Weekend Omnibus

THE CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Coming Out Weekend

POSTED: Friday, July 23, 2010, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Die Antwoord

Friday: Catch a performance of Chase Me, Comrade! at the Hedgerow Theatre. The comedic play, set in 1964, depicts the consequences of hiding a Russian ballet dancer from authorities who want to imprison him. Die Antwoord, a white rapper/fairy-like siren combo (typical, right?) give a unique performance at Voyeur tonight. Just don't try too hard to get 'em, k? Saturday: Prepare to be busy — Saturday brings lots of options. Embrace your sexuality at ScrewSmart's Coming Out Ball. The sexual exploration based collaborative's party is complete with drag, raffles, and sex toys. Yes, there's porn too. Later, try to catch Women in Rock and Soul at the Highwire Gallery. The film includes authentic clips of the best females rockers of the decades. Or hit up the First Person Art's Summer Grand Slam and Block Party where past winners of Grand Slam strive to become ultimate storytelling champions. Sunday: Check out the Mystic Monsters exhibit at Pterodactyl. These monsters are in rare art forms — comics, paintings and advertisements. Expect some politically charged pieces.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

THE CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Cry Wolf Weekend

POSTED: Friday, July 16, 2010, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Don Flood

Kid Sister

Friday: Improv gets just as intense as a football game at the Comedy Sportz World Championship. The comedic competition, which started yesterday and continues till tomorrow, includes a referee, teams, fouls and audience interaction. In a more somber mood? Can't Afford the Freeway is playing behind the Phildelphia Art Hotel. The film explores an American soldier's coming home from Iraq. Kid Sister and Peter Wolf Crier also take Philly tonight. Saturday: All you Civil War buffs know you're dying to visits the Drums, Fifes, and Flags: Communication in Military Life exhibits at the Germantown Historical Society. Also check out the crazy singing antics of Johnny Showcase & The Lefty Lucy Cabaret if you're in the mood for this goofy parody of singers. Sunday: Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe at the '50s Pinup Ice Cream Parlor photo shoot. Get your make-up and hair done and milk it for the cameras in a photo sesh. Later, check out the Jean Renior screenings at the Philly Museum of Art. American Idol sweetheart Jordin Sparks performs at TLA tonight.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Q-rious Weekend.

POSTED: Friday, July 9, 2010, 6:15 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Friday: Make the drive to Phoenixville, PA to scream like a madman (or woman) while sprinting out of a historic theater. Why, you might ask? The "Running Out Re-enactment" is just one of many programs lined up for this year's Blobfest, a celebration of the 1958 movie about an alien blob that terrorized a town. The "running-out" scene would become pretty famous, but not as famous as the film's break-out star, the legendary Steve McQueen. QFest started up yesterday so don't worry, you haven't missed much. We have so much coverage it hurts. Saturday: Start your morning gyrating. Get your head out of the gutter — you're headed to the free Hula-Hoop Class hosted by a Pop Fizz Burlesque instructor. Then head over to the Chestnut Hill Book Festival. The festival, which runs Friday through Sunday, features book readings, discussions and workshops with authors such as Gregory Frost and Tom Purdom. For a full schedule, click here. Sunday: You won't be exactly sure of what you'll watch when you catch an evening performance of the Koresh Artist Showcase. Still, you should check out Philadelphia artists as they provide their own take on art mediums such as theater and dance. Then give it up for hometown hero Kurt Vile, who takes the stage with N.J.'s oh-so-summery Real Estate.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 6:15 PM Permalink | Post a comment

THE CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Antipodal Weekend

POSTED: Friday, June 25, 2010, 4:44 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Andy does Arnold

Friday: Embrace a little culture today and check out an exhibit of Andy Warhol's black and white Polaroids at the PAFA. Don't freak if you don't make it, the show runs through September. Later, the Philadelphia Theatre Alliance's Spark Showcase at the Plays & Players Theatre awards $1000 to the local playwright with the most interesting work-in-progress. Or explore the lives of Philadelphia immigrants at Tertulia: Immigrants' Own Documentaries as they showcase the results of filming their worlds. Saturday: You want to get yourself in this pickle: Picklefest features the nation's favorite cucumber in artistic and culinary glory. Eat them, admire them, pet them — whatever floats your boat. Finish your night by watching a performance of Fanciness vs. The Void and Antipodal Goatlegs at Emerald Street Park. The catch? The performance is hosted by Puppet Uprising and features puppets, an apocalypse and a boat. Sunday: Let the one-man show Jesus Phreak: The Story of a Very Unlikely Disciple remind you that no matter what gender gets you going or what God you acknowledge, the human race is connected more than you think.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 4:44 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: We <3 You Dad Weekend

POSTED: Friday, June 18, 2010, 4:11 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

From World's Largest

Friday: Prepare to get down and dirty at Transfags, a night of explosive "genderfuct" poetry. Listen to Philly's best poets bring a fresh new look to transexuality. If lusty poetry ain't your thing, check out the free screening of Amy C. Elliot and Elizabeth Donius's new documentary World's Largest. The film explores American small towns that host the world's largest whatevers. Saturday: This weekend is all about Dad, and what better way to show a lil' appreciation than a hearty cheesesteak? The Father's Day Cheesesteak Tour at Reading Terminal Market includes free samples and a history lesson on the famous sandwich, led by steak-pert (and CP's copy editrix) Carolyn Wyman. But if pop's gotta watch his weight, take him to see Danzig tonight at the Troc where he'll sweat out all of those cheesesteaks in the pit. Just don't tell mama how hard he rocked out to "Mother." Sunday: Treat you dad to the theater today with the PA Shakespeare Fest's opening play, John Millington Synge's classic Playboy of the Western World. It used to cause riots but we promise a calmer experience. Then remind papa bear that you'll always be his little boy/girl by taking him to a screening of Pixar's latest offering, Toy Story 3.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 4:11 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Pride of the Weekend

POSTED: Friday, June 11, 2010, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

photo | phillygaycalendar.com

Friday: Wizard World's Philadelphia Comic Con runs all weekend, but you might want to check out the pop culture bonanza today — it's going to be a busy weekend. Friday's events include the ToyFare Hall of Fame Awards and Wizard School. The costume contest is tomorrow, though, so if you think you're the next Luke Skywalker or plan on giving that hot Avatar creature a run for her money, you should probably come on back. Saturday: The bare walls of your living room need a lift, don't they? Art for the Cash Poor's under-$199 pieces are perfect for those whose desire to buy art just doesn't seem to cooperate with their bank account. Then warm up those vocal cords: You're about to belt out "Dancing Queen" (you know you know all the words) while watching a sing-along screening of Mamma Mia at Penn's Landing. Water guns are encouraged. Art Machine Productions is also holding a kick-off reception this evening. The new tattoo parlor/art studio combo is showcasing mixed-media pieces from local artists — and a sword swallower. But if you've got your heart set on getting your ABBA on, the showcase runs through July 10. Sunday: Philly pride this weekend doesn't come in shades of black and orange — it's a big' ol rainbow. The Ben Franklin Bridge will glow on Saturday and Sunday with rainbow lights to celebrate the LGBTQ community's "It's Always Sunny in Gay Philadelphia" Pride Day. Snag a good spot for the Pride Parade — it starts at noon on 13th and Locust and ends at Penn's Landing. Stick around for the Pride Festival headlined by actress Jennifer Coolidge. (Reese Witherspoon taught her to "bend and snap" in Legally Blonde.) Get ready to dance the day away.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 6:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Get Back to Your Roots Weekend

POSTED: Friday, June 4, 2010, 5:33 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

theroots

Friday: You might think the comedy talk show crass and the host's obsession with sex alarming, but you know you've stayed up at least once to watch the cast of E!'s Chelsea Lately unabashedly bash everybody and everything. While Ms. Handler herself will not be attending tonight's comedy show, The Comedians of Chelsea Lately will offer their own blunt and coarse commentary on celebrity gossip and current events. Saturday: Today's events celebrate all things local — mainly music and beer. So down a glass of water and get ready to sample many as you can. Events, that is. As part of Philly Beer Week, local breweries are sharing their best at Beers on Broad Street. Even better, proceeds benefit Historic Kennett Square. You might want to check out Vampire Weekend and John Legend at The Roots Picnic. But if that isn't motivation enough, Questlove says it's a show you don't want to miss. Whether samba dancing or punk rock is your thing, the Clark Park Best Fest's variety of all-local entertainers guarantee performances that different age groups can enjoy. Sunday: Head over to the Bike Race Block Party on Midvale Avenue at Kelly Drive to watch the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. You might break a sweat watching international pro-cyclists compete in the 26th annual bike race, but be glad you get to watch. 57.6 miles in Sunday's anticipated 85-degree weather might be a little more strenuous than enjoying the Philadelphia Canoe Club beer garden and dancing to live music. Then chill out with Swim Pony's Survive!, a theater-space-aliens hybrid (kinda like Splice? Maybe?) about what happens when intelligent (English speaking) life responds to NASA's call.

Posted by Katy Bergen @ 5:33 PM Permalink | Post a comment

THE CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: It's a Scorcha Weekend

POSTED: Friday, May 21, 2010, 6:45 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Mark Stehle

Best part of this picture? Newton Buchanan, aka "The Dancin' Creeper," behind Curio's Gong Show host/Chuck Barris for the evening Paul Kuhn.

Friday: Holy Omnibus, kiddies is it hot today! Well, you better strip down to ya skivvies 'cause Mama Omnibus is about to turn up the heat when you go to Porn You Can Salute: Alternative to Mainstream Porn from the very knowledgeable ladies of Screw Smartly. They'll teach you all about porn that isn't huge titties and Oh-I-didn't-order-a-pizzas. But then you're gonna need a cool down so how about a flick, like Casino Jack and United States of Money (then read Cindy Fuchs' interview with director Alex Gibney) or MacGruber (then read my interview with Ryan Phillippe ... swwwooooooon ... maybe a movie isn't the best way lower your body heat...). Saturday: You'll be criss-crossing this glorious berg today, so start it off right by heading to Kenzo for the Kinetic Sculpture Derby and the Trenton Avenue Arts Fest. Then grab some grub at Watson Adventures' Munch Around the Market Scavenger Hunt, if you can find the food that is. Then it's West Philly with ya for Curio Theatre Co.'s first ever Gong Show! But Curio's event is a youngster compared to the 10 — count 'em 10 — years that Making Time has been going strong, so stop in and say hi to Dave P., won't ya? Sunday: Is the view from your house less skyline and more brick wall? Then let Walter Runge guide you through Window Painting: The Sequel. Just think, you won't ever have to lay eyes on that guy who always walks around in what you found out was not actually a sweater. Shake off the paint fumes and rock out with former Fastback-er Kim Warnick's Visqueen, who are back on the scene after Warnick decided retirement was for old people who don't play a mean bass guitar.

Anonymous

Posted 2010-05-21 21:37:30

Great to see you supporting Visqueen, but Kim Warnick is still very much retired. And it's very much Rachel Flotard's band. Which 10 seconds of research would have uncovered. Come out to the show on Sunday night and let them school you.

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 6:45 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Relax Your Balls Weekend

POSTED: Friday, May 14, 2010, 7:15 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Jack Donaghy says have a great weekend. And to relax your balls.

Friday: Peter Hornsberger runs The Girly Show with Tracy Jordan with a limp wrist, but ironically that means Scott Adsit kills playing Pete on 30 Rock. He and Philly native Christina Gausas hit up the Philadelphia Improv Theater tonight, but don't go without reading Tom Tiballi's interview with Adsit first. Then it's time for the legendary Buzzcocks who will no doubt melt the faces of the Trocadero crowd tonight. Want in? Enter to win two tickets WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!!! right here on Critical Mass (you know we love ya, Omnibussers). Saturday: So much to do, so little time! But if you have unlimited time then you can do it all. Consider immortality tonight at the 50th anniversary of Dracula's Ball. But first pick up some new duds at the Art Star Craft Bazaar and get your food and drink on at the Italian Market Fest. Sunday: Do as Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boyz do when you get low today and the SoLow arts fest. Continue your off-the-wall arts antics with Rhymes with Opera, who will teach you that classical vocal arts ain't just fat ladies singing.

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 7:15 PM Permalink | Post a comment

CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: Iron Weekend 2

POSTED: Friday, May 7, 2010, 6:14 PM

Filed Under: Weekend Omnibus

Why see Iron Man 2, when you've got Birdemic?

Friday: It's the firstest of Fridays, so you know that means Carolyn Huckabay's got the goods on the all the art world goings-on in her First Friday Focus. Then it's off to the Troc for the titties/wrestling/midgets of Lucha VaVOOM. Saturday: Yeah, yeah, yeah, everyone and their mother and their mother's second cousin Berta are gonna be at the cine this weekend checking up on billionaire playboy Tony Stark in Iron Man 2, but don't forget about the other films on tap, including Birdemic: Shock and Terror. But before that, you best hit up Don't Block the Blocks at Johnny Brenda's. Sunday: Before you dreamily sway to the sweet sounds of Caribou, check out a discussion on the letters of William Bartram, at the gardens named after his more famous pop.

Posted by Molly Eichel @ 6:14 PM Permalink | Post a comment

1 | 2 | 3

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!
NOW SEE THIS: Transit cop arrests marijuana activist for alleged disorderly conduct.
CONCERT REVIEW: Primus (3D & quadraphonic sound) @ The Tower 10/17
Q&A with Tony Goldwyn: "Life is gray, and relationships are, too"
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: The Archbishop meets the Geator, the Mayor goes suit shopping, Le Bec Fin fin.
ICEPACK ILLUSTRATED: Indian fare rules, Dunder Mifflin lives on, Tom Jones is a god
Q&A with Goon’s Seann William Scott
SWIMMING HOLES: Some of our favorite places to get wet

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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