July 6, 2009
It’s cool to be old school this summer! Looking to check out some pioneers of hip-hop? Then the University of the Arts is the place to be this month. From the 20th to the 26th, the school plays host to Rennie Harris Puremovement’s 2009 Illadelph Legends Festival. Grab your boom box, vintage tracksuit and Pumas and join other hip-hop connoisseurs for this weeklong festival of classic urban dance and music.
B Boys and B Girls will love the chance to take master classes, participate in lecture demonstrations, open jam sessions, panel discussions and break out sessions in one of the longest running hip hop festivals in the country. You’ll find all the hip-hop dance styles representin’, including: Boogaloo, Locking, Popping, House and Afro/Funk.
The beats will be dropping from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. every day of the festival. To register click here,
University of the Arts
211 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
www.rhpm.org/illadelph
July 2, 2009
Full of modernist décor and daring menu offerings, Patagonia Bar and Grillgo is one of the more exotic finds in Bucks County. The restaurant, set in Richboro, is the special kind of place that can work for a casual lunch or romantic dinner.
Right when you walk through the doors at Patagonia, you know you’re in for a unique experience. Being greeted by a flowing waterfall and pond stocked to the brim with extroverted Koi makes the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The vivid bright yellow and deep orange wells set against the rich wood tables makes for quite the impression.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get seated next to the glass-paned waterfall that divides the two dinning room with a veil of flowing water. But if not, each table also is appointed with fragrant flowers that add an elegant touch to the minimalist table settings.
The menu of Patagonia features something for every taste, from multiple varieties of French crepes to Italian paninis. Start things off right with a plate of warm Brie or some light and crispy Asian potstickers. Seafood fans will love the selection of dishes on the dinner menu, like Costa Rican tilapia and sautéed grouper. The crème brulee at Patagonia is one of the best in the county, with a balance of cream and sugar that is perfectly executed.
Patagonia Bar & Grill
59 Almshouse Road, Richboro, PA 18954
(215) 354-9400
www.patagoniabarandgrill.com
July 1, 2009
The Philadelphia Orchestra, Philly Pops and Mann Center for the Performing Arts are teaming up for a full month of instrumental entertainment.
The second week of concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra takes place July 21, 23 and 24 , with a concert from Peter Nero and The Philly Pops on July 22. This series begins with a bang as concert goers will be transported to a galaxy far far away as the orchestra’s Hollywood Classics Under the Stars: takes on the Jedi and the dark Side with Star Wars and More, conducted by Grant Llewellyn. After that it’s The Best of Bernstein and the Riches of Rodgers with Peter Nero and The Philly Pops and vocalists Christiane Noll and Doug LeBrecque on July 22.
Continuing the June series, the July 1 concert will feature Firebird and The Four Seasons. This concert is part of the Curtis Institute partnership and will feature musicians from the school.
Get exotic on July 23 with Sheherazade and Other Tall Tales followed by All Gershwin on the 24th, both conducted by Rossen Milanov. The month of Mann orchestra concerts wraps up with performances on July 28, 29 and 30. The first features Verdi and Rachmaninoff, followed by Tchaikovsky with Fireworks and concluding with Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang. This last concert will include “Mambo” from West Side Story, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite.
The orchestra is also announcing an exciting new program where the classics go high tech. This season you can “Vote Your Encore” an initiative where the audience gets to decide on encore performances by texting in their selections. This feature will only be available at select concerts so get your cell phones ready.
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
www.manncenter.org
(215) 546-7900
June 18, 2009
For all those jaded by the overabundance of chain java joints and hipster coffeehouses, it’s time for a visit to 3 Sisters Corner Cafe in Fox Chase. The Northeast might not be the first place you think of when looking for a cool coffee shop to visit, but 3 Sisters can compete with any of the trendy spots in Philly.
What makes 3 Sisters stand out is it’s simple menu of tea time treats. Their famous Madeleine cookies are a must! At only $1.80 for a trio of the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats, don’t pass up this opportunity to indulge. And speaking of indulgence, you can’t get much more lavish than Aunt June’s Decadent Chocolate Cake.
But the diet-conscious won’t be disappointed either, with my personal favorite no-carb Frittata Popems, an omelet shaped like a cupcake boasting a distinctive zing of Worchester sauce. The homemade lump crab quiche, tasty tuna salad and broiled filet mignon panini with roasted red peppers and Swiss cheese all got rave reviews from my crowd.
There’s little pretense in this tightly packed little shop that features a full blackboard of java and teas. Victorian sweetness of lace and needlepoint is thankfully balanced out by the shop’s rich lacquered tables and mismatched china.
And what would a coffee shop be without some poetry! 3 Sisters doesn’t disappoint; it’s the home to The Fox Chase Reading Series hosted by the Mad Poets Society and The Fox Chase Review. Readings are scheduled for the 4th Saturday of every month at 2 P.M. Next reading is set for June 27, featuring Amy King and Amy Ouzoonian, followed by Vincent Quatroche and Timothy Gager in July.
3 Sisters Corner Cafe
7950 Oxford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111
(215) 725-6848
June 17, 2009
Last year’s Seaport Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Series
Looking for a free ride this summer? The Independence Seaport Museum has got you covered with a host of no-cost activities. First up, is the Museum’s free outdoor Wooden Boat Festival that’s set for June 21. But, if you’re looking to get inside the museum and check out some of the nautical themed exhibits, like the new Skin & Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor, visit on Sunday mornings, from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. to take advantage of the Pay-What-You-Wish program.
With the Seafarin’ Saturdays program, little sailors can have some free fun. Every first Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a free activity, like a craft or lesson. It’s free with regular museum admission. Also on the first Saturday catch free Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Olympia & Becuna. Here you can get a VIP tour of the famous Philly residents and tour spots usually off-limits to the public, like the Olympia’s triple expansion steam engines, boiler room, and working ash hoist. You’ll even get the chance to take a peek through the sub’s periscope. These special tours are free with regular museum admission and run from 12 to 4 P.M. Just remember only landlubbers 12 years and older can tour the ships and you need to be able to climb steep stairs.
If cinema rather than the sea is your thing, come to the Seaport Starlight Cinema Outdoor Movie Series scheduled throughout the summer. There’s no red ink to this event, but there will be plenty of tattoos. Enjoy flicks with a body art theme while celebrating the Seaport Museum’s newest exhibit Skin & Bones. The first movie debuts on Tuesday, July 21, followed by August 18 and September 15.
More after the jump!
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June 16, 2009
Moms, dads and kiddies can get all crafty together thanks to the Mercer Museum and their monthly Tuesday night Family Craft Workshops.
The first Craft Workshop is slated for Tuesday, June 23rd from 6 to 7:30 PM. At this June workshop, the theme is papermaking and adults and tiny tots can work side by side to create their own handmade paper out of all sorts of materials. Using natural, new and recycled ingredients, the paper creations are sure to be unique.
This workshop is followed up by the Marbled Paper workshop, on July 14. An early American craft, this simple technique promises elegant results. Here kids are encouraged to get a little messy, making swirled designs on everything from bookmarks to greeting cards. August’s workshop, set for the 18th, will focus on Decoupage, the fool-the-eye craft that will have little tykes and grown-ups adding visual effects and unique patterns to trinket boxes.
Mercer Museum
84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901-4999
(215) 345-0210; ext. 123
www.mercermuseum.org
June 10, 2009
On the set of I Love My Bicycle
July 4th is right around the corner, but you can celebrate independence a little early again this year as the 2nd Annual Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (PIFF) brings cinema to the people all around Northern Liberties.
From June 25 to 28, experience four days of filmmaking with a festival that takes the cinema out of the theater and into your backyard. PIFF isn’t your typical flashy VIP film fest; you won’t find any red carpets or marquee names here. But what you will discover is a host of quirky, cutting-edge and up-and-coming films all within walking distance of each other thanks to PIFF’s unconventional take on film screenings. At PIFF, you can watch selected inde flicks at Exit Skate Shop, Yards Brewery and Arbol Café, just to name a few of the screening locales.
With over 800 submissions from 17 countries around the globe, there’s no telling what awaits at this year’s festival. Last year Piff showcased over 150 movies, including This is My Cheesesteak, a documentary profiling Philly’s legendary hot sandwich families and the geeky, hip-hop picture Nerdcore for Life. Audiences will get to pick their favorite flick and other awards will be dolled out for everything from the best first-time director to best sci-fi film.
North Bowl hosts Opening night from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Enjoy free bowling, Hors D’oeuvres, two drink tickets and a raffle to kick the festival off. There will also be Happy Hours at numerous locations, like Standard Tap, Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus and Abbaye.
For more details, visit PIFF’s official website. Happy movie-going!
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
www.philadelphiaindependentfilmfestival.com
June 3, 2009
When you need a little break from the urban hustle of Philly, a natural retreat is closer than you think. Just minutes away from some of the city’s most famous attractions, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Bartram’s Garden combines both history and botanic beauty. It is after all, America’s oldest living botanical garden.
Visiting the gardens will put you in good company, since the grounds boast some famous guests, like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. John Bartram’s 18th century homestead, nestled next to the Schuylkill River features a full array of scenic landscapes. Birders should have a fabulous time spotting songbirds and other elusive species. Orioles are in fact in large quantity in the gardens and can their song can be heard from every corner of the grounds.
A stroll through the fragrant wildflower meadow is a must. Don’t forget to stop by and see the famous Franklinia alatamaha, the tree named in honor of Ben Franklin that John Bartram rescued from possible extinction. The oldest Gingko tree in the US is here as well, looming gracefully over the rolling hills of the garden.
A kitchen garden bursting with herbs and veggies, acres of meadow that offer exquisite views of the city skyscape and even a dock where you can ferry across the Schuylkill, means a trip to Bartram’s Garden promises a lot more than a chance to smell the roses.
Bartram’s Garden is open from dawn to dusk and admission is free, but guided tours cost $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students (kids under 12 years are free). Tours are only scheduled for weekend mornings and afternoons.
Bartram’s Garden
54th St. and Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
www.bartramsgarden.org
(215) 729-5281
June 2, 2009
Looking to enjoy the warm temps and scenic beauty of the great outdoors? A natural retreat is closer than you think at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. With 340 acres of preserved land and over three miles of hiking trails, it’s the perfect spot to spend some time with Mother Nature.
There are plenty of wild residents of the Schuylkill Environmental Center you might have the pleasure of meeting on your trip, like: deer, chipmunks, moles, foxes, opossums, skunks, frogs, toads, snakes and groundhogs, along with over 150 species of birds.
Head to the Education Building where there’s something for everyone. The Discovery Center is packed with vividly painted interactive exhibits, where kids can learn while having fun. There’s also an indoor bird blind that promises to give an upclose look at some timid feathered friends. The building’s Green Roof provides the perfect example of how to make an eco-friendly building top, while the Art Gallery is filled with eco-themed art exhibits.
An acorn’s throw away from the Education Building, you can enjoy the picnic grove and seasonal Butterfly House exhibit, plus the impressive Solar Panel Array (guaranteed to knock your organic hemp socks off). On other side of the property, sits the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, a free clinic and ER if you will for animals of all sorts. It’s also home to the organic community gardens, where anyone can rent a space and play farmer for a season.
Schuylkill Environmental Center
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 482-7300
www.schuylkillcenter.org
May 29, 2009
It seems a bit ironic that the main fundraiser for Girls Rock Philly (GRP) should be a silent auction. After all, Girls Rock is all about giving young ladies in the region a voice to rock out with. Then again, with all the fabulous prizes being won on June 7th, this event is sure to be anything but silent.
In true Girls Rock fashion, the Silent Auction Benefit will be a musical tour de force, featuring acoustic music from Attia Taylor and Nora Whittaker and plugged-in performances by Kitten Disaster, Frisky or Trusty, and The Lopez. There will also be DJs, drinks and snacks as well!
And how about those prizes!? Come join the party and get the chance to win everything from sports tickets and gift certificates to spas and salons, to gift baskets and sessions with personal trainers.
This is the third year for the benefit event, the biggest fundraiser for Girls Rock Philly. The non-profit summer camp offers local girls the chance to explore their creativity through a week long program that encourages musical education and so much more.
But this camp rocks in other ways too. Girls Rock Philly never turns away any would-be campers just because of lack of funds and almost half of GRP campers receive scholarships. But they can’t do it alone! To raise these funds, GRP needs your help, so try your luck at the annual auction. You’re guaranteed to come out feeling like a winner.
Girls Rock Silent Auction
Sunday, June 7
2 to 6 P.M.
117 South Street, Philadelphia
(215) 789-4879
