Circle of Hope

Vero Ensemble

Last Friday at Broad and Washington, we reconstituted our open mic tradition as “Happy Mic” — and the mic was, indeed, happy.

Jarrod and fans

We went right up to our stated time limit (so our NA group could have their birthday party) — and there was more to be shared. The Vero Ensemble, with our birthday boy and soon-to-be cruise ship entertainer, Joshua Stauffer, was a BIG plus that we had not expected.

We want to do it again soon. So expect another invitation to Happy Mic with more refinements and a longer lead time to help you get ready.

Remember when I said we like to partner with other people and community groups doing cool things in our neighborhoods? We really do! In recent weeks, we, once again, partnered with our friend, Mike Brennan, a local philanthropist/concert promoter, to help raise money for Prevention Point Philly (PPP). PPP works directly with Philadelphia’s homeless population focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention.  Fun, indie pop bands, like local act, Good Luck, brought lots friends together to jam late into the evening. Overall, nearly $200 was raised to support the good (and much needed) work of Prevention Point!

We really love to partner with community groups doing great things in the neighborhoods where we gather. This week, Kathryn Snyder and some friends hosted a ”Light the Night” event to raise money to make their local South Philly neighborhood park safer at night. Revolving Spaces, a local dance troupe, that will be participating in the famous Philadelphia Fringe Festival, provided a sneak peak of what’s to come in September. There was good food, an sweet acapella ensemble, beautiful dancing, and mingling with friends new and old…all in all a successful night doing something good in the neighborhood!