Formerly known as Verizon Hall, the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra is now named in honor of the late singer, Civil Rights icon and Philadelphia legend. Anderson will also be honored with a statue next year outside the Academy of Music.
Civic and arts leaders from across Philly and the U.S. gathered to honor Anderson — including Queen Latifah and Tony and Grammy-winner Audra McDonald, who hosted and performed at a celebratory concert. Continue reading…
![](https://i0.wp.com/billypenn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/marian-anderson-hall-4.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
EgoPo Classic Theater is staging an ambitious, decades-in-the-making production of “Ramayana” at the Navy Yard from June 12-16. The cross-cultural celebration will feature hundreds of characters – many of them puppets – based on an epic 24,000-verse Hindu poem that dates back to 700 BCE.
Rama, the main character, exemplifies positive virtues of love and loyalty. In some places, Ram-Ram means hello. In Philly, an Indonesian grocery store is named Ramayana.
BP’s Jane M. Von Bergen takes us behind the scenes of this massive outdoor celebration, which, in partnership with two Indonesian groups — Papermoon Puppet Theater of Java and the Kalanari Theatre Movement of Bali – leads to Rama Fest, a street festival of Indonesian food, artisans, and local performers. Continue reading…
![](https://i0.wp.com/billypenn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Modero2023_jmaz.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1)
(photo by Jose Mazariegos)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Fewer mail ballots were rejected for voter errors overall in this year’s Pa. primary election, but state data shows more voters were confused by the pre-filled date/year section. [Spotlight PA/Votebeat]
• Residents of the counties surrounding Philadelphia who have old computers, televisions, and microwaves can now donate them to Goodwill to be sold or recycled. [WHYY]
• Over 1,000 UArts students, faculty and alums marked the last day of the historic institution on June 7 with a rally, protest, group photo, and vow to “stand up [and] fight back.” [WHYY]
• The entire most recent graduating class of Philadelphia police officers is being sent to Kensington beginning June 18 to patrol “24/7” on foot and bike, increasing the neighborhood’s police presence by 200%. [Kensington Voice]
• After winning the Saturday opener of MLB’s third London Series, the Phillies lost 6-5 to the Mets on Sunday. [AP/MLB]
• Philly rapper Tierra Whack brought playful, grade school shenanigans to her Tiny Desk concert that featured a surprise visit from the Phanatic. [NPR]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🚶🏽♀️Monday, June 10: Historic Bella Vista Walking Tour
This free one-hour walking tour sets out from Charles Santore Library and includes stops at St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Fleisher Art Memorial, the Institute for Colored Youth and the 9th Street Market. Ages 12+ welcome. Free with registration. (6 p.m.)
🌳 Tuesday, June 11: Green Burial: Networking, Wine-tasting & tour at Laurel Hill West
Learn about eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burial with this discussion and guided tour with experts from Laurel Hill and Green Burial PA. Tickets are $16.75. (5 to 7:30 p.m.)
📚 Wednesday, June 12: “Sons of Chinatown” author talk with William Gee Wong
Published by Temple University Press, this memoir about an immigrant father-American son explores the immigration struggles amidst systemic racism and American exceptionalism. Free; RSVP recommended. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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