Almost everything is ready for the 6th annual installment of Shakespeare in Clark Park. Yesterday the technical crew set up the equipment and actors began rehearsing in the park.

This year Shakespeare in Clark Park company presents “Much Ado About Nothing,” which is set in a post-war town. Alex Torres will direct the performance. You can learn more about the show here.

The performances will take place July 20 through July 24 (Wed-Sun) at 7 p.m. If it rains on the day of a performance it will be relocated to Curio Theatre (48th Street and Baltimore Avenue). For more information go here.

And finally, don’t forget to bring blankets, chairs and picnic food.

Speaking of Clark Park … it is bound to see a lot of use this holiday weekend. Some rumbling has started about people and pets being on the grass, which is starting to turn a little beige. The Friends of Clark Park posted signs near each entrance to the park asking folks to “give the grass a chance” for “several weeks.” But just today we saw a couple of parties there and lots of loungers, kids, etc. having a good time on the new sod.

We were hoping to start a conversation about this here. What should the rules be about the new grass at Clark Park? Would you be offended if you were asked in person to stay off the grass?

If that topic doesn’t float your boat, maybe you could share your thoughts about the changes at the park. We heard someone this morning say that the tables and chairs give it a “Europeany plaza” feel. Is that good or bad?

Leave a comment below.

We came across this brilliant short music video (a little over three minutes) starring our beloved Clark Park and you all and we had to get it on the site. Thanks to filmmaker Joshua Wann (aka Esso) for letting us post it. Check out more of his stuff at shotbyesso.tumblr.com. Enjoy.

A Day at Clark Park from shot by esso™ on Vimeo.

Here’s something our little neighbors and their parents will enjoy doing again now that the section “A” of Clark Park has reopened. A traditional “Storytime at the Turtle” has returned and is taking place every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Stories and short books are read by volunteers from the Parent Infant Center (PIC). Snacks and refreshments are also available. So head down with your little ones tomorrow night to the turtle for this fun and educational activity.
 

Here are two super cool events happening in West Philly this weekend.

To mark the longest day of the year, the annual Summer Solstice Music and Art Festival will take place in Clark Park (43rd & Chester) tomorrow, June 25, beginning at noon.

The festival has been a West Philly tradition since 1970. This year the organizers are bringing over 40 vendors and nine bands, along with the arts and crafts vending, dance and theater and fun activities for kids.

Here’s a full band lineup with starting times.

12:30 – 1 p.m. – Lion Versus (Stage 1)
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. – Mount Joy (Stage 2)
2 – 2:30 p.m. – Early Ape (Stage 1)
2:45 – 3:25 p.m. – Bedroom Problems (Stage 2)
3:40 – 4:20 p.m. – Arrah and the Ferns (Stage 1)
4:40 – 5:20 p.m. – Psychic Teens (Stage 2)
5:35 – 6:05 p.m. – Serpent Throne (Stage 1)
6:20 – 7 p.m. – Samsara (Stage 2)
7:15 – 8 p.m.- Dangerbird (Stage 1)

Also on Saturday, world-renowned Philly-based band The Sun Ra Arkestra will kick off the 40th Street Summer Series – a series of free outdoor live music performances organized by the University City District and The Rotunda. The series will feature concerts by internationally-acclaimed artists every fourth Saturday in June through September, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The opening act for tomorrow’s performance by The Sun Ra Arkestra will be the West Philly drill team, the Elegant Cavaliers.

All concerts will take place at the 40th and Walnut Street field (behind the Walnut Street West Library). If you get there early enough you can also enjoy complimentary (first come, first served) Rita’s Water Ice which will be given out during the performances.
 

 
In case you missed the official opening of the park yesterday, here’s a little slideshow. My favorite moment of the whole thing was turning around during the pomp and circumstances and ribbon cutting, etc. and seeing two guys sitting at one of the new tables playing chess. They were oblivious to everything else going on. That’s the Clark Park we know and love. The new look is great and functional, but the people make the place.