Archive: January, 2011

THE SHOWDOWN: Entertain, surprise and possibly baffle

POSTED: Monday, January 17, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Music The Showdown

Monday: Just a few days ago, Only Theives' tour blog detailed singer Jeremy Barnes' bout with a wintertime illness. He remains optimistic, though with a regimen of NyQuil and whiskey. While their medical sensibilities might be called into question, Only Theives are much better at making really clever music. There's a little pit of punk, psychedelic and roots rock mixed into their overall sound, making for an eclectic but cohesive set, no prescription required. w/ Mean Streets & Evolett, 8 p.m., $5, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919. Tuesday: Bringing fiery garage energy to soul music, Fitz & The Tantrums broke out last year with their debut, Pickin' Up The Pieces. Initially the venture of two very dapper gents, the live version of The Tantrums features a full band and additional singers. Fitz & The Tantrums strive to create songs that are reverent without being too heavily reliant on their variety of influences. What you'll hear is a collision of classic sensibilities and modern attitude. w/ Toy Soldiers, 8 p.m., $14 - $21, World Cafe Live, 30th St. & Walnut St., 215-222-1400. Wednesday: Sure, Reading's Six O'Clock Saints are into new wave and electro-rock (I mean, just get a load of their debut, Exculpation), but their mission is more complex. Drawing from B-movies and Cold War PSAs, the Saints' visuals showcase their deep connection (obsession?) with media of all kinds. Their aural and visual assault is enough to make you consult the works of Marshall McLuhan, but it'll more likely make you want to boogie. w/ Battle Circus, World on Fire, Allison Tartalia & JAS Nature, 8 p.m., $5, The Grape Room, 105 Grape St., 215-930-0321. Thursday: As if Yo La Tengo didn't already put on a thrilling enough show, the Hoboken trio has devised a surefire way to entertain, surprise, and potentially baffle each audience on their tour. As Elvis Costello did in 1986, Yo La Tengo will let a giant wheel dictate the night's presentation. According to their website (where you can even practice spinning the magic wheel), possible outcomes include performances as garage-y alter egos Condo Fucks, a music-infused Q&A session, or "Sitcom Theater." Cross your fingers for "Sitcom Theater." w/ William Tyler, 8 p.m., $18.50 - $21, Trocadero, 10th & Arch Sts., 215-922-6888. Friday: When a band is created on a friendship that, itself, is created on a love for music, you know that the band is going to be something special. Adam & Dave's Bloodline is indeed something special, spanning more than 15 years of ever-changing tastes and ever-expanding influences. From country to dance to punk to folk, nothing's off limits for A+D . Under it all, their love of music ties together the seemingly disparate genres into something of pure joy. w/ Blayer Pointdujour, Shorty Boy-Boy & Caboder, 7 p.m., $5, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919. Saturday: Cornerstones of the folk community, David Buskin and Robin Batteau add roots inflections to heartfelt, anthemic compositions. Jumping from instrument to instrument (sometimes within a single song), Buskin and Batteau's material frequently becomes suite-like. Reflections on their years in and around the folk music world are incorporated into the songs and stories that make up their exceptionally rarified concerts. w/ John Flynn, 7 p.m., $20, Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 215-928-0770. Sunday: Yes, The Menzingers are a punk band. They don't exclusively play punk music, but each genre they touch gets smeared with a rushing, lively brand of rock n' roll ethos. Their guitars wail, their drums thunder and their vocals often join into one jubilant cry. They also released a record last year, and its songs will likely make up a good portion of the set. Definitely a group to watch out for, The Menzingers are out to give the world a little taste of what Scranton has to offer. w/ Algernon Cadwallader, Tigers Jaw & Glocca Morra, 7 p.m., $7, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 215-563-3980.

Posted by Eric Schuman @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

WHAT WE HEART: Risks on the red carpet

POSTED: Monday, January 17, 2011, 4:36 PM

We'll be posting a full Golden Globes review later in the day, but until then let's run down the best and most horrific fashions we saw on the runway last night. It's my personal opinion that only those who really take risks are doing it right — free gowns, free bling, so why not get a little creative? There's nothing less fun than a black dress at an awards show. Which is why I'm into the following three looks: I'll defend them thusly (special thanks to Buzzfeed's Just Jared for providing ample photos for judging purposes):

People say Emma Stone shouldn't have dyed her hair "Hollywood blond," she shouldn't have worn peach, she should eat a sandwich. But how modern is this Calvin Klein frock? I love the short sleeves and the backlessness; it's the 2011 way to pull off monochrome without looking naked. Red hair would've ruined that. Maybe she's trying to impress upon people her girliness these days, but Olivia Wilde's gown screams Gilda the Good Witch, which is kinda awesome. Also, those shoes. Only thing that would have better is cowboy boots, though I bet Joan Rivers would disagree. Finally, for those of us January Jones-ing (sorry) color in the bleak midwinter, this Mad Men star hits the nail on the head. Also, it's a little Gaga, and for a woman who's had to defend her sense of humor and/or presence of a brain this year, getting a little raunchy is a nice distractor.

As for Michelle Williams, despite my general undying love for her and her pixie cut, this beige blob is icky from every angle, and reminds me of something I wore (badly) in the early 1990s. Mostly she just looks like she's over it. What do you guys think? Who's on your best- and worst-dressed list? And will someone please defend Michelle's choice for me? I just don't get it.

Posted by Carolyn Huckabay @ 4:36 PM Permalink | Post a comment

DOUBLE FEATURE: Let's make a day of it!

POSTED: Monday, January 17, 2011, 2:00 PM

Filed Under: Movies

It's fun for the whole damn family at The Roxy right now.

photo by Patrick Rapa

Posted 2011-01-17 13:31:11

I saw "Triumph of the Will" was playing there and was trying to figure out if there was any special reason why?

Posted by Patrick Rapa @ 2:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

LOL WITH IT: Philly's showbiz export, stand-up comics (pt. 1)

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 9:00 PM

Filed Under: Comedy | LOL With It Stand-up

Every Friday Ryan Carey takes a look at who and what's giving Philly the giggles ... While Philadelphia is still burgeoning as a serious comedy market, our local funnymen have been cutting their teeth for decades in Philly's farm league before zipping off to the majors, and appearing on your favorite late night shows. I spoke with a handful of once-Septa-riding comedians who have ventured elsewhere to make a living in stand-up — but still call Philly home. They were asked: WHEN did they start comedy & when did they leave Philly? WHY did they relocate? HOW has it been going? WHO were their favorite Philly comics or bookers in the Philly scene when they left? WHERE can we find them performing should we happen to be in their town? Paul F. Tompkins

prestigecomedians.com

Paul F. Tompkins

WHEN? I started in 1986, right after graduating high school. My first open mic was at the Comedy Works, above the Middle Eastern Restaurant at Second & Chestnut. I left Philadelphia in 1994 and moved to Los Angeles. WHY? After eight years of doing stand-up, I wanted to pursue opportunities in television and film. I got my first big break in 1996, when I was hired to write and perform on an HBO sketch show called "Mr. Show with Bob & David." HOW? In addition to continuing stand-up comedy, I've gotten to work on a variety of projects, got nominated for an Emmy for writing, even acted in a small role opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood. WHO? Philadelphia was a great place to start stand-up, and one of my favorite comics was Todd Glass. And what I love about the comedy scene in Los Angeles is that great comics like Todd journey from their various hometowns to work here in this city. It's the best of performers from all over, all in one place. WHERE? My two favorite places to perform in Los Angeles are Largo at The Coronet, a theater where I do a variety show on the third Saturday of every month, and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, where I get to perform alongside some of the most creative and inspiring men and women working today. See what TuRae and Jimmy Shubert have to say after the jump ... TuRae

laffhouse.com

TuRae

WHEN? I started doing comedy in 1991 at Temple University. It was an"Open Mike Night." I got to do 10 minutes, and I was funny enough to win $50. I left Philadelphia in 2007. And I currently reside in Union, N.J. Why? I had truly done all I could d in Philadelphia. New York — or the NY area — provides endless opportunities for comedy in all of its forms (stand-up, writing, acting, etc ...) It's all here for the taking. How? Well, my career has improved tenfold. By 2008 I was on television three times, HBO, Starz, & NBC. I also attended the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal as a "New Face" (after damn near 20 years in the biz). In 2008, I taped another show for BET, and signed with McDonald Murray Management. In 2009 I appeared on Comedy Central's live at Gotham, and landed my first national commercial for Microsoft. Through various appearances around the city, I'm able to work in most, if not all, of the clubs in New York, which led to me being selected as host for the national Royal Comedy Tour starring Sommore & D.L. Hughley. In 2010, I have continued to work as much as possible, and great opportunities always present themselves here. Who? My favorite venue is of course my home club, the Laff House, where I started. The current comedy scene in Philly is great. Lots of work, lots of shows I only have a problem with what seems to be an oversaturated market. Open mic comedians starting "rooms" and charging the people top dollar when the quality isn't there yet. It doesn't seem to matter, but down the road, it will kill the interest in live comedy if all of the comedy is considered the same level. But I appreciate the new energy that seems to be driving Philly's comedy scene right now. It's a great city to start comedy in; Philly will prepare you for the hard job you gotta be ready for. Where? I work at Comix in NYC, Jokes and Notes in Chicago, The Miami Improv — actually, any improv — and of course, my monthly comedy show Soul Comedy. Jimmy Shubert

jimmyshubert.com

Jimmy Shubert

When? After being an accomplished magician at 15 and attending the Philadelphia High school for Creative and Performing Arts, I started doing comedy in 1984. I did it for a few years and then left for Los Angeles in 1986. WHY? I wanted bigger things I knew I couldn't get in Philly. Some of the comedians were doing material specific to Philly and Jersey and I wanted to find a national audience. HOW? I have done television and movies — I have a career acting as well as doing stand-up. I have a Comedy Central special; I just produced and wrote an hour special that will be on I-Tunes shortly; and because I have these credits I get paid more money when I do personal appearances. I am a national headliner as opposed to a regional headliner. WHERE? I work at the improv and comedy store in LA. The scene in LA is great if you are established. If you're not it's really tough. It's weird, stand-up is still considered a step child to the arts.

Posted by Ryan Carey @ 9:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

REMINDER: The Writing Contest deadline is WEDNESDAY

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 7:06 PM

Filed Under: Win

So finish up, writers of the Philadelphia area! Hit spell check, short story authors! Tap out your meter with a pencil, poets! For time is running out! The deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 19. All the other info you need is right here. And now, a glimpse of your competition:

Posted by Patrick Rapa @ 7:06 PM Permalink | Post a comment

DJ NIGHTS BLOGGED: Enchanted Forest @ Arts Garage 1/15

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 6:00 PM

CREDIT

CAPTION

WHO: 1989 aka DJ Bruce, DJ VonFunk, EZ, Suga Shay, Sticky Data, Boris Burning Elf, Everyday, Mighty Mike Saga, Shaggy2k WHAT: Do you like to dress up in crazy inventive costumes and dance until the wee hours to thumpin' electronic music of many varieties? Then I've got the one for you. The Grimy Goblins, Chemical Cove and The Giraffery are presenting this magical evening of madness. Expect massive rave action in three rooms with all kinds of art, fire dancers, hoopers and even a little body painting Costumes are strongly preferred, but not required. And since the party's going until 4 a.m., you could make this your after-hours spot if you have plans earlier in the evening. WHEN & WHERE: Sat., Jan. 15, 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m., $10-$15, Arts Garage, 1533 Ridge Ave., 215-765-2702, http://tinyurl.com/22nva56. WHY: Because you are the dancing queen ...

Tristen

Posted 2011-01-14 15:23:53

Please change the day on this to SATURDAY, not Friday. And the party is over at 3:30, we cannot have anything saying it goes past then!

smoothmove

Posted 2011-01-14 17:07:31

As far as I can tell CP typed the day correctly and you wrote it wrong on your high school druggie flyer, but you're right, it's totally their responsibility to Photoshop it because you are unable to read a calendar.

Posted by Gair Marking @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

PREVIEW: "Mostly Music from Philadelphia" by the Del'Arte Wind Quintet

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 4:00 PM

Filed Under: Music

In the vast world of chamber music, the woodwind quintet genre contains some of the best-written music. The combination of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon creates a canvas of enormous potential for composers, and lets each instrument shine through.

On Sun. Jan. 16, the Del'Arte Wind Quintet will perform five excellent works composed for woodwind quintet at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Del'Arte consists of faculty members at the University of Delaware (flutist Eileen Grycky, oboist Lloyd Shorter, clarinetist Marianne Gythfeldt, hornist John David Smith, and bassoonist Jon Gaarder) and it is the ensemble-in-residence there. The group is calling the program "Mostly Music from Philadelphia" because four of the five composers were or still are Philadelphians. Samuel Barber's Summer Music, composed and premiered in 1956, is now a standard repertoire piece for the woodwind quintet genre. Lush harmonies, pastoral melodies, and virtuoso parts for all instruments make this work an audience favorite — even in winter. Temple professor Cynthia Folio composed Seven Aphorisms ten years ago and dedicated it to the Del'Arte quintet. Based on aphorisms by Mark Twain, Aristotle, and others, this work is sure to become a standard. "Quattro Tempi"from 1968 is the one work on the program by a non-Philadelphian, Swedish composer Lars-Erik Larsson. The program rounds off with University of the Arts professor Evan Solot's "Nepenthe", composed in 1994, and freelance composer and clarinetist Arne Running's amusing "Aria and Quodlibet" from 2006. In the three-minute "Quodlibet," try to guess all the excerpts Running quotes (hint: they range from Bach to Tchaikovsky).

Eva Pierrou

Posted 2011-01-14 16:52:49

What wonderful writing!
It makes me want to hear this music, and meet this terrific writer!
Thank you for publishing her articles!
A musician

Cynthia Folio

Posted 2011-01-16 20:10:59

Thanks, Elivi, for your enthusiasm about today's concert and your kind words about my composition. I agree that they had a nice selection of repertoire. The quintet played fabulously too!
Nice to meet you...

Posted by Elivi Varga @ 4:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

POETIC LICENSE: Horoscopes, Jan. 14-20

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 2:00 PM

Filed Under: Poetic License

Devoted poet/avid concert-goer/nerd-grrrl extraordinaire Jane Cassady's weekly horoscopes run in this space every Friday morning. Note: The stars think every day should be Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but if you happen to be off work on Monday, Jan. 17, find a service project in your neighborhood and join in. Fun! Capricorn (Dec. 23-Jan. 20): You are a bouquet of January flowers, a Dutch Impressionist painting where everything's blooming at once. Collect it all. Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19): Read Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart, but give yourself some recovery time afterward — it's a doozie. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20): No apocalyptic novels for you, only quilting books and songs about knitting, cooking lessons or a fat stack of gardening manuals, the more pictures, the better. Keep flourishing, Pisces. Aries (March 21-April 18): Get yourself a ticket to something decadent, especially if it's free. A comedy spectacular, a dance party, a museum exhibition ... they have sports this time of year, don't they? Post up the ticket stub and start a collection. Taurus (April 19-May 18): Cute-boy Taurus-spondent Elliott D. Smith says, "We are nothing more than playgrounds for each other's music," and I agree. Dance like a merry-go-round, like it's almost your turn on the swings. Gemini (May 19-June 21): Imagine all of the millions of circumstances that had to conspire so that there could be a you. How can this be? Aren't you proud of it? Cancer (June 22-July 23): Watch the perplexingly riveting documentary (?) Exit Through the Gift Shop, in which we see a filmmaker (?) forsake his genius footage in favor of an art show/prank full of sickening junk. (At least I think that's what we see.) Don't give up your footage for someone else's genius — make whatever you're compelled to make. Leo (July 24-Aug. 23): Vitriol's second definition: "Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate (green vitriol), zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate (blue vitriol)." Find pictures of those and meditate on kindness. Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 23): Watching Jon Stewart's standup in my dad's apartment back in the '90s, I never would've guessed what a reluctant leader/lightning field he was destined to become. You just never can tell about anybody. Libra (Sept. 24-Oct. 21): Please take a listen to the Judge John Hodgman podcast. It's like The Marriage Ref, but with Skype and other kinds of disputes. (Is a machine gun a robot?) Sometimes Elna Baker is Guest Bailiff! Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 22): In the winter, whenever my wife works late, I like to turn on Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals for company. That's a little sad, but I've learned so many things you can do with nutmeg! Also Rachael Ray is one of the most brilliantly absurd yammerers ever. Yesterday I heard her say this: "Hello, Mr. Honey Bear!" Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 22): Your wishes will all come true through the magic of logistics — make your list of calls, print out the maps, check the bus lines. Jingle your pockets full of tokens and go.

Posted by Jane Cassady @ 2:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

WINNERS! Here's who won our Yo La Tengo haiku contest!

POSTED: Friday, January 14, 2011, 8:00 AM

Filed Under: Music | Win Show

Counting counts! First of all, we're like to say thank you to everybody who participated in the contest. For the first time ever, I believe, every single entry adhered to the proper syllabic restrictions of the haiku form. In that way, you are all winners. In another, more real way, only Ben and Jaime P. are winners, since we liked their poems best and are awarding them each a pair of tickets to see Yo La Tengo at the Troc on Thursday, Jan. 20.

black jersey coffee needs sugar with bloody bite a sweet sanguine squeeze —Ben

Lost our gravity Floating in the Summer Sun We don't miss the ground —Jaime P

Thanks for playing!

Posted by Admin @ 8:00 AM Permalink | Post a comment

ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Naughty things with two-way mirrors

POSTED: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 9:00 PM

Filed Under: Icepack Illustrated

Mistress Natasha

Oh, '80s hair ...

â¤ Reunion culcha: As reported in this week's Agenda section, our old friends from the Black Banana/Voyeur axis (some of which we spied at the Valanni/Social opening last night for a moment) are doing a reunion of Le Club Banana — one of this city's first Euro-centric after hours spots — this weekend at Voyeur. One of the biggest connecting factors is that Mistress Natasha (BB bartender, now at Voyeur) and old pal Nicky London will host when the party goes down on Jan. 16, and there will be video messages from Kristen DeLeo Chalmers a.k.a. Kris D, rapping delight ("I'm Not from New York" was her joint) and appearances from Banana Djs: Eric Marsh, Lee Jones, Tronco, Josh Wink and Robert Drake. If you ever enjoyed getting caught doing naughty things in their bathroom with the two way mirror, this night's for you. Check out our above photo of Natasha as a baby lovely. Yum. â¤ Our good friend and Philly expatriate (for Buffalo) performance artist/photographer Liz Rywelski was so enraged when she saw my Icepack mention of Sarah Palin and Bob Brady and Gabrielle Giffords, that she barfed on one of Palin's books (who cares which) and started THIS viral vid campaign (weak tummies beware!). â¤ WHOWHATWHERE: Just weeks before Fugees' Lauryn Hill restarts her sanity, I mean her career, at A.C.'s House of Blues, (Jan. 29) another of the Fu-gee-la-las, Pras Michel, was seen at Studio 609 with producers Dre and Vidal. Better than another Wyclef sighting, huh?

Scottt Weiner

â¤ The Kammerers, Holly and Douglas, (with whom I did stuff on The 10! Show) made their last appearance in Philly over the weekend at Roosevelt Pub — he's in D.C. on NBC 4. See you, pal. â¤ The crew at U of P's Veterinary Hospital (that's where my dawg Django goes) was treated to a visit from Sirius/XM + Howard Stern show newswoman Robin Quivers and her Cornish Rex cat Brangelina who had kidney work. She discussed as much on the air and this is not to be confused with Camille Grammer's appearance on the Stern show. â¤ The Cira Center gave the ADL Home Grown Hero Award to the Phillies GM Ruben Amarro Jr.. For his reward, he got a lick form the Phillies Phanatic. â¤What the hell were a thousand guys with busmen's caps doing at the PMA? I kid. The Philadelphia Museum of Art hosted over 1,700 international tourism operators from the American Bus Association's annual conference, watching trapeze artists hanging from the Great Stair Hall ceiling and jazz musicians in berets from the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. â¤ We don't know if he did anything as spectacular as Christian Bale or Mark Wahlberg this season, but M. Night Shyamalan walked the carpet at the National Board Of Review Of Motion Pictures Awards Gala Tuesday night at Cipriani's in NYC. â¤ Vicki Spaeth and Jeremy Dyan got it going on at Tin Angel Sunday Jan. 16. But only Spaeth's Cadets have Schooly D joining in. â¤ The Wall Street Journal named the Arden's production of Sunday in the Park with George one of the "Best Musicals of 2010." Yay they. This reminds me that the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, Dance/USA Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and the Philadelphia Music Project just launched PhillySpaceFinder.com as an online resource for performers and producers to find venues for whatever they need. Use this.

Posted by A.D. Amorosi @ 9:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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Q&A with SHARI SOLANIS: "The goal isn't pornography"
What we're trying to do this weekend
SEXY TIME Q&A: I've never had an orgasm during sex with a man — and I'm 30!
Coming soon to Philly: Two cockamamie movie promotion schemes
Q&A with Tony Goldwyn: "Life is gray, and relationships are, too"
ICE CUBE: In Memoriam: Joe Tartaglia
CONCERT REVIEW: Primus (3D & quadraphonic sound) @ The Tower 10/17
NOW SEE THIS: Transit cop arrests marijuana activist for alleged disorderly conduct.
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: The Archbishop meets the Geator, the Mayor goes suit shopping, Le Bec Fin fin.
NOW SEE THIS: Tim and Eric direct Terry Crews for Old Spice

About this blog

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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@mission2denmark | @emilygee

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