East Liberty celebrated its love for music, culture and community Saturday, June 7th for Proud Hood, in collaboration with Art-Cubed. Residents and patrons enjoyed live music from the Gene Stovall Trio, Aboubacar Camara African drumming, and Between Liberties on the steps of East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

On Whitfield Ave., the Westinghouse drum line livened up the street for the few vendors selling jewelery, clothing and other items. Everyone enjoyed the face painting, balloon characters and free popsicles, as well as the sidewalk art. During the event, a live mural was being painted by Kyle Holbrook and his staff on the side of the former PNC building on the corner of Penn and Highland to benefit the MLK mural project.

Inside the Kelly Strayhorn, the historical society displayed local artifacts and the new Arcadia paperback book about local history. There was also a viewing of “Mapping Invisible Lines” a film by Trisha Chicka, which gave her first impressions of the neighborhood. In the Social Hall of ELPC, service providers offered free information and giveaways. People also had the opportunity to get the first glance at the new Y Loft model in the former YMCA building.

The attendance for the event was lower than expected, but all of those who did brave the heat enjoyed a day of great music, arts and community!!