January 25, 2010
A still from the television show What in the World, highlighted in a new exhibit at the Penn Museum
The Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthology’s latest exhibit, What in the World, opens this Friday, January 29th.
However, guests are welcome to come by the public opening and reception this Thursday, from 5pm to 7pm, to meet the artist, Pablo Helguera, and get a sneak peak at the Penn Museum’s newest installation. The event is pay-what-you-want, and will feature a cash bar.
Stop by, and check out the new exhibit before anyone else.
Philagrafika
www.philagrafika2010.org
Penn Museum
3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-4001
www.museum.upenn.edu
January 25, 2010
Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
You can’t blame the Philadelphia Theatre Company if it has high hopes for Golden Age, a new play penned by Terrence McNally focused on the world of opera.
After all, PTC presented the world premier of Master Class, another work by McNally that revolved around the opera scene. That show went on to win three Tony Awards, including one for best play.
With Golden Age the playwright takes a trip back in time, to imagine the backstage goings on at the Théâtre-Italien in Paris for the 1835 premiere of Vincenzo Bellini’s I Puritani. A discerning audience sits on one side of the curtain, while on the other side there’s the composer, his best friend Francesco, plus four renowned opera singers. Bellini is excited about his latest creation, written especially for this powerhouse quartet. He wants I Puritani to help him, once and for all win, the hearts of the French opera crowd over composer Gaetano Donizetti. The two are fierce rivals and this production is to be Bellini’s greatest triumph.
Add that tension to having four opera stars in close quarters — hey, they’re known to be histrionic — and you’re bound to get high drama.
Golden Age
January 22 through February 21, 2010
Suzanne Roberts Theatre
480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 985-0420
www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
January 25, 2010
The Painted Bride Quarterly is back with yet another story slam this Thursday, January 28th.
After a successful slam back in December at Philadelphia’s Pen & Pencil Club, the PBQ returns with their fun mix of Whose Line is it Anyway and First Person Arts-esque story slams.
This month’s slam features a special reading from guest poet Paul Siegell, and will be hosted by Steven Volk of Philadelphia Magazine. Don’t miss it!
Painted Bride Quarterly Story Slam
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
7:30pm
Pen & Pencil Club
1522 Latimer Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-4402
(215) 731-9909
www.penandpencil.org
January 25, 2010
Inside the Seaport's exhibit
Originally scheduled to close this month, the Independence Seaport Museum’s current exhibit, Skin & Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor, was extended to February. Well, time is running out to check out this fantastic exhibit. Come February 7th, Skin & Bones packs up and moves to the Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT.
During the exhibit’s last week, all tattoo wares in the Seaport’s Museum Shop will be discounted 25%. Tattoo books, postcards, accessories… everything from tattooed rubber duckies to Sailor Jerry clothing.
So head over to the Independence Seaport Museum before February 7th. You don’t want to miss this exhibit.
Skin & Bones Tattoos Exhibit
Now through February 7th, 2010!
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3199
(215) 925-5439
www.phillyseaport.org
January 25, 2010
South Philly Tap Room
All you can eat at the South Philly Tap Room? Sounds good to me!
This Sunday, the South Philadelphia Tap Room is hosting their second annual Beef & Beer event. The Tap Room promises plenty of prime rib (accompanied by house-made marinated mushrooms), house-smoked brisket tacos, and beef tartar topped with black pepper sabayon.
The event isn’t just all-you-can-eat, there are plenty of all you can drink brews from your favorite local breweries on tap as well!
Highlights include röegs Nugget Nectar, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion, Sly Fox Chester County Bitter and Philadelphia Brewing Company’s newest seasonal, a Scotch Ale.
The Tap Room isn’t revealing all their selections though, saving a couple draft beers as a surprise. You’ll have to sign up to find out. Tickets to Beef & Beer are $50 per person, which is a steal considering the all-you-can-drink/eat menu.
Beef & Beef @ the South Philly Taproom
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
5pm – 9pm, $50 per person
South Philadelphia Tap Room
1509 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 271-7787
www.southphiladelphiataproom.com
January 25, 2010
What's Your Story takes place this Sunday, January 31st
This Sunday, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens are hosting a workshop for the whole family, inviting both kids and adults to pay a visit, explore the Gardens, and tell their story.
Join the PMG for a special workshop, where you can create your own pocket-sized illustrated books that tell your life story. You’ll learn all about Peter Sis, renowned illustrator and author of The Wall, and his unique illustrating techniques.
Afterwards, you can take a kid-friendly tour around the Gardens at 2pm or 4pm. The activities are all included under the regular admission price, which is just $4 for adults and $2 for kids.
Philagrafika
www.philagrafika2010.org
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-1936
(215) 733-0390
www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org
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January 22, 2010
Chinese New Year Celebration @ the Penn Museum, Photo by Jennifer Chiappardi
I was born a sheep. Not a dragon, an ox, or even a snake, but a wonderfully fluffy creature with four legs. Sigh. I am, of course speaking of the Chinese Zodiac.
2010 marks the the Year of the Tiger and although the New Year doesn’t officially start till 12:01 AM on February 14th, the Penn Museum is starting the festivities early with their Annual Chinese New Year Celebration tomorrow, January 23rd.
Penn is ringing in the Year of the Tiger with an appearance by celebrity chef Joseph Poon, live demonstrations of Tai Chi, a ceremonial lion dance performed by students of the Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy, and opportunities to taste traditional Chinese food.
For the entire list of activities for this day long celebration, be sure to log on to the Penn Museum website. Time to roar in the New Year!
Chinese New Year Celebration @ Penn Museum
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
11am to 4pm
Penn Museum
3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-4001
www.museum.upenn.edu
January 22, 2010
Noche Flamenca, at the Kimmel Center this Saturday, Photo by Andrea Mohin
Friday
24 Hour Bald Soprano @ the Annenberg
Brat Productions is up to their usual, wild theatre antics. The 24 hour long show starts tonight and runs til Saturday!
Wild & Woolly Trunk Show @ Bus Stop Boutique
Make your own teddy bears and meet the talented artist behind BedHeadSheep. Plus grab some discounted wares during the trunk show!
Philadelphia & Baltimore Baroque Orchestras in Chestnut Hill
The two groups are joining together for a performance at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill tonight, with another show tomorrow in Germantown.
Fundraiser in the Italian Market
This no-cover fundraiser features a DJ, food specials, a raffle, and more. All proceeds go towards the Italian Market Festival.
Anthony Raneri at the North Star Bar
Phillyist has the whole story!
Saturday
Exploring Trees Inside & Out @ the Please Touch Museum
This new, fun-filled exhibit opens this Saturday! Stop by and experience the outdoors… inside!
Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca @ Merriam Theater
Come see one of the world’s most highly regarded flamenco touring companies perform at the Merriam Theater in Center City. They have two shows, one at 2pm and another at 8pm.
JACK Quartet @ the Kimmel Center
This critically acclaimed quartet returns to the Kimmel for the first time since 2008.
Chinese New Year Celebration @ the Penn Museum
With live dancers, traditional food, arts, and more, the Chinese New Year celebration at the Penn Museum looks to be a good time.
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January 22, 2010
Hams Across America, Friday, January 29th
When you describe an event as a “magnificent performance burrito, wherein a real charity fundraising event is wrapped within the trappings of a fake 1980s-style celebrity charity concert” it’s hard not to pay attention to it. Especially when the fundraising concert is hosted by Philadelphia’s beloved Pig Iron Theatre Company.
For the Love of Pig Iron: Hams Across America, hits the Trocadero Theater next Friday, January 29th, and the experimental theatre company is bringing a lot of friends with them; UPenn’s all-male South Asian dance troupe Dhamaka, the neo-glam punk band Gang, with appearances by Johnny Showcase, the Philadelphia Circus School, and Miss Martha Graham Cracker.
Pig Iron’s fundraiser cabarets are legendary to say the least, so pick up your tickets while you still can. Tickets are $25, $75 for preferred-seating. For tickets and more information about Pig Iron, visit their official website.
For the Love of Pig Iron: Hams Across America
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Trocadero
1003 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
www.thetroc.com
January 22, 2010
Grilled Sardines at the Bistrot
Bistrot La Minette is one of those restaurants in my neighborhood that I’ve always walked past because, despite its charming exterior, I always thought it was out of my price range. Well, welcome to January! The bistrot is thumbing its nose at Philly’s traditional seven-day Restaurant Week and instead offering a fabulous $30 prix fixe menu throughout the entire month. You’ve still got more than a week to try it out!
All too often I’ve been disappointed by special deals at otherwise expensive restaurants, but that’s not the case here. The three courses are all quite sizable and just as marvelously prepared as anything else on the menu. The regular menu of winter bistrot fare is also available, in case you don’t want to confine yourself to the special selections.
I sampled three first courses, all of which made my heart flutter. The Soupe Parmentier, off the prix fixe menu, was hands down THE BEST soup I’ve ever eaten. The white broth is a creamy puree of winter root vegetables, and it’s topped with beautifully presented garnishes – the succulent mushrooms were unbelievably savory.
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