Ep. 86: Eric Bresler (PhilaMOCA Venue Manager/Booking) Upstate New York native Eric Bresler runs all aspects of Philly's award-winning art space the Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (PhilaMOCA). Since moving to Philadelphia in 1997, he has lived in West Philly punk houses, managed a TLA Video store, and programmed films in dozens of locations throughout the city. He is married with a four-year-old daughter and nine-year-old corgi. About PhilaMOCA Housed in the historic Finney & Son building, a former showroom for mausoleums that dates back to 1865, The Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (PhilaMOCA) is a multipurpose art space that proudly showcases the best in underground, alternative, and DIY culture with a concentration on film and performance. PhilaMOCA hosts 300+ events a year ranging from film premieres to art exhibitions to fashion showcases. Accessibility There are two six-inch steps leading into the building. A wheelchair ramp is readily available by request. History (as we know it) Finney & Son was a three-generation, Philadelphia-based mausoleum business that was located at 531 N. 12th Street from the late 1800s through the 1960s. The building lay vacant until the 1980s when it was briefly inhabited by a sculptor from a local art college. Local music producer Diplo purchased the building in the mid-00’s and used it as the headquarters of his Mad Decent record label. The original Mad Decent Block Party was held right out front on 12th Street. A Wikipedia summary of those years: “Since its inception, The Mausoleum has become the home to recordings by artists like Christina Aguilera, Shakira, M.I.A., Santigold, Spank Rock, Plastic Little, Blaqstarr, Paper Route Gangstaz, and hosted concerts by Glass Candy, Skream, Boys Noize, Nicos Gun, and more.” In 2010, Diplo relocated to the west coast and rented the building to Gavin Hecker who established PhilaMOCA in September of that year to immediate acclaim. Gavin relocated to NYC in 2012 and current manager/programmer Eric Bresler took over the reigns of PhilaMOCA in March of that year. PhilaMOCA has received both national and international acclaim for its unique approach towards art and event curation. Notable annual events include Eraserhood Forever, a yearly celebration of David Lynch and his relationship with Philadelphia (past performers have included the actual Lady in the Radiator from Eraserhead and Xiu Xiu covering the Twin Peaks soundtrack), and the Cinedelphia Film Festival, a two-and-a-half week celebration of alternative/underground film and pop culture. PhilaMOCA is a Philadelphia Magazine Best of Philly award-winner and was named one of the “21 Ways Philadelphia is the Coolest City in America” by the Huffington Post and one of the “20 Best Things To Do in Philadelphia” by Time Out. In September 2019, PhilaMOCA was closed by L&I for zoning and fire safety issues. After a great deal of fundraising and frustration, it reopened in July 22 of 2021 with a screening of the cult classic film MAUSOLEUM (1983). Credits Produced, Research and Interview by Rich Wexler Edited Otter Castro Music Richie by B.J Snowden ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bjsnowdenmusic.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I Never Feel Alone Instrumental by Stephen Bluhm ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.stephenbluhm.fun/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vintageannalsarchive.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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