BEEN THERE/DONE THAT: May 3

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BEEN THERE/DONE THAT: May 3

POSTED: Monday, May 3, 2010, 4:57 PM

Filed Under: Been There, Done That

Pat Rapa

Zoe Strauss' "Under I-95"

When we're not editing and writing and proofing and stressing, we A&E editors keep busy getting our culture on. Since we (that'd be Patrick Rapa, music editor; Carolyn Huckabay, arts editor; Molly Eichel, movies/agenda editor; and occasionally Holly Otterbein, staff writer/arts patron) know Philly's teeming with artsy happenings, we'll give you a weekly roundup of where we've been and what we've seen. But we can't see it all. We're taking a cue from Team Meal Ticket — who diligently report on how they've spent their foodie weekends — and opening the floor to you: Leave a comment and let us know what you've been up to since Friday at 5.

CH: Carolyn Huckabay PR: Patrick Rapa ME: Molly Eichel

Where We Went:

—Ran into Pat and Holly at Zoe Strauss' final "Under I-95" on Sunday. It's the first time I'd seen the show, and I'm sad it'll be the last. I'm also sad that my favorite of the 231 images hung up on the interstate-supporting pilasters (No. 75, of a string of balloons floating upward) was sold out by the time I got in line. Apparently if I'd stayed till 4 p.m., I could've snagged the display copy for free, but it was too hot for lingering. —CH

— Like seemingly hundreds of people I checked out the final Zoe Strauss' exhibition. I bought four prints. I love it when she takes pictures of words. —PR

— Skipped out on the Strauss (sorry Zoe!) for roller derby to cheer on national anthem singer Mo Russ. The Heavy Metal Hookers who took on the Rhode Island Riveters; both teams were neck-and-neck during the first half, but the HMH pulled ahead mightily during the second. While I was sad that my faves, the Broad Street Butchers, lost to the Philthy Britches (who have an incredible opening skate-out, by the way), it was a tight game. When everyone thought the BSB's were down for the count after a multi-grand slam power jam by the Britches' Mo Pain, the Butchers' Shenita Stretcher (who sold me my ticket, thanks!) roared back in the second half. —ME

What We Watched:

— People (including fellow CM-er Molly) keep telling me how awesome Modern Family is, and how even if you're single and childless you'll die laughing. I took a few hours of my Saturday to test it out. And while I didn't die, I have become a fan. Best part: that Claire and Phil are well aware that their kids are sometimes complete idiots. Thank you, realistic writers. —CH

— Totally watched Thor: Hammer of the Gods on Syfy because it starred Zachery Ty Bryan from Home Improvement, leading to lots of terrible Wilson/JTT/Al Borland jokes and a geek-out about the new picture of Chris Hemsworth in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming Thor. The ZTB version was terrible. And awesome. But mostly terrible. —ME

What We Listened To:

— I spent the weekend trying to make sense of the new Hold Steady, starting with an excellent Free at Noon show up at World Cafe Live on Friday. For my thoughts on the album, read this week's City Paper. —PR

— Gave Jason & The Scorchers' Haylcon Times (Courageous Chicken Music/Nash Vegas Flash), their first new record in a minute, a spin and enjoyed it immensely on first listen, but I need some more time before it's up there with Fervor or Lost and Found. —ME

What We Learned:

— Keys to a good Sidewalk Sale: Post your listing on Craigslist the night before so it'll be up for the morning early birds. It's better to have a money in your pocket than shit in your closet so keep prices low, low, low. Swords attract customers. I ended up making a pretty penny but spent some of it on Chuckie Knuckles' foam-board poster of all original American Gladiators. Worth it? Clearly. —ME

Natalie

Posted 2010-05-03 13:53:11

Friday Night: Azuka Theatre's "Nerve" - hysterical, well acted, and now, sadly, closed.

Saturday Night: Flashpoint Theatre's "Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake)".  Unlike anything I've seen - also hysterical (especially Matthew Hultgren's Timberlake - I partied like it was 1999) and open until May 8th!

Sunday Night: Luna Theatre's "Sick."  Made me itchy just watching it, but I think that was partly the point.  Also, sadly, now closed.

Drew Lazor

Posted 2010-05-03 14:05:07

I saw Koresh Dance's "Sense of Human" on Sunday night. I don't know much about dance to sound articulate about the artform or anything, but I can say that they are pretty amazing!

Posted 2010-05-03 18:18:08

Friday was unartful: Saw the Riversharks home opener at Campbell's Field and watched manager Von Hayes perch lankily in the dugout. 

Saturday: As I mentioned over on Meal Ticket's weekend notes, stopped by WHYY during their pledge drive to pick up some tomato plants from You Bet Your Garden's Mike McGrath then trucked out to West Chester with my mother Janis to see about 1,000,000 little Italian ladies fawn over chef/food writer Lidia Bastianich who was awesome. 

Sunday: I, too, hit Zoe Strauss' ultimate Under I-95. I'm ashamed to admit I'd never been to one before, but I bought two prints: one with lit-up High Hopes in otherwise pitch-black surroundings and one from Fairbanks Alaska depicting a banner reading "It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll" in a barren performance tent. Later, caught up on 0 Rock, The Office and Fringe which, for my money (and I'm watching on Hulu so, like, none), is the best show on TV.

Emily G

Posted 2010-05-04 03:42:07

Eichel where is my cut

Caitlin

Posted 2010-05-04 13:50:56

Sunday I finally made time to watch "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" which, despite some overly literal reenactments, was mesmerizing.  But even as a bit of a Johnston fangirl, I'm ready for "Casper the Friendly Ghost" to no longer be in my head.

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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