As a former resident, and general fan, of Brewerytown I decided to venture down the trolley tracks of Girard Avenue to the Art + Soul Food Fest. Rain had threatened earlier in the day, but clearing skies and a break in the week’s overwhelming heat supplied a lovely day to be on the sidewalk.
The immediate attention-draw of the event was the band setup outside the MM Partners office at 29th and Girard. They were not only the loudest portion of the fest, but they had a pretty decent crowd gathered and at one point laid down a solid Black Keys cover: a little blues on the side of your soul food.
Once out of the band’s immediate orbit, the crowd thinned and there were large gaps between the stores, food trucks, and craft sellers who had setup on the two block festival stretch. As my wife and I took laps of the area and checked out all the businesses and two of the art galleries that were open, a picture of Brewerytown’s status came clear. It’s no longer the over-hyped “next hot neighborhood” that Westrum and others tried so hard to promote five or so years ago. It’s a neighborhood awaiting its moment, awaiting that critical mass of creative, engaged people who will create vibrant businesses in the gaps. There is already a strong base; this is no blank slate waiting to be transformed.
Businesses like Best in Show Grooming were out on the sidewalk with very cool Phillies themed dog cookies and were quick with advice as I quizzed them about my own dog’s quirks. Butters Soul Food was busy winning friends with free fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. One of the new faces since my days living on Girard Ave, Colorwheel Bike Studio, was a bit of a bike-parts jumble, but nonetheless a very living and welcoming space.
I ended my wandering at Mugshots where some finger foods and beer were provided in the backyard to celebrate the end of another Art and Soul Food fest. I couldn’t stay long as there is no sidewalk access to the back and they don’t allow dogs to pass through the café (might want to rethink that one), but it’s still a gorgeous space to have a coffee, or in this case a Yards Brawler.
The event was hopeful and aspirational, and I’ve got to give it to Brewerytown for sticking with it. The beauty of the restored “Lein’s” stained glass above the Mugshots entrance provides a telling contrast to the boarded up remnants of George’s Pizza one door over. These neighbors tell of the two steps forward, one back pace of neighborhood progress in the Recession-era. It can test the patience, as we’d all like every neighborhood to be exploding with progress, but it’s important to keep an eye on the step forward and continue aspiring to another.
Pingback: Art + Soul Food 2011 Recap | Brewerytown Living | Philadelphia, PA