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CONTACT: |
Caroline Bean |
GPTMC |
(215) 599-7433 | caroline@gptmc.com |
PHILADELPHIA, May 30, 2003 – After selling out the trolleys last fall, Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours return for the highly anticipated spring season. A new tour called, “The Sound of Philadelphia,” has been added to this year’s roster, giving music aficionados the chance to explore the studios at Philadelphia International Records and stand behind the same microphones that Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass and other hometown artists once used to record hit singles.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation’s (GPTMC) Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours promise a unique experience by taking visitors beyond the colonial icons of Center City to introduce them to the neighborhoods where Philadelphians live, work and play. Tour takers can learn to play the congas during a visit to the city’s Latino community, buy locally made mozzarella during a stroll through the Italian Market or participate in an abolitionist meeting at the Johnson House in Germantown. The spring series of tours runs Saturdays through July 12.
During each three-hour excursion, tour participants experience the culture, heritage and diversity of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods by sampling authentic foods and participating in lively cultural performances or events. Experienced guides provide in-depth information on the historical and social trends that have shaped each neighborhood. GPTMC has developed the tour series in cooperation with the Philadelphia Neighborhood Tourism Network, a coalition of community-based organizations dedicated to the development of their communities through cultural and heritage tourism. The tours will repeat in the fall. Below is the tour schedule:
Voices of Chinatown (May 31, October 4) – Get caught up in the excitement of a lion dance, taste dim sum specialties and learn about the curative power of herbs during a visit to a traditional Chinese pharmacy in Chinatown.
Latin Soul, Latin Flavor (June 7, September 20) – Learn about the roots of Latin American music and sample authentic Caribbean coffees and pastries during this trip to North 5th Street in the heart of Philadelphia’s growing Latino community.
Philadelphia’s Civil Rights Struggle (June 14, September 27) – Recount the moments when racism was challenged in Philadelphia’s streets, classrooms and churches during this visit to the North Philadelphia neighborhood that was the epicenter of the city’s civil rights struggle. Hear about the dramatic demonstrations at Girard College and join in a performance at Church of the Advocate.
Mummers & Mozzarella: South Philly Traditions (June 21, September 6) – Join in the traditions that make South Philadelphia one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods: savor the sights, sounds and smells of the Italian Market and learn the Mummers Strut during a visit to the Mummers Museum.
The Sound of Philadelphia (June 28, October 18) – Listen to an array of musical styles and innovations and learn about the social and cultural trends that have contributed to Philadelphia’s African American musical heritage. A musical journey covering classical, gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues, the tour culminates with a behind-the-scenes visit to the recording studios of Gamble & Huff.
Exotic Cuisine & Esoteric Culture (July 12, September 13) – Experience a feast for the senses during this visit to University City, where avant garde artists, Amish farmers and a Laotian restaurant are all part of the incredible diversity of cultures found here.
Taking a Stand for Freedom (October 11) – Witness moving first-person accounts and musical presentations that evoke the drama of the Underground Railroad during visits to two documented Underground Railroad stations.
Philadelphia’s Jewish Experience (October 25) – Explore the Jewish religious, social and business traditions that took root first in Center City and South Philadelphia and eventually spread throughout the region.
“The Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours let visitors become part of the community for a day,” says Patricia Washington, vice president, GPTMC. “You’re not just an observer during the tour, you are a participant.”
Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours will depart from the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th & Market Streets at 10 a.m. most Saturdays through July 12 and September 6 through October 25. Tickets are $32 for adults; $27 students and seniors over 65; $27 for individuals purchasing two or more tours; $22 for children 8-12; $22 for groups of 10 or more. Price includes refreshments and performances. Call GPTMC at (215) 599-2295 for reservations.
GPTMC is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676. For information about arts and cultural attractions in the region, visit the Philadelphia CultureFiles at gophila.com.
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Note to Editors: For story angles and photographic images of Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside, visit
gophila.com/pressroom. June 2003
