New entertainment at Reading Terminal Market

We each have something that draws us to Reading Terminal Market (RTM). Maybe it’s the coffee; maybe it’s the Amish pastries, or the cheesesteaks, or the gourmet vinegar, or the fresh produce, or any one of the more than 80 merchants that fill the space; or maybe it’s just the crowds of people, tourists and locals, who pass through there — over 100,000 every week.

Now there’s a new reason to go to RTM — entertainment.

I first discovered this when I wandered through the Market on a Sunday afternoon in August and found myself watching a group of tap dancers (Tap Team Two) performing right in the middle of the food court tables. There I was, with my usual turkey and coleslaw sandwich, watching a show. I was hooked. Then I learned this is a new part of RTM’s regular programming, and I wanted to know more.

Since April 2014, with a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, RTM has been offering twice-monthly themed programs as part of Music @ the Market and Dance @ the Market.

“We want to enhance our performing arts program,” says Ann Mintz, Manager of Development & Special Projects, who plans to curate programs relevant to the market’s patron base, focusing on themes like Americana, Bluegrass, and Tap. This is in line with one of the Market’s mission statements, which is “to maintain an environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of our citizens and fosters their interaction.”

During the fall, the Market is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a performance by the ArCoNet Strings AfriClassical Youth Ensemble (organized with the assistance of Raíces Culturales Latinoamericas) on September 28. On October 9, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Yaretzi will perform, followed by a Mexican dinner from 12th Street Cantina.

Later in October, the focus will switch to jazz, celebrating Eddie Lang Day with the Blackbird Society Orchestra.

For more information about upcoming programs, click here for the RTM events calendar. Events are generally free, although there is a $45 charge for the October 9 Mexican dinner event (for tickets and more information, click here).