WRITING
Wednesday, 1/20-3/17: One Book, One Philadelphia presents: The Complete Persepolis
Various Branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia kicks off its annual citywide reading project with Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, everyone’s favorite graphic novel about growing up amidst the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution. The Free Library will be celebrating with book readings, a film screening and various Persian cultural activities.
Monday, 1/25: Live at the Writers House Presents the Authors of Philly Fiction 2
Kelly Writers House, 7:00 p.m.
Fiction readings by five Philadelphia natives – including Penn alum John Carroll – broadcast live from the Arts Cafe of the Kelly Writers House on the airwaves of WXPN.
Wednesday, 1/27: Jane Golden
Penn Bookstore, 5:30 p.m.
Jane Golden, executive director of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, discusses her new book More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell, an anthology depicting the murals in Philadelphia. Golden also teaches a course in the Fine Arts department here at Penn.
VISUAL ARTS
Saturday, 1/23 — 3/08: Strictly Death: Selected Works from the Richard Harris Collection
Slought Foundation, Free Admission
If you’re looking to indulge a fascination with all things morbid, check out Strictly Death at the Slought Foundation, a provocative exhibition that seeks to examine the imagery of death across a range of artistic mediums and cultures. The exhibition includes historical artifacts pertaining to death and 20th century genocide, as well as work by contemporary art luminaries like Jasper Johns, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Andres Serrano.
Now — 1/31: Common Ground: Eight Philadelphia Photographers in the 1960s and 1970s
Philadelphia Museum of Art,
Catch Common Ground before it closes! The exhibition showcases the work of several 1960s Philadelphia based photographers, many of whom taught in the city's art schools. Their work is often installed next to that of their students, giving hope to Fine Arts students everywhere.
Now — 1/24: Philadelphia Home Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center, $12
Over 300 exhibitors representing home and design companies plus Ty Pennington (that dude from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) will be doling out tips on how to trick out your dorm room and go green.
MUSIC
Thursday, 1/21: Ape School, Savior Adore, Circadian Rhythms and New Motels
Kung Fu Necktie, 21+, $8
Philly locals Ape School, New Motels and Circadian Rhythms are joined by Brooklyn’s New Motels for a night of electronic, psychy tunes presented by the Philly edition of the national music blog, Deli Magazine.
Friday, 1/22: Charlotte Gainsbourg and Fantasy Square Garden
Theatre of the Living Arts, All Ages, $18.75 - 24.00
Known by most of you as the actress from The Science of Sleep, Charlotte Gainsbourg also has her father Serge’s musical chops. Check out her ethereal, electronic pop this Friday at the TLA with Philly locals Fantasy Square Garden.
Friday, 1/22: Robotique vs DJ Del
Kung Fu Necktie, 21+, No Cover
Kung Fu Necktie’s resident disco kings, DJs Billy W and Ryan T, square off against DJ Del, one of their personal inspirations and one of Philly’s longtime — and best — DJs. Del has been spinning records since our parents were at Penn, so don’t miss this chance to catch him.
Monday, 1/25: TigerBeats Indie Dance Party
The Barbary, 21+, No Cover
No longer be ashamed to dance to “Deceptacon,” “Is This It?” and other ‘90s and ‘00s indie anthems in the privacy of your room — now there’s a place to do it in public! Replacing old favorite, Jang House Mondays, TigerBeats is quickly becoming a destination.
PERFORMING ARTS
Friday, 1/22 — 23: A 24-hour The Bald Soprano
The Annenberg Center, $25, beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Eugene Ionesco’s one hour play is being performed every hour, on the hour, for 24 hours straight. The same six actors and the same zany script, no breaks. Buy a ticket for a two hour block and you’re guaranteed to catch those two performances. Your ticket stub is also good for any other performance with available seats — the perfect apres-frat-party entertainment.
Saturday, 1/23: Penn Museum Chinese New Year Celebration
Penn Museum, 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., Free Admission
Usher in the Year of the Tiger at the Penn Museum with a bevy of performances, crafts and martial arts and traditional Easter Healing workshops.
Saturday, 1/23: Kosoko Performance Group
Studio 34, 7:00 p.m., $10-15 suggested donation
A self-described “wild collection” of dance, music and performance art, the Kosoko Performance Group presents their winter show at West Philly’s own Studio 34. Starting with an hour-long artist talk prior to the live performances, the night will feature work by performers from Philadelphia and beyond. The night also marks the launch of AHAT (Artists Helping Artists Tour), a program designed to assist emerging arts promote their work nationally.
