Meet and connect with multi-genre, multi-disciplinary Artist and Educator, Gretchen Elise.
Name: Gretchen Elise
Occupation: I work the entire spectrum between performing vocalist, musician, songwriter, bandleader, curator, to nonprofit arts education leader. Currently, I’m leaning into the music at the end of that rainbow. And let’s not forget the work of raising two teens…
Current city: Philadelphia (West Philly).
Born and raised there or imported? Born in NYC. Raised in Philly burbs (Swarthmore, PA): Delco gym, Springfield Mall. Thrifted on South St. for all prom gowns. Lived some childhood years with family in Norway, learning to love foreign languages, snow, Bjork, and social democracy.
What is your connection to your current city? I’m currently connected on all fronts – as a musician, parent, community member, arts educator. These realms overlap beautifully. After High School in Delco, I reached beyond Wawa territory to New England and overseas – Berlin – for years. I came back to Philly to raise my family and build my music career where the sound that shaped me, lives (jazz, soul, hip hop).
What’s your favorite restaurant? Renata’s Kitchen. I know the owners since I produced an all-ages gig at their first location a decade ago. I curate a spring series outside their new location at West Philly’s Trolley Portal with University City District.
Best place to shop? It’s a tie. West Philly black women-owned businesses represent slow, sustainable fashion. Grant Blvd and InI Collective. I wear designs from these businesses with abandon. Simply Netfah designs from InI are featured in these photos, actually, as well as crochet by Cats Cabinet UMC.
What is your one favorite “best kept secret” about your city? Something that you and only a few others know about but everyone should? I’d say… One Art Community Center on 52nd Street just below Lancaster Avenue. Grown organically from a junkyard to a performance and retail complex, One Art has a vision of urban development based on love, sustainability, and equity. InI Collective is located here.
What makes your city your city? What do you absolutely love about it? It is very grounded and raw. It is not based on gloss and image. People in creative realms work hard, hustle, and make things happen.
Socials: @gretchenelisemusic
Images: Atiba Green, Gloria Maria LLanser Murray
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