Uwishunu.com

Image courtesy of The 700 Level

This afternoon at the Comcast Center, the 76ers announced the return of its classic, familiar logo famously used during the heyday of Dr. J, Maurice Cheeks and the championship team of ’83.

Simple yet powerful, the new/old logo conjures fond memories for many older Sixers fans, and provides a sense of optimism for the current ones. Reportedly, the new, updated uniforms will be unveiled later this summer.

The Sixers recently completed a season which saw them reach the playoffs, and are eagerly awaiting the return of All-Star forward Elton Brand and the fresh philosophy of new Head Coach Eddie Jordan.

The Painter by Mike McJilton

That adorable little tea/curiosity shop on North 4th street, The Random Tea Room, has turned their operation into a multi-use space for tea drinkers, perusers and artists. Their monthly 2nd Thursday art openings are a welcome change from the crowded First Friday. This month they are featuring an incredibly talented artist, Mike McJilton.

Mike’s show “Some People, Some Places” will be on display through June 30th (which gives you some time to go and see it). I’m not an art critic, but I think Mike’s paintings are amazing. He’s particularly adroit at capturing subtle emotions and quiet glimpses into the lives of his subjects. Depending on the piece, his unique approach might remind you of anyone from Picasso to Hockney, with Impressionist and Expressionist influences thrown in, but Mike’s art is all his own–it’s sure to entice you to reflect.

So stop by the Random Tea Room to have a cup of tea, a scone and a gander at some fantastic art!

The Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop
713 North 4th Street, Philadelphia PA 19123
www.therandomtearoom.com

Over the past few years Philly has gained a lot of steam toward becoming a truly bike-friendly city. It’s no news that as gas prices have risen, people have been abandoning their beloved automobiles in search of cheaper modes of transit, and the bike has become one of the most popular. Honestly, it’s hard to argue with a machine that can get you from Center City to the ornamental gardens of Fairmount Park’s Japanese House in twenty minutes and on a bowl of cereal.

To mark this achievement, come out this weekend for the 9th annual Bicycle Film Festival, which celebrates all things bike. This international festival will be making stops in 39 cities across the globe, from Toronto to Orlando, Tokyo to Miami and everywhere in between.

The Festival will include dozens of short films and a few full-lengths that span everything from the racing of a yogurt-powered bike to Japanese track riders and the prestigious 160-mile, day-long Paris-Roubaix road race. Another one of the highlights will include the screening of an update on the famous Lucas Brunelle’s adventures as he roams the earth documenting urban cycling with his helmet-cam.

For more information on the Festival and a list of scheduled events, check out the BFF’s official site.

The Bicycle Film Festival
Fri, June 26 & Sat, June 27
www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

The Roots Picnic earlier this month; Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC

It was just announced that The Roots will be performing at Philadelphia’s main July 4th celebration — joining Sheryl Crow at the annual free concert and fireworks display on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4, 2009. Concert begins at 8:30 pm.

More details to come.

CLICK HERE for more general information about July 4th festivities in Philadelphia.

Also, be sure to check out the exclusive video about The Roots and Philly 36o that we posted earlier this month.

Philly 360 Video: The Roots [uwishunu.com]
July 4th in Philadelphia [Gophila.com]

Additional photos from The Roots performing at the 2009 Roots Picnic below.

?uestlove at The Roots Picnic; Photo by M. Kennedy

L2 has been a fixture at the corner of 22nd and South Streets for years, however it’s only been within the recent economic downturn that the bar menu available in the front of the house has gained such popularity. Affectionately referred to by some patrons as the “recession menu”, this limited-but-flavorful selection offers high-end food at prices you can even afford on a decent-sized unemployment check.

A mere $8 gets you an excellent hamburger on a fresh roll with delicious hand-cut fries. Step up to the $11 sirloin steak and you’ll enjoy a well-portioned 8oz cut of beef grilled to your liking, more of those amazing hand-cut french fries, and a small salad. The same plate at many other center city restaurants would easily run you twice the price. Invest some of those saved dollars into a smart martini from the bar to fully round out your dining experience.

And if you like jazz music, L2 has a treat for you: on most Thursdays, swing by in the evening between 7:00 and 11:00pm to enjoy the live musical styling of Mary Ellen Desmond (her newest CD, Darn That Dream, is available on iTunes or at her shows). The bar menu is a great choice any day of the week, but with (free) live entertainment on Thursday nights, that’s the night to go and enjoy a night out with your friends or with that special someone.

L2
2201 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 732-7878
www.l2restaurant.com

Retro bowling lanes at North Bowl. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Much has been made of North Bowl‘s capacity for fun: its beer, pub grub, photo booths, video games and soul-tastic soundtrack — plus, of course, two levels of bowling lanes.

Wednesday and Sunday are the thriftiest nights to lace up and bowl. Here’s the deal (valid 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.):

- $2 games
- $2 shoe rentals
- $2 tater tots
- $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon and Dales Pale Ale and Old Chub

Bowl ‘em straight!

Click here to visit North Bowl’s official Web site.

North Bowl [gophila.com]

Brew’s Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwich, Mmmmm!

Picture an airy coffee shop serving individually hand-dripped coffees made from beans cultivated on small farms in Colombia. That coffee called Ariel Pajoy? Ariel Pajoy is the farmer who grew those beans.

Now imagine this same place also sells between 400 and 600 microbrew beers to-go, a selection curated by the same man behind beer hotspot, the South Philly Tap Room.

You can stop dreaming, because it’s here. It’s called Brew, one part coffee shop (known as Ultimo Coffee at Brew) and one part bottle shop, and it’s the latest addition to the Newbold neighborhood in South Philly. While the combination of beer and coffee under one roof would seem to be a no-brainer, Brew is the most cohesive partnership of the two beverages to come to Philly.

Ultimo Coffee at Brew is a relaxing neighborhood coffee shop, but also a destination for people who take their coffee seriously. Ultimo showcases coffees from all over the world, many from the La Golondrina coffee project in Colombia.

Coffees are made in small batches until 11 am, after which they are hand-dripped to order. Customers choose from among 5 different coffee varieties, the majority of which come from microlots: a practice of culling the best coffee beans from batches submitted to the La Golondrina coffee project. By going to cuppings – the coffee version of a wine tasting – Ultimo brought the coffees that he found truly exceptional to Brew.

(more…)

It all started with a Maryland surf shack in the summer of ’68.

Over forty years later, South Moon Under’s Center City outpost remains true to its laid back, free-spirited roots but its spirit has been infused with a taste of Rittenhouse sophistication. The chain’s team of buyers culls fashion show lineups and hundreds of vendors’ racks each year to select a unique collection of women’s and men’s casual clothes, jewelry, accessories, swimwear and footwear for its twelve East Coast locations.

Perfect for the spiking summer temps: wander into the conveniently situated 1731 Chestnut shop to browse the impressive second floor bathing suit stock, from tankinis to separates to cover-ups to board shorts for the dudes. While you’re upstairs, flip through the always-promising sale racks, offering major discounts on highly coveted pieces year round. Guys don’t miss out, either: quality button down shirts, hoodies and shorts are paired with worth-the-price-tag watches, sunglasses, wallets and hats.

Scattered throughout the shop are South Moon Under’s finely honed habitat items, the home decor and gift-giving pieces that set the store apart from its many apparel-only counterparts. You might find a coffee table book, kitchen wares like cutting boards or glasses, or great living room sprucer-uppers like frames and throw pillows.

Summer is South Moon Under’s claim to fame season, given its typical billing as a swimwear destination- but any month, for any need, it’s a veritable member of the Philly shopping scene. The two sets of fitting rooms accommodate customers well, and the easily navigable store layout, sleek hardwood floors and friendly staff make the experience pleasant. Plus, at the heart of the Rittenhouse shopping district, chances are it’s on your way to or from another destination. Di Bruno’s cheese samples anyone?

South Moon Under
1731 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-2170
www.southmoonunder.com

You may know El Fuego, Philadelphia’s local version of Chipotle, for its burritos and quesadillas. But did you know that, at both Center City locations, you can find some of the wildest happy hour deals in town?

21st and Chestnut
Mon-Fri, 4 – 7 p.m.
- $3 Bottled Mexican and Imported Beer
- $3 16oz. Draft Beer
- $2 Cans & Domestic Beer
- $3 12oz Traditional Frozen Margaritas
- $4 12oz Fruit Flavored Margaritas

7th and Walnut
Mon-Fri, 4 – 7 p.m.
- $2.50 Bottled Mexican and Imported Beer
- $2 Cans and Domestic Bottles

With drink deals like this, the burritos are almost unnecessary! (Actually, not even close. They’re delicious and completely necessary.)

CLICK HERE to read more at El Fuego’s official site

Drake, performing at Tritone this Thursday

Jazz and more… Where I’ll be and where you should be…

MONDAY 6/22/09
Wayne Smith Quartet
Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St.
Drummer Wayne Smith plays regularly with pianist Alfie Pollitt and, as of late, the Sun Ra Arkestra. Tonight he’ll lead his own group, with Leon Boykins on bass, Darryl Yokley on sax, and a surprise pianist.
8 p.m., $10 ($5 for students)

TUESDAY 6/23/09
Lucky Thompson & the Budesa Brothers’ Blue Tuesday Open Mic & Jam Session
Elena’s Soul Showcase Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave.
Veteran drummer Lucky Thompson has played with greats like Nina Simone and Patti LaBelle during his long career and led jam sessions all over the city (including at Natalie’s Lounge, where he was the music director for more than 10 years). Lucky and brothers Rich Budesa on keys and Rob Budesa on guitar are single-handedly keeping Philly’s great organ trio tradition alive. If you haven’t heard them play at the Showcase, a neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, then you’re missing out on an essential part of Philly’s jazz scene.
8 p.m., FREE

WEDNESDAY 6/24/09
AlasNoAxis
Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.
This record-release party for drummer Jim Black’s quartet is presented by Ars Nova Workshop. Check out the full event description on the ANW website.
8 p.m., $12

THURSDAY 6/25/09
Drake
Tritone, 1508 South St.
Cello, trumpet, upright bass, drums, and two MCs… Drake’s sound is original and engaging. Check out their monthly Tritone show. Also on the bill tonight are three artists from the Boston-based Whitehaus Family.
9 p.m., $5

(more…)