icepack

by A.D. Amorosi

There’s no better way to show one’s proud Philadelphian stripes than to strike -- nothing beats the Samuel Gompers-ness of locals leaving work and picketing. I’m not talking about SEPTA -- Philly averts SEPTA strikes as often as I avert real life. I’m talking about the sign-carrying members of local unions standing outside the Seamen’s Church on Third and Arch, whose actions caused MTV’s The Real World to pull up stakes on Tuesday and leave town. Now that’s what we call real in Philadelphia. For better or worse, it’s what we do. I know. Philly unions look mean to the slackers who love The Real World (despite the fact that those rape charges brought up during the show’s San Diego shoot still loom large). They look mean to those who helped bring it here and businesses who hoped to profit. But I’m with you, brothers! I wanted to picket as a matter of good taste. Like Spin continuing its march toward irrelevance by featuring Kurt on its cover, nothing says "duh" like watching teens get all lackluster. Our unions are the coolest, saving Philly from a potential rash of expensive thrift-store T-shirts and trucker hats. … Who’s Ben Edwards' newest fan? Glenn Danzig, who heard Edwards' eponymous CD of Danzig covers while working on his own Roadrunner album with Cradle of Filth. … Along with wrapping Hilliard's new CD (Inside/Out, produced by Brian McTear), Joe Lekkas is busy booking Doc Watson's and hosting that club's Philadelphia Indie Summit, March 20 with McTear's Bitter Bitter Weeks, Eli and more. … Cashing In: After Vet Stadium goes boom Sunday, Temple University Press releases the mammoth Phillies Encyclopedia. … WHOWHATWHERE: Before Ruben Studdard filled the Tower or his Beyond afterparty (Allen Iverson in tow), he hit Torre Big and Tall Menswear, sponsor of his post-show bash. Ian Holm was spied at Bliss and along Walnut Street. No Lord of the Rings jokes. I hate the films. The Rock was spied hanging around the lobby of Four Seasons Hotel, kindly telling those within earshot about his new movie, Walking Tall. … North Philly's Diplo, a Diesel jeans U-Music award winner, got signed to Ninja Tune. They'll appear at Ninja's Zentertainment party in NYC, March 18. … Though I'm sorry I missed Bigger Lovers' signing at Tower Records (the cats only had to walk blocks from their houses), I'll catch area actress Chanel Ryan signing her 2004 swimsuit calendar and DVD March 20 at Tower King of Prussia, where some proceeds will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Coalition. … After spending '03 singing with The Spooks and Baby Blak, the immensely soulful Lady Alma drops "Chances" on Wonder Wax, "In the City" on King Street Sounds and "Gimme That Music" on 83 West. … GETTING PHYSICAL: Fight promoter/Joe Conklin fan (NOT!) Damon Feldman is hosting an "all-Jewish boxing event" March 20 at Deco, promising "5 matches, 6 Jewish Boxers." This hunt for "toughest Jewish guy" is a charity for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. But, Deco double-booked the evening with "Sex Sells," hosted by Miss Phoenixx. Eek. … Then there's Darren Finzio's hard-abs perf-art act, Muscle Factory, playing a double bill with Chris and Sophy Dipinto's hard-ass Wastoid, March 20 at Silk City. Finzio's iron-pumping has become the subject of painter Marc Brodzik's new documentary, currently in the editing suite, so stay tuned. … Jay Medley (aka Blakk Wyld), spins hair band classics at Hair Ball 3 at The Balcony, March 19, with wrestler Blue Meanie and Dr. Octo-Pussy in tow. Medley will also bring cousin Gail Ann Dorsey to Bowie night at Bar Noir, March 29. … The competition among java sellers is perking up on Rittenhouse Square, with Empyrean Coffee opening at 19th and Walnut. … LoungeOneTwoFive starts a monthly commedia del rock thing, Shock and Awesome, March 21, with live music and sketch comedy from Cookin School. … Back from a Middle East shopping spree, the proprietors of Sawan (next to Bar Noir, on South 18th Street) are expanding and remodeling to become a Moroccan lounge, Byblos. … Though producer Adam DiAngelo left Philly in 2003, the local electro-gals he famously recorded -- The Needles -- carry on. They'll play Doc Watson's March 19. … Bernie Resnick, "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer 2004" (according to June's Philadelphia mag), is a busy boy. He got Philly client RuggedNess a production credit on the No. 3 CD in America, by Philly's own Young Gunz; made a deal for Philly rapper L Myers (currently distributed through Joe Nicolo's Judgment label) to cut tracks with Swedish producers Collen & Webb of Beasties fame; acted as legal counsel for Philly's Artist Direct label for its signing of Pokafase (a client of Philly's Kevon Glickman and his management team); and negotiated his client Timbaland's increased presence on the next LL Cool J CD. … Cherry Hill funkateers Bluesinatra join The Blue Method and Case of the Mondays for a "Legends of Jerzey" showcase at The Khyber on March 18. … On a sad note, Dead Milkmen bassist Dave Blood passed away last week from a reported suicide. Though few of us saw the Milkman in the last several years, his antics will be as remembered as much as the Milkmen's hit tune "Bitchin' Camaro."

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