Archive: November, 2009
Art and culture are vital aspects to communities that often fall by the wayside. Towns often put the needs of art galleries and local theatres on the backburner, catering instead to mainstream businesses that are able to draw in more revenue from tourists and locals. Media, Pa. stands out from a lot of other towns because they are one of a few that actually celebrate and uphold the arts, setting aside a specific day each month that is dedicated to a powerful coalition of artists and cultural activities. Media’s Second Saturdays transform a busy downtown area into a hub for socialization, dining and cultural activities.
“Media has truly been a cultural leader in the greater Philadelphia region,” said Jeff Gordon, manager, corporate relations for PECO. “This is a difficult time for the arts, but the people in this community work hard to ensure that everyone here is able to enjoy a performance or a show. It not only energizes the town, but celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of our region.” PECO is a long-time supporter of the arts and has supported many Delaware County organizations including Celebration Theatre, Chester Children's Chorus, Delaware County Symphony and the Media Arts Council.
A community’s local arts and cultures aren’t just necessary for the citizens, they can also help local business and the town’s overall economical wellbeing. Media’s Second Saturdays can draw up to 3,000 people to State Street and have helped to revitalize downtown Media, drawing shoppers to its commercial corridors.
“Second Saturdays and other arts events have been great for my business,” said Drew Arata, owner of State Street’s Earth and State gallery. “Media has really supported local arts, and as a result, business is thriving.”
November's Second Saturday (taking place on Nov. 14) will feature musical artist Trio Lococo. There will also be an exhibit of local artists known as the Hometown Collective hosted by the Window Gallery at First and Keystone Bank on State Street. The Pennsylvania Veteran’s Museum will also be open that night in honor of Veteran’s Day.
For more information, please visit http://www.mediaartscouncil.org/saturdays.htm.
Posted by By Stephanie Weaver @ 3:56 PM
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I am a big fan of supporting local female artists. "Black Lily: A Women in Music Series," an artist development showcase that was established in 1999 to help support female vocalists, musicians and film-producers, has set out to help one woman at a time by drawing public attention to their work. Founders Mercedes Martinez and Tracey Moore created Black Lily to help support female musicians who were being shut out of existing jam sessions around the country. Black Lily is committed to supporting women artists of all ages and backgrounds, both emerging and already established. The first series took place on a weekly basis at New York City’s Wetlands, and later migrated to Philadelphia’s Five Spot.
Black Lily has hosted events in such international cities as London, Japan and Paris. Their unique film festival highlighted some of the most groundbreaking women filmmakers in the world. In 2009, Black Lily launched "PLANET ROCK: A HIP HOP FILM SERIES" which takes place monthly at different venues through Philadelphia. Some of the different events will include a screening directed by Jennifer Maytorena Taylor International House called New Muslim Cool. This dramatic film follows the life of Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Perez as he ends his life as a drug dealer and starts down a new path of self-redemption. It will be aired on Nov. 17 at 7p.m.
To learn more about Black Lily and its different events, please visit www.blacklily.com.
Posted by By Stephanie Weaver @ 3:24 PM
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