April 26, 2007

Rap session

Put aside the video images of rappers for a moment and make way for artists Filth Money, left, and Spank Hulk. Born and raised in Southwest Philly, the two put together a demo that has a hip-hop beat but relays a positive message about taking pride in the community. Monday, they handed out their music to passersby, whether in cars or on foot, at the intersection of Broad Street and Snyder Avenue — and caught a few rays in the process. Using a friendly, no-frills approach, the two are doing all their promotion on Philadelphia streets — and creating new fans every day.

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April 19, 2007

Punk-rock pretzel

Strange things are supposed to happen on Friday the 13th, but Rich Milillo seemed to be comfortably going his own way as he chowed down on a soft pretzel in front of the Philly Soft Pretzel Factory April 13. His brother works at the shop at Third Street and Oregon Avenue and, growing up right around the corner on American Street, Milillo always takes advantage of having family ties to this Philadelphia treat — in fact, the very pretzel he was eating was made by his brother.

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April 18, 2007

Finding the flow

Witnessing one of the many skateboarders rolling rhythmically up and down the colorful, graffiti-covered ramps Tuesday afternoon, two things became certain: the warm and exciting energy of spring has finally arrived and South Philly’s greatest treasures are sometimes those hidden from the outside world. Far away from the distraction of passersby and traffic, deep in FDR Park, this skater can simply do his thing: just him, his ’board and his own South Philly vibe.

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Selling on the side

A familiar face — and voice — at Front and Morris streets, James Miles has been selling roses curbside to drivers for three years with the company Roses Are Us. At the booming sound of “Roses!”, someone in need of a last-minute gift or with an impromptu desire to make a sweet gesture can wheel by the flower seller and pick up a bouquet before heading onto the I-95 ramp. A recent choice? Long-stem pink blooms — just in time for spring.

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Not walking on sunshine

Just last week, spring teased the air when pleasant 70-degree days graced the city. But Maurice Davis, right, and his 4-year-old cousin Giovena McCullen had to bundle up so they could take a walk near the ;intersection of Shunk Street and Moyamensing Avenue during a bristly windy April 9. Hopefully, when the warmer temperatures settle in again, spring will truly be here to stay.

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Here come the sun

As the warmth melts away those harsh ice patches that just days ago buried South Philly’s sidewalks and roads, Nora Slome and her dog Sophie squinted joyfully at the afternoon sun pouring onto their porch Tuesday — just one day before spring officially arrived. Eager for the coming greener months, the resident of Third and Moore streets is getting ready to decorate the front of her house with tons of plants and flowers. Hopefully, those golden rays playing with the shadows on her stoop are here to stay.

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Street Beat

For Anthony Mohamed, above, as he strikes the congas, and Jafar Barron on the cornet, playing in the open air offers the perfect acoustics for their sound. But whether in a concert hall, on a corner, or, in this case, South Street Bridge, these two just want to bring harmonious melodies to the public’s ears. While Barron has performed with such artists as Jill Scott and King Britt and Mohamed enjoys reciting the spoken word, music is what brings people together, they said. And, by playing out in the open, they hope to give that message to anyone passing by.

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