What I Love Most About Philadelphia?

What do you love most about living in Philadelphia?

By John Matthews

Last year, a woman whose acquaintance I made at a conference in Chicago was in Philadelphia on business for the first time and called me to see if I would take her and some friends for a tour of the city. Born and raised in New York City, she really didn't know much about Philadelphia, except that the Phillies beat out her beloved Mets for a chance to play in the World Series, only to lose to her city's Yankees. I remember her asking me what it was like to be born and raise in a small town. After reminding her that Philadelphia is in fact the fifth-mostpopulous city in the United States, I politely pointed out that my city is a wonderful major world metropolis with a small town feeling. Philadelphia, popularly known to fellow Philadelphians as a "City of Neighborhoods," is what I love most about our city. Its diversity serves as a reminder that all are created equal, which says a lot about the city where our great American democracy was conceived.

As I showed her around town, and being the musician I am, I allowed her to experience how every neighborhood we went into has its own distinct flavor. Residents of different backgrounds and cultures make our neighborhoods come alive. Each neighborhood has a very unique way of expressing itself; earning more social interaction capital than World Series wins. She witnessed Philadelphia's knack for enriching the lives of all its residents in every neighborhood with its use of the arts. The arts enhance our diversity. Through the arts neighbors learn how to appreciate the traditions and cultures of residents from myriad backgrounds. My friend noticed how neighbors apply this awareness to everyday life in a multi-cultural city.

The practice of dance, visual arts, and theater, vocal and instrumental music reminds us daily that while we may all be Philadelphians, we are first individuals with our own interests, talents and potential ready to contribute to the continued advancement of our city. Philadelphia is showing our residents not to simply bond together based on race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental challenges, but rather, to build friendships based on common passions and the pursuit of a successful future for our families and for our city. Our town is home to the greatest neighborhood venues in the nation. I, myself was amazed as I showed these out-of-town visitors how culturally diverse our town really is. Every neighborhood contains many restaurants, theaters and other venues where creative art is displayed or performed. We are indeed a "City of Neighborhoods", which produces some of the most talented and dedicated residents our city has to offer. Vocalists can be heard throughout every corner of the city, instrumentalist entertain concert goers in Center City, South Street and way up in the Northeast and Northern Liberties with their rhyåhmic melodies, visual artist can be greeted in Latino balTios, theater performers can be seen moving their audience in West Philadelphia, jazz musicians cater to huge crowds in Germantown and galleries with wine and cheese invite folks to Chestnut Hill and Manayunk.

Even though there is a tremendous drive nurtured by the positive environment our talents are also shared with others. Among our town activities are ethnic parades and festival which attract thousands of people. All throughout Philadelphia residents are actively engaged in their community. Our city's diverse population shares a common dedication and drive, securing our "City of Neighborhoods" with that friendly and culturally rich diversity that will strengthen generations to come. So what do I love about Philadelphia? Everything and more.

In the end, my out-of-town friends promised to come back to Philadelphia because of our vibrant neighborhoods and the great anistic promotions happening across this big city with a small town feel. They saw a city that motivates one another, offers shoulders to cry on, mentors, role models and caring citizens. After enjoying themselves immensely, they came to realize that our neighbors continued efforts in the arts and in the community can change an entire city- and, perhaps, inspire a country.