Lyricism of Connection Jake Kelberman studied music and political science at Temple University , and both proved essential in his eventual role as Artcinia ’ s co – artistic director . Kelberman met Schoemaker just after the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations became available in 2021 . Schoemaker immediately saw the potential to broaden Artcinia ’ s programming , which until that point had been focused on classical performances . Kelberman ’ s musical focus centered on jazz and blues , and he was acquainted with musicians from across Philadelphia , recruiting them to take part in Artcinia performances .
Kelberman knew that embracing jazz and blues music would enable audience growth into neighborhoods and communities that Artcinia had not previously touched . “ I want to build that infrastructure to make the arts part of day-to-day lives ,” says Kelberman . He knows that music binds historic spaces with the people who experience them .
Finding Harmony The affordability of an Artcinia performance makes a difference for arts lovers on limited budgets . Take Northeast Philadelphia resident Ingrid Needleman . She has attended three Artcinia performances at the Church of St . William , near her lifelong home . Needleman is retired now and nearing 80 . She enjoys theater and music and loves being able to see a performance close to home .
Needleman takes the bus to the church since she no longer drives , and she appreciates afternoon concerts because she prefers not to be out after dark . Needleman has friends in the neigh-
V . Shayne Frederick ( vocals ), Tim Brey ( piano ), and Justin Sekelewski ( bass ) play jazz standards for the audience at a Music in Your Neighborhood performance at St . Luke and the Epiphany . Yonnie Simon Photography
borhood that she can invite to go along as well . While she is not a member of St . William ’ s parish , she feels welcomed and accommodated there .
Needleman first noticed a posting for an Artcinia performance in the Northeast Times . Today , she is an Artcinia devotee . You might find her handing out Artcinia postcards at a local bus stop or hanging posters . If someone looks like they might be interested in music , she is happy to recruit them to become an Artcinia follower . “ A concert that is $ 15 for a family in a welcoming , safe space that ’ s kid-friendly , has an elevator , and parking with friendly people — it ’ s just not intimidating ,” Needleman says .
Grace Notes We often consider “ grace notes ” to be embellishment : those tiny notes that we can do without . But without them we miss so much . Artcinia brings music to neighborhoods across Philadelphia , where a little touch of “ grace ” allows us to keep up with the downbeats of the day .
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