The Mummers Parade is an American event held each New Year’s Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Local clubs (usually called “New Years Associations”) compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). They prepare elaborate costumes and moveable scenery, which take months to complete. This is done in clubhouses, many of which are located on or near 2nd Street (called “Two Street” by some local residents in the Pennsport neighborhood of South Philadelphia, which also serve as social gathering places for members.

The parade traces back to mid-17th century roots, blending elements from Swedish, Finnish, Irish, English, German and other European heritages, as well as African heritage.  The parade is related to the Mummers Play tradition from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Revivals of this tradition are still celebrated annually in South Gloucestershire, England on Boxing Day and in parts of Ireland on St. Stephen’s Day.

Swedes, Philadelphia’s first settlers, brought the custom of visiting neighbors on “Second Day Christmas” (December 26) with them to Tinicum. This was soon extended through New Year’s Day with costumed celebrants loudly parading through the city.  Traditional New Years’ celebrations of firing guns (Swedes and Finns) and recitations of traditional rhymes (English and Welsh) joined common practices of visiting neighbors. The Belsnickle, an early German version of Santa Claus, inspired comic masqueraders riding through Tinicum and Kingsessing dressed as clowns.

George Washington carried on the official custom of New Year’s Day calls during the seven years he occupied First White House in Philadelphia. The Mummers continued their traditions of comic verse in exchange for cakes and ale. Small groups of up to twenty mummers, their faces blackened, went door to door, shooting and shouting, spoofing General Washington and the English Mummers’ play “St. George and the Dragon”.

Philadelphia’s 19th century Carnival of Horns drew thousands of merrymakers in festive costumes to the vicinity of Eighth and South Streets in South Philadelphia. An 1808 law decreed that “masquerades” and “masquerade Balls” were “common nuisances” and that anyone participating would be subject to a fine and imprisonment. It was apparently never enforced and was repealed in 1859.

Henry Muhlenberg, writing in 1839, reported, “Men met on the roads in Tinicum and Kingsessing, who were disguised as clowns, shouting at the top of their voices and shooting guns.

Southern plantation life’s contributions include the parade’s theme song, James A. Bland’s Oh! Dem Golden Slippers (introduced by Charles Dumont in 1903), as well as the 19th century cakewalk, dubbed the “Mummers’ Strut”. Other ethnic groups have been integrated into the parade as the years have gone on. Italians began to participate in large numbers after World War II. Celebrants using firearms to “shoot in” the new year much later inspired the “New Year’s Shooters and Mummers Association”. Revelers travelling from door-to-door sang and danced for rewards of food and drink. Cash prizes debuted in 1906.

The earliest documented club, the Chain Gang, formed in 1840 and Golden Crown first marched in 1876 with cross-town rivals Silver Crown forming soon after. By 1881, a local report said “Parties of paraders” made the street “almost like a masked Ball.”

The first official parade was held January 1, 1901. The earliest surviving String Band, Trilby, first paraded in 1902 (with many breaks thereafter, and a reorganization in 1935).  The Ferko String Band has never missed a parade since they started marching in 1923.  In the early years of the official parade, the make-shift costumes of most celebrants were gradually replaced by more elaborate outfits funded by associations’ fund-raising efforts.

While the parade has clear African American influences and features a theme song by a black composer, the parade participants are almost all European American.  The earliest parades were not. The all African American Golden Eagle Club, formed in 1866, had 300 members in the 1906 parade. With the Nadir of American race relations, the last black groups marched in 1929.

The Comics “wenches” and female parts in most skits are typically performed by men in drag. Women were not officially allowed in the parade until the 1970s.

It’s that time of year again, the time when the leaves have almost all fallen away and the wind chills you to the bone. Thankfully, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village will be here to warm us all up soon.

This outdoor market is built from the ground up in a style similar to traditional German holiday markets. Dozens of vendors sell their goods and wares to visitors in preparation of the Christmas shopping season. Jewelry, arts & crafts and handmade items will all be available for purchase. If you get hungry along the way there are also traditional German food staples such as Bratwurst and mulled wine.

Along with eating and shopping there will be performances held in the Christmas Village for all to see, free of charge. These performance are scheduled to take place 1pm, 5pm and 5:45pm (daily).

The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, November 26th, but for those of you that can’t wait to get the season started there will be a sneak peak on Thanksgiving, November 24th. But that’s not all! The Christmas tree will be lit by Mayor Nutter on Wednesday, December 7th.

For more information check out their website:   http://www.philachristmas.com/28-0-About.html

Happy Holidays!!

So for those of you who are familiar with the Independent Hotel you know that the building has a total of five floors and that the hotel actually starts on the second floor where the lobby is located. You may be left wondering: what will be going in the first floor? Good Question!  Well, we won’t keep you wondering any longer.  Executive Chef Mike Stollenwerk’s Fish Restaurant will be swimming over to 13th & Locust Street.

Chef Stollenwerk and his team lead Fish restaurant at its current location with creative menus and a casual atmosphere.  This move will triple the space in the dining room and open up the kitchen to create more menu options for guests.

The renovation process is expected to be completed this Fall so that the restaurant is ready to open its doors again in its new home.  The Independent Hotel is BEYOND Excited to have a remarkable restaurant such as Fish finding a new place at 1234 Locust Street.   As this newest addition to the 13th Street Midtown Village Row of Tasty & New Restaurants, we can safely say Fish will truly be the Anchor to complete this block.  Please stay tuned for more information and check out Fish’s website to see what they’re all about.

www.fishphilly.com

Guest Service Agent: Hello, thank you for calling the Independent Hotel. This is Jane. How can I help you?

Caller: Hi! I just made a reservation at your hotel and was calling to confirm your location. What’s your address?

GSA: 1234 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Caller:Oh, is that in the…uh…Gayborhood?

GSA: ABSOLUTELY!!

 Yup, you heard correctly. We’re in the Gayborhood and proud of it! We accept everyone with open and loving arms and like our motto says we are “A Boutique Hotel for the Independently Minded.”

We’re located footsteps away from both historic sites and some of the most hopping gay bars and clubs in the city. No matter your lifestyle we (and the Gayborhood) have something to offer everyone.

For more information about our awesomeness check out this fabulous article featuring some of the gay-friendly hotels in the area.

http://press.visitphilly.com/releases/come-one-come-all-hotels-welcome-gay-and-lesbian-travelers-to-philadelphia-and-the-countryside

As you may have heard Philly is THE place to go if you want to see some of the most impressive and stunning public works of art in the country.

The Mural Arts Program is a program that takes boring walls and turns them into masterpieces and has turned a depressed looking city into a wonder to behold. It also promotes art in the communities and encourages local youth to partake in beautifying their hometown.  What started out as an anti-graffiti program has turned into a well respected organization with a mission to leave things better than how they found them.

While most tourists only see murals on their walks around town, guests at the Independent get access to one very special mural custom made for our hotel. That is the 30′x10′ mural above the front desk in the central atrium of the hotel. This massive piece of art is three stories tall and features one very important landmark in our nation’s history, Independence Hall. Kim Senior, the muralist commissioned for this piece, used vibrant colors not usually associated with Historic Philadelphia, helping bring some life to this historic building.

For more information on the Mural Arts Program and tours of the murals please visit the site below:

http://muralarts.org/

For more information on the artist responsible for our mural and many more please visit her site below:

http://www.kimsenior.com/

 
 
Today we Celebrate our 3 year anniversary!  It seems like just yesterday we opened our doors and welcomed guests from all over the world, as they’ve called us their home away from home. Now, years later, we have met thousands of new faces and welcomed familiar ones too. We look forward to making even more friends as the years go on.
 
Our General Manager, Jim Evans, has been here since opening day and has this to say:
 

We feel so lucky to be situated in a neighborhood and city where we are able to build relationships with residents and local businesses that have attributed to our success. Because of Philadelphia’s diverse population and cultural attractions we’ve had the pleasure of serving travelers from all over the world. We are excited to have made such a mark these last three years within our local landscape and to give guests a unique option to call ‘home’ while visiting Philadelphia.

 
Our neighborhood has grown and changed around us which has helped The Independent to become a better neighbor to the environment and local organizations. HERSHA Hospitality Management believes in the importance of fostering relationships with our community and friends in an effort to make the world around us a more hospitable place.
 
In our way of giving back this year we’ve:

• * Implemented a new green initiative while being successful in reducing waste and encouraging our guests to recycle  
• * Contributed to local charities to support those in need in our area
• * Honored Earth Day this year by planting a tree to further our commitment to the beautification of 13th and Locust Streets
• * Donated soaps and other amenities to Clean the World, an non-profit organization committed to improving quality of life in struggling countries

 
To celebrate this three year milestone we are extending our weekday wine reception thru the weekend (Friday and Saturday). The Independent Hotel Guests will partake in some Philly treats, commemorative amenity gifts and a special addition to our breakfast on Sunday Morning.

What: Roberto Capucci: Art Into Fashion Exhibit

Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art

How Much Time is left: up until June 5th, 2011…so hurry!!

Roberto Capucci is a fashion designer with a passion for flair. Born and bred in Italy he honed his talents for creating dramatic works of art during a time when Italy was becoming the center of the fashion world.

He has been named one of the most creative and innovative designers of his time and has the portfolio to prove it. His collections have traveled the world and have been featured in motion pictures both in Europe and the United States.

Don’t miss this spectacular exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of art. Tickets can be reserved online.

 http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/411.html

So during the day you followed the crowd to the Art Museum, the waterfront and to the local cheese steak shop, but now you’re looking for something unique and fun to do in the evening. Look no further! Keep reading to find out some information on a couple of great tours that will keep you interested and entertained as the sun goes down.

Tippler’s Tour

This tour takes you through colonial Philadelphia to visit some local pubs where you learn about our founding fathers and their favorite watering holes. Learns the songs and toasts of their day while walking in their footsteps.

Independence After Hours

This tour takes history to the next level. You are not only hearing about it, you are living it! The tour starts with dinner at City Tavern and continues when your guide takes you through Independence Hall after dark. Here you will find actors reenacting some of America’s most important scenes. 

These tours are brought to you by Historic Philadelphia. This is an organization that strives to bring history to life by operating tours and historic attractions in the City of Brotherly Love. They have created these tours geared toward those who want to extend their history lesson into the late night hours.

Hurry up and catch these gems before they go away for good!

Philadelphia has been lucky enough to get two great exhibits in town at the same time. The sad part is they’re both leaving at the end of May.

Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America

This exhibit was created by the International Spy Museum and is at the National Constitution Center until Monday, May 30th.  It explores accounts of actual events and missions to keep America’s borders safe from attacks and foreign threats. Artifacts from throughout the country’s history are displayed to tell the story of the United States that many do not know about.  

This is a great way to indulge the spy and secret keeper in us all. Bring your family, friends, enemies….frenimies and maybe you’ll learn a trick or two to become the next 007.

http://constitutioncenter.org/

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop

The ideas of the great inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, come to life at his workshop located at the Franklin Institute until Sunday, May 29th. The inventions include contraptions for flying all the way up to devastating machines of war.

The audience can see his sketches and his notebooks at this exhibit along with interactive displays that will take you a little bit further into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers.  

http://www2.fi.edu/

OK, so going to every single event during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) may be impossible, but wouldn’t it be great if you could?

This festival is definitely something to get excited about. Inspired by Paris in 1911, the PIFA strives to not only entertain but inspire others with over one hundred performances, exhibitions and lectures that will take place between April 7th and May 1st. Many are free, family friendly and spread throughout the region so there is no excuse to miss out.

The Kimmel Center is a “leading inspiration” for this festival and takes pride in hosting many of the performances as well as being right smack in the middle of the Parisian Street Fair to take place on April 30th. This fair will take you back to a time where art and culture were taking Paris by storm. It will take place on the Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street between Chestnut & Lombard Sts) from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. This all day event will feature activities for kids, street performers and even a giant Ferris wheel!

For more information about tickets and events check out their website below;

http://www.pifa.org/

As many art lovers know, the Barnes Foundation (currently located in Merion, PA) is being moved to the City of Brotherly Love. While this has caused much controversy, the outcome will hopefully make up for any broken vows made to founder Dr. Barnes to keep the collection exactly how it is at the 12-acre estate it is now housed.

The new museum will be located near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  This is a convenient location for visitors who will be able to examine this extensive collection while also exploring the city. With an increase in visitor activity, the foundation should be able to raise enough money to continue its operation for future generations.

The architects chosen to design the new home for this famed collection have taken measures to ensure that the building will reflect its current home and the history behind the artwork and its founder. Below is an image of the proposed building. Groundbreaking took place in 2009 and construction is still underway. The building is hoped to be completed by the Winter of 2011.

Many agree that the artwork’s location and arrangement are what make it unique, interesting and valuable. This move should be a great study in not just art, but in architecture as well. Challenge yourself to consider how the space, arrangements and location alter your interpretations or understanding of this collection. Let’s make it interesting and take it one step further. Examine the collection at its current location in Merion, PA and then visit the new museum to see if your feelings have changed. It could be said that if your appreciation of the collection has remained the same then the architects did an excellent job and really captured the spirit of the Barnes estate.  

For more information on the Barnes Foundation go to their website below.

http://www.barnesfoundation.org/

Valentine’s Day is coming faster than a speeding freight train and right now you’re probably hitting yourself in the head because you didn’t made plans yet.

Never fear…the Independent Hotel is here! 

We still have rooms available for the weekends before and after V-day and would be more than happy to put one aside for you and your sweetheart. If you want to spice things up a bit just book the Romance Package and we will set up a bottle of wine and an assorted cheese plate in your room.

If you’re still clueless as to what to do on your romantic getaway, we got you covered. Well, actually visityphilly.com has you covered. Check out the link below for the Top Five Romantic Date ideas in Philly. Also, if you’re just in the mood for a cold brew and a relaxed atmosphere check out Philly’s oldest bar, McGillan’s Ale House, they have a special Valentine’s Day menu and new drinks for the holiday.

So if you’re not a part of the “Valentine’s Day hate group,” grab someone you love and head to Philly for a unique Valentine’s Day experience. We hope to see you soon.

http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/top-five-romantic-dates-for-valentines-day-weekend/

http://www.mcgillins.com/events.htm

Every Thanksgiving you wake up early to watch the parade on television, and every year something grows inside of you, a feeling of discontentment. But why? How could someone be so unhappy on this day of thanks? Then it hits you. Images of giant floating cartoon characters, tap dancers and confetti flood your mind and you stand up and shout “I should be there! I should be at the parade!”

Music, dancing and the big man himself (Santa, of course) can take anyone back to the carefree days of their childhood. Whether reliving the good old days or creating new memories with your family, Philadelphia is the place to be on Thanksgiving.

The parade starts at 8:30am on 20th and Market and ends at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Make sure you get there early enough to grab a good spot along Benjamin Franklin Parkway or at the Art Museum. The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving parade will have plenty of acts to watch along with giant floats and some of today’s hottest celebrities. 

Now, while the kid inside of you is jumping for joy at the possibility of going to the parade, the adult in you is cringing at the thought of traffic and police barricades. Do not worry for we have rooms to spare. Stay with us the night before and you’ll be well rested for a long day of cheering.  

Ok, I know what you’re thinking…what should we do the night before? Glad you asked.

Tavern 17 is celebrating Thanksgiving Eve in style! Enjoy a drink and something off their menu and then stick around because from 8p-12a Back 2 Life will be performing. If you’re still looking to hang out after that head over to the Coffee Bar. Live music, great food, good drinks…you can’t go wrong. 

Tavern 17 will also be open on Thanksgiving with a special menu for those looking to escape Aunt Mildred’s dining room and her 19 cats.

http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/philadelphia-thanksgiving-day-parade/

http://www.tavern17restaurant.com/

http://www.intoxicaffeineation.com/

The highly reviewed show, The Jersey Boys, is in Philadelphia until December 12th and it couldn’t get any hotter. Don’t wait long to get your tickets, shows and hotel rooms are selling out.

The Jersey Boys tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on their climb to the top of the music charts. The story is told from the perspective of each of the four band members and will give you a look into their lives onstage and behind the scenes. The story will delve into issues they faced and reveal the pressures of being one of the best musical groups of the day.  

Call us at the Independent Hotel and we will be happy to help you to book your stay here in Philadelphia.

Check out the site posted below for ticket information: 

http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/tour/philadelphia.htm

Come on down to Outfest 2010! Organized by Philly Pride, this block party celebrates National Coming Out Day with music, dancing and events for everyone. Oh and guess what…The Independent Hotel is right at the heart of it!!

The main stage will be set up at the intersection of 13th and Locust Sts so we will have a front row seat to some of the most entertaining and exciting LGBT acts. Outfest is one of the biggest LGBT events in the city and provides community members with an opportunity to connect and network with each other.

When: Sunday, October 10, 2010 between noon and 7pm

Where: Philadelphia’s Gayborhood (between Walnut & Pine Sts and Juniper &12th Sts)

Check out the Philly Pride site and get more details about the event.

http://www.phillypride.org/events.html

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to resolve their stress which has worned them down, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to vacation!!

…and Vacation you shall!

Come to Philadelphia to celebrate our Nation’s birth in the only true way it can be celebrated…in the location of it’s actual birth!  While visiting the city, and staying with all of us here at The Independent, you’re only a few steps away from the Independence Mall National Park, and Philadelphia Art Museum, and Rittenhouse Square (the prime locations to celebrate the parturition). 

Wawa presents welcome AMERICA Philadelphia, the official celebration of the 234th Birthday of the United States of America.  From June 25th, 2010 - July 5th, 2010, there is just a revolutionary-size amount of cool things to do.  The 25th kicks of “Taste of Philadelphia”, followed by an amazing night on the 26th, when the city will provide free fireworks, and a free concert that boasts Morris Day & The Time (funk included).  Join Morris Day, Jellybean Johnson, and the others of the iconic band as they run down their hits from the ’80s and ’90s to give you a funkadelic time.

Over the next few days, relax and enjoy the city, and during the next three evenings, enjoy a movie under the stars at Rittenhouse Square, the Art Museum, or Penn’s Landing, where movies such as Grease, Rocky, and Avatar will be screened for the crowds.  Guess what?!?!  They’re free…

Then, on the 3rd and 4th, really get in the patriotic mood and have fun at the city block party in Chinatown, all culminating with Goo Goo Dolls providing the star-power to the celebration on the night of the 4th, followed by probably the most impressive fireworks display presented anywhere from sea to shining sea.

Sooooooo, what are you waiting for?  If you have finished reading this and have not yet booked your stay with us you better start moving…we’ll wait…

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…all booked and ready to go?  Good.  We’ll see you soon! 

Book a 10-day Advanced Purchase for a discounted rate (please note, Advanced Purchases are non-refundable, non-canceable, and non-changeable reservations that are pre-paid and charged on the day they are booked).  Time is running out for that great rate, so hurry!!

For more information on welcome AMERICA Philadelphia, please visit:

www.WelcomeAmerica.com

Direct from Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls comes to Philadelphia at the Academy of Music! Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy-Award winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.” Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom (Bye Bye Birdie Broadway revival) and co-choreographer Shane Sparks (TV’s So You Think You Can Dance), along with some of Broadway’s top designers, re-envision this Tony and Academy Award winning musical so it sparkles like never before! [http://www.visitphilly.com/events-calendar/]

Be sure to reserve your room today, and enjoy our WINE AND DINE package to complement this amazing Broadway staple!

June 22nd - June 27th 2010.  RESERVE TODAY!!

http://reservations.WineandDinePackage

We all have things to do…may they be important, or just fillers to make the time pass.  Most of us never have time to travel the world, most likely because we have obligations to our kids, spouses, jobs, and friends.

If you have ever been to Epcot located within Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you’ll find the entire world within your reach.  So much diversity within such a small enclosed area is just a pleasure to experience…but there’s always the factor that it’s fabricated (which it is) and you never have the true feeling of traveling the world.

Well, visit Philadelphia sporadically all summer long, and you get a taste of the world every week, with PECO’s Multicultural Series.  This series celebrates diversity all summer long, and you can too!

For a worldy taste of music, games, food, and more, visit:

http://www.delawareriverevents.com

Keep checking back every so often for a complete listing of events!!

Max Yesgur, a local of Bethel, New York, one day decided that something needed to be done.  Something (actually, someone) needed to bring a list of the world’s greatest musicians to one place, and introduce them under one bill.  Max Yesgur took this idea, threw in some peace, love, and a splash of color(s) and the Woodstock Music Festival was born.  The idea was receated in 1994 and 1999, but it never held the same promise as it once did in 1969.

Max Yesgur didn’t create something new, he just made it a lot better.  Since those three days in New York, festivals in America have never been the same.

Festivals have become a staple of Philadelphia culture, especially during the summer months.  So, now that you know of a great place to stay while visiting (The Independent Hotel, of course), why not plan a trip revolving around one (or more!) of the great  festivals the City of Brotherly Love has to offer?

Join us later this spring for the Brandywine River Blues Festival.  Have a night out on the town, take the elevator home with us that evening, and venture off to the Chaddsford Winery the very next day.  Enjoy the area’s signature wines, pack a picnic for the day, and enjoy some great blues music.  With Chaddsford Winery less than an hour away from us, there is no reason not to make a weekend that includes the city and the country all in one trip.  You’ll have to hurry fast, because this secret will get out sooner than you think.  Book your room now for May 30th and 31st, and catch this great winery estate in the middle of the most beautiful time of year!

For more information on the Brandywine River Blues Festival, please visit their website:

http://www.chaddsford.com/root/home/index.htm

Spring has already sprung, but witness the “springing” Philadelphia style at the annual Rittenhouse Spring Festival on May 1st, 2010.  Enjoy creative local art, fashion, food, and let the WXPN family bring you some of the best local music in the area.  This festival is only one day, and attracts over 50,000 people.  Streets are closed around Rittenhouse Square for this event, so staying the night on April 30th with us, and taking a short stroll to the festival is the best way to visit!

For more information, vist:

http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/rittenhouse-row-spring-festival/

The XPNoential Music Festival is the most popular music festival in Philadelphia every year, and attracts over 300,000 people every year.  The festival has not been scheduled as of yet, but it always occurrs in July.  Stay tuned for the latest details as they become available!

The other very popular music festival is just becoming a staple of the region.  The Roots Picnic will host some of the most popular musical acts today, including Vampire Weekend, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mayer Hawthorne, and of course our very own The Roots with ?questlove!  This picnic has attracted more and more people every year since it’s inception in 2008, and it looks to only get bigger this year.  With many rooms left on June 5th, it’s a no-brainer to stay with us at the Independent and take a small trip to Penn’s Landing’s Festival Pier, a walk, or short ride away from the hotel! 

For More information, visit:

http://www.billboard.com/news/vampire-weekend-anchors-third-roots-picnic-1004071930.story

Are you a fan of smooth jazz like we all are here at the Independent?  Then you will love Penn’s Landing’s Smooth Jazz Summer Nights.  Enjoy the smooth sounds that only Penn’s Landing can offer every Friday night in August.  This extremely popular series is back by popular demand, and it looks as if it’s turning out to be a great month.  Let the cooooooool sounds of Jazz flow over your body on a hot August night, and then come unwind and let the music sink in while you stay with us overnight!!  Smotth Jazz Summer Nights are presented on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.  Look ahead now for our rates and availability:

https://reservations.ihotelier.com/istay.cfm?hotelid=15322

For more information on Smooth Jazz Summer Nights, and other Delaware River Events, vist:

http://www.delawareriverevents.com/index.php?module=calendar&month=8&year=2010

Philadelphia has so much to offer you during the Spring and Summer months, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.  Revel in cool music, art, food, and fashion.  Let The Independent be your guide!

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The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival features performances by acclaimed contemporary dance and theater companies who are selected and invited to the Festival by our producing director. While some Live Arts artists are based in Philadelphia, many come from other parts of the U.S., and from around the world

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16 days of Bold Entertainment from around the world right here in Philadelphia! Book your stay at our wonderful boutique hotel, and enjoy some of the finest in the world of art and performance.

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BUY LIVE ARTS FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE

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Rooms are still available. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM!! or call 215-772-1440 to reserve. Call the Independent Hotel Philadelphia at for specials associated with the Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe.

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