The Piazza at Schmidts 2nd and Germantown Aves, below Girard Temple University Libraries, Urban Archives presents a look at hidden stories of music and sound in Philadelphia. It features some of the more distinct characters, traditions and venues in the city’s recent history. The screening will feature: free…-jazz performer Sun Ra and his Arkestra, David Bowie visiting Veterans Stadium, synthesizer expert Gerson Rosenbloom, Philadelphia International soul legends McFadden & Whitehead, punk/new wave stalwart Kenn Kweeder at the Hot Club, the organist at the Spectrum sports and entertainment venue, jazz-vibraphonist Khan Jamal, Mummers new years string bands, the original Electric Factory concert venue and more! The program consists of unique footage from the Urban Archives’ collections including unaired news footage, television broadcasts, news magazines and documentaries from local networks WPVI 6 and KYW 3. This highlights recent preservation and digitization work done on our film and video holdings and is curated by John Pettit and Kathryn Gronsbell. Open to the general public and FREE! Register on facebook
Sun Ra, Visions, WPVI Public Affairs- 24:34 Performances by Sun Ra and his “Science-Myth Arkestra” are interspersed with his observations on music, life and the African-American experience.
Kenn Kweder, Evening Magazine, KYW – 6:40 Kenn Kweder, self-proclaimed “country singer from Southwest Philadelphia giving you pure rock and roll” is interviewed at the Hot Club where he gives us his personal background and defines the genre of music he plays.
Westinghouse Radio Giveaway, KYW Newsfilm, August 6, 1966- 1:07 A short promotional piece found amongst the news footage promoting Westinghouse portable radios and amplifiers.
Gerson Rosenbloom, Music Makers, WPVI Public Affairs 7:13 A segment from a show called “Music Makers” within our WPVI Public Affairs collection. Gerson Rosenboom, from Medley Music demonstrates ARP synthesizers and explores the implications for musicians. Gregg Hall, host
Spectrum Organist, Evening Magazine , 7:23 Alan Paller, takes host Teresa Brown up to his perch atop the Spectrum to experience his unique position. He plays a few tunes including the Flyers game classic “Oh Dem Golden Slippers” along with observations on how to play to a crowd.
Philadelphia Orchestra, KYW Newsfilm, 9:34 Through unedited 16mm news footage, we see construction of a news piece where Philadelphia Orchestra members are shown preparing for a concert at the Academy of Music. Meandering sounds from the players alternate with orders barked from by the producers of the footage. This footage was shot to provide B-Roll in a story about a conflict between the players union and the orchestra administration.
McFadden & Whitehead, Visions- 7:44 Evening Magazine A Vernon Odom produced segment featuring Philadelphia International Records staff writers Gene McFadden and John Whitehead. They talk about their Philadelphia roots and careers since leaving Philadelphia International.
David Bowie, Evening Magazine– 5:56 One of the many chapters in the David Bowie’s history with Philadelphia. A segment on David Bowie’s press conference and BBQ at Veteran’s Stadium to promote his “Glass Spiders” tour.
Electric Factory, KYW Newsfilm – 6:03 Silent footage from the original, 1968 Electric Factory concert venue. Originally located at 23rd and Arch Streets, the venue featured many of the times most prominent acts. Many of the unique features of the concert experience are shown.
Khan Jamal, Visions, WPVI – 7:38 Philadelphia based, jazz-vibraphonist Khan Jamal offers his observations on jazz music. The footage is cut with performances from Jamal and his band and him in both the Wissahickon Valley and home in the northwest section of the city.
Twist, KYW Newsfilm – 1:57 Little is known about the undated footage aside from the “Twist” found on the box and a sign indicating it as a “Twist-A-Thon”. A dance with strong local ties through its popularization through Chubby Checker and American Bandstand.