As 2013 has come to an end, we are taking a look back at some of our favorite posts of the year by our guest editors.
In 2006, Quentin Stoltzfus was forced to retire Mazarin, the dreamy, strummy Philadelphia-based project he debuted in 1999, due to threats from a litigious Long Island classic-rock band of the same name. If not for that, the new Light Heat album would be a Mazarin album, and could have come out years ago. The catalyst for Light Heat’s debut came from Stoltzfus’ friends and former tourmates the Walkmen. That band, minus singer Hamilton Leithauser, backs Stoltzfus on the LP, although Light Heat itself, like Mazarin, is essentially Stoltzfus and whomever he plays with. Stoltzfus will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature on Light Heat.
Stoltzfus: I’d feel remiss if during these postings I neglected to mention my adopted hometown of Philadelphia. In the 14 years that I’ve lived here, I’ve seen the city evolve and change in many ways, yet remain much the same. Perhaps we’ve evolved and remained the same together. We’ve grown to love each other, and I’m quite happy to live here. There are some key spots in the city that I could not live without, the first being the Wissahickon. Part of the expansive Fairmount Park system, it’s 20 minutes from the bustling center of town to the relative isolation and tranquility of this park. I try to get out there as often as possible.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is another. It is the closest thing that I will ever have to a temple. The place is best during weekdays when you can stroll the halls without battling all of humanity to get a peek at my personal faves the Cy Twombly room, seminal works of Marcel Duchamp, a hidden Wharton Escherick mantle and the Shaker Room. It is a world-class joint.
While your there, take a slow walk down the Ben Franklin Parkway to one of the defining architectural monuments of the city, City Hall. It was the tallest building in the world for seven years, and remains the tallest masonry structure. Take in the view 22 stories up in the observation deck just beneath the Alexander Calder bronzed feet of William Penn.
If you want to get deep into the Philly art world spend some time at the ICA, the Fleisher/ Ollman Gallery, Vox Populi, the Crane Arts comple, or the Fabric Workshop. I try to make it out to as many openings at these spots as possible. It’s always a good time and a good crew of talented Philadelphia artists.
Take in some preserved Victorian era science weirdness at the Mutter Museum, or the Wagner Institute.
I feed myself at and catch a buzz at Federal Donuts, Beddia Pizza (I hereby declare it the best in Philadelphia), Johnny Brendas, Reanimator Coffee, Shot Tower Coffee, Barbuzzo, Vedge, Greensgrow Farms, Vietnam and Zahav. I won’t tell you to go to Oscar’s Tavern because I’d like to keep that place to myself. If ever in town, look ’em up. All quality establishments.
