Entertainment in University City:

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
by Kevin on October 28, 2009

Come Make Art with Tremain Smith: “We Are the Hope” Opens at The University City Arts League: October 30th

In spring 2009 West Philadelphia’s own Tremain Smith worked with middle school students to teach encaustic painting with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. What is encaustic, you say? Just ask Tremain, a local treasure who is world-renowned for her encaustic paintings, but still remains active in the local West Philly art scene. In their very own cultural mash-up, students mixed encaustic painting techniques (a la Tremain Smith) with Arabic calligraphy (a la Al-Bustan) to respond to the message of hope coming from Barack Obama’s campaign for the presidency. The resulting artworks became the “Nahnu al-Amal” exhibition (literally translated from Arabic, We Are the Hope). The artworks fuse Smith’s long experience with encaustic painting techniques and the students’ own experiments with Arabic calligraphy.

The glue that unites an artist like Tremain Smith, Arabic calligraphy and Philadelphia youth is Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. Al-Bustan educates youth about Arabic language, arts, and culture. “Al-Bustan” Arabic for “the Garden” promotes cross-cultural understanding through the arts, and has been for over 5 years now.

Visitors to the opening of “Nahnu al-Amal” will get the chance to see Tremain at work and participate in making encaustic paintings that will get incorporated into the rest of the exhibit. If you come their own encaustic panel paintings that respond to the theme of hope seen in the exhibit. Once the panels are completed these new works will join the others made by students in the exhibition. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

For more information about Al-Bustan or Tremain Smith,
check out: http://albustanseeds.org/
http://www.tremainsmith.com/

Exhibit at University City Arts League: October 30 – November 4, 2009

Opening Reception and Art-Making: Friday, October 30, 5-7 PM

Elena's Soul - Showcase, Lounge & Cafe
by Tristan Mills on September 15, 2009

One of the things I like about Elena's is the mix of people. Black ,white , older , younger,...It's just a really nice vibe. When the Jam sessions are on (I think every other Thursday) musicians from across the city come to jam. The drinks are cheap and as for the food...I'm a big fan of the wings.

Elena's Soul - Showcase, Lounge & Cafe
by Lateef on September 14, 2009

Wow, i have been attending Elena's for awhile now, and I must say, " It's Wonderful." It brings a great crowd of mix of different cultures and entertainment. I personally like the Jam session on thursdays, but jazz on friday nights is very good. If like to sing karaoke don't miss out on wednesday. The food is very good, lets just say it's giving my grandma a run for her money. We all know how grandmas get down in the kitchen. The staff and owner bring a great a positive vibe to itself and the neighborhood. Come check Elena's, I promise you will have a great time, and wouldn't hesitate to come again

Elena's Soul - Showcase, Lounge & Cafe
by Rena on September 13, 2009

On one occasion my family and I went to the bar and we were trying to get some food; we had no idea how busy the cook was but we tried to ordered and she just over-looked my sister and focus on white people who were placing his or her order. The young woman who works at night cannot cook at all; she puts loads of salt on food and it tastes like a ton of salt. We all know that food is season a little but when shake salt all over someone’s food and he or she does not ask for it it’s a death sentence for people who cannot have salt. These people do not care about health; if so, why would you even put salt on someone’s food if he or she does not tell you too? However, years ago it was a nice place with lots of fun and enjoyment when Mr. Leroy had the place and we never felt unwelcome at all as we have since its been Elena’s. I understand that the owner is trying to get a more of a white climate due to diversity and that’s great but when you treat African-American people with little respect it’s discrimination; however, we always talk about white on black discrimination buy blacks people have a wide range of discrimination on each other, which is unacceptable. I eat out at white bars down 3rd and the food is great; they think about health, which is an important part of life so they do not put salt of food at all; these people leave it up to you to put salt on you food so why should other’s that the accountability to pour tons of salt all over people’s food.

Elena's Soul - Showcase, Lounge & Cafe
by Algernong Allen on August 2, 2009

Elena's Soul is a good old soul food music and booze spot, where you can capture the authenticity of West Philadelphia. This African American 'Soul' based restuarant and bar has undergone a name change since its days as Leroy's Showcase, but the warm character remains. The bar is an old school, wood paneled wonder combining the character of the early sixties or seventies with the fresh hipness of today. Flat screens, a great selection of draft beers and live entertainment makes this a favorite hang out of neighborhood folks. The food is simple soul food fare, wings fish, shrimp pork chops, and a great veggie burger, amongst other offerings. Many legendary, as well as up and coming artists have performed at Elena's, and there are Jam sessions there regularly. This place reflects the beauty of West Philly's diverse legacy and history, and is the culmination of what the neighborhood has been through over the years. The people and service are nice, from the young tatooed hipsters, to the old timers, Elena's is a welcome common ground to be claimed by all. And you just feel cool, and in the know, when you're there.