5 Things to Do This Week in Philly: Gesualdo in Heaven, Galentine’s Day
and More


Peter Gaffney's

Peter Gaffney’s Gesualdo, in Heaven opens with a discounted preview on Thursday.

Underground Cinema: In its brand new film series, Underground Arts screens rarely seen flicks with a “full movie-theater experience.” (That means mounds of popcorn and a full-service bar.) On the reels for the first edition is Maori Boy Genius, This Way of Life and The Dumpsta Collection, a doc rife with 17 years of “filth” from Philly’s Dumpsta Players. Tue., Feb. 11, 6 p.m., free, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St.

Sittin’ In With Laurin Talese: Philly jazz diva Laurin Talese is the guest vocalist at this month’s free “Sittin’ In” jam session at the Kimmel Center. Talese is a former backup singer for neo-soul singers Bilal, Jaguar Wright and Vivian Green, and she recently signed with a new label to venture out into a solo career of her own. Her latest single, “This Love,” is available on iTunes. For Sittin’ In, Talese has chosen a selection of Valentine’s-theme tunes, so bring your sweetie. Wed., Feb. 12, 8 p.m., free, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

BalletX Winter Series: The dancers at BalletX present works by a handful of award-winning choreographers, including the world premieres of Joshua L. Peugh’s “Slump” and James Gregg’s “L-O-V-E.” The opening-night performance on Wednesday includes a chat with the artists. Feb. 12-15, 8 p.m., and Feb. 15-16, 2 p.m., $35-$40, Wilma Theatre, 265 S. Broad St.

Gesualdo, in Heaven: Philly puppet arts pioneer Peter Gaffney presents this work about 16th-century Italian murderer-nobleman Carlo Gesualdo that “investigates the insomnia, delirium, paranoia and genius of a man whose legacy marks the progressive dissolution of our ability to think [about] the world as a coherent whole.” The characters will be portrayed by life-size wooden puppets womanned by Jordi Wallen, Sarah Schol and Tabitha Allen. Discounted preview: Thu., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., $5; runs through Sat., Feb. 22, 7 p.m. $15, Pig Iron School Studio One at Crane Arts, 1417 N. Second St.

Galentine’s Day: Katie K Rex and the rest of the Factory Girls are throwing the second-annual Galentine’s Day jam, with a performance by special guest Kid Sister. It’s the week’s ultimate girls-night experience, but don’t be shocked if you see a few boys in heels. Thu., Feb. 13, 10 p.m., $10, Voyeur, 1221 Saint James St.