Mural Arts Program hosting public paint day event for new Musicians Mural
The original musicians mural at 9th and Wharton has been deteriorating for years now. Fundraising began last year and the mural is now getting an updated design and a new location behind the Valley Green Bank at Broad and Tasker.
On Saturday, the artist behind the mural, Eric Okdeh, will be leading a paint day event to get the community involved with the neighborhood’s new mural.
Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker and Jerry Blavat are among the musicians featured on the new mural design.
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. The Mural Arts Program will provide all the necessary supplies. The event will run from 12 p.m. through 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 13.
Jerry Blavat should not be featured in the mural, because he is not a musician. He merely played the records in order to make those artists famous. Yes, he was an integral part of the Philadelphia music scene back then, but he didn’t write lyrics or melodies or doesn’t even play an instrument. The only thing he played were the records!
Anna, I don’t mind having Blavat included in the mural, but I SO wish they could depict him in somewhat classier clothing. I know the Kangol hat is his thing, but that shirt looks like he’s about to hit the gym.
That’s because he IS always about to hit the gym.
Bobby deserves this and so much more! He always pays tribute to his roots when he performs…and he is still performing—as good as ever!! He works hard for his fans. <3
Just like horse manure, Blavat has to be in the middle. Talentless fool!
Just remember, if it weren’t for DJs like Jerry Blavat, we wouldn’t have heard, and wouldn’t be hearing it today, the music of these South Philly musicians!
I was going to attend the painting event but the temperature was too high. Looking forward to the
Dedication in October.
Many of the Philadelphia singers and groups are also featured in our upcoming coffee-table book about Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and the teenage Regulars who danced on the show, called Bandstand Diaries. We hope your readers will also like our Facebook book page and website at Bandstand Diaries.