Plays and Players: Historic Philadephia Theater Company

Want to see where Kevin Bacon got his start? Head to Plays and Players, Philadelphia’s oldest theatre company. Once a private club for drama aficionados, it’s morphed over the last hundred or so years into an important part of Philadelphia’s vibrant theater arts community and is dedicated to supporting established and emerging local playwrights and actors. Previous productions in their two intimate theatres include Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, Lost in Yonkers, Zombie! the Musical and Carousel. Currently on the playlist are Pardon My Invasion, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and Travesties. Check out the Plays and Players website for a calendar of productions and ticket info. 

1714 Delancey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-0630
 

Elfreth’s Alley: A Hidden Treasure

Philadelphia is rife with history, being one of the oldest cities in the United States. If you really want to take a trip back into the past, make a detour through Elfreth’s Alley. This is one of the oldest continually inhabited residential streets in the country, dating back to the early 1700s. Named after blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth, the roadway is lined with Georgian-style townhomes that have weathered the test of time. In the 1930s, a preservation association was formed to ensure that the alley would remain intact for future generations to visit. The most interesting thing about Elfreth’s Alley is that it’s still a residential neighborhood – even though the buildings are centuries old, they’re all still inhabited. You can take a phone tour of the street to get some more information on its rich and fascinating history. Volunteer guides also staff the gift shop, which is interesting on its own accord.

Elfreth’s Alley
126 Elfreth's Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-0560
http://www.yelp.com/biz/elfreths-alley-museum-philadelphia

The Philadelphia Orchestra: Classic Concerts

The Philadelphia Orchestra makes its home at the breathtaking Kimmel Center, and strives to deliver fabulous classical concerts to the Philadelphia public. The orchestra was started back in 1900, and has had an impressive history of renowned conductors, international tours, and countless popular recordings of classic masterpieces. The orchestra is currently under the direction of conductor Charles Dutoit, and continues to perform delightful symphonies from all eras and nations. With a goal to make music accessible, the orchestra offers reasonably priced package deals with ticket prices as low as $15 per concert. Also, the eZseatU ticket program offers an array of wallet-friendly options for college students. Though the Kimmel Center season officially begins in October, the Philadelphia Orchestra continues to offer free neighborhood concerts and educational programs to students all year long.

Philadelphia Orchestra
260 S. Broad Street
Suite 1600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-1900

Italian Market Festival, May 19 – 20: Celebrate at the Market

The whole family can have fun at the Italian Market Festival, a weekend full of food, fun, and entertainment taking place in the country's oldest outdoor market. This annual celebration features concert stages holding live performances, a Family Fun Zone where kids can make crafts and play games, and a Procession of Saints led by the St. Paul Parish. There will also be a number of artisan vendors selling jewelry, photography, and crafts. Don't forget the food that will be available, either. You'll find lots of items here to fill up on, from delicious little snacks to larger, meal-sized treats for people arriving with their appetite. The Italian Market Festival is like a huge block party, bustling with activity and full of revelry. Rain or shine, it's a great place to be.

Italian Market Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2012 2:00 p.m. – Sunday, May 20, 2012 5:00 p.m.
900 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
http://www.yelp.com/events/philadelphia-italian-market-festival-2

The Prince Music Theater

Named for renowned Broadway producer/director Hal Prince, the Prince Music Theater is housed in a restored 1920’s movie house. A visit to the theater is a fantastic way to support the arts, enjoy the thrill of live performance, and spend time in a gorgeously updated historic venue. Upcoming shows include a screening of La Boehme filmed on opening night at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, a cabaret benefit of Broadway musical performances, and a comedy called Defending the Caveman. Visit the Prince Music Theater's website for performance schedules and ticket info. 

1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-9700

International House Philadelphia: World of Art

International House Philadelphia is a multicultural residential center that hosts visiting scholars and students from around the globe. It’s also a place where you can take language classes, take in a concert, or attend a lecture. All in all, it’s a distinctive cultural venue with a threefold mission, to host people from around the world and introduce them to American culture while allowing them to share their culture and traditions with others. It also showcases a wide variety of cultural events such as international film festivals, holiday celebrations, dance performances, and art shows. See their website for a roster of events. 

3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19195
(215) 387-5125

Are You Excited for these March Events in Philadelphia?

If you’re looking for an adventure this year as winter fades into spring, why not check out one of these upcoming events in Philadelphia? Philly and its surrounding areas present a plethora of wonderful March events and activities for people of all ages. Here are some of the most exciting March offerings, so be sure to mark your calendars:
 
The Philadelphia Flower Show, March 4 -11
This is a don’t-miss Philly event every year, widely celebrated as one of the oldest and largest indoor flower shows in the world. Whether you’re a flower aficionado or just someone looking to admire some beautiful blooms, you’ll love exploring the vast showcase of traditional and exotic flowers. 
 
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 11
Philly takes great pride in its spectacular St. Patrick’s Day parade, a high-spirited city tradition since 1771. Elaborate floats, traditional Irish music and dance, bagpipe music, and green everywhere – a perfect way to celebrate Irish culture in a city with a long history of ties to the people of Ireland.
 
Philadelphia CineFest, March 22 – April 1
This eleven-day film festival extravaganza showcases some of the best works in independent and foreign cinema in theatres throughout the city. There are movies for every taste, including shorts, features, and documentary films, exciting special guests, and a series of fun festival-hosted social events around Philly.
 
Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show, March 23 – March 25
This nationally renowned event presents a dazzling exhibit of one-of-a-kind home furnishings. The show features some of the most cutting-edge design innovations side by side with more traditional furniture pieces – something for every taste. 
 
15th Annual Philly Fur Ball, March 31 – April 1
This wonderful event, which raises money for the Morris Animal Refuge, is a perfect outing for pet lovers. Attendees enjoy a delicious dinner, music and dance, a silent auction, an open bar, and a beer tasting menu, among several other fun activities throughout the night. 
 
 

Philadelphia 76ers: Poised For Greatness

With three playoff berths in the last four seasons, the Philadelphia 76ers have had solid showings recently, and they're ready to carry that success further into the postseason. Last year's arrival of Doug Collins as head coach gave the team a much needed boost. His leadership helped add another fourteen wins to the previous season. Collins has a team of new and veteran talents to nurture. Jrue Holiday enters his third season as one of the most exciting players on the roster. Louis Williams, Thad Young, and Andre Igoudala also promise to keep up the team's high-octane attack. Philadelphia also still has one of the top power forwards in Elton Brand. This is a team ready to capitalize on the consistent promise shown in previous years. They want more than just a first round playoff exit. This season might be their breakout year.

Find Sixers schedules, tickets, merchandise, and more at http://www.nba.com/sixers.

January Events in Philadelphia

Looking for something to do? This January, Philadelphia hosts some exciting events! Check out these four:

Mummer's Parade, January 1, 2012

A Philadelphia tradition, old men in elaborate costumes sit in small go-karts and whiz around the streets along with bands and other festivities. It's supposed to be linked to Celtic customs, but mostly it's a raucous good time.

Story Slam: Daily Grind at World Cafe Live, January 9, 2012

In the new year, make your new favorite hang out the Story Slams at World Cafe Live and L'Etage. Twice every month real people pour their hearts out about a selected theme. You can also compete with your own five minute tale of humorous woe.

City Food Tours, ongoing

Philly's foodie scene is thriving and City Food Tours is offering a fun, social way of experiencing it through restaurant crawls. Look out for special tours like Craft Beer and Artisanal Cheese or Decadent Gourmet.

Jerry Seinfeld at the Academy of Music, January 14, 2012

The original funny man comes to the Academy to talk about nothing. Really. But he'll probably include a few topical quips about the city and his act's guaranteed to be a good time!

Penn Museum: From Around the World

Founded in 1887, The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology has had over 100 years to amass a collection. From over 400 expeditions, the museum has acquired artifacts from the Fertile Crescent, Mesoamerica, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the early civilizations in America and Africa. Permanent collections include some of the largest displays of African, American, Babylonian, and Egyptian artifacts in the country. The Museum offers material tours through North America, including artifacts excavated right in Philadelphia! In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum hosts revolving exhibitions examining various aspects of culture through anthropological observations, physical artifacts, and interdisciplinary artwork.

Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-4000

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