she needed a contrasting color or element for the dress, so decided on a plaid pattern.

"Plaid is classic. It has a structural element but is also so versatile," Sondheimer said.

Continuing the trend

Jennifer Duncan, graduate of 1995, is a designer originally from Warminster.

Duncan's collection was the center of the exhibition. It was made during her senior year. Duncan was inspired by her family heritage to create a collection. Her last name is Scottish and her father was a full-blooded Cherokee. She designed pieces that incorporated both backgrounds. She used the plaids and tartans of Scotland and the skins and natural elements of Cherokee heritage.

Duncan was called by Philadelphia University and asked if she still had the collection. She said pulling all the pieces out again brought back memories of the year. She worked many hours to create this collection. Every piece was hand sown.

The collection won first place in the 1995 City Paper Style War Competition. She also won an all expense paid trip to Paris in '94. Her collection was shown in a competition held at the Carrousel du Louvre Fashion Mall. She said it was an amazing experience to be able to show a collection in Paris at a young age.

"Plaid is significant and relevant today. It's happening and very much on trend. All American designers have it in their current collections," Henry said.

The "Plaidmania: From Royal To Renegade" exhibition runs through the end of October. The exhibit is free to the public and open weekdays from noon to 4 p.m. It is located in Hayward Hall, 4201 Henry Ave.

NW Weekender: Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival and Chestnut Hill Book Festival

newsworks@whyy.org (Maura Filoromo for NewsWorks ) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Looking for something to do this weekend in Northwest Philadelphia? Here's a list of our top picks.

Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
The inaugural StrEAT Food Festival is almost here! This weekend, Manayunk will turn up the heat to kick off Manayunk's Restaurant Week. A variety of food trucks from across the city are serving up some delicious dishes such as Sweetbox Cupcakes, Kung Fu Hoagies, Spot Burgers, and Zsa's Gourmet Ice Cream Truck. Prices are fixed at $3 to $5 per item. There will be raffles for gift cards to some of Manayunk's restaurants. Local shops will open their doors with special deals. Art, live music, food--this event is packed with activities! The festival begins at 10 a.m. and goes to 5 p.m.

Finally Friday in Mt. Airy
Yes, it is hard to believe, but this is the last weekend of September. That means it's time for Finally Friday in Mt. Airy. Some spots to visit are Food for All's "Sweet Celebration" celebrating their second year anniversary and a free music performance by students from the Curtis Institute of Music at the Sedgwick Theater starting at 7 p.m. Finally Friday begins at 6 p.m. and goes until approximately 10 p.m.

Chestnut Hill Book Festival, Multiple Locations along Germantown Ave.
The 4th Annual Chestnut Hill Book Festival takes place this Sunday. Local writers will be giving talks about their books throughout the day. There will also be poetry readings, workshops, and the annual Singer-Songwriter Slam held at Buckley Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ed Rendell closes the night with a talk about his book "A Nation of Wusses" at Chestnut Hill College. Activities begin at 11:30 a.m. and go until 7 p.m. For a complete list and locations of events, see here.

Nature in the Necropolis at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave.
On Saturday, the Laurel Hill Cemetery is hosting "Nature in the Necropolis." Guests can learn about the birds, trees, and plants that call Laurel Hill home. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Event begins at 10 a.m. Member price is $5 and $8 for the general public.

Renovation Celebration at Weavers Way, 555 W. Carpenter Lane
Weavers Way of Mt. Airy has recently undergone renovation and they want the community to help celebrate. Saturday is the shop's Renovation Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Browse around the store and see what's new. There will be food, games, raffles, and discounts on products.

NW Weekender: Slow-eating ice cream contest, mystery dinner theater and historic home tours

newsworks@whyy.org (Maura Filoromo for NewsWorks ) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:47:01 GMT

Looking for something to do this weekend in Northwest Philly? Here are our top picks.

Artist Books Cocktail Reception at Allen's Lane Art Center, 601 W. Allen Lane

Think a book can only be filled with black and white pages? The newest exhibit, Artist Books: Creative Structures, at Allen's Lane Art Center could change your mind. These artists create unique books that are colorful and innovative. This Saturday night is the cocktail reception and fundraiser for the exhibit. Many of the artists will be there to meet and ask questions. Tickets are $25. Event begins at 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through Oct. 26.

Mt. Airy Village Fair, Green St. and Carpenter

It's time for the 6th Annual Mt. Airy Village Fair. The day is filled with activities for everyone. A really unique activity will be the slow-eating ice cream contest (last person to finish wins). It is apparently the only contest of its kind in the world! There will also be live music, games, a pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, and much more. The fair runs Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Historic Home Tour of Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill

Philadelphia is a city with so much history and beauty. Take a tour this Sunday and see some of that history and beauty in the Northwest section of the city. The Germantown Historical Society is hosting the tour which will feature historic homes in Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill. Advance tickets cost $25 and $30 for day of.

Phanatically Wild Party at the Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road

Saturday is the Schuylkill Center's 25th Birthday Party. Yes, as the title suggests, the Phillie Phanatic will be present and hosting the event. There will be many animals to meet, as well as crafts and other activities. The party goes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Event is free. The Schuylkill Center asks you to bring rags or paper towel as a donation.

Health and Wellness Fair, 8700 Germantown Ave.

A new school year is the perfect time for families to set new healthy habits. Learn tips on how you can be a healthier you. The event is being held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chestnut Hill. The fair will be held on Sunday and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participatory Theater at COSACOSA, 4427 Main St.

Friday is the last night to watch, or rather participate, in this Fringe Arts Festival event. It is a dinner theater mystery story. Audience members participate by offering clues. Prizes will be given away for the best audience detectives. Help solve a mystery while eating your dinner! The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

New exhibit to debut at La Salle University museum next week

newsworks@whyy.org (Maura Filoromo for NewsWorks ) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:56:16 GMT

A new exhibition is set to debut at La Salle University's art museum next week.

Located in the lower level of Olney Hall on La Salle's campus in Germantown, sits an extensive collection of art. The galleries contain art from the Renaissance to modern times.

The newest exhibit, hitting the floor on Sept. 19, features the sculptures and drawings of Howard Tran, an artist based in Williamsport, Pa. He's an art professor at Lycoming University. Tran was trained as a sculptor and often incorporates repeating motifs in his pieces. He likes to add texture to his two-dimensional work by layering the piece with different components such as Buddhist offering papers.

The museum's most recent exhibition was the 5th Annual Faculty Art Exhibit. It displayed artwork from five professors in the Fine Arts Department completed in mediums from photography to Raku clay (a type typically used in Japanese pottery.)

Vendelin said choosing local artists is a priority for the museum.

"We generally select mid-career artists who live in the area," said Vendelin. "I choose artists whose work I have seen somewhere else that piques my interest or whose work is represented in our permanent collection."

The museum is small and there is a staff of only four people so the museum isn't open on weekends, with the exception of four Saturdays a semester.

Scarborough said the museum's size is a part of its charm. "It is small yet intimate and outstanding. We have collectors who make pilgrimages to see the works. It is a hidden treasure in many ways," she said.

School groups and tours are welcome but asked to call ahead. The museum provides supplemental art education lessons for various age groups. There are activities for each gallery, such as studying portraits, learning what materials were needed for certain works, and in-gallery drawing activities. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The opening reception of the Howard Tran exhibition will be held Sept. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The museum is located at 1900 W. Olney Ave. Admission is free and tours are available.