April 9, 2009
On Sunday April 19, 2009, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 6 Philadelphia “celebrities” will compete on the dance floor for the benefit of the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
Borrowing from the famous ABC show, the “Philebrities” will be paired with a dance instructor from Society Hill Dance Academy and will each perform a 2-minute dance, from salsa to swing, hustle to quickstep in front of a jury.
Dance participants include Christian Ramirez-Coll, reporter for CW Philly; Erin Elmore from the Apprentice; Varsovia Fernandez, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Jimmy Contreras, Philly’s favorite lifestyle consultant; and Michael Callahan, editor for Philadelphia Magazine.
The fundraising event is also designed to increase awareness on a disease often forgotten. For more information about the SCDAA or to purchase a ticket for the event, go to www.sicklecelldisorder.com
April 8, 2009
Head over to Johnny Brenda’s this Saturday, April 11th as DJs Emynd, Bo Bliz, and 215hiphop.com continue their slam dunk “It’s The Year”¦” party series with their latest historical tribute “” 1988.
Emynd and Bo are no strangers to the Philly scene, with their White T’s White Belts and The Bounce parties bringing them international attention. Their “It’s The Year”¦” collaboration with 215hiphop.com features music, videos and more from a specific year in music history. 1988 was the year of Public Enemy’s Nation of Millions and numerous bubblegum new wave hits from Duran Duran, INXS and more.
So drop by Johnny Brenda’s on the 11th because Al B. Sure is going to be In Effect Mode!
Johnny Brenda’s
1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com
March 31, 2009
BalletX dancers working on Edwaard Liang’s new ballet. Photo courtesy of BalletX.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t care how much you think you don’t like ballet. You haven’t seen BalletX.
Think of all the adjectives that come to mind when someone says the word ballet: boring, slow, traditional (it’s ok to admit it.) Then, throw them out the window, because BalletX is nothing like the community dance group’s production of The Nutcracker –and is much, much better.
An experimental, Philly-based dance company looking to “bring ballet into the new century”, BalletX fuses classical and modern dance with new music and new culture, for a result that’s interesting, engaging, creative and tuned-in.
Their Spring 2009 series “” a trio of short ballets by resident and guest choreographers “”is no different. Magic and whimsy get things started in The Striped Hat, a delightful, humorous interpretation of The Cat in the Hat, as imagined by artistic director Christine Cox.
Next up is world-renowned choreographer’s Edwaard Liang’s Philadelphia debut “” the details of which are currently a secret (an exquisite secret, if I may venture a guess.)
Finally, co-artistic director Matthew Neenan closes things out with Wonder Why, a moving piece set to the music of the Sinead O’Connor.
The show runs for one week only at the Wilma Theater “” and we’re not joking when we say you should get your tickets early, before they sell out. Because unlike The Nutcracker, this show won’t come around again the same time next year”¦
BalletX Spring Series 2009 at the Wilma Theater, April 4-11, 2009
265 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 546-7824
www.balletx.org
March 31, 2009
Whether you always admired those couples shaking it up on Salsa rhythms at Cuba Libre and Brasil, or you want to impress your friends and family at the next wedding outing with a sultry Tango, dance lessons might be something you’ve been thinking about for a while without ever taking the first step.
How about giving it a shot for free? Tempting, right? And this April, absolutely possible at Society Hill Dance Academy! The “Best of Philly” winner dance studio is giving you up to 6 free passes to try out their group lessons. From Salsa to Swing, Waltz to Tango, Argentine Tango to Hip Hop, the open class calendar has something for you!
How to? Easy! Stop”"by their Center City (corner of 2nd & Pine Street) or Manayunk (at Beat Street Station) location during the whole month of April, and roll the big red die. The number you get is the number of free lessons you’ll be able to take. Right on time for wedding & beach holiday season!
Check out the class calendar at www.societyhilldance.com
Society Hill Dance Academy
401 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 574-3574
www.societyhilldance.com
March 20, 2009
Dance with me, I’m Irish!
In this month of St Patrick’s Day, it’s good to remember that Irish culture is more that just a dirty pub pouring gallons of beer and a bunch of college kids wandering around the city with clovers stamped all over their faces.
Ireland also brought us the phenomenal Riverdance. For over 12-years now, people all over the country applauded the 20 dancers in various numbers all inspired by Celtic culture. The production marked the re-birth of traditional Irish step dance into an audience-friendly, modern and energetic show.
After many years of touring all over the world, Riverdance is currently on its farewell tour and the Kimmel Center will be hosting their eight final Philadelphia performances at the Academy of Music, from March 31 to April 5. If you haven’t had a chance to see the show, don’t miss it; all the YouTube in the world cannot replace the live stage experience of perfect rhythmic cohesion.
Kimmel Center
300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-5800
www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway
March 19, 2009
I love Cantina and I love their brunch. It really doesn’t take much for me get “strong armed” into going there, especially on Saturday morning/afternoon. The geniuses at Cantina have found a new way to entice me, though. They have started a monthly brunch event that features food and drink specials and a live deejay.
This Saturday–March 21st– they are bringing in one of my best buds (and a killer deejay) Shawn Ryan of Hurrah. He’ll be spinning soul, funk, motown and other good “brunchy” jams. Although there will be 1/2 off drafts and $1 off mimosas at the bar, since it’s Saturday afternoon (12-4pm), you can also bring your family and hang out in the dining room, or sit outside.
Cantina is in the lovely East Passyunk neighborhood and it’s always sunny in our neck of Philadelphia.
Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 755-3550
www.cantinaloscaballitos.com
March 6, 2009
Post by Ryan Billings
It’s that time again! What time, you ask? Time to watch dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet get their groove on for a great cause. That’s right; Shut Up & Dance is back for the seventh year in a row at the Forrest Theatre on Walnut Street on March 28th!
I’ve been to this event three years in a row and I promise it is fantastic. Members of the Pennsylvania Ballet choreograph their own routines on their own time (even though they also practice for the actual ballet for hours on end every day). The music is awesome, too, and ranges from modern pop songs to classical pieces.
The production benefits MANNA, a non-profit that works to prepare and deliver delicious, nourishing meals and provide counseling services for those who are at acute nutritional risk due to life-threatening illness and disease.
No matter who you are, you can’t help but appreciate the gift these dancers have. The night is truly entertaining and enjoyable, and is hosted by WXPN Morning Show Personality Michaela Majoun, who always looks elegant as ever on stage.
This one-of-a-kind event happens only on one night, once a year. This year it’s on Saturday, March 28th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $50 to $100 and can be purchased by calling 215-496-2662 x136, online at www.mannapa.org, at MANNA (12 S. 23rd Street, Philadelphia, entrance on Ranstead Street), or at The Forrest Theatre Box Office on March 28th beginning at 12:00 NOON.
Do yourself a favor and check out this awesome event for a great cause. Also, be sure not to miss the Shout with Sole After Party at SoleFood Restaurant at Loews Philadelphia Hotel, hosted by DJ Robert Drake from WXPN. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Forrest Theatre
1114 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-1515
www.forrest-theatre.com
February 26, 2009
Throngs of party goers are set to descend into Old City on Friday, February 27th, for the 32º Luxe Lounge Anniversary party with Philly’s own DJ ?uestlove (Hip-Hop pioneer and drummer of the Roots). He’ll be there spinning the hottest and latest tracks for this special occasion.
This much talked about and highly anticipated anniversary party is not to be missed! 32º is celebrating 7 fabulous years of entertaining Philadelphia “glitterati.” A secluded VIP room set off the main dance floor is perfect for any party. In fact, 32º will host a special VIP pre-party with festivities kicking off at 9 PM. Hurry up and get on the list, seating is limited.
32º is located in the heart of Old City. Doors swing open at 10PM. Don’t miss a this chance to celebrate in one of Philly’s hottest night spots! I’ll be there with my dancing shoes! For more information visit their official website.
32 Degrees
10 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-3132
www.32lounge.com
February 24, 2009
Rennie Harris Puremovement is back in black at the Kimmel Center. Harris, the world-famous hip-hop troupe’s leader and choreographer, hails from North Philly, which might be why he and his exuberant performance seem so excited to be here. The feeling is mutual: Friday’s nearly sold-out show was given a standing ovation, and frequent hoots and hollers rang out throughout the performance.
The show was billed as the world premiere of “100NakedLocks,” a hip-hop version of a post-apocalyptic intergalactic war, complete with a video montage and the occasional Darth Vader sound byte, but I was delightfully surprised when they announced that Rennie had declared that “It’s Philly, I’ve gotta give them more,” and put an additional piece on the program.
February 20, 2009
Dubbed “Philadelphia’s greatest cultural export” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Rennie Harris Puremovement is back in their hometown this month for the world premiere of 100NakedLocks.
This sci-fi hip-hop show is set in a desolate future, but the dancing is anything but bleak: rather than bemoan their fate, the 100 survivors left on the planet create a futuristic hip-hop of highly-charged, boundary-breaking movements unlike anything you’ve seen before.
The last time Rennie Harris and his world-famous troupe performed at the Kimmel Center, all three performances sold out.
Check out the show on Friday night and stay for the post-show artist chat and the networking event for art-lovers at Cadence Restaurant’s K Lounge, hosted by the Kimmel Center’s new young professionals’ community, Forte.
Rennie Harris Puremovement
100NakedLocks (World Premiere)
Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:30pm
Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Perelman Theater
260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA”Ž
(215) 790-5800
