Australian Wine
Tasting
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd. and
Walnut Street
Thu, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $65
(877) GEHRIG-1
Offering over 200 wines, the Australian Wine Bureau is interested in getting Philadelphians really blitzed. Well, that, and it's a lot easier to get people to give money after a few drinks. Enjoy the weather on the beautiful waterfront and pretend you're a lot wealthier than you are as you sip wines you've never heard of with a bunch of wine-making celebrities (yes, they exist). Just tell Ma and Pa it's for charity-- net proceeds benefit the ALS association.
The Gathering
The Rotunda
4014 Walnut Street
Thu, 10 p.m. ‹¨« 2 a.m., free
(215) 573-3234
Break dancers can seem a little daunting. The way they defy gravity, contorting their bodies into those moving human sculptures is pretty mind-blowing. But it is awesome to watch. And no place does it better than The Gathering at The Rotunda. They also have open mic, live band, and freestyling rap battles. 8 Mile has nothing on these guys.
Cause for Fashion Fundraiser
32 Degrees Lounge
16 S. 2nd St.
Thu, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m., $25
(215) 627-3132
In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, everyone is looking for ways to help out. Some people feel good about selflessly giving a few bucks to whatever random frat is collecting money on the Walk, but others want something out of the deal. If you're sick of those people who make LiveStrong bracelets for every cause ever, then maybe the Fashion Fundraiser to benefit the Red Cross is more up your alley. Bid on clothes from local boutiques and help save stranded cows in Louisiana.
Swan Lake
Kimmel Center
260 S. Broad Street
Fri, 8 p.m., $10-$108
(215) 893-1999
www.kimmelcenter.org
Most ballets never make it to the popular radar. I mean, the Pennsylvania Ballet also performs 11:11 and Red Angels -- has anyone outside of the world of ballet ever really heard anything about these? But Swan Lake, now that's a different story. We're talking about a ballet that was even adapted into an animated version. You know you've made it when you become a cartoon.
Distressed Fridays
Denim Lounge
1712 Walnut Street
Fri, 9 p.m., $10
(215) 735-6700
www.denimlounge.com
Slip on your favorite pair of Sevens (or Levi's) and head over to Denim Lounge's Distressed Fridays. Indulge yourself by shaking your hips (or subtly nodding your head) to some dance music and end the night by passing out in the comfort of your own bed. There's an open bar from 9-10 p.m. to add to the enjoyment of the first (or second or third) night of your weekend.
Electronic Music and Art Festival
The Rotunda
4014 Walnut Street
Fri, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m., Sat, 1 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., Sun, 1 p.m. - 11:45 p.m., free
(215) 573-3234
www.foundationarts.org
Electronica is probably the best thing to hit the music scene since Christian rock. Sure, electronic music has been around for a while, but in the past few years it has had an influence on nearly every genre of music. So if you still think that electronica is just what the creepy goth kid from your theater class in high school listens to, you are sorely mistaken. Normal people actually listen to it, too. Check out the Festival and begin your journey toward coolness.
Mural Arts Tours
Independence Visitor Center
6th Street and Market Street
Sat, 11 a.m. - 1p.m. through Oct. 29, $15-$18
(215) 685-0754
A drunken amble across Spruce Street, a trip to Allegro's and a visit shortly after to a convenient lawn or stranger's tiled bathroom floor does not constitute experiencing Philadelphia. Become a true local with an Independence Visitor Center mural arts tour. An expert guide will show you the ins and outs of some of our city's proudest and most unique works of public art. Then when mom and dad visit you'll have something besides the beer-pong table tour of University City to show off to them.
Fall Family Festival
Morris Arboretum
100 East Northwestern Avenue
Sun, 11 a.m. ‹¨« 3 p.m., free
(215) 247-5777
Pumpkins, apples, falling foliage. Oh, the sights and sounds of autumn. Celebrate your third favorite season with the whole family. Or with other people's whole families. You could even build your own family out of a scarecrow, a jack-o-lantern, and some candy corn, if you're crafty enough. Take a break, surround yourself with the aroma of nature and take a big whiff.
Kermit Roosevelt Discussion and Signing
Penn Bookstore
3601 Walnut Street
Tue, 3 p.m., free
(215) 898-7595
Failed the LSATS? Don't worry. You can still experience the excitement of law (minus the four years of excruciating work). Penn Assistant Professor of Law Kermit Roosevelt will be discussing and signing his debut novel, In The Shadow of the Law. The legal thriller is set in Washington, D.C. and chronicles the trials of litigator Harold Fineman as he takes on a chemical company and the death penalty. Sure beats studying.
An Evening with Mike Albo
International House
3701 Chestnut Street
Wed, 8 p.m., Free
(215) 387-5125
www.ihousephilly.org
Unlike your usual self-serving, narcissistic one-man show, Mike Albo has transformed the genre. OK, most likely not. But, Albo has what it takes to hold a crowd, this being the third one-man effort by Virginia-born Albo. You can only expect great things from a man whose website features a picture of him doing naked yoga. Mom must be proud.
I Am My Own Wife
Wilma Theater
265 S. Broad Street
Most Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun evenings through Oct. 23, $32-$49
(215) 546-7824
I am my own grandpa. She is her own brother-in-law's sister's mother. Well, not really, but the closest you can get to being your own odd relation is seeing the play I Am My Own Wife. Playwright Doug Wright tells the amazing true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite who poses as his own widow at the height of the Nazi regime and the advent of Communist East Germany. So maybe Charlotte's not really his own wife, but with such an interesting premise, it's sure to be a show worth seeing.
"Job #36:1"
222gallery
222 Vine Street
Thu-Fri, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Free
(215) 873-0750
www.222gallery.com
These aren't your mother's religious paintings. OK, I have no idea how religious your mother is, or if she likes art, or if she thinks art is for snobs, or if she wants you to go to Hillel more often ... sorry, that last one was my mother. Anyway, "GH avisualagency" has created a collection of works based on its interpretation of the "corporate identity" of God. You're in college now: don't let your mother influence your decision to see the exhibit.
Sculpture Faculty
Exhibit
Addams Gallery
200 S. 36 St.
Thu-Fri, 10 a.m. ‹¨« 5 p.m., free
You knew there was a sculpture department at Penn, right? No? Did you know there's a fine arts building? You wouldn't, would you? You and your poli-sci and Marketing 101 classes, trying to be all practical instead of hanging out with the cool kids in Charles Addams. Did you know they smoke pot in there? Have you even tried pot? Well the lovely faculty of said sculpture department is putting on a show for you--sans marijuana--so you should try being cool and go.
From Above: Images of a Storied Land
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street
Tue - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sun, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Free
(215) 898-4000
So this guy, Adriel Heisy, made this really small, light plane. Then, he flew the plane all over the Southwest taking aerial photos of the landscapes. Now, we can see these pictures at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. He produced 28 large-scale, full color photos. You don't even have to leave the comfort of campus to check out this exhibit, for all of you guys who are too lazy to cross the Schuylkill.
Faith Ringgold: A View from the Studio
Galleries at Moore
20th St. and the Parkway
Tue-Fri 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat-Sun 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., through Oct. 30, Free
(215) 965-4027
The world needs more Faith Ringgolds. The 75-year-old African American artist has worked in medians ranging from painting, sculpture, printmaking and the all-too-uncommon quilting. Ringgold's work is exhibited in five different continents and in museums such as the Met and the Guggenheim. Now her career-spanning exhibit is on display at Philly's Galleries at Moore. In search for inspiration? Look no further.
"Magical Realism"
JMS Gallery
8236 Germantown Avenue
Wed-Fri, 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sat, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.,
through Oct. 8, Free
(215) 248-4649
www.jmsgallery.com
With a title like "Magical Realism," this exhibition just sounds trippy, doesn't it? And getting to see something trippy for free? That's just amazing. There are shockingly real still lifes by Martha Escobar and some ridiculous (and I do mean ridiculous) paintings and sculptures by Suzanne Benton. And with titles like The Dream and Road Angel, trust me, this exhibition will not disappoint.
Selections from the Permanent Collection II
Fabric Workshop and Museum
1315 Cherry Street, 5th and 6th floors
Mon-Fri, 10 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sat, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., through Nov. 12, $5
(215) 568-1111
www.fabricworkshopandmuseum.org
Sick of the same old freak performance artists doing the trapeze? Lame. Don't want to see that damn Degas again? Why not venture into the Fabric Workshop and Museum for their "Selections from the Permanent Collection II." With many internationally renowned artists represented, the gallery unleashes part two of its expansive body. Anyone can do the trapeze. Not everyone can furnish a room out of fabric casts like Leonardo Drew.
Treasures from the International House Film Archive
International House
3701 Chestnut Street
Thu, 8 p.m., $5-$7
(215) 387-5125
Will Ferrell pretending to be an elf is what constitutes a movie. Visit the International House tonight and find out what constitutes cinema. They'll be screening two silent films of the '20s with live musical accompaniment by jazz pianist Dan Paul: The Scar of Shame, one of the earliest surviving African American audience films, and Menilmontant, an amateur French love story. And though nothing quite screams "cultured" like quoting Ron Burgundy in every conversation possible, these two classics may boost your sophistication in a different way.
Jazz'n Film
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 W. Lancaster Avenue
Sun, 3 p.m., $20, $15 for students
(610) 527-9898
www.brynmawrfilm.org
Last week when I learned that apparently Wednesday has become the new Thursday, I was utterly disappointed. For years I have been pushing for Sunday, my Christian day of rest, to become the new Thursday, but I guess people here aren't ready for that. Until then, you'll have to trek to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute because those girls know how to party on Sunday nights. Watch a screening of Round Midnight, a 1986 Oscar-nominated picture, talk with Candace Allen, famed director and author. See what music videos looked like before rap was invented.
Christine Andreas: Love is Good
Prince Music Theater
1412 Chestnut Street
Thu, 7:30 p.m., Fri, 8:30 p.m., Sat, 8:30 p.m., Sun, 3 p.m., $32-$40
(215) 569-9700
According to Adam Sandler in the The Wedding Singer, "Love stinks." Christine Andreas, Tony-award-winning actress and singer, begs to differ. In her new show, "Love is Good," Andreas celebrates romance with a repertoire of songs ranging from Billy Joel to Rodgers and Hammerstein. So grab that cute boy/girl you've been admiring at Hillel -- you know your mother would love it -- and celebrate the love.
Kusangala Concert
Annenberg Center
3680 Walnut Street
Fri, 8 p.m., $20
(215) 898-3900
stringsforschools.org/special_events.html
So 34th Street wants to throw another wannabe Ortlieb's and Zanzibar Blue at your already hipstered out brain. Fuck. But I think you can make an exception for this one because everyone knows that listening to jazz makes you younger. So relax and invest in a Kiluban dictionary so at least you know WTF Kusangala means and you won't act the fool in front of your young jazzed out friends
Meshuggah
Trocadero
1003 Arch Street
Mon, 7 p.m., $18
(215) 922-LIVE
www.thetroc.com
Do you think you're meshuggah enough to handle this Swedish band? Swedish metal bands can be pretty meshuggah, so I really don't know. In fact, this one combines math rock with experimental jazz and thrash metal. How crazy is that? Speaking of which, did you know that the word "meshuggah" is actually the Hebrew word for crazy? I didn't. I don't think my great-grandmother did either. Oops.
Stellastarr*
Theater of Living Arts
334 South Street
Tue, 8 p.m., $12
(215) 922-1011
Three guys, a girl and a band? Sorry guys, no pizza place this time. But just as tasty is the collaboration of four former art students rising on the music scene. You know how the story goes...a group of kids futzing around in a bedroom in downtown Brooklyn hits the right chord and strikes it big. They recently performed on Last Call with Carson Daly, and their latest album was released just two weeks ago.
Story of the Year
Electric Factory
421 N. 7th St.
Wed, 7 p.m., $17.50
(215) LOVE-222
Do you want your Wednesday night to rock? Check out the punk rock band Story of the Year at the Electric Factory. From the city that brought us Nelly and some big arch thing, these boys might be able to bring a dose of edge to your Wednesday night. So spike your hair just right, throw on some Vans and a t-shirt, and head on down to the Electric Factory.
Nada Surf
Theater of Living Arts
334 South Street
Wed, 9 p.m., $14
(215) 922-1011
You know how you've contemplated changing your immature screen name you made 10 years ago, but just kept it because everyone knew it, and it would be such a hassle to change it? Yeah, well for this ten-year-old band, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that this was a major source of controversy on whether or not to "Let Go" of this bilingual name of theirs. If you are an O.C. addict -- yes, I am talking to even you closet fans, you may remember their "very Indie" cover of "If You Leave" from an early episode. But in all seriousness, these guys are pretty good and rank in the likes of Spoon, the Shins and Death Cab for a Cutie.
