My goal is to open their minds and souls to different sounds.
Why do you live in Philly?
It's close to New York and has a great arts scene. My kids are both in great public schools. The real estate market here is very good. There is more bang for your buck in Philly. I love paying my mortgage because it’s less than what I paid for a three bedroom apartment in New York.
Where do you live?
East Mount Airy. Mount Airy is what I call the "suburban city." It's still the city with the look of the suburbs. You can get everything you need and do everything you want to do without leaving the area of Mount Airy, Germantown and Chestnut Hill. The area is recognized by many civil rights groups as one of the first successfully integrated neighborhoods in America. Mount Airy continues to be a well-blended neighborhood and was recently cited in Oprah Winfrey's "O" magazine for its racial diversity and neighborhood appeal.
What inspires you about the city?
The musical history. I love being a part of a town the supported Teddy, Grover, McBride, De Francesco, Pieces Of A Dream, The Heath Brothers, and so many more.
What is Philly's best kept secret?
South Street Hats. It’s a great hat shop. You have to be into that sort of thing, but they can find a hat that looks great on you.
What should non-natives know about the city?
The sound of Philly. Not only with Gamble and Huff, you can get into the jazz scene with John Coltrane (who’s actually not from Philly but he’s spent a lot of time here), Trudy Pitts, Billy James, Bobby Durham, Billy Joe Jones. We have a really vibrant jazz scene here and it’s really important.
Where do you take out-of-town friends?
I take them to get a hoagie or cheesesteak at Pagano’s or to South Street and take 'em to Ishkabibble’s, and then I’ll take them to hear music. There’s great places to hear music in Philly. You can get into some other things, you can chill, you can breathe, the music is true here. Philly does have the truth so you can come out at 2 AM and come to a jam session at Chris’ Jazz Cafe and see guys playing from their heart.
