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On the Town - Philadelphia

While many historic sites (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall) live on here, America's first capital has changed a lot since 1774. Discover the thriving underground art scene, hear the sounds of Philly Soul, shop for locally made souvenirs and more.
June 2009

Published in Destinations :: Destinations On the Town

OUR TOWN

Four locals find inspiration in Philadelphia.

By Caroline Tiger

 

Ralph Archbold
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN IMPERSONATOR
35 YEARS ON THE JOB

How did you get started as an impersonator? "I stumbled upon an audition for actors in Michigan, where I lived. They had two parts - a judge and Benjamin Franklin. The other actor didn't want to play Franklin, so I took him. I was 31. People started asking if I did speaking engagements, and soon it became full-time. I realized around the country's bicentennial in 1976 that the real market was in Philadelphia, so I moved here."

Why do people love Ben Franklin? "He was one of the people. Washington was a military man and the president. Jefferson was a Virginia lawyer. Franklin was one of us. There is hardly an area of life that he didn't touch - the library, the post office, the fire department, street paving, electricity. There's a wonderful exhibit on his inventions at the Franklin Institute."

What's it like being married to a Betsy Ross portrayer? "People are very happy that Ben and Betsy got together, and so are we. We're still on our honeymoon."

Jill Scott
SINGER-SONGWRITER AND ACTRESS
9 YEARS ON JOB

What do you love about Philadelphia? "I really enjoy that it's a big city with a small-town feel. It is packed with rich culture and diversity. It was the first capital and social center of America! The food is divine as well. When I leave Philly, that's one of the main things I miss: the delicious meals."

What's it like being a musician there? "Philly has a very strong artistic community. The music industry in Philly is so tight-knit, it has given me the remarkable chance to work with amazing musicians. I've been fortunate in that I've been able to build strong, lasting relationships."

Has anyone in particular helped your career? "Questlove from The Roots. I met him the night my career officially began. I was reading poetry at the 5 Spot. I instantly bonded with Quest. He's such a kind soul, and after hearing me sing, he became committed to growing me as an artist and getting me signed. He has forever touched my life."

Judy Wicks
FOUNDER OF WHITE DOG CAFÉ
26 YEARS ON THE JOB

What's your favorite summer dish at the café? "We never know exactly what's going to be on the menu because it's whatever's fresh from the farm. But what I most look forward to in the summer are fresh, delicious tomatoes and corn."

Why did you start the nonprofit White Dog Community Enterprises? "I wanted to take what I'd learned at White Dog Café to a higher level of social impact by increasing the buying of food from local farmers - something we'd been doing at the restaurant for 20 years. The first project was the Fair Food Project. So far, it has built a local sustainable food system in Philadelphia that links hundreds of farms within 100 miles of the city to restaurants, schools and hospitals."

How do you experience Philly in your free time? "I love the bike trail along the Schuylkill River. You can rent a bike and pedal from Center City to Manayunk or all the way to Valley Forge if you're a real adventurer. And I think it's fun to explore the different neighborhoods. Go down to the outdoor Italian Market, which has great cheese shops, or to Chinatown and sample a Vietnamese restaurant."

Isaiah Zagar
MOSAIC ARTIST
40 YEARS ON THE JOB

How do you decide where to mosaic? "It has to be accessible to the public. It has to be shared by everybody. I'm a public artist - the key for me is to change the way the city looks."

What inspires you? "The world inspires me, and Philadelphia has a tradition of bringing the world here. We've been a seafaring city since the beginning. We've had archaeologists and anthropologists going all over the world and bringing back their findings."

You've been working on the Magic Gardens (a large-scale mosaic on South Street) since 1994. How will you know when it's finished? "Usually I know I'm finished when I've stopped thinking about a project. One project is done when I start another one in reality and in my mind. I'll never finish [the Magic Gardens] because it's always on my mind."

How has the city changed since you arrived in 1968? "It was falling apart. There were only three galleries and one of them was a frame shop. A lot of artists moved in because it was inexpensive; we were paying $75 a month in rent. That was good for the uplift of the city."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Published in Destinations :: Destinations On the Town

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