If you've consumed any of the tons of media produced by the city's loudest (and most productive) cheerleader, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, it's likely you've seen the work of photographer Meredith Edlow. The agency's visual assets manager, Edlow, 29, gets a front-row seat for the the city's largest and most important arts and cultural events. She also chronicles Philly's music scene.

Name: Meredith Edlow
Age: 29
Neighborhood: South St. West
Job(s): Visual Assets Manager, GPTMC/Visitphilly.com

Why'd you come here? Why'd you stay? Came for school, Temple, Go Owls! Stayed because of the great festival/music culture. I had an opportunity when I was a teenager to work with the Welcome America festival. I experienced half a million people on the Parkway for a 4th of July concert and was hooked; all those people, the spectacle, BoyzIIMen, MTV was there! It made a huge impact on me, I was 16. After that all I wanted to do was be a festival producer. I didn't become one, but now I work for Meryl Levitz who was one of THE BEST.

Why do you do what you do? I can't help myself. I love photography, I love Philadelphia, it was a perfect fit.

How are you helping move Philly forward? I'm helping us put our best foot forward. I have a responsibility to make sure the city looks good by producing good photos of our tourism assets. If Philly doesn't look good who's going to want to come here? I also get to hire the best photographers in the region and I'm looking forward to working with even more talent in the future. I love being obligated to show off the best of what we have here.

One thing you would change about your 'hood? More parking.

One thing you wouldn't change? The bars.

Must-read local blog? Looking for good music -- Some Velvet Blog. If you're looking for something to do you gotta check out Uwishunu.

Least favorite Philly cliche? The rude fan thing. It's called passion people. We're PASSIONATE.

City's best-kept secret? The Rim Cafe. 9th & Federal St. Two words, Chocolate Volcano! Warm or iced it's delicious. Rene will "Make it happppeeennnnnn!" Check it out. You'll see what I mean, he sings to you while he makes your drink.

Last local place you went for dinner or drinks? Village Whiskey, oh and Taqueria Veracruzana, dinner, always a sure thing when you want something good to eat.

Another neighborhood you wished you lived in? Why? I don't wish to live anywhere else at the moment. I've never lived in Northern Liberties or deep South Philly, those could be interesting experiences.

Favorite local musician, mural, or meal? Please don't make me name one (musician)..The Peace Creeps,The Tough Shits, Dr. Dog, Sunny Ali and the Kid, Betty Iron Thumbs, the Popo, Univox, The Lopez, The Levee Drivers, Making Time Djs (upstairs and down), DJ Statik (Illvibe Collective), CSLSX.

Spend more time in PA burbs, South Jersey or Wilmington? PA burbs! South Jersey(?) Oh yeah, the shore, ok. Wilmington(?) *confused face.*

For the Mayor's suggestion box: When you get a chance Mr. Mayor, can you trick out the city with more crazy light displays? Maybe some huge permanent projection installations?

JOE PETRUCCI is managing editor of Flying Kite. Send feedback here.


All photographs by MEREDITH EDLOW (pictured in second image)

Fourth photo from top by M. Edlow for GPTMC