Because TGIF was cancelled in the '90s First Friday Old City, between 2nd & 4th Sts. and Race & Market Sts. Fri, 5 p.m., free (215) 625-9200 www.oldcityarts.org It's the first weekend of the month ... and in Philly, what does that mean? You guessed it: First Friday. But here at Street, we know the truth. Sure, you've heard about First Friday many a time, but have you ever actually participated in the festivities? Doubtful. Now's your chance to change all that. Embrace the warm weather (whatever, Al Roker) and head down to Old City to peruse the 40+ galleries, which since 1991 have graciously opened their doors to the public the first Friday evening of each month. Don't know much about art? Neither do I. A little known fact about First Friday is that it's people-watching central. And that I can handle. The atmosphere is casual so if you, like most college students, are looking to browse and not buy, that's also no problemo. Clay Studio, Temple Gallery, Nexus, Highwire, Muse, Third Street Gallery and Space 1026 are all worth checking out, but if you're more the wandering type, let your spirit run free - First Friday is a wanderer's nirvana. - Gillian Levinson
10 Things I Hate About Shrew (& Liz Taylor) The Taming of the Shrew Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival 2111 Sansom St. Thu, 6 p.m.; Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m.; Wed, 7 p.m.; $25 (215) 496-8001 www.phillyshakespeare.org Every summer for the past 10 years the Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival has rolled into town, bringing with it a renewed zest for the Bard and his work. This year the players bring us The Taming of the Shrew, the timeless tale of a man having to domesticate his bridezilla. But don't worry, it's not misogynistic, because in the Renaissance, women weren't even allowed inside theaters - problem solved! You're probably most familiar with the plotline through the 1967 Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton film adaptation. No? Then surely you've seen the Broadway musical, Kiss Me, Kate. Still no? Fine. Think back to middle school . remember 10 Things I Hate About You? No, not the movie with Freddie Prinze, Jr. - the one with Julia Stiles and a pre-Brokeback Heath Ledger. There you go! Yup, that was an adaptation of Shrew. You guys really need to get some pre-1990s culture. -Heather Schwedel
Recommended by 4 out of 5 dMD's Lily Allen The Electric Factory 421 N. Seventh St. Tue, 7 p.m., $23-25 (215) 627-1332 www.livenation.com Cheers! Apart from that oh-so-fun way of saying thank you, England is also home to Big Ben, the gorgeous Prince William, fish and chips, and the newest sensation in British pop music, Lily Allen. Whether you've heard of her or not, Lily Allen has made a big splash with her debut pop album Alright, Still. Her hit song "Smile" is in constant rotation on many an iPod and she's gotten some major airplay in the U.S., but she's definitely ready for more. This spring, Allen is crossing the seas to tour America and show off her British style stateside. Philadelphia is the next stop on her tour. Guys are sure to fall for the adorable accent that shines through while she sings, and gals won't be able to help developing at least a tiny girl-crush on her. -Lauren Talman
bippity-boppity-Da Moscow Festival Ballet Zellerback Theater, Annenberg Center 3680 Walnut St. Wed, 7:30 p.m., $45, $15 Student Rush (215) 898-6701 www.pennpresents.org Once upon a time there was a fly young sista' who lived with her wack stepma' and evil stepsisters. Her only peeps were a couple of mice and some other talking animals. What a freak-a-leek. With the help of her dope fairy godmother, she attends a jammin' ball and falls for a fresh prince (though not of Bel Air). Blah blah blah. Tell it however you'd like, we all know the story. Whether you've seen the movie, read the book, or stood next to the pretty, pretty princess at Disney World, the story of Cinderella is ingrained in our heads. It's time to switch it up a bit and see Cinderella as you've probably never seen her before - join the Moscow Festival Ballet as they bring Cinderella to the stage. Who wouldn't want to see Cinderella in a tutu and her prince in tights? It's a happily ever after en pointe. -L.T.
Sake it to me Sake Festival Loews Philadelphia Hotel 1200 Market St. Wed, 6 p.m., $45-$55 (610) 649-6330 www.sakefest.com All over campus, cherry trees are blooming, just in time to convince prospective students that Philadelphia is actually a nice place to live. But cherry blossoms serve more than one symbolic purpose: in Japan, they are known as sakura, and they remind us how fleeting life can be. So let's give a toast to those pink petals as we celebrate another one of Japan's best imports: sake. Timed perfectly to coincide with the cherry blossoms, the Loews Hotel is hosting its third annual tribute to that most boisterous class of alcoholic beverages. Brewed from rice, this drink can do more than compliment your sushi, and the sake sages at this event are ready to educate you about its uses.. For instance, did you know that sake from Japan's mountainous regions has a sturdier flavor? Trust the following haiku: For more knowledge and / abundance of food and drink / go to Sake Fest! -H.S.
