TONIGHT: Gary Shteyngart, Phosphorescent, an ’80s Party and More
Our daily roundup of what’s happening tonight in Philadelphia. Quick note before we move on: All tonight’s events are subject to cancellation because of weather. Be sure to double check before heading out in the cold.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED: New York Times best-selling comic novelist Gary Shteyngart is returning to the Free Library of Philadelphia to share stories from his latest memoir, Little Failure. (Fun fact: The book was released via a funny trailer starring big-namers James Franco, Rashida Jones and Jonathan Franzen.) The story goes back in time to when Gary was a small boy living in Leningrad named Igor Shteyngart. Eventually it follows him to America — where he is given the name “Gary” — and offers a witty glimpse into his experience as an American immigrant. The evening’s conversation will be led by Daniel Torday, author of the National Jewish Book Award-winning The Sensualist and visiting professor of creative writing at Bryn Mawr College. Tue., Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., $15, Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO JAN. 27: Local artists Ellie Brown, Seth Reichgott and Arlen Hancock are throwing a party tonight at Quig’s Pub to raise funds for their production of Dear Diary, Bye. The play is based on a journal Brown kept in 1984, so they’re calling the shindig Totally Awesome ’80s Party and planning all kinds of decade-specific shenanigans, like karaoke, dancing and even some ’80s-themed cocktails (Jack and Crystal Pepsi, perhaps?) Hancock will also perform a snippet of the show. 6 p.m., $15-$20, Quig’s Pub, 1714 Delancey Place.
Phosphorescent — moniker of Brooklyn singer-songwriter Matthew Houck — is performing at Union Transfer as part of his national “Muchacho” tour. Brooklyn Indie-pop rockers Caveman open. 8 p.m. (doors), 8:30 (show), Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.
Local Russian pianist Ghenady Meirson leads a performance of Pique Dame (The Queen of Spades), a rarely performed Tchaikovsky opera. Jan., 21, 23 and 25, 7:30 p.m., $60-$95, Helen Corning Warden Theater in the Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St.
