Archive: February, 2011

MAGNUM PENAI: Condoms Work!

POSTED: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 9:00 PM

Filed Under: Arts Arts Events

They asked for it: Last November, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's STD Control Program put out a call for artists to submit custom-labeled condom art to their Condoms Works! contest. The competition, which was created to address outbreaks of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia in Philly, garnered over 100 God-only-knows-what-kind of submissions, and they've narrowed it down to the top five. But now the outcome is in our ... hands. Now through Feb. 20, you can go HERE to vote for your favorite wrapper. The winner will receive a $250 reward and possibly see their packaging in free condom bowls around the city. Good luck to the participants, and congrats on doing your part to remind Philly to wrap that sucker up! And on a gloomily related side note, have you read Holly Otterbein's latest cover story about local AIDS activists ACT UP?

Michael

Posted 2011-02-11 10:57:24

Man, that Stay Free Philly one is sick!

Posted by Josh Middleton @ 9:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ICE CUBES: Stephen, Becca, Russell and General Lafayette

POSTED: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 8:00 PM

Filed Under: Ice Cubes | Icepack Illustrated

photo by Scott Weiner

Miguel performing at Power 99 and Xfinity Performance Theater in Bala Cynwyd,

Last time I spoke with Stephen Starr we discussed his pairing with Aimee Olexy (coming in April to his former Washington Square space). Then he mentioned a few other upcoming projects, too. Like the fabulous haute food court/catering op/mixed use facility that he was doing with developer Eric Blumenfeld, Marc Vetri, and Joe Volpe at ye old Wilkie car dealership on N. Broad. Starr mentioned something about "end of year 2011" and then we started talking about the bank holiday roast at The Dandelion. Well, that end of year has become more like October as Blumenfeld held a news conference stating the food bar project at 600 N. Broad and its 100 apartments at 16th and Mount Vernon streets were forging ahead. That means Starr's New England-y seafood shack, Route 6, and Vetri's beer-centric Birerria 600 (along with a catering hall from Volpe the owner of No Libs' Cescaphe) will be ready by Autumn. Talking about the Cescaphe, its next big event will be the fourth annual John DeBella Golden Spoon Award where the mustachioed WMGK-FM host will gather 12 comfort-food-centric Philly cookers and 400 of his friends to see who homiest chef is. So farm names such as Nectar's Patrick Feury and Peter Woolsey from Bistrot La Minette are in. More next Ice. Can you teach old dogs new tricks? Ask John Gilmour. The howler from the later great metal marauding She-Males just formed a new band Acidfinger. "No drummer, just a DJ so it's half-club, half-glam rock," notes Gilmour who goes on to say the song he sent me to hear "Doctor Octopus" is actually a She-Male cover. So the dogs and tricks question? "I might be too lazy to write new material."

photo by Scott Weiner

Joe Biden, obviously

Newly solo publicist Becca Lane (she just left Sharla Feldscher) nab her first cool account (Mad Dragon Records) and already she's got herself another gig: co-hosting the Most Dangerous Open Mic in Philly with mega-voiced songwriting/singer Hannah Zaic, starting on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 at National Mechanics. To mark the occasion, not only will Zaic offer up a dinner date with Lane as part of the night's contest proceedings, Philly's most romantic new wave ensemble, Carter Norman's Kiss Kiss Kill will do its CD EP release. Not to be outdone, Kiss Kiss Kill's Eric Chocolate will screen his new short film Bed Bugs. "It has a Valentine's Day theme in that it's about a date gone awry."

Chef Marcey Blaine Turney

OK, chocolate and love, yes, it's Valentine's. So let me count the ways that I dig Marcie Turney. Sure the chef what owns all of 13th Street (Barbuzzo, Bindi, Lolita) will have date-night dinners. But on Feb. 13, her Verde gift shop hosts a give-away of a complimentary draught of Yard's Love Stout for shoppers. And what you'll want to buy most of all is Turney's artisanal Marcie Blaine Chocolates. I'm not usually the guy who goes for corny Philly themed food stuffs but the only thing better than staring at her Robert Indiana-themed LOVE choc is popping it in your mouth. If you'd rather not concern yourself with l'amour, you can try your damn-dest to get laid at Steven Ward's BEN-FM's seventh annual Mile of Meet (or Meat) on Feb. 11. The VH-1 Tough Love host from Philly will line up one mile's worth of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes in front of Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant at 4120 Main St. Finally, a reason to go to Manayunk again — the possibility of getting laid. WHOWHATWHERE: Emily Osment — the star of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 to say nothing of her dynamic range on the Hannah Montana series — graced The Whiting School with her presence. The school won a Q102-FM contest with its prize a performance from Osment, so yay them. Hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons — a man who will never find a hat that fits securely over his ears — hit 10 Arts over the weekend with a smoochy lady friend. Good on you, Russ. Two of the stars of I Am Number Four — Dianna Agron and Alex Pettyfer — hit Hot Topic in Paramus NJ the other day. This was crucial for two reasons. One, Agron is the best reason to watch Glee and she and the whole cast will be at Philly's Wells Fargo Center on sale for that Feb. 19 (comcasttix.com, 800-298-4200). Secondly, I needed new True Religion jeans. My pair with holes got more holes. If you don't love Enrique, Ricky or Marc A, you should've loved Miguel. He was performing at Power 99 and Xfinity Performance Theater in Bala Cynwyd before his big World Café Live gig that night. And Vice President Joe Biden told on-lookers that $53 billion for high-speed rail was a good idea in a lousy economy while Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ducked — all during a visit to 30th Street Station Ex-LaColombe and Garces Restaurant Group coffee consultant Justin Manne just got a gig as the manager at 17 and Locust's The Coffee Bar. Make mine black and send me a plate of truffle-buttered popcorn and fennel spiced almonds Mathew Feldman's Lucky Old Souls jazz jawn atop Moonstone brings composer/pianist/organist Lucas Brown (of Bootsie Barnes' band) to the stage for his and his new quartet featuring trumpeter John Swana (that'd be the Lucas Brown Quartet) and saxophonist Wade Dean's sextet starring bassist Jason Fraticelli to the stage on S. 13th Street on Feb. 11. Tell me this isn't true: General Lafayette Inn, on Germantown Pike in Lafayette Hill — since 1732 yet — is on the market. We knew it closed but secretly we hoped it would re-open. It's going for under two million. A steal for its two acres — restaurant building, microbrewery, bed-and-breakfast, and all. WKDU-FM Eavesdrop Radio hosts and owners of the Record Breakin' label — Philly's own DJs Junior and lil' dave — celebrate five years of Breakin' Records — with a compilation to be found at recordbreakin.com. "The brightest highlight of the five years has been continuously being able to introduce amazing new artists to the world that push various musical boundaries while keeping a soulful foundation," says Junior. "I'm looking forward to many more years and truly appreciate all the continued support."

Posted by A.D. Amorosi @ 8:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NOW SEE THIS: ScienceMakers @ Franklin Institute

POSTED: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | Events | Now See This Museum

The HistoryMakers, based in Chicago, is the nation's largest African-American oral history video archive. ScienceMakers is their African-American media and education initiative to present the stories of African-American scientists. Over three years, ScienceMakers will create "the largest collection of video oral history of interviews of African-American scientists resulting in an educational, career and media resource for teachers, parents and students in the United States and abroad." ScienceMakers will host an evening entitled, The Color of Science, at the Franklin Institute, which includes 300 invited guests from the Philadelphia community. Moderated by Chief Franklin Institute Astronomer, Derrick Pitts, this free event is on Fri. Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. Note: The main theater is sold out, but overflow seating is available for the live simulcast. Reserve a spot at 215-448-1254.

Posted by Ryan Carey @ 7:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

BOYFRIEND ALERT: Where to snag those last-minute V-Day Flowers

POSTED: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass

Just in time for Valentine's Day, here's where to find fabulous, totally giveable flora — from the traditional to the truly unique. And while you're at it, check our round-up of Valentine's Day haps in this week's Arts section.

Poppy: This flower shop (616 S. 6th St.) encourages its customers to "experience the English garden." Just by walking into the cozy shop, one truly gets the vibe of an English green thumb's backyard. Simple glass vases of vibrant pink tulips and bright orange dandelions grace weathered wooden tables, and hand-painted Union Jack mugs sit next to floral-patterned galoshes on a shelf. What makes Poppy truly unique, according to co-owner Anne Gould, is not just the English atmosphere, but the preparation. Hand-tied bouquets of blooms sans vase are a staple, and have what she calls "a very English look." Many bunches also include unusual touches, like branches, herbs, and berries. Gould buys all her flowers directly from Holland fresh each week, and to avoid wasted materials, she only orders what customers need. "People are concerned with being 'green,' and this is as green as a luxury business like flowers can get," says store designer Carolyn Rizzo. For Valentine's Day, Poppy is offering its Valentine spring mix, which includes spray roses, tulips, heather, and ranunculus. Another stunner is the large, dark red Black Magic rose bouquet. Present it to your significant other using a posh English accent, and you'll really complete the picture.

Sullivan Owen Floral & Event Design: Shop owner Sullivan Owen touts her brand new floral studio (510 Bainbridge St.) as "not your grandma's flower arranging." With her dark and rich red and purple bouquets, as well as her use of one of her favorite flowers, the anemone (think sea creature), she couldn't be more right. Owen's business, she says, is more like a customized art studio than a standard walk-in flower shop. She believes each design should be based on the client's most specific preferences, and likes to have a face-to-face conversation to get to the bottom of what each customer needs. "I shop every day at different markets, and try to get less-traditional types of flowers," says Owen. "I don't use standard American florist staples, and I try to do a little bit of everything." The anemone in particular, with which Owen says she's "obsessed," comes in a dizzying variety of colors, and the white variety with its large black center is particular striking. While you can't just walk into Sullivan Owen and pick up a baby-pink bouquet for your sweetie, this is surely the place to customize a bunch that goes above and beyond for V-day (and scores you major brownie points.)

Cedrone's Flowers: This shop (800 Lombard St.) is what you might imagine a mom-and-pop corner store would be —after all, husband and wife team Janet and Carlos Alvarez have been running it for almost 21 years. They're offering traditional Valentine's fare — roses and other pink or red bouquets, complete with love-themed decorations like glittering hearts or a box of chocolates. Custom orders are no problem at Cedrone's, but owner Janet Alvarez says they also carry easy paper-wrapped "pick me up" bouquets for that last-minute rush (read: panicked husbands). They also offer flowering plants and exotic flowers like calla lilies and orchids. For a cheeky touch, throw in one of Cedrone's plush animals along with your flowers. Nothing says "I love you" like synthetic fibers.

Market Blooms: Located in the Reading Terminal, this shop (1100 Filbert St.) has an impressive display of flowers in every imaginable hue, the color they really want you to remember is green-environmentally green, that is. All their flowers are organically grown in South Jersey, and they only use compost and other all-natural organic fertilizers, and you can be sure no chemicals have touched your bouquet. Manager Sydney Poor says that because the store is located in the Reading Terminal Market, it's more like a "grocery store grab-and-go" than a traditional florist's shop. You can also easily run in and pick a few different individual flowers right out of a container to make your own custom bunch. For Valentine's, they of course have roses in ready-made bouquets, as well as other pre-done bouquets and bunches.If you're a real go-getter, start planting your own Valentine's flowers for next year—Market Blooms has a fully-equipped garden store as well.

Flowers & Company: Owner Jonathan Makar moved into his business space (119 South 19th St.)because he loved the neighborhood. To give back just in time for Valentine's, he's offering 15 percent off V-Day bouquets to customers who bring in a receipt from business around his, like Joan Shepp, Kiehl's, or Boyd's. Walk-in customers also receive 10 percent off. It seems to be a continuation of his effort to bring beauty and color to the area. For the holiday, Flowers & Company is offering about ten special arrangement offers in vases, with flowers like amaryllis, red Gerber daisies, and pink tulips. Some are simple yet adorable, like the "Be My Valentine" red daisy bouquet in a pink vase, while others are more dramatic, like the bright red rose bouquet arranged in the shape of a heart. He says it's easy for customers to run in and get a customized bouquet in five minutes. So easy, in fact, that Philadelphia Magazine named the shop the best place for a bouquet to-go. Quick flowers and a neighborly discount? Like you needed another reason to shop.

Posted by Kala Jamison @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ADVENTURES OF AN OPEN-MIKER: MilkBoy Café in Bryn Mawr

POSTED: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 4:00 PM

Huey and the Banjo.

When open-miking at a café rather than a bar, the open-miker must be careful: a cup of coffee is rough on the voice — and more significantly, rough on the nerves. This week, I visited MilkBoy Coffee in Bryn Mawr, a pleasant little place with a mean cup of hot cocoa. I figured, for the purposes of this article, that I should try the coffee, too, and I can recommend it to non-performers. But I regretted the caffeination when I got onstage: to add to my stage fright, there was no microphone to hide behind. It's a truly acoustic venue, with no sound system. Just the open miker and the audience — a challenge, but a worthwhile one in learning to relax onstage. The shop's walls were adorned with art for sale, including an excellent series showing animals wearing extremely specific clothing. One painting's full title was "Rooster in Waterproof Construction Boots." Next to it was "Kangaroo in Patriotic Headband." The room's coziness prompted a fair bit of chatting between audience members and performers, both onstage and off. The interaction was encouraged by an incredibly laid-back atmosphere as the host called performers to the stage. Sign-ups were officially at 6 p.m., an hour before the show started, but this week there were less than 10 people on the list. The host decided simply to cycle through it more than once, so we each played two songs and then had a chance to play another, if we so desired. The ratio between performers and listeners was about fifty-fifty — a healthy balance for these events. And the listeners listened hard: there was hardly any talking during performances. Between them, though, there was plenty. The host, Huey and the Banjo, opened the night with a rollicking original bluegrass tune built around a traditional blues structure. I was impressed: the song could easily have been a traditional tune about troubles with women, work, and drink. Next was Yashaswini Singh, a clear-voiced first-time performer who, descending from the stage, presented a cake to her friend and had the whole place singing "Happy Birthday." The highlight of the night, however, was Harrison, a fearless 9-year-old who whipped out note-for-note piano covers of "New York State of Mind" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." I'd recommend Bryn Mawr's MilkBoy to those seeking their first public performance — if they don't need a mic in front of them for protection, like I do. The nitty-gritty for performers: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. (sign-ups), 7 p.m. (show), free entry, MilkBoy Coffee, 824 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-645-5269, milkboycoffee.com.

Posted by Matt Cantor @ 4:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

ICE CUBES: Elvis Costello returns to Tower Theater 5/19

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 9:00 PM

Filed Under: Ice Cubes

sabbah.biz

Other than his Burt Bacharach period, it's been a minute since Elvis Costello mattered. I'll tell you when it was â 1986/87. That's when he first brought the Spectacular Spinning Songbook to the fore like he's doing AGAIN this May 19 at the Tower (tix goes on sale Sat. Feb. 12). The Tower was where he made his last great stand as well, three nights of it, too. It was like October of 1986 and Costello had two bands going, one the rootsy sort of ensemble that he clammed together for his King of AmericaBlood & Chocolate album, the other, the Attractions with (unless I'm nuts, his then wife who used to play bass with the Pogues) that focused on their songs. Those nights were great, stark, dark and strange. You had already heard EC pull off country, with 1981's Almost Blue, so that was no big shake. It was elegant, though. The night with Blood & Chocolate seemed like a finale to his punk rock days, as if these shows would be the end of the hard stuff so he could gateway into what would be his (then) Tom Waits period. But the Spinning Songbook shows with the Attractions were amazing fun. A man in a tux went through the audience, nabbed a contestant and they'd spin the wheel hoping to hit one of Costello's favorite covers or one of the witty cuts from his already voluminous catalog. Tom Petty's "American Girl," Grandmaster Flash's "The Message," Prince's "Pop Life," and Gerry & the Pacemakers' "Ferry Cross the Mersey" were amongst the thrilling possibilities. After picking the song, the "contestant" could hop in a cage with a go-go dancer, watch a portable television or read a book near Costello on stage while the song played. Costello and Nick Lowe brought the same carnival schtick and wheel to U of P's Class of 1923 Skating Rink a year later. It didn't have the immediate thrill of newness but it was still brilliant — certainly better than Momofuku or Kojak Variety. At the Tower May 19, 8pm: WXPN Welcomes Elvis Costello and The Imposters. $65, 49.50, 39.50, livenation.com.

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

COMEDY: Little Plates, Big Tapas, 2/11-14

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 8:00 PM

Filed Under: Comedy | Critical Mass Theater

The Haverford-spawned Groundswell Players, best known for their Philly Fringe hit, How to Solve a Bear, will present Little Plates, Big Tapas Fri. Feb. 11, through Mon. Feb. 14 at the Latvian Society (541 N. Seventh St.).

The show is about a small town pizzeria that gets handed down to the owner's fancy chef school son, who aims to turn his family's folksy dive into a high-end tapas joint. The Groundswell Players (alter-ego of improv troupe Leo Callahan), scripted the show, leaving room for improvisational flourishes. "They love exploring the idea of small time people with big city ambitions... and everything goes totally wrong," says Philadelphia Joke Initiative's Alexis Simpson. "They really investigate the integrity of these little people with big dreams. The comedy of everything falling apart isn't mocking these characters, but it shows how they're over-reaching their capabilities." Starring Nick Kerr, Alison King, Jack Meaney, Nicholas Mirra, Jesse Paulsen and Scott Sheppard, Little Plates, Big Tapas is $15 at the door or $10 online. For more information, visit The Philadelphia Joke Initiative online.

Posted by Ryan Carey @ 8:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

VIDEO REVIEW: Panic! at the Disco's "Ballad of Mona Lisa"

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | Music | Video Song

Oh, to be a teen again — when you think every relationship and interaction has a cosmic significance worthy of grandiose metaphors. From their new album, Vices and Virtues, Panic! At The Disco's heartbreak song "The Ballad of Mona Lisa" brings all of that annoying magical thinking back. In it, they bemoan a woman who, um, has a hard-to-read facial expression and, according to her her painstaking manicure, is apparently a hooker. The music video, which makes the Halloween-came-early joke too easy, stars frontman Brendon Urie as a corpse and avenging spirit (in Wild West times, no less) who sings in the tavern and flaunts scary eye makeup and top hats. His assumed murderer/widow goes around sinisterly preparing the joint for his funeral, while no one suspects a thing . Then Urie's ghost appears to a little girl, who reaches into the corpse's pocket and holds up a note saying, "Mary did it." After this incontrovertible evidence is revealed, Mary almost gets away, but is stopped by an old-time net. Killah ending. How exactly does the note get there when they show the body being washed and dressed for the casket? And where did that flame reflected in Brendon Urie's eye come from? The band's videos are generally emo extravaganzas that aren't about anything, but the one for "Nine In the Afternoon" was incredibly sweet and at least didn't try to make sense. But for "Mona Lisa," I can't imagine anyone over 15 taking this seriously.

Christine

Posted 2011-02-11 04:46:26

I suspect that you need to be over 20 or 25 to appreciate the steampunk aesthetic and get the implications of the old traditions and rituals of mourning and funeral rites. The steampunk genre has a presence in music, art, fiction, and tv and film. I think it was a visually entertaining approach for The Ballad of Mona song's video, and was also a good fit for the supernatural aspects of a funeral wake depicted. I quite enjoyed it. And I loved that steampunk net gun!

Posted by Bianca Brown @ 7:00 PM Permalink | 1 comment

IN MEMORIAM: Brian Jacques (1939-2011)

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Arts | Critical Mass | In Memoriam Books

I came relatively late to the Redwall books, at the ripe age of nine or ten. Many of my classmates had become fans the year before, but at the time, the 300-page tomes seemed too thick for my undivided attention, and I struggled with the British accents as written on the page. But when, in fifth grade, I finally entered the world of Matthias the mouse, I was captivated, and quickly devoured the original trilogy: Redwall, Mossflower, and Mattimeo. When I heard that Brian Jacques died this weekend, I wanted to take a look back at the series that cast a spell on my childhood self.

jmarkmiller.net

The series, which now numbers more than 20 books, chronicles the adventures of the small creatures living in and around Redwall Abbey. Those living in the abbey itself are peace-loving but frequently forced to defend themselves when under siege by rats and other unsavory characters. Mice and hares are called upon to go on quests; vicious stoats don't hesitate to try and slit their throats (Jacques never held back on the violence). The books had everything I needed to feed a 10-year-old imagination: young male protagonists wielding swords; rich, ever-expanding geography; old, wise figures studying dusty volumes of abbey lore. A standout feature of the novels was the complex history of Redwall. From the series' start, the books darted back and forth in time, with the first one following the second chronologically and the third coming after either one. It was a welcome challenge to try to reconstruct the overall story from individual tales that were completely out of order. (Many fellow readers have told me they loved the lavish descriptions of abbey feasts, but I have to say those didn't interest me much.) For several years I lugged Redwall books to school, eager for silent reading period when I could imagine myself into Matthias' small shoes. As I got older, I moved on to other novels, but I could never bring myself to relegate the series to the attic: it stayed on my bedroom bookshelf. Once or twice in college, I looked back at Redwall, hoping it had retained its magic. I'd love to be able to say it did, but in fact I found myself troubled by unanswerable questions—of scale, for example: I'll accept the tiny swords, but how could a mouse realistically befriend a rabbit? And why are rats uniformly evil? Still, the books had left a mark, helping to awaken the Anglophile in me. When I spent a semester studying in Norwich, England, I noticed an advertisement for a Brian Jacques appearance at a local bookstore. When the night arrived, it was clear that Redwall had retained its hold on new generations, even in a Potter-dominated world: I was the oldest non-parent there. I'd expected an audience of people my age, former fans eager to weigh in on the series' hidden literary merit. Jacques swept in, wearing a cape and a huge grin. He told his own life story, and read excerpts from a new book, acting it out as if it were a play. Then, loving every moment, he took questions from the awed young listeners. At a time when the line between children's and adult books is becoming blurred, this event was all about the kids—the author aimed at their imaginations. He had no wish to be grandiose: Jacques' job was to tell stories, and he knew how.

Kim Woodbridge

Posted 2011-02-09 13:25:38

I was surprised and saddened by his death.  I've read some of the books as an adult and my daughter also loves them.  How wonderful that you got to meet him.

Could you please change the year of death in the headline?  It's 2011.

Matt Cantor

Posted 2011-02-09 14:47:11

Duly noted re the date! Whoops. Thank you, and thanks for your note.

Chris Haines

Posted 2011-02-09 15:38:48

I'm glad to see that people are talking about his death, I always felt in a lot of ways that he was under appreciated by very many people, but to me I think he is by far the best there has been for a long time.
Truly a great inspiration to those like myself who are in the world of story telling.
Thank you for noticing the wonder of his works, I'm glad to be proved wrong, and to see that a great many people did appreciate his books as I did.

Allison Fine

Posted 2011-02-09 17:31:37

I actualyl never read or heard of Mr. Jacques books and I am a writer myself. I cannot wait to hit my local bookstore and begin reading the series, I have a feeling that although he aimed his work at young readers, like all great writers his work resonates with people of all ages! I love his inspirational sources, his working class ethic, the jaunty smile on his face--I really regret not ever having seen or met him. Harry Potter leaves me cold, but I love the sly humor in this man and I am sure he will be missed--but I am equally sure he is a happy soul looking back over a life of wonderful creativity and a lot of joy.

Joel

Posted 2011-02-09 21:09:41

The Redwall books were a major part of my childhood, and are the reason I love books. I have never been this sad about a famous person dying. He will be missed very much.

John Lasher

Posted 2011-02-09 21:37:00

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Jacques backstage during the original run of the "Legend of Redwall Abbey" musical/opera 14 years ago (I was 14 at the time). He was an enchanting gentleman, a fantastic storyteller, and kept us enthralled with the tales of his life and journeys.

He was truly one of the under-appreciated great ones, and he will be truly missed.

Stephen

Posted 2011-02-09 22:42:31

Joel, you say it perfectly. I also think I have never posted a comment on an article on a news source before this. The Redwall series was hugely formative for me and I only wish I could have thanked him for his contribution to my, and other's, love of reading and stories.

Mark

Posted 2011-02-10 00:00:12

I feel truly sad about the death of Brian Jacques.  I have read all of the Redwall books and to this day "Triss" is the only book to have ever brought a tear to my eye.  I met him at a book signing at Notre Dame and he told me "As long as you wake up in the morning, every day will be a good one."  R.I.P. Brian Jacques

Megan

Posted 2011-02-10 02:39:35

Rest in peace, Mr. Jacques.  And thank you for being the spark that ignited one 9 year old boy's love of reading.  That boy, and his parents, are very sad tonight.  We will open your cookbook this weekend and prepare some Dibbuns Delight, and toast you with a Strawberry Fizz.

Emma

Posted 2011-02-10 03:49:40

To quote the Pearls of Lutra:

"Fare you well upon your journey,
to the bright lands far away,
where beside the peaceful rivers,
you may linger any day.
In the forests warm at noontide,
see the flowers bloom in the glades,
meet the friends who've gone before you,
to the calm of quiet shades.
There you'll wait, O my beloved,
never knowing want or care,
and when I have seen my seasons,
we will walk together there."

R.I.P., Brian. Thanks for everything.

Samantha

Posted 2011-02-10 05:04:40

I don't think his books were meant only for children. They were so intricate, full of underlying complexities and character subtleties. Although certainly entertaining for a child, I don't think a child can fully appreciate the artistic vision in the Redwall series. Just because they're technically stories about talking animals doesn't mean they're inherently childish.
I read them in high school the first time around and, as soon as I'm done my PhD and actually have time for pleasure reading again, I fully intend to read them all again with an even greater appreciation and vigor. In fact, they're all sitting on my bookshelf right behind me in my office. All of this talk since Jacques' unfortunate passing has made me want to make time for them again so badly!
I can't believe there will never be any more stories of Redwall. I think that's what makes me saddest of all.

Marcia

Posted 2011-02-10 10:21:28

I am deeply saddened by Brian Jacques departure from this world.  I cannot imagine having raised my children (ages 19 and 16) without him.  We were lucky enough to hear him speak twice and to meet him after one of his talks.  I spent countless hours reading Redwall books to them and enjoyed every minute of it. He is part of the permanent fabric of our family.

Janie

Posted 2011-02-10 16:31:53

Brian Jacques' characters are interwoven with our family.  How do 2 kids, 10 years apart develop a common sense of siblinghood? Through the antics and heroics of Long Patrol hares, the creepy villains, Gonff, dibbuns and hinfants; through molespeak and Guerilla Unions.  At a book signing, BJ carefully inspected a dagger my then 10 yr-old son brought to show him, and declared "Hm, stilleto, 16th century Italy, used by assassins to stab between the 3rd and 4th ribs into the heart." Wow - what a story teller. We will always love you.

JoyBelle

Posted 2011-02-11 00:53:07

Matt Cantor,

What an tribute of honor you article has given Brian Jacques.  Thank you for letting us see a glimps of him.

Heather

Posted 2011-02-11 02:35:58

I came to Redwall books when I was in Middle school, sixth grade.  Ironically, I read "Redwall" first and immediately fell in love with his characters.  For years I asked for books, ONLY his books, for Christmas, my birthday, ANY holiday where I would get a present, that's what I asked for.  He's been a great part of my life, his books helping me through some rough spots.  He will be greatly missed, I am pleased that people have taken notice of his death.  He's given all, whom has read his books, great stories and adventures.  So descriptive, I could lose myself in them easily.
All who have met him in person, you are so lucky.
Thank you Brian...for everything.
--Heather from KY, USA

Heather

Posted 2011-02-11 02:37:00

That's very good Emma.  And, I think, fits the occasion and person very well.
--Heather from KY, USA

john

Posted 2011-02-13 15:38:21

EULAIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

john

Posted 2011-02-13 15:39:54

EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOGALOGLAOLOG!!!!
REEEEEEEEDDDDDDWWWWWWAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mark

Posted 2011-02-14 06:26:13

RIP brain EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Matt Cantor @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

REMINDER: Come to our live Writing Contest reading TONIGHT @ L'Etage

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 5:00 PM

illustration by Evan Lopez

So, you've probably seen that our annual Writing Contest issue is available now in orange boxes everywhere. But before they're replaced with our next issue, the winners and judges will have a chance to read their stories out loud. Here's the line-up: Fiction Winner: "The Teaspoon" by Andrea Blumberg Fiction Runners-Up: "An Upside-Down Frown" by Alexander J. Vuocolo and "Cackleberry" by Erica Hoffman Poetry Winner: "house in mind" by Alison Hicks Poetry Runners-Up: "canoeing at night" by Alison Hicks and "Somewhere Near Peaceful Valley" by Sean Webb (perennial City Paper poetry champ) The reading is TONIGHT, 8 p.m., free, L'Etage, 624 S. Sixth St., 215-592-0656, creperie-beaumonde.com.

Posted by Patrick Rapa @ 5:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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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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