April 25, 2012
On Thursday, May 10 Parx Casino proudly presents “An Evening in Franklin Square,” the annual outdoor fundraiser for the awesome Franklin Square.
With carousel rides, mini golf, SquareBurger and a whole host of special events, Franklin Square has become a Philadelphia staple for visitors and residents alike.
The event will start off at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, and will continue into the evening with dinner provided by Brulee Catering, a live auction and dancing, all starting at 7 p.m.
In attendance will be a handful of very recognizable Philadelphia area residents, including Mayor Nutter and Governor Tom Corbett serving as Honorary Co-Chairs, Randy Chapman, President of Chapman Auto Group as event Chair, and special guest Charlie Manuel.
Yes, that Charlie Manuel.
So, get out your best garden party attire and support this great outdoor space. You might even get a minute with Charlie to give him your very own advice for the 2012 Phils.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online.
An Evening in Franklin Square
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
When: Thursday, May 10, 5:30-9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $200
More info: www.historicphiladelphia.org
April 24, 2012
Ghost hunters everywhere know that we’re rapidly approaching Walpurgisnacht, or Witches’ Night Out, the age-old German holiday that marks the half way point to Halloween.
To observe this supernatural celebration when paranormal spirits roam freely, Ghost Tours of Philadelphia is hosting a spine-chilling tour of Grumblethorpe Historic Site in Germantown on Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m.
This 75-minute candlelight tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Grumblethorpe, the 18th-century summer home of the Wister family, which has legendary hauntings.
Visitors will be led through Grumblethorpe’s shadowy rooms, in which can be found at least three resident ghosts and a cursed 200-year-old blood stain from the Battle of Germantown. They will also be regaled with stories of its infamous haunted history that spans centuries.
Furthermore, guests will be taught basic ghost hunting tips while utilizing cool investigative gadgets like EMF meters.
A portion of proceeds will benefit The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks, the organization that maintains Grumblethorpe, as well as Powel House, Physick House and Waynesborough.
Witches’ Night Out with Philadelphia Ghost Tours
When: Saturday, April 28, 8 p.m.
Where: Grumblethorpe, 5267 Germantown Avenue
Cost: $19
More info: www.ghosttour.com
April 23, 2012
Catch a special Martha Graham Cracker edition of Art after 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Friday. (Photo courtesy Martha Graham Cracker)
Martha Graham Cracker is making her grand return to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for Art After Five this Friday, April 27.
Martha, a.k.a Dito van van Reigersberg, also the Co-Artistic Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, who claims to be the tallest, hairiest drag queen in the world, will bring her cabaret and repartee to the Grand Stair Hall, where she promises to keep it relatively kid-friendly.
There will be two performances, at 5:45 and 7:15 p.m. In between shows, visitors should feel free to tour the select galleries in the museum that remain open late on Fridays.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts Art After 5 every Friday evening, offering an eclectic mix of music and performers as well as cocktails and snacks as an alternative to the everyday happy hour. If you can’t make Martha’s performance at the museum, she performs monthly at L’etage.
Martha Graham Cracker at Art After Five
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Friday, April 27, performances are 5:45-6:45 p.m. and 7:15-8:15.
Cost: Free with admission
More info: www.philamuseum.org
April 23, 2012
North Bowl goes 60's with a Secret Agent party this Friday, April 27. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
Secret agents, pin-up girls, cocktails and 60′s go-go lounge music (insert Austin Powers’ voice and a wink) sounds like a groovy time, baby.
Throw in some bowling and now we’re talking about the “Thighs, Lies & Spies” 60′s themed secret agent party at North Bowl Lounge N’ Lanes in Northern Liberties on Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m.
Get glam’d in your favorite platform boots a la Nancy Sinatra and ask for that martini shaken not stirred as you enjoy tunes from the mod era while completing secret missions from mysterious men with brief cases.
Among other shenanigans, browse and purchase work from artists such as Celeste Giuliano known for her photography throwbacks nodding to the classic pin-up beauties of that period.
Prizes will be awarded for best female get-ups of the evening so be sure to come armed and dangerous.
Food and drinks specials will be offered to all guests, and entrance into the event is $5 at the door.
60′s Themed Secret Agent Party at North Bowl
Where: 909 N. 2nd Street
When: Friday, April 27, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Cost: $5, pay as you go specials
More info: www.northbowlphilly.com
April 20, 2012
It’s tough to say what the main draw is for seeing Boston Marriage, presented by 1812 Productions.
Is it the sharply written script by acclaimed playwright David Mamet, or the show’s three leading ladies, who are among Philadelphia’s most entertaining actresses: Grace Gonglewski, Suzanne O’Donnell and Caroline Dooner?
Any way you look at it, the play promises to be a winner. Mamet, whose works include American Buffalo, Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow, is known for his distinct rhythmic writing style. His plays often have strong male characters; however, with Boston Marriage, it’s ladies night.
This being a Mamet production, there are plenty of plot twists, and this play starts with a doozy: the story centers around two lesbian lovers living in 19th Century America. This is the Victorian era, so discretion is a necessity, but that doesn’t stop the pair from engaging in devious endeavors that lead to raucous events that could land them in jail.
There’s much witty repartee, and with this cast, you know it’ll be whip sharp. Toss in caustic class warfare and you’ve got one glorious satire.
Get tickets online.
1812 Productions’ Boston Marriage
Where: Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street
When: April 26-May 20
Cost: $20-$36
More info: www.1812productions.org
April 20, 2012
The National Constitution Center has become an awesome party host, pulling out all the stops to deliver epic evenings packed with great live entertainment, food, drinks and themes. The Glory Days party promises to pack even more of a punch thanks to its Bruce Springsteen inspiration. (Photos courtesy National Constitution Center)
Relive your glory days and make new ones at the National Constitution Center’s Bruce Springsteen-inspired “Glory Days” theme party on Thursday, April 26, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
This ‘80s-themed party celebrates the museum’s current exhibit, From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen, which chronicles the harmonious history of this American legend.
The 1980’s is when Springsteen released his mega-hit album, Born in the U.S.A., on which was the hit single Glory Days, the song that inspired this event.
On the night of the party, the Center’s Grand Hall Lobby will transform into a scene directly from the Glory Days music video, complete with a “roadside bar” and baseball décor. Guests will enjoy food, drinks, live music and access to the exhibit full of Springsteen memorabilia.
Attire is business casual, but guests are encouraged to dress like it’s the ‘80’s. That means, get out your jean jackets, lace gloves, shoulder pads and neon tees. As for your ‘do, the bigger the better, of course!
Tickets to “Glory Days,” which are selling fast, are $35 for the general public. So hurry and get yours because, to quote The Boss, they’ll be gone “in the wink of a young girl’s eye.”
Glory Days ‘80’s-Themed Party
When: Thursday, April 26, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street
Cost: $35.00 for general public, $30.00 for museum members
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
April 20, 2012
The well-groomed Ben Franklin Parkway's going to see some great outdoor spring action this weekend, with a giant carnival presented by the Philadelphia Book and Science Festivals, plus Fairmount Park Art Association's Public Art Pathway made of giant balloons. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
It’s going to be a stunner this weekend, both weather-wise and events-wise.
From the Science and Book Festival Carnival on the Ben Franklin Parkway to the opening of one of the spring’s most anticipated art exhibitions, Offering Of The Angels: Treasures From The Uffizi, plus foodie events and theater productions, it’s going to be a doozie. Don’t miss a minute of it.
And, of course, Go Flyers!
Our top picks for your best weekend, below:
Friday, April 20
The 2012 Philadelphia Science Festival Kicks Off! (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Mix It! Science Fest Opening Night Party
Offering Of The Angels: Treasures From The Uffizi at the Michener Art Museum (Fri, Sat, Sun) — Opening Day!
Federal Donuts’ Art in the Age-inspired donuts available! (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Taller Puertorriqueño’s “Cafe Under the Stars”
The Opera Company Of Philadelphia Presents Puccini’s Manon Lescaut (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Philadelphia Book Festival (Fri, Sat)
Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal at the Annenberg Center (Fri, Sat)
Dogfish Head Barroom Blitz at Johnny Brenda’s
Philadelphia vs. Detroit StorySlam at the Philadelphia Book Festival
Simon Fashion Now® at King of Prussia (Fri, Sat)
Philly Tech Week 2012 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Philadanco: The Philadelphia Connection (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Flyers NHL Playoffs Round 1, Game 5 at 7:30 p.m. – LET’S GO FLYERS!!
Saturday, April 21
Philadelphia Book Festival Street Fair and Philadelphia Science Festival Carnival
Reading Terminal’s La Festa Italiana
Family Interrupted Mural Arts Paint Day
City Tap House Spring Festival Beer-B-Q
2-for-1 admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences
Memphis Taproom 4th Anniversary and Beer Garden Reopening Party
“Run! The Super-Athletes of the Sierra Madre” at the Penn Museum (Fri, Sat, Sun)
From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen at the National Constitution Center (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Scribner’s Magazine: The Early Years In Illustration at the Brandywine River Museum (Fri, Sat, Sun)
More Weekend Picks, below.
April 20, 2012
Philadelphia artists, including Zoe Strauss and someone being featured in an upcoming Philly 101 video, will discuss Van Gogh. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art)
In conjunction with the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s current exhibition, Van Gogh Up Close (on view through May 6), a panel of contemporary artists will discuss the significance and influence of Vincent Van Gogh’s oeuvre on living artists at a special lecture held at the museum Friday evening, April 27.
Featured panelists include the one and only Zoe Strauss (whose photography exhibition, Zoe Strauss: Ten Years, is on view at the Art Museum through this Sunday, April 22), as well as local artist Emily Brown and Hiro Sagakuchi, a local artist and educator who also serves as the Museum’s art handler. Psst: stay tuned for a special Philly 101 video featuring one of these artists…
Together, they’ll engage in an informal conversation about why the great Dutch post-impressionist remains so influential to current artists.
Be sure to get your tickets in advance here.
Philadelphia Artists on Vincent Van Gogh
When: Friday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: $10; $8 members (ticket does not include museum admission)
More info: www.philamuseum.org
April 19, 2012
It's awesome outside. Spring only lasts for so long, so get out there and enjoy it. Could be a good night to check out Standard Tap's deck in NoLibs... (Photo G. Widman for GPTMC)
[Spring evenings in Philadelphia are always action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we round up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]
• BalletX Spring Series: BalletX is performing their 2012 Spring Series, Classic Meets Whimsy, through April 22. As usual, expect a rousing performance of modern ballet boasting innovative choreography, intriguing costumes and contemporary music.
Where: Wilma Theater, Broad and Spruce Streets
When: Thursday, April 19, 8 p.m.
Cost: General $35, Senior $30, Students $22
• Amateur Sushi Making Contest: The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival’s final foodie event is the Sushi Making Contest tonight. Anyone who’s ever wanted to sculpt some nigiri or roll some maki has the chance to put their skills to the test. The contest is $45 for contestants, which includes materials, and $20 for spectators.
Where: The Headhouse Restaurant, 124 Lombard Street
When: Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: 45 for contestants, $20 for spectators
• Meritage brings back Korean fried chicken: Dish on Meritage’s famous fried chicken, which they’ve resurrected for an awesome weekly Thursday special: get the $16 fried chicken entree which comes with two sides; plus $5 Sapporo cans and $5 Korean Short Rib Tacos.
Where: 500 S. 20th Street
When: Thursday, April 19
Cost: $16 for chicken; $5 each for Sapporo and tacos
• Philadelphia Celebrity Bartenders Night: Join Variety: The Children’s Charity at this annual fundraiser featuring Philadelphia celebrities and athletes, stepping behind the bar to mix cocktails and sell raffle tickets for a good cause. Proceeds will help to ensure that summer programs are still available for kids. Get tickets online or at the door.
Where: Public House, 1801 Arch Street
When: Thursday, April 19, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $25
• Grid Alive: Grid Magazine hosts an evening of live chickens and bees tonight; they’ll have a demonstration hive with live bees and some birds in hand to showcase several chicken breeds. It’s a great chance to familiarize yourself with these productive pets and interact with them firsthand. There will be beer and wine from Rolling Barrel Events, and musical guest is the incredibly talented Hezekiah Jones.
Where: Trinity Memorial Church, 2212 Spruce Street
When: Thursday, April 19, 8 p.m.
Cost: $5
• Social Media Experts Discuss #Election 2012 @ the National Constitution Center: Tonight NCC presents a panel of social media experts to discuss the significance of social media in the 2012 election. The current presidential race is arguably the first to fully reflect a major strategic political shift to the digital world. Will candidates who don’t show up on this digital playing field be left in the dust?
Where: 525 Arch Street
When: Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
More Tonight Picks, below.
April 19, 2012
Taller, a community-based arts collective that celebrates the arts of Puerto Rico, Latin America and the Caribbean, launches a new evening art series this Friday. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
Taller Puertorriqueño, an arts organization established in 1974 by Latino activists in the North Kensington area of Philadelphia, presents “Café Under the Stars,” launching tomorrow, April 20.
A Knight Foundation Art Challenge Project in Philadelphia, the event series is the first of seven free artistic events running through October, right at the “Heart of Latino Philadelphia” on north 5th Street.
Experience the richness of Latino art, thanks to a gallery exhibit starting at 7:45 p.m. and live concert by Los Pleneros de la 21 starting at 8 p.m.
Each of the seven Cafes (full list here) will feature a different combination of arts groups, a great chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant talent of the artists of the Centro de Oro — for free!
Taller Puertorriqueño’s “Cafe Under the Stars”
Where: 2600 N. 5th Street
When: Friday, April 20, 7:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.tallerpr.org
