Hot off her spectacular performance in Sunday’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, Madonna announced she’s hitting the road this summer on a North American tour. Her first stop? The Wells Fargo Center in South Philly on August 28. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, making a perfect last minute Valentine’s Day gift for the Material Girl/Boy in your life. Madonna’s highly-anticipated new album, MDNA, will be released on March 26. [Madonna at the Wells Fargo Center]

The music of the silver screen hits Verizon Hall as the POPS play 'A Night at The Oscars.' (Photo courtesy Philly Pops)

Take a trip to Hollywood with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops’ “A Night At The Oscars,” on stage February 8-12 in Verizon Hill at the Kimmel Center.

Jodi Benson, the famous voice of Ariel in the Oscar-winning Disney movie The Little Mermaid, will join the POPS along with Philly-based Broadway and film star Sal Viviano for a passionate evening featuring the magnificent music of the cinema.

With two time Grammy Award-winning pianist Peter Nero at the helm, the Philly Pops always deliver a rousing performance.

Tickets are available online.

Peter Nero And The Philly Pops Present “A Night At The Oscars”
When: February 8-12
Where: Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets
Cost: Tickets start at $28
More info: www.phillypops.com

After taking over the radio waves with the sticks-in-your-head 2007 hit “1234,” Feist is returning to Philadelphia this spring.

Exuberant lead singer Leslie Feist and company are scheduled to perform their unforgettable pop gems at the Academy of Music on Tuesday, May 8.

The concert will be Feist’s first appearance in Philly since a sold-out show back in April 2008.

Feist’s latest studio album Metals (see image above) was released last fall to critical acclaim.

Tickets will most likely sell out before you can count to four, so act fast when they go on sale online this Friday, February 3.

Feist at the Academy of Music
When: May 8
Where: 240 S. Broad Street
Cost: Tickets on sale Friday, February 3
More Info: www.kimmelcenter.org

This adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends.
(Photo by Joan Marcus courtesy Kimmel Center)

Direct from their phenomenally successful Broadway engagement, the internationally acclaimed Beatles concert, RAIN! A Tribute To The Beatles, returns to Philadelphia at the Academy of Music for eight shows only from January 31 to February 5 as part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Season.

As “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!”, according to the Associated Press, RAIN! performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed live for an audience.

Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally note-for-note, infectious performance.

Rock out to everything from the early hits to later classics (I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hard Day’s Night, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, Come Together, Hey Jude and more).

Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 731-3333, online or at the Kimmel Center box office.

“Rain! A Tribute To The Beatles”
Where: Academy Of Music, 1420 Locust Street
When: January 31-February 5
Cost: Tickets range from $20-$100
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

Bruuuuuccee!!

Just in time for the blockbuster exhibition debuting at the National Constitution Center next month, Bruce Springsteen has just announced two concert dates at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia on March 28 and 29.

The world tour is in honor of Bruce Springsteen’s 17th studio album “Wrecking Ball,” which will be released on Columbia Records on March 6.

For more details on the awesome Bruce exhibition coming to the Constitution Center, which will feature more than 150 artifacts from Bruce’s career, many of which have never been seen before by the public, check out our initial post.

Meanwhile, tickets for the concert go on sale this Saturday, January 28. To get tickets to the concert, click here, and then be sure you go ahead and book advance tickets to the exhibition.

And stay tuned for a lot more about the exhibition, which opens on February 15, in the weeks to come.

P.S. Don’t look now, but we’re hearing rumors that The Boss might make an appearance at the National Constitution Center when he’s town for the concerts. Fingers crossed and eyes peeled.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in Philly
When: March 28-29
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
Cost: Tickets
More info: www.brucespringsteen.net

Rock out to 50s, 60s and 70s hits with the Geater with the Heater at the Kimmel Center this weekend. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

The Geator with the Heater, the Boss with the Hot Sauce, the Jerry Blavat will be at the Kimmel Center on January 28 presenting rock and roll hits from the late 50s through the 70s with a star-studded line-up featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alumni new and old.

The man that former Governor Ed Rendell described to be “as Philadelphia as the cheesesteak” will emcee a night of feel good hits such as “Stand by Me,” “Let’s Dance,” “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”

Performers include Ben E. King (former member of the Drifters and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alumnus), Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles, and Philadelphia natives Darlene Love (a 2011 Hall of Fame inductee) and The Trampps and more.

If you can’t make it to the star-studded evening at the Kimmel Center, or even if you can but can’t get enough of the Geator with the Heater, check out his weekly show at Sugarhouse Casino, every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m.

Tickets are available online.

Bonus: prior to and immediately following the show in Verizon Hall, DJ Mark the Spark returns will host a free dance party in Commonwealth Plaza!

Jerry Blavat at the Kimmel Center
Where: 260 S. Broad Street
When: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 8 p.m.
Cost: $41 to $81
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

The Academy of Music turns 155 this year, and the Philadelphia musical community is celebrating with a star-studded gala featuring the Philadelphia Orchestra led by Music Director Designate Yannick Nézet-Séguin for the first time in this hallowed space, plus Grammy winners Diana Krall and Yo-Yo Ma. (Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)

Grammy Award winners singer/pianist Diana Krall and cellist Yo-Yo Ma will be special guests of the Philadelphia Orchestra when they celebrate the 155th Anniversary of the Academy of Music on Saturday, January 28.

Taking its cues from the very first Academy Anniversary Concert, the program will be a mix of orchestral repertoire and popular music.

The concert will also be the Music Director Designate Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s debut conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music.

Opened in 1857, the Academy of Music is the oldest grand opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. Over the years, it has hosted many firsts for the country and city, including the American premiere of Verdi’s operal Il trovatore, the American premiere of Gounod’s Faust, and the city’s first indoor football game between the University of Pennsylvania and the Riverton Club of Princeton in 1889.

Get tickets to the very special musical event online.

155th Anniversary Concert of the Academy of Music
Where: Broad and Locust Streets
When: Saturday, January 28, 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $200
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

The Philadelphia Orchestra is giving Philadelphia a different way to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. This Monday, January 16, the orchestra is holding its 22nd annual FREE Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert. The concert will be held, appropriately, at Martin Luther King High School, hosting the concert for the seventh consecutive year. Tthe orchestra will play alongside the School District of Philadelphia’s All City Choir. Additionally, Charlotte Blake Alston will narrate readings from Dr. King. Reserve your spot online. [Philadelphia Orchestra MLK Concert]

Philly icons Boyz II Men have added yet another accolade to their lineup of accomplishments. (Photo courtesy Philly 360)

With 60 million records sold and four Grammy wins, Boyz II Men are one of the most legendary musical acts to come out of Philadelphia.

And now they have the star to prove it.

The star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, that is.

The Philly icons — Shawn Stockman, Wayna Morris, Nathan Morris and Michael McCary — came together last week to receive a star on the hallowed Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On hand at the ceremony as well were music powerhouses Babyface, Michael Bivins, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

The star’s location along the walk is in good company; it sits near Motown legends like the Temptations, Stevie Wonder and the Supremes.

Let’s hear it for the Boyz!

Boyz II Men Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame [Philly 360]

Philadelphia is an exciting weekend destination, but it’s also a happening spot Monday-Thursday. Go bowling at Lucky Strike, catch the Philly Rising open stage night at World Cafe Live, Movie Monday at The Troc or a wine tasting class at Tria. (Photo credits clockwise from top left: Doug Seymour courtesy World Cafe Live, courtesy Lucky Strike, courtesy Trocadero, by B. Krist for GPTMC)

Philadelphia’s midweek nightlife rocks just as hard as the weekends.

Choose from classic movies, dance classes, concerts, cooking classes, museum happy hours, even drag nights, as alternatives to the bustling bar scene in Philadelphia (although we can help you out with some suggestions for high-quality sips as well).

Check out our top picks, below, for exciting weeknight (indoor) happenings in Philadelphia, just in time for the frosty winter weather.

Live Entertainment

• Philly Rising at World Cafe Live: Every Monday night at Upstairs at the World Cafe Live, Boy Wonder (a.k.a. Andre Coles) hosts Philly Rising, an open stage and progressive talent competition. Signups are at 6:30 p.m., performances start at 7 p.m. Each artist performs a two-song set, with a featured performer (not eligible to win the contest) doing an extended set.

• Grape Room Pub Open Mic Night: A staple of the Philadelphia music scene, the Grape Room Pub hosts an open mic night every Monday in its upstairs space. Artists sign up at 8 p.m.; the show starts at 9 p.m., with no cover.

• The Curtis Institute of Music Student Recital Series: At 8 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October to May, culture vultures can take in one of more than a 100 free solo and chamber music performances during The Curtis Institute of Music Student Recital Series. The concerts provide a first listen to future stars.

• Mugshots Open Mic Night: Mugshots in Fairmount hosts an open mic night that’s fun for the whole family. Every Tuesday starting at 7:30 p.m., singers, poets and storytellers do their thing while patrons enjoy organic coffee and locally made treats.

• The Legendary Dobbs Open Mic Night: The Legendary Dobbs on South Street also hosts an open mic every Wednesday emceed by John Faye of IKE. Doors open at 8 p.m., and there is no cover.

• Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show: All sorts of people—from lawyers to students to hipsters and more—pack into the legendary Bob & Barbara’s Lounge for the Thursday night showcase of drag talent. The $7 admission includes a drink ticket.

• Martha Graham Cracker at L’Etage: On the second Thursday of every month (with some exceptions), Martha Graham Cracker entertains at L’Etage with her arsenal of music, comedy and androgynous theater: and all while wearing heels. The $10 tickets are first come, first served, so people should arrive when the doors open at 8 p.m., even though the show doesn’t begin until 10 p.m. In the meantime, they can enjoy drinks and food.

Suggestions for wine tastings, cooking classes, movie nights and more, below.

Food & Drink

• Reading Terminal Cooking Classes at La Cucina: With the help of La Cucina, the Reading Terminal Market continues its tradition of cooking and entertaining classes. Not only do students receive samples of the foods they prepare and take home new and exciting recipes, they are also introduced to great, local merchants from whom to purchase their ingredients year round.

• Tria Fermentation School: Those who yearn for a more intellectual understanding of their food and drink can head to the Tria Fermentation School, where passionate winemakers, cheesemakers, brewmasters, authors and other experts share their knowledge with students who get to drink and eat off of the syllabus (not literally).

• Off the Beaten Vine at the Tria Wine School: Off the Beaten Vine in West Philly features three ever-changing, out-of-the-ordinary wines for $5 each. Don’t expect chardonnay or cabernet here. Instead guests enjoy off-the-radar varietals and regions every Monday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

• Tryst Drink Classes: After spending a couple of Wednesday nights at Tryst, happy hour goers will be able to impress friends with their extensive knowledge of fine wine and cocktails. That’s because every Wednesday night (starting at 5:30 p.m.), the downstairs bar at Le Bec-Fin offers wine and cocktail classes by sommelier Christine Bruno and cocktail expert Erik Lombardo. Classes are $25 each and include a flight trio and light bites. Reservations are highly recommended.

Movies

• The Trocadero’s Movie Mondays: Movie and beer lovers head to the Trocadero, a historic burlesque theater that hosts live music, each week for Movie Monday. For $3 guests can enjoy such cult classics as Edward Scissorhands and Die Hard or more recent releases like The Hangover Part II or 30 Minutes or Less. The bar stays open before, during and after the show and those who arrive before 7 p.m. get a free beer and a bag of popcorn.

• Mugshots Movie Nights: Not content to offer just one night of movies, Mugshots in Fairmount has two movie nights. On Mondays starting at 7 p.m., guests can enjoy anything from 80s classics such as Arthur to more recent masterpieces such as Pan’s Labyrinth. For movies that are sure to please all ages, head back to Mugshots on Friday for Family Fun Friday Films.

• North Third’s Fancypants Cinema: On Tuesday nights at North Third, located in the city’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, local filmmakers—from amateurs to professionals—present short works during Fancypants Cinema. The works are not screened in advance, so there is really no telling what to expect. The shows start around 10:00 p.m., the kitchen is open until midnight and admittance to the lounge is free.

• Jet Wine Bar Movies: Every Thursday night, Jet Wine Bar pairs a movie with wine or a cocktail. Themes vary from scary to French noir to animation. There are always drink specials in keeping with the theme for the evening and free popcorn.

Games

• Lucky Strike: Head to Lucky Strike for a couple of frames of bowling (24 lanes) or a couple of games of pool (six tables). Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. and includes drink specials and half off the lounge menu.

• Barcade: For fun and games of the 25-cents variety, head to Barcade, a grown-up (but not mature) arcade in Fishtown. Enjoy classic 80s arcade games and a rotating line-up of American craft beer. Happy hour takes place each weeknight from 4-7 p.m. and includes a dollar off all beers.

• Buffalo Billiards: At Old City’s Buffalo Billiards, there’s a game for just about everyone’s taste, from pool to shuffleboard to darts to foosball to skee ball. For those who prefer to watch a game, there are 17 TVs. Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 6-8 p.m. and includes half-priced appetizers.

• Johnny Goodtimes Quizzo: Legendary Quizzo host Johnny Goodtimes, who was named to Philadelphia magazine’s guest list for the ultimate cocktail party, is also the ultimate Quizzo host. Goodtimes hosts the game, made popular in Philadelphia, at North Star Bar on Mondays, O’Neals Pub and the City Tap House every Tuesday, Locust Rendezvous and The Black Sheep Pub & Restaurant every Wednesday and The Ugly American and The Bards on Thursday.

• National Mechanics Pub Quiz: Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., those who aren’t easily offended head to National Mechanics for Pub Quiz, hosted by a foul-mouthed Irishman who tests participant’s trivia knowledge. Filthy team names are strongly encouraged.

Literary Events

• Author Events at the Free Library: The Author Events program at the Free Library offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with some of today’s most celebrated and influential authors. Past guest speakers have included Umberto Eco, Harry Belafonte, Jeffrey Eugenides and Jennifer Egan. The library presents more than 125 authors each year.

• Time’s Erotic Literary Salon: The third Tuesday of every month, Time, a restaurant, taproom and whiskey bar in Midtown Village, presents The Erotic Literary Salon upstairs in the bar’s Parisian-style club. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and readings begin at 8 p.m.

Thought the Philadelphia Fringe Festival was a once-yearly fall event?

You thought wrong. The festival has launched Scratch Nights, a new venture to keep Philadelphia’s artistic blood flowing all year long.

Scratch Nights are free, monthly events that are the next generation of the 2nd Thursday series at the Live Arts Brewery.

There will be beer, snacks and an interactive social scene to help bring artists and audiences together in the process of creating new works of dance, theater and cross-genre performance.

The inaugural Scratch Night will be Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m. at the Live Arts Studio in Northern Liberties. There’s free onsite parking and abundant neighborhood street parking.

Admission is free, but let the crew know if you’re coming.

RSVP online or call (215) 413-9006.

Philadelphia Fringe Festival’s Inaugural Scratch Night
When: Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m.
Where: Live Arts Studio, 919 N. 5th Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.livearts-fringe.ticketleap.com

An extremely talented cast plus delicious Italian food make for an exciting addition to the burgeoning Midtown Village neighborhood. (Photo courtesy Walnut Street Supper Club)

The Walnut Street Supper Club, an exciting new venture by Midtown Village Association Founder James McManaman and iconic Philadelphia restaurateur Ralph Berarducci — owner of Portofino for 38 years — will open its doors next Wednesday, December 28 in the former Portofino space on Walnut Street.

Walnut Street Supper Club will honor Portofino’s classic Italian cuisine in addition to serving American classics, including baby back ribs, delicious New York Strip steaks and succulent seafood favorites.

But food aside, two of the Walnut Street Supper Club’s most noteworthy features are its retro ambiance and its magnetic live entertainment.

The dining room is expansive (it seats 175) and glamorous, with both floor and mezzanine seating. Bonus: there are no minimums or cover charges, unlike most venues in the city that host live music.

Patrons will be treated to nightly live entertainment a la 1940s supper club. A baby grand piano takes center stage while musical director Jeremiah Downes and his team of talented waitresses/bartenders-turned-singers perform American Songbook standards (think Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darrin and Judy Garland).

The restaurant will provide discounted parking at 1201 Walnut Street, the lot around the corner.

Homegrown talent, 1940s nostalgia plus delicious food right in the heart of one of the city’s most happening neighborhoods is a recipe for nothing other than success.

Reservations are being taken now for New Year’s Eve! Call (215) 923-8208 to secure your spot.

Walnut Street Supper Club
1227 Walnut Street
www.walnutstreetsupperclub.com