The Weekender: May 12, 2010 - Philadelphia Magazine

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Weekender

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2010

Yo, Weekenders!

If you need a drink, you’re in luck, because this week, I’ve got not one, not two, but three new spots to tell you about. Want to catch a movie during this rainy spell? There’s always the new Russell Crowe blockbuster, but don’t forget about classic The Muppet Movie (yes, it’s a classic!). For concerts, you should probably avoid Great White, but don’t miss Philly wunderkind Dr. Dog and London’s lovely Laura Marling. And speaking of music-you-shouldn’t-miss, take note that Lady Gaga and Roger Waters’ The Wall are about to go on sale. And finally, make sure you check out my contest to win free box tix to any Mann performance this season. Have fun! — Victor Fiorillo, A&E Editor

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the new Weekender blog every day. I’ll give you last-minute ideas on what to do and where to drink. Plus other stuff.

Almost Summer: Though today’s atmospheric conditions might suggest otherwise, summer is just around the corner, and one of my favorite summertime places to drink — and restaurant #18 on our Philly Mag 2008 Top 50 Restaurants — is about to open its sexy lounge, complete with lemondrop martinis, crudo, and lots of pretty people. Want to crash the "invite only" party with me? Read More

Like Bourbon?: Head to Cooperage in Washington Square
Like Beer?: Kraftwork debuts in Fishtown
Drinking in the ’Burbs: The Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers’ Festival

Robin Hood: Though it could never be as good as the 1973 animated version — one of the best and most underrated Disney movies ever made – the team of Ridley Scott, creepy Max von Sydow, Cate Blanchett, and Russell Crowe should make for an exhilarating 140-minute prequel to the commonly known tale. Or, at least, it couldn’t possibly suck as much as Iron Man 2. Opens wide on Friday. Details

All of Us Under Its Spell: The Muppet Movie at midnight
“The Last Ride of the American Cowboy”: A herd of sheep in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains in documentary Sweetgrass
Bette Davis vs. Joan Crawford: 1962 classic What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?

Dr. Dog: This decade-old Philadelphia-based outfit has enjoyed its share of national attention in recent years, and now, with the release of its latest album, Shame, Shame, it seems that they’re not going to lose it anytime soon. This reviewer says “some of their best songs to date.” And this one calls it “the sound of tomorrow’s classic rock today.” Hear their new tunes at the Electric Factory on Thursday. $18. Details

If 92.5 WXTU Is One of Your Presets: Country duo Sugarland at Susquehanna
One-Hit Wonder: Hear Al Stewart sing “Year of the Cat”
Apparently They Didn’t Die in the Fire: The unsolicited return of Great White

For Those Who Sported Green Mohawks in the Late ’70s: You know you’re getting old when NPR is doing a live webcast of Sex Pistols-spinoff band Public Image Ltd., as they are of tonight’s D.C. show. If this sounds remotely interesting, tune in and check it out, and if it’s good, you might consider going to see them live at the Borgata on Saturday. Though $55 for punk seems sacrilegious. Details

Country Gal: Ashley Judd’s half-sister Wynonna
Three Pounds of Garlic Salt: Tony Boloney’s “Pizza Slaughter Fest” eating competition

Man on the Street: I got to thinking last week: Who really cares what the critics have to say about a new play in town? Aren’t you more interested in what the regular people who go see the show think? To that end, I sent a Weekender fan to see the newest show in town — tape recorder in hand — to get the word on the street. Go here to read the report and to find out how you might score free tickets to a show.

The Robot Etudes: See Pig Iron’s work-in-progress for free
Need (Cheap) Last-Minute Plans?: Tonight’s Walking Fish show is pay-what-you-can

Moonbounce!: One of the most popular playgrounds in Center City is Seger Park on Lombard between 10th and 11th. This Sunday, to help pay for the upkeep of the park, they’re having their 3rd Annual Spring Children’s Festival. There will be lots of food, a petting zoo (bring the Purell!), games, music, free tennis lessons, and, yes, the beloved Moonbounce. No admission though pay-as-you-go tickets required for some activities. Details

At Tyler Arboretum: Bees and Butterflies
In Chesco: Kid fave Randy Kaplan in concert
Coming Up: Sunset hours at the Philadelphia Zoo

Stephan Salisbury: The longtime Philadelphia Inquirer reporter (he was nominated for a Pulitzer while there in the mid-’90s) heads to Penn Bookstore on Thursday night to talk about his brand-new book, Mohamed’s Ghosts, about Muslim life in Philadelphia and the nation after 9/11. Gay Talese says that Salisbury “tells a dark and important story that has not be told before ...” Go here to read an excerpt. Details

Love Him or Hate Him: Mitch Albom on Have a Little Faith
“Crime Does Pay”: Local scribes George Anastasia and Gerald Kolpan talk mystery writing

But You’re on Your Own for the Cigars: Impress your friends at your next dinner party when you put up a multi-course Cuban spread after taking Kitchen Kapers’ Cuban cooking course. It’s designed for couples, so convince your significant other (hey, tell them it’s better than ballroom dancing classes) to take you there this Saturday night. $95. Details

I Can’t Even Keep My Lawn Neat: The tedious art of Bonsai
Not Just for Kids: A Main Line watercolor workshop

Laura Marling: The young English songwriter just released her 2nd album, I Speak Because I Can, which
has been getting a lot of great reviews thanks to “its collection of fraught, smart folk songs” (so says the Times). Hear her live this Saturday at Johnny Brenda’s, where she’ll be joined by fellow Londoners Smoke Fairies and Pete Roe. $15. Details

From Ireland: Saw Doctors
He Wakes Up Next to Mary-Louise Parker: ’XPN fave Charlie Mars in West Philly

Lady Gaga: If you still haven’t had enough of the pop diva, know that she’s kicking off the second leg of her North American tour on February 11th, 2011 (yes, February!), at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, and tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. Keep in mind that the first leg of her North American tour hasn’t even begun yet. She’s at Boardwalk Hall on July 4th and the Wachovia Center on September 14th and 15th. Sheesh! Details

By Popular Demand: A third “Roger Waters: The Wall” show added
Under No Circumstance Let Your Girl Drag You to This: Lilith

Ticket Giveaway: Any Show You Want at the Mann Center
The picnic-perfect Mann Center has been gearing up for its 2010 concert season, with shows as varied as MGMT, Pavement, Tony Bennett, the Orchestra, a reunited Faith No More, and Rufus Wainwright with his sister, Martha. (Go here to check out the complete schedule and to buy tickets). To get you in the spirit, I’m giving away a pair of tickets in the Mann Center’s private box to any show at all in the season. For details, go here.

From Our Sponsor: The 3rd Annual Old City Sidewalk Sale and Stroll
May 15th and 16th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 50 of Old City’s boutiques, spas, restaurants and galleries will setup along the sidewalks offering bargains and new Spring/Summer merchandise while galleries showcase artists. Shoppers are invited to stroll through historic Old City and enjoy festive tunes and complimentary beverages. Don’t miss it!! Find Out More!

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