Thursday, July 3
WHERE BROOKLYN AT?: Created by former Wu Tang Clan member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the Brooklyn Zu is one of music’s most recognizable names. Set to release their first ever studio album, Chamber #9, Verse 32, the Zu is poised to make sure no one forgets ODB or their style of music. 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $35 to $45.
GROOVE THANG: The third annual Groovin’ in the Garden concert series continues at the Arboretum with Abstract Truth on July 10 and concludes with The Raggamuffins on July 17. The concerts run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more info, go to www.morrisarboretum.org or call 215-247-5777.Friday, July 4
GRAY’S HARMONY: Latin funk, rock, hip-hop and R&B group Edable Gray draws from diverse influences to create their unique sound. The group also incorporates a multicultural polyrhythmic sound with jazz induced progressions to create a feel that is unmistakably soul. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $9.
Saturday, July 5
TREE HUGGERS: Find out why planting trees is a cool thing to do at the Garden Discovery Series, “Made in the Shade.” How much can a tree’s canopy lower the temperature? What’s the research say about other good deeds trees do for us? See what you can do to help trees thrive in your neighborhood. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.
MEMORY LANE: Singer-songwriter Ian Walsh performs at the official release show for his debut album, Please Remember, on July 9 at World Cafe Live. For more information, go to www.worldcafelive.com.
NASHVILLE STAR: Lori Holton Nash, also known as “Miss Lori,” is a gifted children’s educator and entertainer. Her overall mission is to help children explore their sense of wonder, and her live performances add physical activity to lessons with musically rich up-tempo songs. 11:30 a.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. Adults: $10; children 1 to 12: $7; free for children under one.
Wednesday, July 9
HIPS DON’T LIE: See “Editor’s Pick.”
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: The annual Open Video Call is an opportunity to see new video art fresh from the studios of artists and filmmakers. Participants are invited to show completed works as well as works in progress. Top works chosen will be shown during the fall 2008 exhibition season. 7 p.m. at Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. The first 20 artists to sign up will screen up to three minutes of video (standard DVD format only).
HIPS DON'T LIE: The belly dance troupe Hipnosis began shaking their hips as cabaret style belly dancers in 2003, but soon after, switched to the American Tribal style of dance—a fusion style inspired by traditional Raqs Sharqi and folkloric dance movements from India, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Spain. This style is one in which women in elaborate costumes use controlled movements to dance as one unit. On July 9, Hipnosis brings their moves to the Penn Museum as part of the Summer Wonder performance series.
Live musical accompaniment sets the mood and story of the dance, which the performers interpret through a blend of improvised and choreographed moves. The event, which is designed for children ages 6 to 12, takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
For more information, call 215-898-4000 or go to www.museum.upenn.edu.
DOUBLE THREAT: Singer-songwriter Ian Walsh’s music has been described as raw and powerful, as well as honest and intimate. As a singer, he is rockin’, heartfelt and soulful. Come to the official CD Release Show for Ian’s nationally released debut album, Please Remember. 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $13 to $18.
COUNTRY MUSIC: Inspired by the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of maracatu and Chico Science & the Mangue Beat movement, The Nation Beat has created an incredible, fresh new sound. They are rhythm gatherers, harvesting the fruit of 500 years of cultural crossbreeding to seamlessly blend together the sounds of northeastern Brazil and the southern United States. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $11.
Thursday, July 10
XCEPTIONAL MUSIC: The XPoNential Music Festival, the annual summer music festival of 88.5 WXPN-FM, features more than 20 artists playing on three stages over four days. Gates open at 5 p.m. at Wiggins Park at the Camden Waterfront, located at the foot of Mickle Blvd. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.xpn.org/festival08. Ticket prices vary. Runs through July 13.
LMIX MASTERS: The Abstract Truth has a sound that is smooth jazz, R&B and funk with a splash of gospel, blues and the Caribbean, and performs as part of the Groovin’ in the Garden series. 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Free with regular admission.
CRITICS’ DARLING: Singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-‘90s. He has made critically acclaimed music and Earth-inspired abstract art, winning him the recognition of artists like R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who recently covered his work. 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $25 to $35.
Friday, July 11
XCEPTIONAL MUSIC: See Thursday, July 10. Today: Gates open at 4 p.m. at Wiggins Park at the Camden Waterfront. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.xpn.org/festival08. Ticket prices vary. Runs through July 13.
ACROSS AMERICA: A pianist and songwriter since childhood and influenced by Billy Joel and Ben Folds, Jon McLaughlin’s self-titled 10-song debut album was released in 2004, and he has been touring throughout the country ever since. 10 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $19 to $24.
FATHERLAND OR DEATH: “Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano” is a must-see independent film that takes the viewer into the world of Cuban hip hop. The young Cuban artists featured take their role as creators and political commentators seriously, both within the community and as representatives of their country on the worldwide stage. 7 p.m. at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Info: 215-387-5125
or www.ihousephilly.org. Free
admission members above Internationalist level; $5 Internationalist members, students and seniors; $7 general admission.
Saturday, July 12
XCEPTIONAL MUSIC: See Thursday, July 10. Today: Gates open at noon at Wiggins Park at the Camden Waterfront. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.xpn.org/festival08. Ticket prices vary. Runs through July 13.
BIG CITY DREAMS: Claude Chabrol’s “The Cousins (Les Cousins)” tells the tale of a country cousin trying to make it in the big city and is destroyed in the process. An impressive display of experimentation, the film is a treat for the eyes, if not for the heart. 7 p.m. at I-House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Free admission members above Internationalist level; $5 Internationalist members, students and seniors; $7 general admission.
Sunday, July 13
XCEPTIONAL MUSIC: See Thursday, July 10. Today: Gates open at noon at Wiggins Park at the Camden Waterfront. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.xpn.org/festival08. Ticket prices vary.
Wednesday, July 16
ROME IN A DAY: Armed Roman re-enactors in full regalia give a presentation on the use of a legionnaire’s various weapons and the tactics for using them. Then, guests witness a one-on-one gladiator battle. Designed for children ages 6 to 12. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.museum.upenn.edu.
Thursday, July 17
OXTAIL: Come see the Groovin’ in the Garden performance by The Raggamuffins, a reggae band that combines traditional Jamaican roots reggae with a modern, original twist. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Free with regular admission.
Friday, July 18
INTERNATIONAL PLAYER’S BALL: Say goodbye to Hopkinson Hall at The Wrecking Ball, a party to celebrate theater renovations and to thank supporters. Performances include a dance party, music spun by DJ Hi-Res and rare, visually stunning films from the Secret Cinema collection screen in the background. With food, drink and special surprises. 8 p.m. at I-House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org.
Saturday, July 19
PYRO MUSICIANS: BurnDown began in August 2002 when founding members Dave Quicks, RokBottom & Kuf Knotz began recording their friends in a warehouse in East Falls. By the time they were finished, they had an 18-song album representing 40 of the best musicians, DJs, singers and MCs Philly had to offer. Over the next couple of years, BurnDown began building a traveling team, an All-Star band. 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $20 to $27.
Tuesday, July 22
NORTH OF THE BORDER: Leaving a path of joyous debris behind them from stage to stage, Toronto’s The Ghost is Dancing has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting live bands around. With performances on MTV, glowing reviews in SPIN, Chart and Exclaim, TGID have topped many college radio stations across Canada and don’t show any signs of slowing down. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $9.
Wednesday, July 23
SOUTH OF THE BORDER: Experience the cultural heritage of native Mexico through a traditional Aztec dance and drumming performance by Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac, or School of Blood Moving in the Heart. The school aims to preserve aspects of Aztec culture, and expose the local community to the cultural heritage of native Mexico. Designed for children ages 6 to 12. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.museum.upenn.edu.
Sunday, July 27
UK TO BK: Kirsten Price extends the British tradition of re-interpreting American soul music in a fresh, innovative way. Raised in London and now based in Brooklyn, she most recently shared the stage with Wyclef Jean, Groove Collective and the recently reunited Sly & The Family Stone. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $13.
Wednesday, July 30
AMERICAN HISTORY: The musical group Sonqo presents an interactive performance featuring authentic music and instruments from the Andean region, home of the Incan civilization. The group also features colorful adornment from South America. Designed for children ages 6 to 12. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.museum.upenn.edu.
COOL NAME: The Mother Truckers are a kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll band from Austin, Texas. Their music is high-octane Americana, blending hard-hitting electric guitars with soaring vocals and irreverent lyrics. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $13.
Thursday, July 31
AT BAND CAMP: Families and campers are invited to enjoy a special performance by the Penn Band Camp. The musical performance this year is reminiscent of the magical sounds of the circus and includes a repertoire of jazz, pop, classical and marches. 1 p.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-898-4015 or www.museum.upenn.edu. Free with museum admission donation.
Thursday, July 31
IN NASHVILLE: Nashville musician and songwriter Daniel Killman discusses his debut novel, "The Row and the Boulevard." 6 p.m. at Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
Saturday, Aug. 2
FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN: At the Garden Discovery Series, “Petal Pictures,” paint a pretty picture using flower petals from the garden and take home a picture of your own creation. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.
POSITIVE INFLUENCE: NYC kiddie rockers Princess Katie & Racer Steve were inspired to create music for children as a result of their frequent volunteer visits to children’s hospitals throughout the New York-area. They play rock, country, pop and dance music with positive messages about honesty, respect, telling the truth, expressing feelings and bullying. 11:30 a.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. Adults: $10; children 1 to 12: $7; free for children under one.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
CLASSIC MOVES: Penn Thillana, Penn’s premier Indian classical dance group, performs Classical Indian Dance featuring the Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Kathak dance styles, four of the main classical dance styles. Designed for children ages 6 to 12. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.museum.upenn.edu.
Thursday, Aug. 7
WHODUNIT?: In Robert Aldrich’s “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte,” a proper Southern lady kills her fiancé. Or did she? Catch this famous Bette Davis flick at the “Camp Bette” outdoor film series, held in honor of her 100th birthday. 8 p.m. at I-House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Please bring your own seats and blankets. Additional screenings run Aug. 14, 21 and 28.
Sunday, Aug. 10
HIGH PRAISE: Elisabeth Withers continues to receive rave reviews for both her live performances and recent album, It Can Happen To Anyone. The Midwest singer/songwriter brings to the stage the soul of Gladys Knight and the high energy of Tina Turner. 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $26 to $36.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
FIRST ARRIVALS: Philadelphia’s Native Nations Dance Duo demonstrates aspects of Native American cultures through dynamic dance, song and storytelling, accompanied by traditional drum and flute music. Designed for children ages 6 to 12. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.museum.upenn.edu.
Thursday, Aug. 14
SISTERLY AFFECTION: See Thursday, Aug. 7. Tonight: Bette Davis stars in Robert Aldrich’s “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” the story of former child star Baby Jane Hudson and her sister Blanche, who had the goods to be an adult actress. After a car accident paralyzes Blanche, Jane dedicates her life to take care of her invalid sister. Sounds like a warm, family drama, right? Guess again. 8 p.m. at I-House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Please bring your own seats and blankets. Additional screenings run Aug. 21 and 28.
Friday, Aug. 15
MELODY’S MELODY: So young, yet with a sultry voice and songwriting inspiration that exudes all the quiet soulful authority and gravity you usually associate with old time jazz/blues legends, Melody Gardot delivers a rich blend of songwriting that is classic and timeless. 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $21 to $33.
Sunday, Aug. 17
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: Suzanne Vega has been known for writing smart, literate songs since her eponymous debut in 1985. On her latest release, Beauty & Crime, the Manhattan native uses New York City as the backdrop for a collection of 11 new songs. 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $40 to $55.
Thursday, Aug. 21
BUMPY NIGHT: See Thursday, Aug. 7. Tonight: Bette Davis stars in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s “All About Eve,” the story of ambitious actress Eve Harrington, who wants a career on Broadway and will stop at nothing to get it, including stealing Margo Channing’s man, friends and roles. 8 p.m. at I-House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Please bring your own seats and blankets. The final screening runs Aug. 28.
Thursday, Aug. 28
MOMMY DEAREST: See Thursday, Aug. 7. Tonight: In Irving Rapper’s “Now, Voyager,” a domineering mother drives Charlotte Vale to a life of spinsterhood. Starring Bette Davis. 8 p.m. at I-House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Please bring your own seats and blankets.
Saturday, Aug. 30
CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN: See the Garden Railway display during Circus Week, which features circus trains, a history of the circus and a few surprises. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Free with regular admission. Runs through Sept. 8.
RATED G: NYC-based band The Jimmies play “real music for real kids” and gleefully rock, swing and dance their way into your world through terribly catchy and hilarious songs for people of all ages. 11:30 a.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. Adults: $10; children 1 to 12: $7; free for children under one.
