May 23, 2012
This year’s eighth annual Wall Ball fundraiser for Mural Arts, Philadelphia’s unique non-profit organization uniting artists and communities through the tradition of mural-making, is set for a fun night of live entertainment, auctions and recognition, Thursday, May 31.
Held at Vie, which opened this past October on North Broad as the newest addition to the Cescaphe Event Group, the evening kicks off with a pre-event reception hosted by Chef Jose Garces and Marc Vetri for select ticket-holders, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The main event, 6:30-9:30 p.m., sees an array of cocktail and dinner stations for all guests, music from DJ Statik of the Illvibe Collective, art-making and silent/live auctions.
In addition to honoring The Roots and their dedicated mural, which is expected to be completed this October at 6th and South Streets where the hometown heroes were formed, the Mayor’s Award will be presented to Steve and Christina Graham of Graham Partners, State Senator Vincent Hughes and actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, from the original cast of Dreamgirls for which she earned a Tony Award nomination.
The Wall Ball after party will be held at Route 6, Stephen Starr’s latest coastal cuisine inspired restaurant adjacent to Vie, for all event-goers to attend.
Ticket can be ordered online starting at $500 for the whole shebang and dropping to $40 for the Young Patrons Party featuring light bites, drinks and music from DJ Brendan Bring’Em, 9-10:30 p.m.
Mural Arts Wall Ball
Where: Vie, 600 N. Broad Street
When: Thursday, May 31, pre-event: 5:30 p.m., main event: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $40
More info: www.muralarts.org
May 23, 2012
Come for the barbecue, stay for the baseball. (Photo courtesy Phillies)
Who needs peanuts and Cracker Jacks at the ballgame when you can have BBQ and beer?
Join fellow Phillies fans at the 5th Annual “BBQ at the Ballpark” at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, July 7, from 3-7 p.m. for an afternoon of tailgating that features the region’s best BBQ, craft beer and live music.
Afterwards, cheer on the home team as they compete against the Atlanta Braves at 7:05 p.m.
This package includes an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet from Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse, complimentary beers from Victory, Weyerbacher, Yards and Philadelphia Brewing Company, artisanal ice cream from The Bent Spoon, cigars from John Hay Cigars (for purchase), live music, prizes and games like speed pitch.
And naturally, a ticket to the Phillies game!
Head towards the enormous tent pitched outside the stadium to experience an afternoon of fun. And then root, root, root for the Phillies that evening!
This annual event benefits Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police. Get tickets online.
5th Annual BBQ At The Ballpark
When: Saturday, July 7, 3–7 p.m. (Phillies game immediately following)
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
Cost: $87
More info: www.rollingbarrel.com
May 23, 2012
Longwood Gardens has commissioned acclaimed light artist Bruce Munro to transform the entire property into a fantastical illuminated wonderland. The exhibit, titled Light Installations By Bruce Munro, opens June 9. (Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens)
One of our 12 Great Reasons To Visit Philadelphia In 2012 is fast-approaching: Longwood Gardens has commissioned renowned UK light artist Bruce Munro to present a garden-wide exhibition, Light Installations by Bruce Munro, debuting in just a few weeks, and it’s going to be an absolute don’t-miss experience.
Starting June 9, experience Longwood Gardens in a whole new light (so to speak) through the evocative and imaginative art of Munro. The exhibit offers guests the rare opportunity to explore Longwood Gardens after hours. There will be awesome special events complementing the exhibition to take advantage of the nighttime setting; think fireworks shows, outdoor concerts and more.
And it’s already begun to be installed on the Longwood Gardens property.
Below, we have brand new intel on this very cool exhibition to prime you for its arrival.
The Exhibition
A recap: Light, a U.S. premiere, illuminates 23 acres of the Gardens with 11 large-scale, site-specific light installations, seven outside in areas not usually seen by the public, three inside the grand four-acre conservatory and a small collection of illuminated sculptures in Longwood’s historic Music Room. See images here.
Bonus: all materials will be low impact and will be repurposed, recycled or composted.
Longwood’s Meadow will play host to the Water Towers, a collection of 69 symmetric towers creating a glowing maze of light that changes hues to music. (Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens)
Opening Weekend: June 9-10
Be one of the first to see Light during its opening weekend. Featured events include a Culinary DeLIGHT Dinner, a late-summer feast using the freshest ingredients from the harvest season in the unparalleled setting of the Light exhibition outdoors; and Curtis Institute of Music Master Class, part of an ongoing collab between the Curtis Institute and Longwood.
Meet Director Paul B. Redman and Artist Bruce Munro in a special edition of “Branching Out Lecture Series: Gardens in a Whole New Light,” June 9.
Special Events
Those are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out a few of the exclusive events happening in conjunction with Light:
• SmART Nights: Thursdays, beginning at 7 p.m., hear some of the region’s brightest minds explore the science of light, then share your own bright ideas at StorySlams facilitated by First Person Arts. Light-inspired refreshments and cocktails will be available to purchase during SmART Nights. Check out who’s on the schedule online.
• Light Nights: Sing along at an outdoor concert, make an illuminating craft and enjoy other family-friendly activities. There’s a detailed schedule of this Friday event series online.
• Culinary DeLIGHT Dinners: Dine among the lights at one of the two special dining events. The first is part of Opening Weekend (see above); the second is scheduled for September 9. Both are four-course meals featuring local ingredients, set in the enchanting backdrop of the Light installations. September 9, have a sweet ending to your evening with a decadent dessert buffet on the Conservatory Terrace, with Longwood’s Illuminated Fountains providing the grand finale.
Mobile App
Download the free mobile Light app for exclusive installation details and more, available June 6. Upload your photos and experiences during the exhibit and browse the special exhibit catalog.
Tickets
Timed admission tickets are on sale now. Buy tickets online, in the Visitor Center, or by phone at (610) 388-1000 (additional fees apply for phone orders).
See a preview: Watch a video of Bruce Munro’s Field of Light on display at The Holburne Museum in Bath, below.
Light Installations by Bruce Munro at Longwood Gardens
When: June 9-September 29, 2012
Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Cost: Tickets start at $11
More info: www.longwoodgardens.org
May 23, 2012
Night Market takes over 2nd Street in Northern Liberties this Thursday with delicious street eats from 40 food vendors, live music and local craft beer from Yards. Above is a scene from one of last year's Night Markets. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
The super popular Night Market, an outdoor evening bazaar featuring some of Philadelphia’s best food trucks, is returning this Thursday, May 24 in a brand new location: Northern Liberties.
From 7-11 p.m. (new later hours!), 2nd Street from Fairmount to George Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic as hungry Philadelphians rove from food truck to food truck (there are 40 this time) enjoying delicious street eats with great live music in the background.
The 40 food trucks include 20 new-to-Night Market vendors like Smoke Truck’s BBQ, Lil’ Pop Shop’s popsicles and Zea May’s Native American cuisine.
Plus, there will be local craft beer from Yards Brewing Company to wash it all down.
Night Market Northern Liberties also marks the debut of the Friends of Night Market Experience, an opportunity to get early access and reserved seating.
Don’t forget you have until tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon to enter our contest to win 2 VIP Friends of Night Market passes!
How do you get to the Night Market? The Spring Garden and Girard stops on the Market-Frankford line are both close to Night Market. The 5, 25, 43 and 57 buses also stop nearby. Plus, there’s the 15 trolley.
Bonus: Night Market sponsor LevelUp is offering $5 for a Yards beer to anyone who signs up online (with code FOODTRUST) or at the Night Market. And LevelUp will also make a $5 donation to The Food Trust in your name.
View the Night Market map, below.
Night Market Northern Liberties
When: Thursday, May 24, 7-11 p.m.
Where: 2nd Street from Fairmount to George Streets
Cost: Pay as you go; $50 for VIP admission
More info: www.nightmarketphilly.org
May 22, 2012
Le Virtu is opening up their awesome outdoor courtyard for the spring and summer, May 30. (Photo courtesy Le Virtù)
After a recent two-week tour of the Abruzzo region of Italy, Chef Joe Cicala of Le Virtù has debuted his new spring menu with seasonal dishes inspired by his trip.
And on Wednesday, May 30 from 6-9 p.m. he’ll prepare a special feast from the spring menu and officially open Il Campo, the restaurant’s charming al fresco dining area.
The garden-like space is decorated with rustic wooden picnic tables, warming fire pits and a hand-painted that depicts the breathtaking scenery of Abruzzo.
During the festive opening celebration, Chef Cicala will prepare Whole-roasted Pig, Roasted Leg of Lamb, Stuzzichini (traditional appetizers) and a few selections from the brand new spring menu.
For refreshment, Weyerbacher will supply its Blanche, Double Simcoe, Merry Monks and Verboten varieties and Dreadnought will pour red and white wines from the Abruzzo, Marche and Umbria regions of Italy.
Tickets for the event are $45 each, including beverages, and can be purchased online or at the event, depending upon availability. The main dining room will remain open for regular service.
Le Virtù’s Il Campo Opening
Where: 1927 East Passyunk Avenue
When: Wednesday, May 30, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $45
More info: www.levirtu.com
May 22, 2012
Dish on an exclusive happy hour menu whipped up by Ela's Chef Jason Cichonski, alongside great drink specials, starting tonight. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
Beginning tonight, Tuesday, May 22, Chef Jason Cichonski debuts a fun new happy hour at his equally inventive American bar and restaurant Ela.
It’s called Happy Hour His Way, and it challenges expectations on every level. First of all, Ela’s happy hour will be offered Sundays in addition to Tuesdays-Fridays.
Plus, guests will enjoy an inspired menu of dishes that are only available from 5-6:30 p.m., rather than a selection of choice bites from the main menu.
In addition, rotating drink specials will include: $3 draught beer, beginning with local favorite Troeg’s Sunshine Pils; $5 wines, with a daily-changing white and red available; and $6 daily cocktail specials.
The happy hour menu will change frequently, but dishes may include: a house-cured Pickle Plate; Bacon Preserved Sardines; Puffed Oyster Cracklins with “Old Bayo,” that Chef Cichonski compares to “more addictive Cheetos”; Tots His Way, hand-rolled potato gnocchi breaded and fried, served alongside house-made hot sauce; and Soy Bourbon Burger, a nine-ounce sirloin patty with bourbon- and soy-glazed shitake mushrooms on a house-baked black sesame bun.
Ela’s happy hour will be available every Sunday and Tuesday through Friday from 5-6:30 p.m.
Ela
627 S. 3rd Street
www.elaphilly.com
May 22, 2012
With the historic opening of the Barnes Foundation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the surrounding Fairmount neighborhood is celebrating by hosting the first-ever Fairmount Restaurant Week, presented in partnership with the new With Art Philadelphia™ campaign, from Friday, May 25 through Sunday, June 3.
Nearly 20 local restaurants will participate by offering special three-course menus for $35 or less.
The week-long event celebrates local culinary delights and the exciting visual arts and cultural institutions along the Parkway and within the Fairmount neighborhood.
It’s a great opportunity to dine like a local if you’re visiting Philadelphia during this key artistic moment for the city, or else experience a new neighborhood if you live here but are from another section of the city.
Participating restaurants include newcomers to Fairmount like La Calaca Feliz, Lemon Hill, BlueCat and Fare Restaurant while others are neighborhood traditions like Rembrandt’s, Jack’s Firehouse and London Grill.
Fairmount’s Restaurant Week kicks off Memorial Day weekend and runs through the following weekend. The event is sponsored by Fairmount CDC in partnership with our brand new With Art Philadelphia™ campaign.
Menus for each participating restaurant, as well as information to make reservations are available online.
Fairmount Restaurant Week With Art Philadelphia
When: May 25-June 3
Where: Throughout Fairmount
Cost: Menus range from $12-$35
More info: www.fairmountsrestaurantweek.tumblr.com
May 22, 2012
From October 5-7, the Philadelphia Orchestra will thrill music and movie fans alike with live performances of the West Side Story score as the newly digitally re-mastered, hi-definition film is screened above the orchestra in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. (Photo courtesy West Side Story © 1961 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)
It’s a legendary tale combining classic with contemporary. A romantic and tragic blending of Shakespeare with Bernstein. A dazzling dance fusion of ballet with jazz. And, of course, it’s East meets West.
It’s the celebrated and beloved Academy Award-winning film, West Side Story, accompanied live in concert by our very own Philadelphia Orchestra this fall.
From October 5-7, The Philadelphia Orchestra will thrill music and movie fans alike with live performances of the West Side Story score as the newly digitally re-mastered, hi-definition film is screened above the orchestra in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center.
More than 50 years after the debut of the timeless motion picture, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform the entire original Leonard Bernstein score under the direction of David Newman, one of the most noted composers of music for film.
In order to allow a live performance of the score while keeping the vocals and dialogue intact, MGM and Chace Audio by Delux, a top film-restoration company, used state-of-the-art technology to separate the orchestral soundtrack from the vocals and dialogue.
West Side Story debuted in 1957 as a Broadway musical. The artistic collaboration of Jerome Robbins’s explosive choreography, Arthur Laurents’s modern Romeo and Juliet story line and the awe-inspiring score and lyrics by Broadway legends Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim quickly won over the hearts of audiences. The film, which opened in 1961 with Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, took the Academy Awards® by storm, winning 10 awards.
This live orchestral presentation of this classic movie showcases The Philadelphia Orchestra’s versatility and offers an innovative program that celebrates the legacy of the ageless music and enduring theatrical styling of an American Broadway and Hollywood classic.
Tickets are already on sale online. Watch the West Side Story movie trailer below for a little cinematic nostalgia.
Philadelphia Orchestra Brings West Side Story To Life
When: October 5-7
Where: Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, 260 S. Broad Street
Cost: Tickets start at $40
More info: www.philorch.org
May 21, 2012
Philadelphia’s favorite “Drag Queen King of Philadelphia” (Philadelphia Inquirer), Martha Graham Cracker, is reprising the wildly popular show, “Martha Graham Cracker Undressed,” at Chez Colette at the Sofitel Hotel on Thursday, May 24.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m.
Martha Graham Cracker is the alter ego of Pig Iron Theatre Company’s co-founder Dito van Reigersberg. Martha performed the “Undressed” show to sold-out audiences this past winter.
This show will be a new edition of the “Undressed” theme that’s unplugged and even more stripped down to the, um, bare necessities. (To answer your burning question, no, Martha does not really get undressed.)
The show is a dazzling and bizarre assemblage of local musicians such as Andrew Nelson (bass), Victor Fiorillo (keyboards), Ned Sonstein (drums), and Rich Hill (guitar), actors, barflies, three-legged chickens, Hindu fakirs and, of course, Miss Martha Graham Cracker herself.
For a chance to win a pair of VIP reserved tickets along with a round of drinks to next Thursday’s show at the Sofitel, just “like” Theatre Confetti’s Facebook page and then, underneath Martha’s glamour shot, post what your drag queen name would be and why. In a contest such as this, originality is key.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the show and you must be at least 21 years old to enter.
Martha Graham Cracker Undressed
When: Thursday, May 24, doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.
Where: Chez Colette, Sofitel Hotel, 120 S. 17th Street
Cost: $15
More info: www.facebook.com
May 21, 2012
The extravaganza, performed six times throughout the summer, combines lavish fireworks, stirring music and the colorfully illuminated fountains of Longwood Gardens. (Photos courtesy Longwood Gardens)
Get ready for some nighttime “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” as Longwood Gardens sparks their Fireworks & Fountains 2012 series into the sky.
Launching over Memorial Day weekend, the sparkling, colorful production will display three different shows for gazers to enjoy in the gardens leading with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, followed by Stars & Stripes commemorating John Philip Sousa who performed 14 times at Longwood with his band in the ’20s, and ending with The Amazing ’80s, highlighting the decade’s most popular hits.
Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair (rentals are available for $5) and reserve a space on the lawn anytime after 3 p.m. Blankets are not permitted.
With most performances beginning between 7:15 and 9:15 p.m., it’s the perfect chance to spend the day on the grounds and grab a bite at Longwood’s three dining options before the show.
Rain dates are scheduled for each event, and tickets for one of the six spectacles can be purchased online, at the Visitor Center or by calling (610) 388-1000.
Fun fact: fireworks have been used at Longwood since at least 1907, the year after industrialist Pierre du Pont purchased the property. The public Fireworks and Fountains shows are now in their 29th year.
Fireworks & Fountains 2012
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
When: Saturday, May 26 through Saturday, September 29 (select dates)
Cost: $38 non-members, $31 members, $22 non-members ages 15 and under, $18 members ages 15 and under
More info: www.longwoodgardens.org
