Dear Philly1.com Members and Friends,

It's going to be a scorcher through the weekend. Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep the kids cool and watch out for thunder storms on Sunday. Before we get any further, here's a look at our weekend forecast courtesy of Weather.com.

Stay cool Philly and enjoy the offerings below.

Member Events

Thursday

The Dark Night Pre-Premiere Party @ Bambo

Site member Sabrina Carrington of DenimPR is promoting a party in anticipation of the premiere ofThe Dark Knight at Bamboo Lounge (101 N. 20th St). It's a free event with some of the city's best DJ's. For more information visit http://www.philly1.com/events/event/show?id=594208:Event:23922.

Saturday

Fantasy Football Draft Party @ Helium

Site member Pat from Helium Comedy Club wants everyone to know about the Fantasy Football Draft party at Helium (2031 Sansom St). Food, drinks, flat screen TV, comfortable seating and all the materials you will need to run a draft smoothly are included in the 5-hour package. For more information visit http://www.philly1.com/events/event/show?id=594208:Event:23736.

and now ... the listings

Thursday, July 17, 2008

How To Be Single

Liz Tuccillo captured the single woman's zeitgeist, first as a writer and executive story editor for Sex and the City, then as co-author with Greg Behrendt of the New York Times smash bestseller, He's Just Not That Into You will be reading at the central branch of the Free Library (1901 Vine St) at 7pm. Now with her debut solo novel, How to Be Single, Tuccillo offers a provocative and hilarious look into the lives of single women through the eyes of Julie Jensen, a high-powered New York City publicist with everything but a mate, who heads for parts unknown to find out how women around the globe deal with the dysfunction and disappointment of the single life. For more information visit http://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/calbydate.cfm?ID=18976&t....

Philadelphia Orchestra at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts

The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform Berloiz's Rákóczy: March, from The Damnation of Faust, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Berloiz's Symphonie Fantastique at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts (5201 Parkside Ave). For this performance, Bramwell Tovey, will conduct and Orion Weiss will accompany with the piano. Fireworks follow the performance. For more information visit http://www.manncenter.org.

Robyn Hitchcock @ World Cafe

Robyn Hitchcock's gorgeous and off-kilter melodies have been a key influence in England's alternative pop. With his latest release, Ole! Tarantula, Hitchcock has created what he calls, ''the rockingest record I've made in years.'' While the album roars with the garage-fueled energy of his Soft Boys days, Hitchcock's lyricism continues to drive his songs. The show begins at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut St) at 7:30pm. For more information visit http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=552.

Premier of "Free the River Park" @ The Academy of Natural Sciences

Between 2004 and 2007, Free Schuylkill River Park, now know as Free Schuylkill River Park, ran its campaign to make the two street level crossigns at Race and Locust Street permanent and safe for park users. Free the River Park, produced by site member Rob Stuart of Evolve Strategies. documents this civic battle and ultimate victory by community activists over CSX. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the power of civic activism. Panelists include Councilman Darrell Clarke, State Representative Babette Josephs and Schulkill River Park Alliance co-chair Russell Meddin. A light reception preceding the screening will begin at 6:30pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences (1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy). For more information visit http://riverparkalliance.org.

Old City Thursdays

If you are looking for some excitement on Thursday nights this summer, check out Old City, which showcases one of the most unique dining and retail destinations in the country, where the neighborhood is filled with entertainment that satisfies every taste. Old City's eclectic mix of restaurants, galleries and cultural attractions that feature a weekly happy hour from 5-7pm with local shops and boutiques offering extended hours, shopping specials and trunk shows. For more information visit http://www.oldcitydistrict.org/OldCityThursdays.php.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Director's Tour of Society Hill: The Bloody Fifth Ward

The posh neighborhood of Society Hill hasn't always been what you think it is. Join Landmarks Executive Director Frank Vagnone and Director of Landmarks Walking Tours Dr. Paula Spilner on a stroll through Society Hill. Incorporating newly compiled information found in researching the new Landmarks Society Hill Exhibit, a survey of the complex and often devisive issues that informed the creation of ''Society Hill.'' You will walk the greenways of the Washington Square East Redevelopment Plan, note overlooked contemporary sculpture, and hear the stories of the ''Bloody Fifth Ward.'' The tour begins at 6pm and meets at the Powel House (244 S. 3rd St). For more information visit http://www.philalandmarks.org/landmarks.aspx.

Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art @ Art After 5

New Clouds, 1937
Nandalal Bose, Indian
Tempera on paper
National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

Join the Young Friends of the PMA at the Museum’s wonderful Art After 5 Friday evening program! Enjoy a martini on the Portico, visit the galleries and take-in -- if you have not alreadly -- the Nandalal Bose exhibition "Rhythms of India: The Art of Nandalal Bose (1882-1966)" that explores the crucial period of India’s transition from a British colony to an independent nation through the country’s premier artist of the period. This weeks musical performance is Ladies in Jazz: Ella Gahnt and Jeannie Brooks. Jazz vocalist and arranger Ella Gahnt has been performing professionally since the age of 18. The Philadelphia native has a radiant stage presence and an impressive, octave-spanning voice that allows her to shift from wonderfully lush ballads to swinging, uptempo tunes without missing a beat. She is joined on Friday with Jeannie Brooks, a sophisticated singer in her own right who has been performing on concert stages and in jazz festivals in New York, Philadelphia, and Europe for several years. Raised on gospel, rhythm and blues, and the legends of Philadelphia jazz, Brooks is bridging the genre’s glorious past with its promising present and future. PMA members get in free and non-member guests are welcome, but they must pay general Museum admission in order to attend. For more information visit http://www.philamuseum.org/artafter5.

The Wizard of Oz @ Franklin Square

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. presents the film classic The Wizard of Oz in the recently renovated and extremely family friendly Franklin Square (6th & Race Sts). The lawn opens at 5pm for you to set-up your blankets, small lawn chairs and get your refreshments and the film starts at 8:30pm. For more information visit http://historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/events.php.

Pansy Division PGLFF Screening & Concert

The Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival presents the documentary Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band at the Arts Bank Theater (Broad & South Sts) at 7:15pm. The band will perform live at 9pm at the Trocadero (1003 Arch St) along with Sex Dwarf with DJ Robert Drake. Untamed, tempestuous and just trashy enough to be tasteful, Pansy Division led the charge out of the closet for the punk queercore scene. Whether you’re a virgin or a veteran, you can’t miss this opportunity to see them live and up-close. For more information about the documentary, concert and festival visit http://www.phillyfests.com/piglff/2008/queer-punk-star.cfm.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Annual Children and Youth Health Festival @ Prince Hall Masonic Temple

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of PA (4301 N. Broad St) is proud to announce the Annual Children and Youth Health Festival. There will be music, games, free snacks, beverages and rides and CHIP (Child Help Identification Program) onsite so that parents can get an identity kit for their kids. Also present will be representatives from various Health organizations providing free health screenings, checkups and service information. It all starts at 11am. For more information call Donald Jones, Director Community Relations at 267-847-0028 and visit http://www.princehall-pa.org/GrandLodge/lodges/lodges.htm.

Celebrate the birthday of Gregor Mendel (July 19 - 20)

It's Gregor Mendel's Birthday! Help the Academy of Natural Sciences (1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) celebrate the father of modern genetics' birthday with a weekend full of discovery. Starting at 10am both days, interactive presentations highlight genetic research conducted at the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the key role that the humble gene plays in our everyday lives. Add live animal presentations, arts and crafts and you've got a weekend that would make Gregor smile. This event is a part of the Year of Evolution, a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. For more information visit http://www.ansp.org.

Velo+City: The Social History of the Bicycle

Presenting a stylistically diverse and graphically compelling collection of original prints, vintage posters, and ephemera, this exhibition visually details the rise of the bicycle over its 150-year history at the Lisa M. Reisman & Cie. Gallery (1714 Rittenhouse Sq). The works follow the bicycle’s development from a dangerous object of ridicule to a democratized form of leisure and transportation for all. Historical information will be presented, providing context for the images. All artwork is available for purchase and the gallery is open from 10am to 7pm everyday but Monday. For more information visit http://www.lisart.com.

Two Day Intensive Mosaic Mural Workshop with Isaiah Zagar (July 19-20)

Join Isaiah Zagar at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens (1022-1024 South St) at 9am for a two-day intensive mosaic mural workshop. Learn Isaiah's mosaic method while directly working on one of his South Philadelphia murals. This is an opportunity not to be missed. For more information visit http://www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org.

Philly Beer & Movie Weekend Extravaganza @ 941 Theater (July 18-19)

Two homegrown Philly cult classics, Space Girls and Superhero Excelsior on the big screen! Support local film and meet the filmmakers. Twenty dollars gets you all the beer you can drink and both features at this 941 Theater (941 N. Front St) fundraiser. Film screenings begin at 8:30pm and there will be a special appearance by Princess Horror of Terror Film Festival. For more information visit http://www.941theater.com.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) Week Comes to an End

Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) Week is an annual celebration of the availability, unparalleled freshness, and economic and environmental benefits of food grown within 150 miles from farm to plate. The BFBL Chapters of Southeastern PA are hosting over 24 fun, food-filled events that support and promote the countless ways community members can strengthen their regional food system. All of the events are family friendly and most are free. The final two days of this year's celebration occur this weekend. We'll be taking-in the Cooking Demonstrations and Cookbook Swap at Headhouse Farmers' Market (2nd and Lombard Sts) hosted by The Food Trust and The Book and The Cook. For a list of daily events and for more information visit http://www.localfoodphilly.org/events.php.

Going Against the Flow: The 2008 Spark Showcase (July 17-20)

Some of Philly's freshest and most innovative small theatres take to the stage with signature plays! From new plays to adaptations, drama to improv, Going Against the Flow: The 2008 Spark Showcase is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Participating theatres: Black Starr Collaborative, Ego Po Productions, Flashpoint Theatre Company, Madhouse Theater Company, Philadelphia Dramatists Center, Secret Room Theatre, Simpatico Theatre Project, and Temple Theaters. For more information visit http://www.theatrealliance.org/spark/festival.html.

Singles Ben Franklin Bridge Climb

Learn about the history and construction of what was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Look down on the mighty Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and get acquainted with the past, present and future of waterfront development on both sides of the river. At the end of the tour, walk through the Rutgers-Camden campus for a return trip to Center City on the PATCO Hi-Speedline. Meet at 4th and New Sts. to participate. The event, sponsored by Meet Market Adventures, is $29.99 and includes train fare. For more information visit http://www.meetmarketadventures.com/events/2777/Philadelphia-Single....

Exhibition of Rwandese Children’s artwork @ NEXUS

As part of the Summer Community Arts Series, NEXUS/foundation for today’s art (1400 N. American St) is pleased to present Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future a collection of photographs, paintings, and handcrafts displaying a record of the past, an account of the present, and a glimpse into the future of Rwanda and her people. This unique exhibit features an artistic collaboration between Rwandese children from Rugerero Survivors Village, Rwandese handcrafter, Patrick Sentama, and students from The Rwanda Health and Healing Project at Jefferson Medical College, Komal Soin, Karen Connolly, Jennifer Heckman, and Dana Johns.

In 1994, during a period of only 100 days, approximately one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu sympathizers were killed in Rwanda. Carried out mostly by extremist Hutu militia groups, this genocide is the largest organized killing of human beings in the shortest period of time in modern history. Almost 14 years later, this once decimated and broken country is beginning to bloom again. The scars of the past will never fade, but the people of Rwanda have shown that the strength and perseverance of the human spirit can resurrect a nation. Even through the thickest scars, her beauty shines through.

The Rwanda Health and Healing Project at Jefferson Medical College was begun through the work of a Philadelphia NGO entitled, Barefoot Artists. The goal of the project is to improve the overall health and well-being of the villagers through grassroots education and initiatives to better their nutrition and access to clean water. The Jefferson Medical students involved are also hoping to set-up a partnership/exchange program with Rwandese medical students, so as to allow those students to receive extra training in the United States while Jefferson students participate in clinical clerkships in the Rwandese Medical School Hospital in Butare, Rwanda. Sunday gallery hours are 12-6pm. For more information visit http://www.nexusphiladelphia.org.

Illadelph Legends Festival (July 20 - August 2, 2008)

Join Rennie Harris and the originators and renowned practitioners of the various hip-hop movement styles including Boogaloo, Locking, Popping, Hip-Hop, House, B-Boy/B-Girl, Afro/Funk and Salsa for two weeks of master classes, lecture demonstrations, open jam sessions, panel discussions, and break-out sessions from 9am-5pm daily. Past participating guest artists and teachers have included Don Campbell (creator of locking), Greg ''Campbell Lock Jr'' Pope, The Electric Boogaloos (creator of Boogaloo), Crazy Legs (B-Boy from NYC’s Rock Steady Crew), Lil’ Lep (B-Boy from New York City Breakers), Alexa “Lex” Chmiel, Julie “Lady Jules” Ulrich, and Lanaya “Tweety” Straker. For festival information visit http://www.rhpm.org/illadelph.php.


The Mae Shi @ The Barbary

A wash in tides of vocal harmonies, video game MIDI programming and Casio beats, concept albums, religious themes best describes Mae Shi. Their new album has to come as some sort of payoff. The LA six-piece's new album matches their grand ambitions and weaves most of their songwriting tricks together into a listenable and cohesive record. This R5 Production at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) is a $10 all ages show starting at 6:30pm. They are joined by Skeltonbreath and The PoPo. For more information visit http://www.r5productions.com.

Have a great weekend and be safe! Remember, if you have an event or item the rest of the community should know about please send it to listings@philly1.com so we can help get the word out.

Be well,
Brian & Harry
Co-Directors
Philly1.com, your place in the city
http://www.philly1.com

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Send listings to listings@philly1.com