My favorite person in Center City used to be Mr. Maryland, a.k.a. the flower delivery man who spent his workday walking through Rittenhouse, singing the praises of Baltimore and Silver Spring, while cursing off Philly (which I did not condone) and people who got in his way (which I did condone, because many of them were my rude customers). For a week last October, Mr. Maryland wandered about silently and my world was shattered. When he started singing that which he normally screamed, I slowly rebuilt my heart.

Mr. Maryland eventually began screaming again. Peace was restored… until he went MIA. I have not seen this man for a good three months. The pessimistic evildoers in my life have suggested that he was fired. I like to think he moved back to Maryland.

Now, I am loyal to a fault and I know that no new Rittenhouse Row character will fill the void in my life created by Mr. Maryland’s absence. But, this week, a biking crooner has come awfully close to being my second favorite Center City-er.

Both this Monday and Tuesday, a man riding his bike on the sidewalk went past the store. Singing Jodeci songs. With a very nasal voice. He kept one hand on a handlebar and the other over his ear (presumably so he could hear himself).

I don’t know if I’ll get the joy of experiencing his travelling performance again, but Mr. Biking Jodeci Singer, if you’re out there, PLEASE make this a habit. Nothing brightens my day like hearing a mobile rendition of "Freek 'N You."

Image via amazon.com.