Macy Gray performs at 50th & Baltimore, and a soapy Second Saturday with Volta Organics

As this hot, steamy summer nears an end and Labor Day weekend approaches, we are gearing up for this Saturday’s Neighborhood to Neighborhood festival, presented by by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods and Businesses. Baltimore Avenue between 49th and 52nd streets will be closed all day to make way for food and merchandise vendors, community information booths, kids’ activities and the N2N stage, which in recent years has hosted performers such as Chaka Khan, Robin Thicke and Mos Def. This year’s two headliners are Grammy winner Macy Gray, most famous for her 1999 hit “I Try”, and neo-soul sensation Chrisette Michelle. They will cap off a day of performances by local music and dance acts. The festival is from 11 to 8.

Here at VIX, our special guest will be Lisa Volta of Volta Organics. Lisa’s soaps have a dedicated following and for good reason. Each bar is made of wholesome, all-natural oils, essences, clays and herbs that are sustainably sourced and usually organic. Her significant knowledge of therapeutic herbology combined with her art & design skills make for a distinctive line of bath & body products, which she has continuously refined over the past 9 years. Her home-based business now stocks 12 local shops and continues to grow. On Saturday, she will be here from 12 to 3 to represent her entire collection of soaps, balms, powders and potions and to share a bit about her process, including examples of some of her equipment and raw materials. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to make great soap, now’s your chance to ask an expert! Refreshments will be served.