Draft:Vance Lehmkuhl
American vegan musician, author, and historical consultant
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Vance Lehmkuhl is an American vegan author, journalist, cartoonist, musician, and historical consultant based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is best known for creatively promoting veganism through humor, music, public speaking, and published works. He is also known for documenting and promoting Philadelphia’s historical role in the American vegetarian and vegan movements.[citation needed]
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- Writer
- Cartoonist
- Historian
- Journalist
- Pianist
- Comedian
- Vegan educator
- The Joy of Soy
- The Green Beings
- Revolutionary Peace
Vance Allen Lehmkuhl | |
|---|---|
 Vance Allen Lehmkuhl at the 2012 NAVS Vegetarian Summerfest at UPittJohnstown in Johnstown PA, with Chef AJ and others | |
| Born | B:3 May 1962 |
| Occupations |
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| Known for |
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| Movement | Veganism |
| Children | 1 son |
| Website | LinkedIn profile |
Career
Lehmkuhl began his public career as a cartoonist and columnist in Philadelphia, where he focused on vegan and environmental issues. He created The Joy of Soy, a collection of vegan-themed newspaper columns, and The Green Beings, a musical cartoon band featuring humorous songs promoting plant-based values. He has lectured for decades at the NAVS Vegetarian Summerfest.
He wrote and illustrated the syndicated cartoon Edgy Veggies[1] for the Philadelphia City Paper and later penned the "V for Veg" column[2][3] for the Philadelphia Daily News and The Philadelphia Inquirer, covering vegan culture, local advocacy, and sustainability.
Lehmkuhl currently serves as Director of the American Vegan Center in Philadelphia and Communications Director for the American Vegan Society in Malaga, New Jersey. In these roles, he leads outreach initiatives including public talks, vegan history walking tours, and media engagement to promote plant-based awareness.[4][5][6][7] The Center’s launch generated discussion online, including on Reddit.[8]
In 2025, Lehmkuhl published Revolutionary Peace: How Philadelphia Launched the U.S. Vegetarian and Vegan Movement, a historical account of Philadelphia's pioneering role in American plant-based advocacy.[9]
Philadelphia-based public engagement
A recurring focus of Lehmkuhl’s work has been Philadelphia’s role in vegetarian, vegan, environmental, and reform movements. Through journalism, public lectures, walking tours, historical interpretation, and community outreach, he has contributed to documenting and publicizing the city’s connections to plant-based advocacy and related social movements.
Personal life
Lehmkuhl and his wife, who is also a musician, reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along with his son. All three are practicing vegans.
Publications
Books
- The Joy of Soy – A collection of vegan-themed columns originally published in Philadelphia newspapers, blending humor and advocacy. Available on Amazon[10]
- Revolutionary Peace: How Philadelphia Launched the U.S. Vegetarian and Vegan Movement – A historical exploration of Philadelphia’s key role in the development of vegetarianism and veganism in the United States. Available on Amazon
- The Green Beings: The Musical Adventures of Vegan Aliens on Earth – A children’s story and musical project centered on vegan alien characters promoting kindness and sustainability.
- Eating Vegan in Philly – A comprehensive guidebook from the Vegan City Guides series, detailing over 100 vegan and vegan-friendly establishments across Philadelphia. The book also delves into the city's rich history in vegetarian and vegan advocacy, highlighting events like the Best Vegan Cheesesteak in Philly contest and notable figures in the movement.[11]
- V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column Paperback – July 1, 2016 by Vance Lehmkuhl (Author)[12]
Vegcast
In 2005, Lehmkuhl launched *Vegcast*, one of the earliest vegan-themed podcasts, which ran for over 120 episodes.[13]
Music
Lehmkuhl has composed and performed several musical works as part of *The Green Beings*. Albums include:
- Green Beings: Green Beings Say Hi! Available on Amazon
- Green Beings: Eat Your Veggies! Available on Amazon
Journalism
Lehmkuhl was a longtime columnist for the *Philadelphia Daily News* and *The Philadelphia Inquirer*, where he addressed plant-based living, environmental issues, and culture. His notable work includes:
- V for Vegan – A regular column on veganism in Philadelphia.[3][2]
- Contributions to *Philadelphia City Paper* and *Philly.com*.
Archived writings are accessible via Inquirer.com or the Wayback Machine.
Media, interviews, and advocacy
Lehmkuhl has appeared on numerous vegan advocacy platforms. In 2023, he was interviewed on *Teagan Goes Vegan* about his media work and historical research.
External links
- Vance Lehmkuhl on LinkedIn
- Vance Lehmkuhl at The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lehmkuhl authored the "V for Veg" column, focusing on plant-based living and vegan culture in Philadelphia. His work in these publications highlights his role in mainstream journalism.
- Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia Contributor Profile - Lehmkuhl is listed as a contributor, underscoring his expertise in the region's history and his involvement in documenting Philadelphia's vegetarian and vegan heritage.[14]
- Free Library of Philadelphia - The library hosted an author talk featuring Lehmkuhl, providing a platform for him to discuss his work and the historical context of veganism in Philadelphia.
- Hidden City Philadelphia Article:"A New Book Celebrates Philadelphia’s Rich Vegetarian History"