November 16, 2011
Pink is the color for fall, as Nightlife Gay presents the semi-annual Pink Pub Crawl.
Known as one of the biggest party nights of the year, come November 23 patrons will be pub-crawling through the gayborhood wearing pink shirts, pants, hats, boas and other creative garb creating a night of colorful fun.
The crawl starts at 9 p.m. at Stir Lounge, and then makes its second stop at Tabu for drinks and pub grub. From there, treat your eyes and ears to the newly renovated Woody’s to get your dance on.
The night winds down around 12:30 a.m. at Voyeur Nightclub where your entry is covered for the night.
For $25 patrons wearing pink receive a free drink at the first three stops, and get free entry to Woody’s and Voyeur. Those opting out of the jazzy attire will pay $35 for the night of merriment, which is still a great deal considering the whole package would cost you $50 any other night.
Purchase your tickets at the first two stops and start the holiday season off right!
Pink Pub Crawl
Where: Stir, Tabu, Woody’s & Voyeur Nightclubs
When: Wednesday, November 23, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Cost: $25 with an item of pink clothing, $35 without
More info: www.pinkpubcrawl.com
October 21, 2011
Shake it at the Painted Bride this weekend to salsa, cha cha, merengue and more. BYO maracas.
(Photo courtesy Painted Bride)
The Latin Fiesta ensemble celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with caliente beats and salsa rhythms on Saturday, October 22 at the Painted Bride Art Center.
Latin Fiesta’s mission is to share the richness of the Hispanic musical heritage with a variety of audiences. This year’s “Noche Tropical” event will feature a Cuban conga line, music from the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club and Dominican Merengue.
In addition, guest stars Jorge Maldonado, vocalist from the Sonora Matancera, and Stephen Choo Quan & Sarah Davis Salsa Dancers will show off moves you won’t see in any Zumba class.
The free pre-concert workshop for children and adults from 6:15-7 p.m. will give concert goers a taste of what the night has in store.
Tickets are $25, and you can purchase them online.
Latin Fiesta Festival of Music and Dance
When: October 22, 8 p.m.
Where: The Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street
Cost: $25
More Info: www.latinfiestainc.com
September 6, 2011
The borough of Phoenixville presents their 2nd Annual Blues Festival this Saturday, September 10 at Reeves Park.
The festival is free, open to the public and will rock on rain or shine. Spearheaded by the Steel City Blues Society, a Phoenixville non-profit dedicated to cultivating the tradition of blues music, the event will spotlight seasoned local blues artists and bands.
This year the festival will include a midday kid’s concert that will have the whole park jamming with a funky blues sing-along. Throughout the day patrons can delight in local grub from some of Phoenixville’s finest restaurants, pubs and water ice stands.
On the eve of the festival, Club 212 will host the official pre-party fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the Give the Gift of Music Foundation. The blues-infused revelry includes an open bar, free food, live entertainment, and has been hailed as some of the most fun you can have in Phoenixville.
Purchase pre-party tickets, check out the festival’s event schedule or make a donation to the Give the Gift of Music Foundation online.
2nd Annual Phoenixville Blues Festival
When: September 10, noon-10 pm.
Where: Reeves Park
Cost: Free
More Info: www.pvilleblues.org
August 15, 2011
The popular Bar AIDS benefit returns to Philadelphia on Thursday, August 25. It’s an event that’s been described as “one part night-on-the-town, two parts fundraiser, and a splash of HIV/AIDS awareness.”
This year’s outing has secured some of the best restaurants and coffeehouses in the city including La Colombe, Square 1682, XIX (Nineteen), Field House and Capricco @ Café Cret to name a few. Full list here.
In total, nearly two dozen bars and coffeehouses in the heart of Philadelphia will participate by donating a portion of the night’s proceeds to four local AIDS awareness institutions: ActionAIDS, Philadelphia FIGHT, Mazzoni Center, and the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, all of whom provide support and counseling services to the thousands of patients and families in the Delaware Valley.
Bar AIDS has its roots in Chicago, but the movement has spread in six years to four cities nationwide. Last year the event invested $10,000 to help boost the quality of healthcare and medication for patients, as well as curb the cost of counseling and legal services.
Mark your calendar for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors.
Bar AIDS Philadelphia
When: Thursday, August 25, 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Various Locations
Cost: Pay as you go
More Info: www.facebook.com/BarAIDSPhiladelphia
July 27, 2011
Summer is an amazing time to visit Longwood: experience a lush world of exotic flowers, and get lost among acres of exquisitely maintained grounds featuring 11,000 different types of plants. (Top by B. Krist for GPTMC, bottom photos courtesy Longwood Gardens)
Philadelphia Hospitality, Inc. and Longwood Gardens have teamed up to offer visitors a more convenient way to explore the floral majesty of the famed horticultural landmark.
Dubbed “Beyond Philadelphia,” the bus tours are a relaxing way to explore Philadelphia’s countryside. The 24-passenger mini buses will leave Center City twice every Friday to arrive at Longwood Gardens for tours and special exhibitions.
In the past, visitors to the region had to rely on public transportation or rental cars to get to Longwood Gardens, so Philadelphia Hospitality came up with a creative solution to give tourists more access to one of the most popular natural destinations in the region.
Long praised for their holiday exhibitions and romantic atmosphere, Longwood Gardens is a must-see at any time of year. Don’t miss the remaining two Fireworks and Fountains light and sound spectaculars, August 13 and September 3.
Throughout the summer and into the fall, two tours will be offered every Friday, at 8:30 a.m., returning at 1 p.m.; and at 1:30 p.m., returning at 6 p.m.
Tickets, $70, can be purchased onboard the buses prior to departure, at hotel concierges in Center City, or online.
Beyond Philadelphia Longwood Gardens Bus Tour
When: Fridays through the fall, 8:30am-1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m.; from September 10-November 5, every Saturday 12:30-5:30 p.m. (just one trip)
Where: Tours depart from Fairmount Park Welcome Center, 16th & J.F.K. Boulevard
Cost: $70
More Info: www.beyondphiladelphia.org
July 25, 2011
The ACANA Festival brings international flavor to Penn's Landing. (Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC)
PECO’s Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing heats up with The African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA)’s annual cultural festival, Saturday, August 6 from 2-8 p.m.
Created with the focus of bridging the gap between the African immigrant community and the African-American community, the festival is a time to celebrate the artistry and vibrancy of both cultures.
Festivalgoers will be delighted by the smooth R&B grooves of Liberian megastar Jodi, and local and international dance troupes Universal Dance Ensemble and Kulu Mele Dance Troup. You can show off your best carnival moves with Trinidadian Soca queen Joan Tigrass Rowley.
Local politicians will even get in on the fun as Councilwoman Penny MacDonald and her jazz band Go For Broke kick off the festival on the main stage.
Just like with all festivals this summer, there will be a plethora of vendors serving up delicious dishes and selling authentic goods to give you the complete cultural experience.
4th Annual ACANA Cultural Festival
When: August 6, 2-8 p.m.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street
Cost: Free
More Info: www.delawareriverevents.com
July 12, 2011
Paying a visit to America’s first zoo is a Philadelphia summertime must. (Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)
The Philadelphia Zoo’s Rock-N-Roar concert series kicks off today and continues throughout the summer every 2nd and 4th Tuesday.
The Zoo will host some of the coolest kid friendly bands from across the nation:
• July 12: “Kid Hop” band Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will play their signature brand of reggae, bluegrass and classical kid friendly sounds, sure to delight music lovers of all ages.
• July 26: Paisley Pickles, a local band, will keep the whole family rockin’, playing everything from punk to jazz.
• August 9: Mellow out to the soulful music of Sweetbeatz, a group that blends theatre and music to appeal to kids.
• August 23: The series concludes with children’s music staple Joanie Leeds, a groovy singer songwriter with three full length albums under her belt and a legion of faithful fans.
All concerts will take place on the Impala Lawn, so be sure to pack a comfy blanket, snacks and your dancing shoes!
You can get zoo tickets in advance online.
Rock-N-Roar Concert Series at the Philadelphia Zoo
When: Now-August 23, 11 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue
Cost: Free with admission to the Zoo; Adults $18, Kids 2-11 $15, Kids under 2 Free
More Info: www.philadelphiazoo.org
July 7, 2011
It’s a great summer for book lovers in Philadelphia as the Chestnut Hill Book Festival kicks off its third season this weekend, July 8-10.
This year’s celebration will feature 25 free events and highlight more than 50 locally and nationally recognized authors including Philadelphia’s own bestselling George Anastasia, and Art Sanctuary co-founder Jolene Gray.
First Person Arts will start things off Friday night at the Venetian Club, with the monthly storytelling competition using the theme of “Firsts” for its slam.
Saturday and Sunday will feature panel discussions, author readings and poetry and writing workshops at the legendary Stagecrafters Theatre on Germantown Avenue. Saturday also includes the Kids Festival at Jenks Playground, with music, hot dogs, and authors and illustrators keeping the kids moving and grooving all afternoon.
Sunday the weekend winds down with a live outdoor singer-songwriter slam featuring more than 20 songs from various artists.
Most events are free with the exception of the First Person Arts slam and workshops; check online for pricing information. The festival’s full schedule is here (PDF).
A map of all the events is included below.
3rd Annual Chestnut Hill Book Festival
When: July 8-10
Where: Locations throughout Chestnut Hill
Cost: Free
More Info: www.chestnuthillpa.com
June 9, 2011
The PECO Multicultural Festival Series at Penn's Landing continues this weekend with the Islamic Heritage Festival bringing the rich sights, sounds and tastes of Islamic culture to the waterfront. (Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC)
The PECO Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing continues this weekend with the Islamic Heritage Festival, Saturday, June 11, 2-8 p.m.
Touted as one of the largest Muslim festivals in the country, the event will feature an open market bazaar with an array of vendors providing international products and services, books, clothing, Islamic arts and crafts, jewelry and foods from around the world. There will also be a Unity in Diversity community parade, Health and Wellness pavilion and traditional Muslim fare on the banks of the Delaware River. Plus, kids can take part in games, face painting, boat rides and more.
PECO’s Multicultural Series gives locals and visitors the ability to explore the world without leaving the comfort of Philadelphia, and exposes the various cultures that make up the area’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Saturday’s event will begin with a Jumuah prayer service at Independence Nation Park at 5th and Market Streets in the heart of Old City, and then continue with the parade winding down Delaware Avenue and Chestnut Street.
Head down to the river and check out this culturally rich affair.
19th Annual Islamic Heritage Festival & Parade
When: June 11, 2-8 p.m.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut Street
Cost: FREE
More info: www.delawareriverevents.com
May 25, 2011
What better way to spend a spring evening than outdoors at the Piazza clinking glasses to a great artistic cause? (Photo courtesy Piazza at Schmidts)
Art is never silent, a fact none more evident than at this year’s Mural Arts Wall Ball, set for June 1 at the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties.
The fundraising event for Philadelphia’s prestigious Mural Arts Program — the largest public art program in the United States — will light up the night from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
You can stroll through the plaza and witness a new mural being painted, participate in a silent or live auction, partake in T-shirt silkscreening or enjoy live music provided by DJ Nigel Richards of 611 Records Fame. There will also be pop-up performances by local arts organizations like Singing City, Arden Theatre Company, 1812 Productions and Spiral Q Puppets.
Plus: this year’s PRO Mural Arts (Young Friends group) After Party will be rocking at the Piazza from 9-11 p.m. It’s co-hosted by Fourth Wall featuring music by DJ Grandmaster Supreme, and performances by Chacet Ivey Dance Company, the Jimmy Crack Corn Experience and magician RanD Shine. Ticket price ($25 in advance, $35 at the door) includes admission to the event as well as 1-year membership to PRO Mural Arts.
The fundraiser helps Mural Arts continue its efforts to beautify the Greater Philadelphia neighborhoods, an effort we can all get behind! Tickets for the main event and the after party are available online.
Mural Arts Wall Ball 2011
When: Wednesday, June 1, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Piazza at Schmidts, N. 2nd Street & Germantown Avenue
Cost: $25-$500
More Info: www.muralarts.org
