#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Waiting for spring
(Photo by @mediumsizeddeal)
Joe Frazier statue approved to move from South Philly to the Art Museum
The Philadelphia Art Commission approved the proposal to move the statue of former heavyweight champion, “Smokin’” Joe Frazier from its current location in front of Stateside Live! to the base of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Frazier’s sculpture will replace the Rocky statue that has been in that space since 2006. Continue reading …
Philly has plenty of Galentine’s parties and irreverent events to keep things fun
You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy Valentine’s season. Plenty of love-themed events in Philly this February will be inclusive and out of the box.
Whether you are cuffed this season or not, there are plenty of Valentine’s and Galentine’s events to explore. Here’s our list of fun, love- and friendship-themed celebrations that go beyond the typical dinner date. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Data centers explained: What they are, why the Philly area is seeing more of them and how they affect us. [WHYY]
• Philly will put up ‘No Stopping’ signs along bike lanes citywide after receiving $1 million from PennDOT. [PhillyVoice]
• Philadelphia controller’s review finds widespread problems with speed cushions near schools. [6ABC]
• ‘The hallways are quiet’: Trauma-informed school model uses calm to prevent conflict in Philly. [Chalkbeat]
• The Philadelphia Stars Negro Leagues mural in West Philly was taken down — but a new one is planned. [Inq$]
• The Temple University Jazz Band released their first international album after a national championship win. [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no events scheduled for Thursday.
ON THE CALENDAR
💜 Galentine’s and non-Valentine’s events
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Feb. 12: 2nd Thursday gallery night
reCreate gallery’s latest exhibition and after-hours shopping. At the Resource Exchange. Free. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 12: ‘Tis Well… The Life and Death of George Washington
Come discover the highs and lows of George Washington’s personal life at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church. $10 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: Great Backyard Bird Count
A global event that connects people through bird watching. Participants will practice bird identification, learn about local bird species, and submit their sightings to support global conservation research. At Glen Foerd. Free with registration. BYO binoculars. (4 to 5:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb 13: Lunar New Year Celebration
How do people celebrate Lunar New Year, and what traditions make this holiday special? Learn about Lunar New Year customs and share good wishes with friends and the community. At FACTS Charter School, 1023 Callowhill Street. (4 to 6 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: Glue Sticks and Feelings: an Anti Valentine’s Day Grief Crafting Circle
Valentine’s Day. Grief. Both can be messy and heavy and complicated. Also funny and strange. Hang out with other grievers, crafters, grieving crafters, and crafting grievers. Share or not, make a collage, a mini zine, a Valentine to what or whomever you’re grieving – or BYO craft, so long as there is no glitter / oil paints / physical mess that would impact the space. All griefs welcome. At Wooden Shoe Books. $0-25 suggested donation. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 13: 2nd Hand Circus Scrap Night
“Fall back in love — with the things that have been left behind.” Scrap Night is a curated evening of short circus works made from thrifted, passed-down, recycled, or once-forgotten objects. Eight circus artists each receive (or bring) a secondhand item and transform it into a brand-new act. At Thunderbird Hall. $35 to $75 tickets include drinks. (8 to 10:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Underground Railroad FreeWalk: Philadelphia Firstival
A walking history tour of Underground Railroad and related sites in the city, with special events at the African American Museum. Start and end at LOVE Park on a 7-mile walk. Free with RSVP. (9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: A Meal to Remember: Live Mystery Theater Experience!
A seated, immersive historical mystery where time is on the brink of collapse. Work together with other audience members to identify historical figures who have forgotten who they are through monologues, interactions and relics. Do it before the museum doors open or else their histories will vanish. $60 ticket includes a Scandinavian-inspired brunch or dinner buffet. (10:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. show times)
Saturday, Feb. 14: “The Art of Brotherly Love” Philadelphia Premier Screening
Experience the ‘Ganges Incident’ —the dramatic 1800 rescue of 135 enslaved Africans that served to historically validate Philadelphia’s identity as the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ through community action. At Landmark Ritz Five. $14.64 tickets. (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Make Love Market at LOVE Park
Now + Then Marketplace hosts this themed market at the LOVE Park spaceship building. Show your love for local businesses. Enjoy a playful, love-themed lineup of vendors offering everything from caricature portraits and sweet treats to Tinder profile reviews. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Heated Rivalry in the Library: The Show, The Books, and the Fandom
An afternoon celebrating Heated Rivalry — the show, the books, and the fandom that loves it all. Featuring a panel of romance authors including Xio Axelrod, Rosie Danan and Joanna Shupe, and moderated by superfan Shaye Lefkowitz. At Parkway Central. Free with RSVP. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: PSCA Adult Prom
Reimagine the classic rite of passage through the playful, inclusive and daring lens of contemporary circus. Attend with a partner, a group of friends or solo, and dress to impress or express — whether that means up-cycled, retro prom attire or sleek, modern elegance. Featuring a live DJ, ambient circus performances, open dance floor, DIY corsage/boutonnieres, cash bar and aerial champagne pour. $36.70 tickets. (7:30 to 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14: Galentine’s Party
Forget the chocolate and flowers. Bring the squad to Evil Genius for the ultimate Galentine’s celebration, with a live DJ spinning anthems, plus cocktails, wines, beer and food. (8 to 11 p.m.)
