Uptown Philly back again... I drive by the Uptown Theatre all the time and it’s almost invisible today... People would hide in the bathroom to see extra shows. The Uptown theatre rivaled Harlem’s Apollo Theatre and DCs Howard Theatre.
RnB, Blues, Jazz and Gospel ran the show. 2240 North Broad was the center of music in Philadelphia performers lined up ten a day to perform, out doing each other with swag and dance moves. The Supremes played for 10 days, for $400.
Comedians like Red Fox graced the stage. Movies played, Civil Rights leaders gathered and led the community in the demand for equal rights. During the 70s-80s North Philadelphia witnessed a closing of factories, a rise of drugs and gang violence. The changes in the community and music industry made Uptown a dangerous and financially difficult place to book. Gone were independent record stores, the rise of booking agencies and integrated audiences priced out Uptown and priced in Atlantic City’s and New York’s larger venues.
Today the UEDC is turning the Uptown Theatre into a community hub once again. A technical center with 200+jobs for the youth and members of the community. Media outlets of film classes, art education youth classes, and office space will congregate in the Uptown Theatre.
It’s cool to think a place that housed the Supremes, Redd Fox and discovered Darrell Hall will continue to develop and create creatives.
