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September 9, 2025

How South Street Became Philly's Party Spot

City Cast Philly

How South Street Became Philly's Party Spot

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South Street is where you go when you’re visiting from out of town, where you go when you’re a suburban kid looking for some counter-cultural grittiness, and where you go see your favorite band at the TLA and eat your favorite cheesesteak at Jim’s afterward. In the second part of our series on South Street’s most iconic street, we’re looking at what has drawn people to South Street for centuries: Entertainment. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with legendary Philly DJ Cosmo Baker, Philly Jazz Legacy Project consulting archivist Jack McCarthy, Bob & Barbara’s owner Jack Prince, author David Bradley (whose book South Street is republishing next year), and Odunde CEO Bumi Fernandez-West. Also be sure to check back and listen to yesterday’s show to hear about the fascinating tumultuous history of South Street going back to colonial days. 

What’s your favorite South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170

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