Meet Dr. Matt, the new head of Temple’s art exhibitions program
There is a new person at the helm at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and he promises to bring a new perspective. Last month, Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, who encourages people to call him Dr. Matt, joined Temple Contemporary as Director of Exhibitions and Public Programming.
Kenyatta grew up in California, and has been in Philly since 2018, when he arrives for a postdoc program at Penn. He brings a unique, playful perspective to his new role. Continue reading …
The Linc will host games in next year’s World Cup club tournament
Lincoln Financial Field will host eight games of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including a Fourth of July match of the tune-up tournament for the 2026 World Cup, soccer’s governing body revealed on Saturday.
The 2025 event is a competition for the world’s top club teams, showcasing the best talent from domestic leagues globally. The 2026 tournament involves national teams. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• PUC safety investigators claim PGW failed to prevent 2021 South Philly gas explosion. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• The Philadelphia school board has a new leadership team, including a new vice president. [Inquirer$]
• The Eagles clinched a playoff spot thanks to their former coordinator losing a pivotal division game, and Saquon Barkley shattered a team record. [PennLive/WHYY]
• Phillies legend Dick Allen has finally been elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. [Crossing Broad]
• Help for the holidays: Where to get involved with volunteer events around Philadelphia. [WHYY]
• The Science History Institute in Old City will be unavailable to the public until March 8 for a $3.3 million renovation project set to add a new exhibition space, production studio and gift shop. [PhillyVoice]
• A centenarian couple who met at a costume party at their retirement home in Philadelphia are the world’s oldest newlyweds, earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. [Axios]
MAYOR WATCH
The Mayor will deliver remarks at this bi-annual City Council meeting with the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia, at City Hall. The hearing may be viewed on Xfinity Channel 64, Fios Channel 40, or on City Council’s website. (12:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🛍️ Monday, Dec. 9: North Philly Flex
The third annual community event from Temple Health and Katz School of Medicine celebrates and supports local Black and Hispanic-owned small businesses. Shop local this holiday! (12 to 4 p.m.)
🍾 Monday, Dec. 9: Pop! Fizz! Clink! A Global Sparkling Journey
Prepare for the new year by learning about the history of sparkling wines while tasting your way through seven varieties from across the world, courtesy of Tria Wash West’s wine director. $75 tickets. (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
🎀 Monday, Dec. 9: Pinky Promise – Work in Progress Reading
Paper Doll Ensemble’s one-night-only show at Theatre Exile heads back to summer 2005 following three heroines — Miriam, Phoebe, and Heidi — as they enjoy the last summer of their pre-teen years. There will be Cosmo quizzes, boys, body changes, and …. hobby horses?? $5-20 pay-what-you-wish. (7 to 9 p.m.)
🎶 Monday, Dec. 9: Voices of Motown “A Motown Monday Christmas”
It’s dinner and a nostalgic show at City Winery, where several groups of seasoned musicians take guests on a musical tour of Motown Christmas music. $25-45 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
🎭 Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 10-15: The Sincerity Project #5
10 years ago, Philly’s Team Sunshine Performance set out to create a show lasting 24 years. Every 2-3 years, a new installment is produced in response to the shifts in our lives and in the world. Audience members can also write a letter to themselves to be read at a future performance. This fifth installment, at FringeArts, focuses on the journey to parenthood. $10-50 tickets. Various times.
🎅🏽 Thursday, Dec. 12 + Saturday, Dec. 14: Jingle & Mingle with Santa
Take a picture with Santa in Franklin Square at 5 p.m. Thursday, then bring your canine pets for Santa Paws on Saturday! Free.
🍵 Thursday, Dec. 12: Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea
Join chemist and author Michelle Francl for an evening at the Science History Institute exploring the science behind the world’s most popular beverage: tea! Free with RSVP. Online and in-person. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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