You do not want to miss this show; Photo by G. Widman

The Fireworks Display on Saturday July 4 will begin directly after the free concert featuring the Roots and Sheryl Crow finishes. The fireworks take place above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Fireworks are estimated to begin around 10:30, but get there by 10 pm just to be safe.

- Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway: Get there early with a few blankets and set up a comfy prime time spot on the baseball fields at 22nd and the Parkway.

- Schuylkill River Park: The part of the park between the JFK Bridge and the Art Museum is a great, lesser-known spot to watch. Note, the area directly behind the Art Museum by the Fairmount Water Works will be closed. As will the restaurant.

- Along Martin Luther King Drive: across the Schuylkill River from Boathouse Row also provides excellent views of the show. (See below.)

- Lemon Hill: get there early.

- Kelly Drive: Several places along the river between Poplar Drive and Brewery Hill Drive/the Girard Ave Bridge afford great views of the display. Also, the Girard Avenue Bridge itself for a view from afar.

- There are also some goods spots in the Fairmount neighborhood just a few blocks from the Art Museum.

The Fireworks seen from Martin Luther King Drive; Photo by R. Kennedy

CLICK HERE for more info about July 4th in Philadelphia.

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

There's no better place to celebrate America's Birthday than Philadelphia; Photo by G. Widman

Friday:

- All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival - Penn’s Landing, Noon - 5 pm √
Ice cream lovers can indulge in as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they like. Fill up with just a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and have unlimited access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others. (Also takes place on Saturday and Sunday.)

- Pops on Independence - Independence Mall, 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. √
Come early with your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets for an evening under the stars on Independence Mall listening to the sounds of Philadelphia’s own Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.

Saturday:

- Independence Day Ceremony - Independence Hall, 10-11 am
Join Mayor Michael A. Nutter and other dignitaries at Independence Hall for a ceremony filled with performances honoring America’s 233rd birthday.

- Independence Day Parade - Historic Philadelphia, 11 am - Noon  √
Back in Historic Philadelphia for the first time in 18 years, the 2009 Independence Day parade will feature a tapestry of parade elements from around the nation, including Radio Disney recording artist Joey Page, Philadelphia’s own Lauren Hart, marching bands, drum and bugle corps, re-enactment organizations, antique cars, fire departments, cultural organizations, active military, floats and more.

- Party on the Parkway - Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 12-6 pm  √
The Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon, with a day-long roster of food, games, entertainment and activities for the whole family.

- Happy Birthday America - Independence Visitor Center, 12:30 pm
Sample one of Philly’s favorite treats at the Independence Visitor Center and celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace!

- Bell Tapping Ceremony - Liberty Bell Center, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gather around the Liberty Bell as descendants of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the bell.

- MAIN EVENT: “Life, Liberty, and You” Concert & Fireworks - Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 8 pm √
The excitement begins when Philly’s hometown band The Roots takes the stage to show why they are unmatched when it comes to live hip hop music. Next up, Sheryl Crow woos the crowd with her hit-making sound and keeps it building right up to the jaw-dropping fireworks display that makes Philadelphia the best place to celebrate Independence Day (telecast on ABC).

√ denotes an especially not-to-be-missed event.

CLICK HERE for more information.

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

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

Music + nature + summer = Wednesday nights at Penn Treaty Park

Penn Treaty Park’s weekly concert series, Waterfront Wednesdays, kicks off on July 15.

All shows are free (will the deals never stop?!) and offer great views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge.

This summer’s lineup has been announced:

July 15: Charanga (with pre-concert salsa lessons)
July 22: John Clark Little Big Band
July 29: Jack Rose & The Black Twig Pickers / Watery Love
August 5: War On Drugs / Hunter Gatherer
August 12: Porkroll Project / Third Degree
August 19: Espers / The Oubliette Ensemble

All shows take place on Wednesdays between 7 and 9 p.m. — so you can hop on over to the Park right after Center City Sips (5 – 7 p.m.).

CLICK HERE to visit the Waterfront Wednesdays official site.

Alto saxophonist Wade Dean, whose quintet plays at Chris’ on Friday night

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

TUESDAY 6/30/09
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 doing their part to keep 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 7/1/09
Sun Ra Arkestra
Institute for Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St.
7 p.m., $10

Ellipsis, Aerial Photograph
Tritone, 1508 South St.
Drummer Justin Leigh of Ellipsis will be joined by frequent collaborators, guitarist Matt Davis and bassist Jason Fraticelli, plus special guest vocalist Emily Zeitlin (of the Weeds) for this month’s 1st Wednesday show. Following their set Davis’s large ensemble Aerial Photograph will perform new music inspired by the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. And, rumor has it, they’ll play an additional set of Michael Jackson music with Naeema on vocals.
9 p.m., $10

THURSDAY 7/2/09
Bobby Zankel & the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound
Tritone, 1508 South St.
This unique and exciting large ensemble has been playing at Tritone every month since the club opened, and, while they’re definitely in the tradition of large bands led by the likes of Sun Ra and Charles Mingus, they have a sound all their own. In addition to Zankel on alto sax, the band includes several of Philly’s most talented and adventurous jazz musicians, including Elliott Levin on saxes and flute, Larry Toft on trombone, Dan Scofield (of Shot x Shot) on baritone sax, and Dan Peterson on alto sax.
9:30 p.m. $7

FRIDAY 7/3/09
Wade Dean Enspiration
Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St.
8 & 10 p.m., $15

SATURDAY 7/4/09
Three Blind Mice
Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St.
Great organ jazz from Lucas Brown, Victor North, and Wayne Smith.
8 p.m., $15

SUNDAY 7/5/09
Ernest Stuart Jam Session
Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St.
I’ve been hearing good things about trombonist Ernest Stuart’s weekly jam session for awhile now, and it’s time I checked it out.
8 p.m., $3

Fireworks follow a free concert by Angie Stone; Photo by R. Kennedy

Philadelphia’s July 4th celebrations kick off this weekend with the Taste of Philadelphia food festival and a free concert and fireworks display on Saturday night at Penn’s Landing.

Angie Stone headlines the free concert at Penn’s Landing. The concert begins at 7:30. The fireworks will begin after the concerts ends.

Look for the fireworks to start sometime after 9 pm.

Saturday, June 27, 2009
Concert begins at 7:30 pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

The Lemon Treasures

Ah, Girls Rock Philly. It’s hard not to like a charitable organization that helps put musical instruments in the hands of Philly youth. And this weekend, on Saturday, June 27th, you can help them out, by spending an evening with good music and great people at Tritone on South Street.

A night of lady rockers and DJ’s, Saturday night will feature acts like The Beloved Infidels, the six piece, Fleetwood Mac inspired Acres of Diamonds (featuring the ever awesome Kathryn Doherty), and The Lemon Treasures, with DJ Julia Factorial spinning between sets.

Go check out the show, and to learn more about Girls Rock Philly, visit their official website.

Girls Rock Philly @ Tritone
Saturday, June 27th @ 9PM

Tritone
1508 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.tritonebar.com

A family picnics outside the Mann Center, Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC

Summertime is Mann Center time, when Philly’s premiere outdoor arts venue springs to life in Fairmount Park. The center’s performances range from pop, jazz, R&B, rock and contemporary, to dance theater, opera, and classical. It’s also the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra (and has been since 1930!). And if you haven’t checked out the orchestra at the Mann Center yet, now there’s even more reason to do so: Picnic Competitions!

Pack your picnic basket and head out to the park on June 30th, July 21st, or July 28th. Tickets to spread out your blanket and watch the orchestra from the lawn are just $10 – a great deal even if your culinary creativity is lacking. There’s a different theme, paired with the music, each night.

June 30th the orchestra will perform Mozart and a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the theme will be “Animal Night.” On the 21st an appropriate “Star Wars” picnic theme will pair up with the orchestra’s Hollywood Classics Under the Stars: Star Wars and More, and on the 28th Verdi and Rachmaninoff’s theme will be “Fall in Love Again.”

Creativity and costumes are encouraged, and celebrity judges will consider picnic presentation as well as culinary excellence. Prizes each night will include tickets to the Please Touch Museum, Franklin Institute, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, other Mann Center shows, and sets of designer picnic plates. Check out their website for more details.

So dig out that wicker basket and head over to the Mann Center to strut your (picnic) stuff while relaxing under the stars to the strains of one of the world’s best orchestras!

Picnic Competitions at the Mann Center
June 30th, July 21st and 28th

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Avenue , Fairmount Park , Philadelphia, PA 19131
www.manncenter.org

The concerts will take place on three Wednesdays in August; Photo by M. Kennedy

August 12, 19 and 26.

Concerts start at 7 and go to 9 pm.

Note: this year, it’s down from four concerts to only three (which is unfortunate), but that just means you should be sure to take advantage of the three existing concert dates a little more.

i.e. make an evening out of it. Stop at Di Bruno’s Bros. and the state store beforehand for a picnic on the lawn. And/or proceed directly to a nearby establishment after the concerts ends — you will have plenty of choices: Parc, Rouge, Barclay Prime, Devon, Snackbar, Twenty Manning, Tria, Alfa, Capogiro, Tinto, Village Whiskey, etc.

The concert series is sponsored by Philadelphia Weekly.

A little later on in the evening; Photo by M. Kennedy

Concerts in the Park [gophila.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

Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr.” Bryson and Black Thought (right) at the 2009 Roots Picnic; Photo by M. Kennedy

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

FRIDAY 6/26/09
Bootsie Barnes / Larry McKenna Organ Quartet
Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St.
Two of Philly’s best saxophonists, joined by Kyle Koehler on organ and Byron Landham on drums.
8 p.m., $15

SATURDAY 6/27/09
The Landham Brothers
Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St.
Brothers Byron on drums and Robert on alto sax make one of their frequent stops at their hometown venue.
8 p.m., $15

SUNDAY 6/28/09
Sci Fi Philly
Gojjo Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar , 4540 Baltimore Ave.
This weekly musician-run jazz and improvised music series never disappoints. Tonight’s lineup sounds especially interesting, with three solo performers: steel guitarist Susan Alcorn, cellist/vocalist Fatima Adamu, and saxophonist/bassist Drew Ceccato.
9 p.m., $5

Ortlieb's is one of Philadelpia's most time-honored music venues. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

From 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday, Ortlieb’s Jazz Haus in Northern Liberties has a few wonderful Happy Hour specials that go swimmingly with its authentic jazz sets.

The deals include:

- Free order of wings w/ every pitcher of beer (!!!)
- $1 off all draft beers
- $1 off all appetizers
- $2 kabobs of the day
- $2 bottles of Miller Lite and Miller High Life

Music to my ears!

Once 7 p.m. has passed, stick around Ortlieb’s to hear great live music well into the night, or take a look at these other Northern Liberties hot spots.

CLICK HERE to visit Ortlieb’s official Web site

Ortlieb’s [gophila.com]

Brand new this year is the 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties, happening this Saturday, June 20, 2009.

The festival will take place on 2nd Street in Northern Liberties between Green Street on the south end and Germantown Avenue on the north end.

The festival is free to attend and there will be lots of live music, more than 60 local vendors on the street, children’s activities, and, yes, plenty of delicious food.

About the food. Vendors will be located all along the half-mile stretch of 2nd Street. There will also be three beer gardens along the way operated by local restaurants and bars.

Some food vendor highlights:

- Standard Tap Beer Garden & Food
- North Bowl Beer Garden & Games
- 700 Club Beer Garden
- Cantina Dos Segundos
- A Full Plate - Serving Vegan Foods!
- Rustica
- Greenwood Kitchen

And then you have the new restaurants at the Piazza at Schmidts as well as the places on Liberties Walk.

So bring your appetite. There will be plenty to eat.

First Annual 2nd Street Festival in conjunction with The Popped Music Festival

Popped! Music Festival [gophila.com]

West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Fest, June 19-21; Photo courtesy WOL

Thousands of people are expected to attend the 6th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival this weekend.

And in addition to all the great music and art, the food is a main attraction.

Check out the impressive selection of food offerings the festival organizers have put together:

Aquil Fish and Wings
Fish, Chicken Wings, Shrimp, Fries, Lemonade

Arnold Goldberg
Roasted Corn, Stuffed Baked Potato

Chef Ali’s Kitchen
Fish, Chicken, Shrimp, Crabcake Platters, Kabobs, Asst. Sides, Iced Tea, Lemonade

Coco Bongos
Smoothie in Novelty Cups

Festival Food Management
Funnel Cake, Chicken Tenders, Fries, Lemonade

Hot Diggity Dogs
Hotdogs, Sausage, Chicken Wings, Pretzels, Coffee, Punch

Hot Spot Foods
Louisiana Cajun Fried Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp Jambalaya

Irish Ice
Irish Ice, Cotton Candy, Kettle Corn

La Authentica
Kabobs, Rice and Beans, Corn, Arepas, Pork Platter, Pina Coloda

Liberty Concessions
BBQ Pork, Chopped Brisket, Pulled Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Fries, Lemonade

Montegonia Delite
Curry Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Fried Fish, Oxtail, Rice and Peas, Sides, Iced Tea

New Fizon
Cheese Steak, Fries, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Parm, BBQ Chicken

Payne Catering
Fried Wings, Fried Fish, Sides, Fried Shrimp, Water Ice, Lemonade Punch, Iced Tea

R&D Specialty Foods
Kabobs, BBQ Chopped Chicken, Wingettes, Grill Doggs, Bigg Bigg Burgers, Sides

Sara Festival
Gyro, Sausage, Fajitas, Cajun Chicken, Falafel, Greek Salad, Fresh Cut Fries and Chips, Grilled Veggies, Iced Tea, Lemonade

Taste Catering
Fried Whiting, Crabcake, Wing Platter

Mmmm… Everything.

The food court area will be located in the middle of the festival, on Ogontz Avenue between Walnut Lane and Tulpehocken Street.

CLICK HERE to download a festival brochure, complete with festival tips, a festival map, and a full performance schedule.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Festival’s official website.

West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival [Gophila.com]

Sunrise drum circle

The Druids thought of the Summer Solstice as “the wedding of Heaven and Earth,” and the Celts and Slavs celebrate the first day of summer with bonfires and dancing. Well, you can’t get the bonfires in Center City (those pesky fire ordinances…), but you can certainly get the dancing: on June 20th the Kimmel Center is hosting its 7th annual all-night party to welcome the longest day of the year.

From 3pm until dawn all of the Kimmel Center’s venues, indoor and out, will be dedicated to the festival. There will be dance and live music performances for all ages (including R&B, classical, pop, and jazz, among others), as well as face-painting for the kids – the afternoon schedule will be more kid-friendly than the late-night gigs, of course.

Bring your pooch to the outdoor “Yappy Hour” kick-off, where food will be served for both you and your buddy. InLiquid will be hosting an outdoor art/craft show, Art for the Cash Poor along Spruce Street, Miss Amy’s Fitness Rock & Roll will the keep the kids entertained, and hip-hop duo Christian Rich and Philly’s Grateful Dead tribute band, Splintered Sunlight, will perform later on. Check out the full schedule of events here.

If you plan to make it through the whole night, don’t forget to BYOD (Bring Your Own Drum) to welcome the dawn with a rousing sunrise drum circle. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Second to watching the shadows fall into perfect alignment at Stonehenge, this is the coolest Solstice Celebration you’ll find.

Summer Solstice Celebration
Saturday, June 20th, 3PM - Dawn

The Kimmel Center
260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
www.kimmelcenter.org