Sean Agnew
Fourteen years ago, Agnew, an Ardmore native, started booking bands occasionally as a hobby. Now 32 and a Drexel dropout, he's the biggest independent promoter in the region, producing close to 300 shows a year via his company, R5 Productions, at venues like Johnny Brenda's and the First Unitarian Church, in warehouses and basements, and even at a private airport/pool/motel complex in South Jersey. "I have absolutely no musical ability," says Agnew. "That's why I started doing shows because I was frustrated I couldn't play." 00000,
Jennifer Higdon
The Curtis Institute's Higdon won a Pulitzer this spring for her Violin Concerto just two months after she snagged a 2010 Grammy for Best Classical Contemporary Composition for her Percussion Concerto. She also holds the Rock Chair in Composition at Curtis, which sounds very Jack Black but is actually named for donor Milton L. Rock, alas. 00000, jenniferhigdon.com.
The photo booth at North Bowl
Must we explain everything? 909 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, northbowlphilly.com.
Virtual Classes
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. We know you love those little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need some “me” time now and then. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. Settlement Music School is offering Settlement Kids Live (settlementmusic.org), with free music and dance classes for children streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. If your offspring have energy to burn, InMovement Gymnastics Education (phillyinmovement.com) has online tumbling, karate and dance classes. Pick the one that’s right for your little one, and you may actually get the chance to use the bathroom without being interrupted. And the Philly Zoo at 2 (philadelphiazoo.org) introduces kids to all kinds of creatures every weekday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live — and keeps an archive of past videos for hours of educational streaming.
Osteria
No muss. No fuss. The highest-quality meats, cooked simply and to perfection, presented absolutely unpretentiously. 640 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, osteriaphilly.com.
Capa Shoe and Leather
They’ll fix your downtrodden soles and broken straps with the artisanship that has kept them in business since 1936. 1015 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, philadelphiacustomleather.com.
Rumble Boxing
A dark room, loud music, and 45 minutes to let out all your rage on round, surprisingly springy aqua bags. 1520 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, rumble-boxing.com.
The Post
Quizzo, live music, dollar taco nights, weekend DJs, Skee-Ball and shuffleboard — a.k.a. things that are better than studying for midterms. 129 South 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, thepostphl.com.
Amuse at Le Meridien
A sexy, sophisticated hotel bar with spot-on service, sultry house music, provocative art, potent cocktails and, yes, delectable amuse-bouches. Room reservation upstairs, anyone? 1421 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, amusephiladelphia.com.
Goodman Plumbing
Goodman's has been in business for more than 50 years, leaving a trail of satisfied (and relieved!) customers in its wake. Just try to find a smidge of negative feedback on these guys. goodmanplumbers.com.
Allens Lane Art Center
You get a party for creative tykes, featuring musical or child-friendly theatrical performances tailored to your kid's age and likes. Bring everything you need for a successful party:plates, 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19106, allenslane.org.
Go Fox
The perfect solution for anyone too busy, important, lazy, fancy, rich or cool to wait in line anywhere. And honestly, who doesn't fit into one of those categories at some point? Call or see website for consultation, 00000, gofoxonline.com.
Dave's Appliance Repair
Keep Dave's on your speed dial: Response times are ridiculously quick, even at clutch moments like busy holiday weekends (which are, of course, the fridge's favorite time to fail). 280 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044, davesappliance2.com.
Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast
This black-owned establishment that pays homage to Philly’s music history has a fantastic breakfast spread and historic touches. (So yeah, you’re gonna want to book a second night at this newcomer.) 3709 Baring Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, akwaaba.com/akwaaba-philadelphia.
Stephanie Grimes
Grimes’s fast-moving classes – complete with adrenaline-pumping pop music – rely on familiar cardio moves, so you won’t be frustrated, bored, or tempted to ditch the bar for, er, a bar. 1500 Sansom St. 4th Floor , Philadelphia, PA 19102, barre3.com/studio-locations/rittenhouse.