Musicians mural to find new home at Broad and Tasker
The deteriorating musicians mural at 9th and Wharton is about to get a new home and an updated design. About a year ago fundraising efforts and the search for a location began for the mural of the likes of Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Jerry Blavat and others.
The preliminary design plans and location have now been unveiled. Broad and Tasker, behind Valley Green Bank, will be the new home of the mural.
The new design has been created by muralist Eric Okdeh. As you can see, the new mural will have a different style than the current one, which was created in 2004 by Peter Pagast.
From Philly Voice:
“It was an iconic work of art beloved by many, emblematic of the surrounding neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage,” Golden remarked at the conference. “People loved it. People came from all over the world to see it. Sadly, murals do not last forever, so we knew when it started to deteriorate that we needed to do something new. So, we’re revisiting this project in 2016 to give back to South Philadelphia and once again honor those performers with a mural that speaks to the joy their music has brought us over many decades.”
The mural is expected to be installed in September. The official unveiling will then be on October 15. The event will include a block party with live music, food and more to celebrate the legacy of these musicians.
It “deteriorated” due to the fact that the owners of the cr@p-hole bar don’t maintain their building.
Jerry Blavat must be funding it, or something; the proposed new mural looks beautiful with the exception of the sleazy old Kangol-wearing tool front and center. I really wish they’d depict the Geator in the same bygone era as his peers.
Couldn’t agree more! Blavat is a ridiculous, talentless clown!! He plays music made and performed by others….some talent..not!!
i also don’t understand the use of a current photo oh jerry blavat in a muscle tee. really ruins the whole thing.
Interesting. The famous crooner Jerry Blavat but no Eddie Fisher?
Eliminate Blavat and add Eddie Fisher. Blavat is a parasite not a singer.
Whatever increases the likelihood of something permanent being done with the 9th and Wharton lot after so many years comes as good news to me. Though it is less of a crying need right now since it’s still in quite attractive shape after last year’s PHS beer garden.