Archive: February, 2012

POSTED: Friday, February 3, 2012, 1:00 PM
Filed Under: Music | DJ Nights Blogged DJs

Our resident DJ on his most boogie-worthy pick of the week.

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POSTED: Friday, February 3, 2012, 12:00 PM
Filed Under: Arts | Museum Visual Art

Impressive permanent collections may have put our area museums on the map, but it's the rotating exhibits that keep visitors coming back. Every Thursday, Abigail Minor updates you on the newest and most browse-worthy.

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POSTED: Friday, February 3, 2012, 11:00 AM
Filed Under: Icepack Illustrated

I scream you scream we all scream for a high concept Chinese German beer haus menu. Ta da. Bierstube opened last night at 206 Market.

In reaction to the passing of Soul Train’s Don Cornelius, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the composers of that show’s #1 hit theme song (“TSOP”), released a joint statement. “Don Cornelius and his creation of ‘Soul Train’ and its legacy had a great impact on American culture. Don’s vision allowed for African-American artists to be exposed to people all over the world through the power of television. We were glad to help Don Cornelius fulfill his dream and legacy by creating the theme song for his hit show. The ‘Soul Train’ and TSOP brands will forever be inseparable. We thank Don Cornelius for his tremendous contributions to the entertainment world. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Don’s family and everyone he touched.”

Back in 2009, Icepack printed a rumor that Stephen Starr was gearing up to re-open L’Ange Bleu or, rather, Blue Angel, my favorite of Starr’s restaurants and his first excursion onto Chestnut Street. In 2012, it looks like his Angel will finally sprout wings according to Collin Flatt at the Philly division of Eater.com. His partner in crime at Talula’s Garden, chef Aimee Olexy (the original GM of Blue Angel) will be in charge of the new Blue Angel which is promised to look just like the old Blue Angel. Just make it taste the same and all will be well with the world.

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POSTED: Friday, February 3, 2012, 10:00 AM
Filed Under: Poetic License

Devoted poet/avid concert-goer/nerd-grrrl extraordinaire Jane Cassady’s weekly horoscopes run in this space every Friday morning.

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19): “Any time will do.” (TV on the Radio) No matter how much your logistics change, your self and your calendar will remain intact. You will still have time for emphatic snuggles, parties, and many, many episodes of that sci fi series you like.

Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20): Whenever I ask people what they’d like the stars to predict for them, they almost always ask for a reduction of stress. I wish I could give each of them a hug, a cupcake, and some indulgent magazines, tuck them into a duvet and cover them in kittens. Do a little bit of that for yourself this week, and send me a picture.

Aries (March 21-April 18): I you think you’ve got to choose between love and rest, there’s no need. Invite a snuggle pal over, tuck yourselves into bed and turn on an episode of Radiolab. It’ll give you the most angelic sleep, and you can always go back and listen later.

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POSTED: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 4:00 PM
Filed Under: Arts Books

Each week, Nina Wilbach puts together a rundown of book-centric events that’ll keep you “lit” like a hot air balloon burner all week long.

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POSTED: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 3:30 PM
Filed Under: Music | Philly Bands Show

We took a long time to catch on to Port Richmond singer-songwriter Jack McTamney, but we’re making up for it now. Read Mary Armstrong’s profile on the man from today’s paper. After that, come back and read a few outtakes from Jack’s origin story.

It Was The Best House To Grow Up In

Bernadette McTamney says growing up in that house was a lot like Leave it To Beaver. Joe didn’t mind that Fran warped his LPs when the kids tossed them up on his bunk where he’d land on them. Good hearts were needed to keep the place humming but that didn’t preclude differences of opinion.

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POSTED: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 3:00 PM
Filed Under: Music Show

Wandering in from a nice Memphis BBQ at last year’s Folk Alliance I was wondering which showcase to hit next. The strains of hot guitar and lap steel with swing vocals made the decision easy. In the lobby a sweet little overhang from the balcony makes a perfect nook for showcases that lets non-FA guests get a taste of the music. Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade put the space to good use, winning converts.

Fans of our own Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rhythm Kings will like this group: lead singer who is forceful when she’s selling it, subtle when she is beckoning and sassy in-between with hot string pickers who never stumble moving from swing to jump to rock.

Here’s a video from a radio show, lacking all the early 20th Century costuming that comes with Miss Tess’ stage show, but with higher quality sound and mix than you’ll usually find on Youtube.

Tonight, Thu., Feb. 2, 8 p.m., $12-$14, WCL at the Queen, 500 N Market St., Wilmington, DE, 302-994-1400, queentickets.worldcafelive.com.


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POSTED: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 2:00 PM
Filed Under: Win

More info here.

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POSTED: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 1:00 PM
Filed Under: Music 10 Track Mind

City Paper intern Courtney Sexton put her iPod on shuffle. This is where it led her ...

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POSTED: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 12:00 PM
Filed Under: Comedy Stand-up

Every week, Al Harris brings you the week's top five comedy shows.

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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.

Follow Critical Mass editors Patrick Rapa and Emily Guendelsberger on Twitter:

@mission2denmark | @emilygee

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