Philadelphia Music Alliance, Avenue of the Arts, Inc., and I.A.T.S.E. Union Local 8 “Make The Stars Shine” on Philadelphia Walk of Fame
Celebrities and Local Volunteers Polish the Plaques on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014
PHILADELPHIA (September 18, 2014) – As an official welcome to the fall arts season in the city, the Philadelphia Music Alliance, Avenue of the Arts, Inc. and the I.A.T.S.E. Local Union 8 are proud to announce MAKING THE STARS SHINE, on Philadelphia’s Walk of Fame, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 8:00 AM – Noon.
MAKING THE STARS SHINE will highlight the rich musical heritage of Philadelphia as volunteers from I.A.T.S.E. Local Union 8, Philadelphia’s music community including Walk of Fame Honorees Chubby Checker, Dee Dee Sharp, Charlie Gracie, Jerry Blavat, Jerry Ross, and more; and the Friends of the Avenue of the Arts clean and polish the bronze plaques along the esteemed Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame honors Philadelphia’s rich musical culture and history through 121 bronze plaques, spanning the Avenue of the Arts from Walnut Street to Spruce Street.
The event will provide a spotlight for The Avenue of the Arts’ fall event schedule, and will include an appearance by the Philly POPS. Music by various Philadelphia Music Alliance honorees will be the soundtrack to the event, through sound systems provided by CLEAR SOUND.
Additional sponsors and supporters of the Walk of Fame beautification project include: Center City District, University of the Arts, The Wilma Theater, Opera Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadanco!, and The Capital Grille. And a special thanks to Starbucks Coffee and the Garces Group. The proud Stage Hands of Philadelphia’s I.A.T.S.E. Local 8 will step out from behind the scenes of these grand theater organizations and help “make the stars shine”!
President of IATSE Local 8, Michael Barnes is proud that members of the Local 8 Community Outreach Committee took the initiative to suggest this project to the Philadelphia Music Alliance.
“We always are looking for ways to give back to our Community,” says Barnes. “The Avenue of the Arts and the Walk of Fame represent the ongoing history of great artists and culture right here in Philadelphia.”
About I.A.T.S.E. Local Union 8
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) was founded in 1893. I.A.T.S.E. is the largest union representing workers in the entertainment industry. For more information, visit www.iatse8.com.
About the Philadelphia Music Alliance
Established in 1986, the Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy by increasing awareness of the city’s great musical tradition and supporting the current music scene. For more information, visit www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org.
About The Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
The Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) is the entertainment heart and soul of Philadelphia. The AAI’s mission is to support growth and development along the Avenue of the Arts. For more information, visit www.avenueofthearts.org.
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MAKING THE STARS SHINE SCHEDULE
WHAT: As an official welcome to the fall arts season in the city, the Philadelphia Music Alliance, Avenue of the Arts, Inc. and the I.A.T.S.E. Local Union 8 are proud to announce MAKING THE STARS SHINE, on Philadelphia’s Walk of Fame, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 8:00 AM – Noon.
WHERE: Philadelphia Walk of Fame
Broad Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets
WHO: Chubby Checker, Dee Dee Sharp, Charlie Gracie, Jerry Blavat, Jerry Ross, and other Walk of Fame honorees to be announced.
Volunteers from the Philadelphia Music Community, Stage Hands of I.A.T.S.E. Local Union 8, Friends of the Avenue of the Arts, and the Philadelphia Music Alliance.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014
8:00 AM – NOON
8:00 AM.: Shining of the Walk of Fame begins along both sides of South Broad Street. Various arts organizations stroll along, handing out information about their upcoming performance seasons.
9:30 AM: Merriam Theater Lobby- Representatives of the Avenue of the Arts and the Philadelphia Music Alliance will welcome the public and formally kick off the event. Participating organizations, and the “stars” of the Walk of Fame, will be available for interviews and comments.
10:00 AM-Noon: Plaque cleaning continues and concludes.
*PLEASE NOTE: In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the following day on Wednesday, September 24 from 8am – Noon.