by Matt Kelchner Touting a new, slimmer lineup of just three members, Icelandic post-rock masters Sigur Ros proved this past Friday night that they can be every bit as awe-inspiring as they were with 5+ ensembles. As threatening storms held off, the skies made way for a perfect summer evening at the Mann Center. You couldn’t have asked for a better setting to take in … Continue reading Sigur Ros at the Mann Center, 6/16
by Brenda Hillegas Cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s childhood home on Maple Avenue exists in Beech Creek, Pennsylvania. It’s also a main setting in the musical Fun Home, which is based on her 2006 graphic memoir FUN HOME: A Family Tragicomic. From now until June 18th, you can catch it here in Philadelphia. Alison and her father don’t always see eye to eye, yet as she grows up, she … Continue reading Fun Home Comes Home to Pennsylvania
by Moriah Kelley When organizations and artist unite, the bond of community grows and their passion shines bright. The Philly POPS announced today at William Way LGBT Community Center that they will perform a one night only concert with the internationally-acclaimed artist Rufus Wainwright. The Philly POPS Presents Rufus Wainwright will be held on January 19th, 2018 at the Kimmel Center. An exciting addition, The … Continue reading The Philly Pops Welcome Rufus Wainwright
by Laura Dupler If you love a little soul, that smooth jazz with lush string melodies and the vibrant burst of brass, you’ll want to join the Philadelphia’s soul community this Sunday on a road trip back to the 1960s as they honor the much-loved Richi Ingui of The Soul Survivors. Richi passed away suddenly at the age of 70 earlier this year. This year … Continue reading Richi Ingui: The Celebration of a Soulful Man
by Lou Pinto Yesterday was hot day, but that didn’t deter about 300 people from showing up for the 5th annual Rock the Block Festival at Stogie Joe’s. Stogie’s has been host to this event since 2013, held to raise funds for the Coach Wags Memorial Foundation. Founded in 2010, the CWMF was established and named in memorial after Coach John “Wags” Wagner. Coach Wags … Continue reading The 5th Annual Rock the Block Festival at Stogie Joe’s
-Kelley Bregenzer (photo courtesy of The Syndicate) There’s a moment on Jeff Simmermon’s debut comedy album, And I Am Not Lying, where he punctuates stories of his chicken bandmates (yes, actual chickens) and being dissed by the Reverand Al Sharpton to narrow in on what’s inspired him to share his life with others. “If you got something weird and wonderful and creative to do that nobody gets, … Continue reading Story Telling Comedian Jeff Simmermon Heads to Good Good Comedy Theatre in Philadelphia
-Joei DeCarlo Food, friends and festivities are the best words to describe La Festa Della Repubblica, better know as La Festa. The festival is sponsored by Filitalia International & Foundation and has occurred on the first Sunday of June for the past seven years. Filitalia International & Foundation works to strengthen Italian heritage with language lessons, academic scholarships, The Columbus Day Parade and, of course, … Continue reading La Festa 2017 Presented by Filitalia International
To celebrate the arrival of the famous painting The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner, Saints Neumann Goretti (NG) High School will host a summer long prayer grotto. They invite the community to participate by hanging their prayer petitions on the grotto. Inspired by the Knotted Grotto at the Basilica of SS Peter & Paul during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia, the NG Grotto will be … Continue reading Visit the Prayer Grotto at SS Neumann-Goretti High School
-Brenda Hillegas (photo courtesy of Joan Marcus for the Kimmel Center) Last night, I found myself falling down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Berry Gordy, Hitsville U.S.A., Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson. I clicked and clicked some more. Around midnight I think I went too far (did you know Ashlee Simpson is married to one of Diana’s sons? Or that Berry Gordy’s son and grandson … Continue reading Motown the Musical “Hits” Philadelphia
-Matt Kelchner Acts old and new graced both stages at World Cafe Live Friday night for the final night of this year’s NON-COMMvention. Hosted by local radio stalwart WXPN, the music industry focused event celebrated it’s 17th year with performances from some of the latest newcomers as well as seasoned veterans. The temperatures may have been scorching, but that didn’t stop us from being blown … Continue reading NonCOMM Day 3
