December 5, 2008
One of my all-time favorite tee-shirts is a worn-in light green ringer tee (a relic of my mom’s from college) that reads “Forever green is nature’s dream.” This shirt rules for several reasons: it’s super soft, authentically vintage (sorry for making you feel old, mom), and makes a statement I support “” that it’s important to respect the earth.
Local designer Ahyana King had a similar idea in mind when she created her line Preedum, a unique and creative tee-shirt collection that focuses on another important issue: freedom.
Designs range from trippy, psychedelic graphics to vintage-y sketches and beyond, often juxtaposing disparate images to suggest differing interpretations of freedom.
Best yet, Phreedum donates its distributable profits to community-based nonprofits working to promote freedom. And did we mention the tee-shirts are super-soft? These guys are serious must-haves for the tuned-in freedom-lover.
Preedum designs come in ladies’, mens’ and childrens’ sizes. Check “Ëœem out (and scoop “Ëœem up) this Friday, December 5, during the super-fab (by which we mean refreshments AND entertainment) launch party at Old City’s J. Karma Boutique. Admission, of course, is phree.
Preedum Launch Party at J. Karma Boutique, Friday, December 5
62 N 3rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
(215) 627-9625
www.phreedum1984.com
December 3, 2008
“People are simple. Sometimes too many brains is worse than none at all!” declares Seth Reichgott, aka “The Mayor” in the Lantern Theater Company‘s production of The Government Inspector.
It’s an offhanded statement, directed towards a minor character “” but as is often true in political farces, it comes to sum up the action and direction of the entire play.
Welcome to 1840s Russia, where a small village receives word that they are to be visited by a government inspector sent from the capital. Immediately, they start preparing for his arrival, only to learn that 2 weeks prior, a mysterious, well-dressed man has taken up residence in the local inn, and appears to be inspecting everything in site.
Could it be? The government inspector? Actually, it’s just Khlestakov, the foppish, frivolous son of a Russian estate holder, who is traveling from St. Petersburg to his parents’ country home and has spent all his money on gambling, booze and women.
Nevertheless, the Mayor is convinced that he is the inspector “” and the townspeople bend over backwards, providing him the best food and wine, and loaning huge sums of money to ensure their little town receives a positive report.
The characters are all completely ridiculous, and drive the humor of the play. First there’s the mayor, who wears a uniform bedecked with gold epaulets, and speaks as though he’s the Commander in Chief of the Russian army. His wife, Anna, and daughter, Marya, are silly, indulgent and melodramatic “”played by one actor and a hand puppet.
The Judge, Hospital Director and School Director are a bumbling, uncomfortable disaster “” to say nothing of Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky, a pair of awkward, gossiping brothers, here played by one actor with two giant furry hats.
The set is designed to maximize physical comedy “” doors are triangular, tables are wobbly, and there’s a wildly-swinging chandelier on a sandbag. All these details add up to a play that is actually very funny, even though it’s far removed from our everyday life.
The playwright, Nikolai Gogol, claimed that The Government Inspector is based on a true anecdote, relayed to him by Pushkin. But critics agree: while the characters and storyline are set firmly in 1840s Russia, the farcical elements remain relevant today, allowing the play to delight over 100 years later.
The Government Inspector at the St. Stephen’s Theater
10th & Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19105
(215) 829-0395
www.lanterntheater.org
November 14, 2008
Let’s start with the basics. Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus. The place has character. The dark wood paneling and dim lighting add a speakeasy feel, and just sitting back with a brew makes you feel decidedly sinful– a roaring Prohibition libertine.
It’s one of best laid-back spots for drinking in the city “” not to mention live music “” which makes it the obvious choice for the Miro Dance Theater‘s Beer and Band Fall Jam, a mellow celebration of music and libations, benefiting one of Philly’s great local dance companies.
The line-up for the night is killer. Moody, bluesy, psych-rock duo Toy Soldiers headlines (check out this video of them live in Brookyln to get psyched), along with Girls Rock Philly alums Oak Oak Okay, and the combination of Pete M. Wyer (who composed the soundtrack to Miro’s upcoming performance) and afro-jazz goddess Venissa Santi. Local faves the Bee Team round things out, with flirty, dirty folk ditties that we imagine would shock even our roaring libertine counterparts.
Then there’s the beer: $5 Yards Pints all night long. Yeah, we know what you’re thinking “” $5 for a Yards is not be the best deal in town “” but when you consider all profits go to Miro, that’s reason enough to down 2 or 3 (or 4.) After all, the Prohibition-era drinkers did it “” you’re not even breaking the law!
Miro Dance Theater’s Beer and Band Fall Jam, Sunday, November 16
www.mirodancetheatre.org
Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus
847 N 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 922-1035
November 6, 2008
Andrew Lipke is a renaissance man. The South Africa-born, Philly-bred composer/musician has been making music since he was 5 years old, and has the resume to prove it. (Think multiple writing/producing creds; several bands, a kick-ass solo album; and even a prestigious Barrymore award.)
Nevertheless, the laid-back, shaggy-haired singer maintains he’s just happy to be doing what he loves. A cursory listen of his forthcoming album, Motherpearl and Dynamite, corroborates this tale: the intricate and dynamic melodies contained therein are certainly a labor of love”"possibly the young composer’s great m.o.
Songs jump from beautifully-wrought chamber pop concoctions”"complete with lush strings “” to breezy, radio-friendly rock tunes. (Check out “The Barker Song.”) On some tracks, Lipke is lackadaisical, purposely behind the beat; on others, he’s imbued with a sense of urgency.
Lipke explains that the album is an exploration of love and death “” of the end of relationships and the end of lifetimes. “Death in some way or another is the driving force behind everything I create,” he says. “It’s our knowledge of our eventual and inevitable demise that inspires us to attempt great things.”
Celebrate the album release of Lipke’s new album this Saturday, November 8, at the North Star Bar “” or catch him three Tuesdays in November (November 11, 18 and 25) as he takes up residency at NoLib’s the Fire.
Andrew Lipke CD Release Party at the North Star Bar, November 8
2939 Poplar Street, Philadelphia PA 19130
(215) 787-0488
northstarbar.com
Andrew Lipke in Residency at the Fire, November 11, 18 and 25
412 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19123
(267) 671-9298
www.iourecords.com/thefire/index.html
October 30, 2008
Where would the Philly indie rock scene be without Man Man? Really, it’s hard to say. Somewhere less circus-y, I would imagine, and less campy. Somewhere where men don’t wear war paint or make cat noises or pretend to be dead, where unsuspecting South Philly resident aren’t accosted by noisy fluting bicyclists and fireworks and where Last Drop coffee drinkers never get Honus-ed. (By Man Man frontman/former barista Honus Honus, who would sometimes shortchange you on your coffee and would sometimes fill it all the way “” the Honus Bonus.)
Yes, a Man Man-less Philly would be a boring place indeed. Which is why we’re all thrilled that the funky five “” fresh off an East Coast tour “” will be returning home to the city they love (errr, hail from) for a whacked out, rambunctious, mischievous and preposterous one-night only Halloween extravaganza.
Honestly: we have no idea what to expect from an event like this. But we guarantee you: it will be crazy. So start brainstorming your best costume ideas (may we suggest the other Man-Man?) and prepare to dance the night away, Rabbit Habits style. Need inspiration? Check out this vid to get pumped. Spooky.
Man Man (with Tim Fite and Pit Er Pat) at the Starlight Ballroom, Friday, October 31
460 N. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 765-5210
r5productions.com/
October 17, 2008
Whales and Cops‘s Clint Killingsworth (Mr. Nathaniel Cops) and Tiberius Lyn (Finger Julius Mountain “” don’t ask) used to be in Man Man. This explains a lot, and I’m happy to report that unlike 75% of the rest of the Philly music scene, they don’t sound like they’re trying to be Man Man. They sound like they’re trying to be Whales and Cops, an equally zany “” and in a weird way, more accessible “” offshoot of the C.O.B.L.’s best-loved musical oddity.
Fans (fan fans?) of Man Man love the fivesome for their circus pop antics, gypsy vaudeville tendencies and penchant for unison singing. Whales and Cops boast none of these characteristics. Instead, they offer a chord-clashy version of space-age video game pop, interspersed with random sound-effects (I note: car horns, clapping, whistles, children playing, and more) and driven by an incessant beat.
Multi-musician Ötzi Bogman (real name: unknown) is the third member of the ensemble, and contributes a wide range of stringed and brass instruments, including upright bass, trumpet, flugelhorn and more. When mashed together with percussion and keys, the result sounds a bit like high school marching band practice gone terribly awry. And we mean this in the best possible way.
Of course, not all of W&C’s tunes are capricious, ADD-inflicted monstrosities. The quiet, marimba-laced “Bent Cop” is an awesome post-rock anthem, in which the band questions “Are you bent?” only to answer “corrupt, but well content.”
Check out the video for their single “¡Futuro Futuro!” and catch them live this Sunday at Silk City. Silly good times are guaranteed by all.
Whales and Cops at Silk City, Sunday, October 19
5th and Spring Garden Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 592-8838
www.myspace.com/phillysilkcity
October 10, 2008
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Photo by Mark Garvin
The story of Candide is a story of intrigue and adventure, full of unlikely coincidences, long lost loves, and an inordinate number of people coming back from the dead. Hailed as the pinnacle of French literature, it spans approximately 50 years, and 3 continents, and covers everything from religious hypocrisy to natural disasters to living life with just one buttock.
Clearly, it’s a lot to take in. Yet somehow the Arden Theatre Company condenses it to just 2 hours and 45 minutes “” the perfect amount of time for restless show-goers such as myself.
The show begins with Voltaire the author, drawing a large circle of chalk around the perimeter of the stage. (It’s a theater-in-the-round set-up.) As the Overture continues, the ensemble rushes on, and begins hastily augmenting the drawing. When they move away, we see they’ve created a map of the world, which will remain for most of the first act.
Chalk becomes an important motif in the show, and an easy way to keep the audience on par with the action. It’s one of many examples of creative and intelligent staging that make the production such a delight.
The show is beautifully sung by a cast of local all stars, who strike the perfect balance between serious and satirical. John Caird‘s adaptation remains true to the novel, while meshing nicely with Bernstein‘s score. And most importantly, the show keeps you on the edge of your seat, as cast members run through the audience and riots are incited and put down within minutes.
Watching Candide in an exhilarating experience from start to finish “” highly recommended for theatrical thrill-seekers of all types.
Candide at the Arden Theatre, through October 19
40 N. Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1122
www.ardentheatre.org
October 9, 2008
I was born on a Sunday, and as a result (well, maybe), Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I love the quiet calm that Sunday brings: sleeping in late, and eating brunch, and reading the newspaper in yoga pants. To me, Sundays are all about mellowing out, and relaxing, and moments of simple joy spent with family and friends.
If Damien DeRose (stage name: Peasant) were a day of the week, he would be Sunday. Armed with an acoustic guitar, a litany of lyrics, and a passion for light-hearted, earnest pop, this Doylestown native understands that simple is beautiful, and crafts heart-breakingly gorgeous melodies that wash over one like a wave.
On some tracks, he’s cheery and upbeat, halfway between Bishop Allen and Guster. (Listen to “The Wind” and compare.) On others, he sounds like a budding Elliott Smith, full of introspection and restraint.
“I used to love (Smith), but I realized that I needed to stop listening to him,” he tells Philly Edge. “[He's] just too sad. I don’t want to be too influenced by that really dark, depression thing.”
The name Peasant comes from the John Lennon song “Working Class Hero“, and not surprisingly, DeRose is adamant about staying in touch with his roots. He spent several years releasing his own albums and setting up tour schedules before finally signing with indie label Paper Garden Records about a year ago. Since then, he’s had songs featured on Spin.com, and the TV show Bones. Even so, DeRose remains humble.
“I played a birthday party the other night,” he tells Edge. “It was a cool birthday. It was twins and one of the twins is really into Peasant. So, he was all about it.”
Catch Peasant live this Sunday at Old City’s Tin Angel.
Peasant at Tin Angel, Sunday, October 12
20 S. Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 928-0770
www.tinangel.com
October 3, 2008
Photo by Shervin Lainez
Jukebox the Ghost make warm, fuzzy, happy music that will make you sing, dance, and jump for joy. Known for their witty lyrics, high energy levels, and kitschy sense of theatrics, this DC-born, Philly-based piano trio is often compared to another poppy trio “” namely, Ben Folds Five “” although a cursory listen is enough to convince one that they certainly have their own thing going on.
Formed in 2003 while members Ben Thornewill, Tommy Siegel, and Jesse Kristin were still in college, the band has undergone a somewhat tumultuous history, initially calling it quits in 2005, then reforming with a new name and a reinvigorated sense of purpose a year later. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with stars like Kanye West, Ben Kweller, Regina Spektor and more, and dropped their debut album, Live and Let Ghosts, to overwhelmingly positive reviews.
We love JB the G for their playful melodies and quirky charm, and the upbeat video for “Hold it in” is our favorite. Give it a listen, then catch the band live this Friday at Johnny Brenda’s. The summer might be officially over, but we promise: Jukebox’s sunny sounds will make you feel like you’re beachside in Acapulco. Not a bad Friday-night pick-me-up.
Jukebox the Ghost (with Say Hi and Caves of Mercury) at Johnny Brenda’s, Friday, October 3
1201 N. Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com
October 1, 2008
Photo by Mark Garvin
My first and only experience with Candide was via high school French class, where, my language skills not being where they should, I found it quite dreadful to slug through. I’m still not quite sure what it’s about”"other than some dude named Candide, who has a whole bunch of good stuff and a whole bunch of bad stuff happen to him”"but I think it has something to do with optimism.
“Optimism” is a very popular theme in musical theater. Think “Cockeyed Optimist,” “Perfectly Marvelous,” “Impossible; It’s Possible,” and “If I were a Rich Man.” (And yes, at one point in my life, I was quite into musical theater.)
The musical version of Candide works a little differently, if only because the story of Candide is so delightfully fast-paced and ambiguous. Moments of optimistic exaltation still do exist, but when the entire play is an operetta, the “overall” melodrama levels are ratcheted up a few notches.
Did I mention Candide is an operetta? The score is by Leonard Bernstein, and the story has been rewritten several times, as various productions have reinterpreted it. The Arden Theatre Company‘s current production, running now through October 19, boasts a brand new adaptation, from British director and writer John Caird.
The show is known for its satiric and ribald humor, and is generally considered inappropriate for children. (Just as well, since screaming children in a theater are never fun.) The Arden production is made up of nearly all Philly actors, and a Philly-based production staff. And while we admit that the City of B.L. might not exactly be the “best of all possible worlds,” we’re nothing but psyched for this production.
Candide at the Arden Theater, through October 19
40 N. Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1122
www.ardentheatre.org
