Students from the Eliza Kirkbride School, 1501 S. Seventh St., took a break from the daily routine last week to visit City Council.
By Bill Gelman
The group was recognized by 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla for their arts-based project titled “American Dreams.” In honor of Philadelphia Arts Advocacy Week, the youngsters brought signs with messages of “Save the Arts” and “Protect Arts Ed,” speaking to the need for arts funding in Philly public schools. …
The sixth annual Passyunk Square Civic Association Art Auction is taking place tomorrow night (April 28) from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Maron’s Maronite Church, 10th and Ellsworth streets. Tickets are $10. Visit passyunksquare.ticketleap.com. …
The Young Chances Foundation is hosting a Family Fun Day noon-4 p.m. Saturday (April 29) at Vare Recreation Center, 2600 Morris St. The family friendly event will include a basketball game, barbecue, double dutch contest, face painting, games, raffles and giveaways. Visit the organization’s Facebook page for complete details. …
The East Passyunk Community Recreation Center, 1025 Mifflin St., is holding its next meeting Tuesday (May 2) at 8 p.m., with the kitchen renovation and application for the Keystone Communities Program grant being the main items on the agenda. …
Fitzwater Cafe, 728. S. Seventh St., executive chef Stacey Ann Altadonna is continuing to hold Fitzwater Future Chefs every other Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The hands-on sessions are geared for children 8 and up. Tonight’s class is sweet and savory waffles. Richard Santore, owner of the cafe and the Saloon, donates the proceeds to local public schools, including William Meredith Elementary, Fifth and Fitzwater streets. …
Toll Man Joe’s, 26 E. Oregon Ave., is hosting a veterans benefit Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Philadelphia Comfort Veterans House, the Police Survivor’s Fund and the Fire Widow’s Fund. The $30 ticket includes draft beer, box wine, finger food, roast beef and pasta. Visit the Toll Man Joe’s Facebook page for more information.
The Newbold Blues Festival is taking place Saturday, June 17 from noon-5 p.m. on the 1900 block of South Bancroft St. The Newbold Development Corp. announced the details of this special community fundraiser where blues, brews and BBQ will take center stage. Mike’s BBQ, The Grubhouse, Chaat and Chai and 2nd District Brewing, Brewery ARS, Manatawny Still Works, Nodding Head Brewery and Point Breeze Brewing will be supplying the food and libations. Phil Romeo, Shakey Lyman, The KAND-D Band, Blue Pharroahs and New Pony will be providing the musical entertainment. The proceeds from this kid-friendly event will support the Newbold CDC’s South Philly Green community greening infrastructure program. But there is more … Brewery ARS, 1927–29 West Passyunk Ave., will be hosting the after party 6–10 p.m. Visit newboldbluesfestival.com. …
Speaking of the Blues, The Blues Traveler have announced the dates of their 30th anniversary tour which is kicking off in the fall. It includes an Oct. 13 performance at the TLA, 334 South St. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow (April 28) at 10 a.m. Visit bluestraveler.com.
