sept 2009

What can I say? Many, including myself see Ballet as being of sophisticated tastes and rather long and complicated. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. This weekend, come to the Wilma Theater to enjoy a fresh look at this dance form. With three different pieces comes a world of music and moves that not only stimulate the senses but provide a clear picture of what it means to Dance!

For much more info and how to get tickets, log on here!

Don’t miss it!!!!!

They say that every city is unique, but Philadelphians are truly in a class all their own.

Need some proof? How about the phenomenon of triple parking? Or the confused stares you’ll receive if you order a sub or hero instead of a hoagie? How about despite the fact that one of the most iconic treasures in the country, the\"Liberty Bell\" practically put the city on the map, but is rarely ever seen, or required viewing on a 3rd grade field trip!

Philly sport fans have garnered a reputation for their undying loyalty to every team in town but even more famous for when the teams don’t win. Yes, we did throw snowballs at Santa Claus but that was soooo 1960’s!

Yeah, we’re pretty special. To know us is to love us. We may be the City of Brotherly Love , but we’re more than happy to share our misery too.

Come have a laugh at our expense, as Chicago’s famed comedy troupe The Second City pairs up with Philly’s best to bring you “City of Nutterly Love: Funny as Bell! ” – a hilarious look at our unique mannerisms, flavorful dialog and loving charm.

You don’t have to bleed cheese wiz to understand this humor. Just be prepared to laugh because fact is definitely funnier than fiction.

For more info log on here You’ll be calling that dessert you just bought a “wudder ice ” in no time!

City of Nutterly Love: Funny as Bell
Collaboration of The Second City and the Philadelphia Theater Company
Suzanne Roberts Theater
Broad & Lombard
On stage till the 26th
www.philadelphiatheatercompany.org

Throughout the year, we are fortunate enough to have battleships come to our waterfront to dock for a number of days.

This week, Ireland’s Naval Service flagship ( yes, Ireland!) the LÉ Eithne has arrived at Penns Landing
The ship, captained by Commander David Barry, will be open to the public for tours at 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. on July 16th. Don’t miss it!

For more info log on here!

The term “can’t miss” is not a phrase I use very often but you’ll be sorry if you miss out on Philly’s version of Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary. Considered more “Monty Python” than sticking true to tradition, I don’t think waterguns were quite popular during the French Revolution but then again, they weren’t even invented.

And neither was Tastykake but oh was there cake. Sweet and delicious and covered with rich frosting, it was Marie Antoinette herself who declared “let them cake” as the angry mob stormed the walls of the Bastille.

Join the revolution this Saturday at Eastern State Penitentiary for an afternoon of French Flair including costume contests, a pet parade- (how cute!) and the Storming of the Bastille where 2,000 Butterscotch krimpets –aka Tastykakes will be catapulted over the castle walls as Marie Antoinette is captured and held at the mercy of the crowd.

Won’t be fun if you can’t make it!

Storming of the Bastille
@ Eastern State Penn
22nd Fairmount
2pm-6pm
Storming of the Bastille- 5:30pm
www.easternstate.org

So what of this declaring of Independence ? To whom are you speaking to about this life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Join us at the courtyard of Independence Hall this Wed July 8 as Col John Nixon gathers the people (yes you included) to listen to the first ever Public Reading of the Declaration just days after it was approved by our Second Continental Congress.

As it was in 1776, there will be Patriots (supporters of Independence- YAY!) and Loyalists (loyal to the Crown- BOO!) in the crowd shouting for their voices to be heard. Join in the fun as each of you receives your own copy of the Declaration to follow along as we celebrate our right to be free!

This free event begins at 11:45 behind Independence Hall. You can enter the security tent at 5th Chestnut and proceed to the courtyard. Make sure to arrive early to get a space amongst the townsfolk! Costumes encouraged!

For more details, click here

Celebrate our nation’s history here in Philadelphia !

Public Reading of the Declaration
12 Noon Courtyard of Independence Hall
Enter @ 5th Chestnut via Security Tent
Free!

If this bad economy has any bright spots, it’s that food has certainly become affordable again. Gone are expensive bank accounts and $200 dollar pre fixe menus. Well not entirely but many have seen their numbers grow with the addition of “stimulus prices” After all, who doesn’t love a good meal at an affordable price?

The Prime Rib located inside the Radisson Warwick Hotel at 17th Locust has been serving up succulent slabs of meat for the past 12 years. This is your classic example of a traditional steakhouse. Big comfy leather chairs, servers dressed in tuxedos with a live piano playing in the background.

Sounds kind of pricey doesn’t it? Believe it or not, this steakhouse won’t eat up your paycheck! Dine in style without breaking the bank!

Below is their new stimulus menu. Available every night, all night!

Take a look and then make a reservation!

The Prime Rib
1701 Locust Street
215-772-1701

Ah, the Liberty Bell Made almost entirely of copper and weighing over 2000 pounds, it is easily the most recognized symbol for Philadelphia.

Look through any guide book, tourist map or video related to our city, and there it stands as our cradle of liberty. Its journey from White Chapel Bell Foundry in London to the present day home at 6th and Chestnut has been well documented throughout history… but few have ever heard the bell ring.

Forever silenced in 1846, the theories of how it came to be are as numerous as there are visitors. But although the bell can no longer ring, its sound will be heard this July 4th as descendants of the signers of the Declaration come together in Philadelphia to let Freedom Ring… and tap the Liberty Bell.

At approx 2:00 pm, 8 children will tap the Liberty Bell 13 times, thus signaling for bells all across the country to commemorate the sacrifices of the Patriots of our 13 original colonies.

On America’s Birthday, we will let Freedom ring! Enjoy the 4th!

Tapping of the Liberty Bell
July 4 @ 2PM
www.let-freedom-ring.org

Liberty Bell Center
600 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2305
www.nps.gov/inde

Earlier this year, our nation celebrated a milestone, Lincoln turning 200.

Here in Philadelphia, we retraced the steps of Lincoln’s journey thru Philadelphia en route to Washington D.C.

But to simply honor this man on his birthday was certainly not enough. With a legacy that continues to grow and inspire especially during these trying times, we see an opportunity to bring forth Lincoln’s vision that our Declaration of Independence gave liberty and hope to all people for all time.

So come hang out this July 4th week on the lawn of the Independence Visitor Center as we throw a birthday party that would make honest Abe proud!

Titled Lincoln 200 – the Bicentennial Festival is a four day celebration connecting us with “Lincoln Then and Now” highlighting the creative arts, science marvels, being green and living history through the legacy of our 16th President.

Here is just a sample of all the events taking place.

Ask Abe- Have a question for Honest Abe? Come prepared!

Camp town Shakers- This Civil War Era musical group, dressed in authentic period garb will keep you dancing with their use of the banjo, fiddle and “bones”

The Lincoln Found Art Memorial- see how “dumpster diver artists create their interpretation of the Lincoln Memorial with festive goers.

Have a chance to meet Frederick Douglass, explore a civil war encampment and even take home some arts and crafts from your experience.

For all the glorious details about our party for Abe, log on to lincoln200philly.org

We all know that classic saying. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? Well, would you believe that for only $5, you can get a spoon and enjoy all the ice cream you can eat in one sitting? Pinch me! Ow! This is far from a dream because not only is it happening tomorrow, but it’s been going on for the past nine years!

July 3th will mark the 11th Annual Super Scooper All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival at the Great Plaza at Penns Landing. By paying just $5, your money not only goes to support the Joshua Kahan fund in their fight against pediatric leukemia, but you really do get to have all you can eat ice cream!

There will be over 20 different ice cream and water ice companies on the scene. Can life get any sweeter in Philadelphia this holiday weekend? Not a chance.

The Joshua Kahan Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival
July 4th, 5th, 6th – 12:00-5pm
$5.00 admission – What a sweet deal!
americasbirthday.com