'South Philly Musicians Remix' mural going up at Broad & Tasker
Charlie Gracie and James Darren added to the mix.
The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program's 'South Philly Musicians' mural on Passyunk Avenue across from Pat's Steaks has long been in a state of disrepair, with a updated version planned for a wall at a few blocks west.
Thursday morning, a rendering of the new mural by lead artist Eric Okdeh titled 'South Philly Musicians Remix,' was unveiled at the new site at Broad & Tasker, with "Fabulous" rockabilly singer Charlie Gracie (a new addition to the mural) and, of course, the ubiquitous Jerry "The Geator" Blavat in attendance.
Work on the mural, pictured above, will get underway in Okdeh's studio this month, and is scheduled to be completed in time for an October 15 unveiling at a block party with live music.
The 'Remix' adds Gracie and James Darren to the original Passyunk group of Blavat, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian Forte, Al Martino, and Chubby Checker. (Eddie Fisher was on the original wall but is not moving west.) Just across Broad from cool DJ bar the Dolphin Tavern, and down the street from the Boot & Saddle, the mural also celebrates old-school tradition in the midst of one of new Philadelphia's most vibrant musical neighborhoods.
Previously: Review: Mudcrutch, with Tom Petty, at the Fillmore Follow In the Mix on Twitter