May 9, 2007
Opening Riff
But living to work is always better than working to live, right? Unfortunately, far too often both ends apply to artists.
That’s where the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia comes in. Espousing a mission that the Hannitys among us might consider socialist, the Council seeks to “foster and build partnerships between business and the arts that are mutually beneficial and contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the Greater Philadelphia region.” Basically, these guys act as liaison between the haves and the have-nots, and effectively guilt obscenely wealthy area businesses to throw a few ducats into the arts community coffer.
Some local companies and individual business leaders don’t require guilt trips, and these are the ones honored at the Rock the Arts luncheon. Bucking the disturbing but age-old tradition of corporate greed, an encouraging number of Philadelphia bigwigs and middle-management types devote an awful lot of free time and disposable income to arts initiatives and collectives throughout the region. Hell, just perusing the event’s press release will almost make you reconsider your contemptuous loathing of all things corporate. Almost.
Clearly there are some good eggs out there, and the Council serves as a beacon attracting these angels in suits like moths to a flame. Considering this year’s entertainment—the inimitable Blue Notes and 17-year-old guitar phenom C.J. Tywoniak—maybe the penny-pinching haters out there will rethink their stance toward investing in the arts. Topping off the whole shebang, Teddy Pendergrass presents the prestigious Avatar Award to Sound of Philadelphia founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
How’s that for reppin’ Philly’s legacy?
Arts and Business Council Awards Luncheon: Thurs., May 10, 11:30am. $50-$125. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. 215.790.3620. www.artsandbusinessphila.org
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