6 Things to Do in Philly This Week: Dilworth Park Grand Opening, Improv Comedy, Live Music, And More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
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First Tuesday: Uptown Records Night
DJ Royal T (along with DJ Hiding Place and Bloodfaceman) will spin rare soul and rock 45s at Johnny Brenda’s, for its First Tuesdays: Uptown Records Night. If your ears were polluted with far too many pop hits this past weekend, this is sure to help. Tuesday, September 2nd, 8 p.m., 21+, Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Avenue.
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Bad Kitten at PHIT
Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) is supporting indie improv comedy teams in the area with its new program Launch Pad. PHIT’s first inaugural Launch Pad team, Bad Kitten, has been taking the local improv comedy scene by storm—and you can catch them perform this Wednesday evening. The PHIT's hilarious house team will be performing along with them. A solid cure to your end-of-summer blues, we promise. Advance tickets are available here. Wednesday, September 3rd, 7:30 p.m., $8 or $10 at the door, PHIT, 2030 Sansom Street.
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Dilworth Park Grand Opening
The newly renovated Dilworth Park at City Hall is finally set to reopen this week. The transformation will convert the formerly inaccessible space into a “sustainable, well-maintained, green public without stairs or barriers from the street.” The public space will include an immense lawn lined with foliage, a fountain and performance space perfect for markets and seasonal activities, as well as an outdoor cafe by Jose Garces. Park-goers can look forward to many upcoming festivities at Dilworth, including an ice skating rink come winter, public art exhibits, and much more. The ribbon-cutting for the park will take place this Thursday–followed by a weekend filled with special programming to celebrate the grand opening. For more information, click here. Thursday, September 4th, 11 a.m., Dilworth Park, Broad & Market Street (West Side of City Hall).
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Opening Reception: Emily Cucalon & Marianne Dages
Painter and printmaker Emily Cucalon (pictured), and mixed media artist Marianne Dages will host a free opening reception for their latest exhibition in the Print and Picture Hallway Gallery at the Central Library this Thursday. The artists’ works explore modes of communication: Cucalon’s focusing on the fragmentation of various modes, and Dages examining it through “a personal and idiosyncratic catalogue of symbols.” Thursday, September 4th, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.
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Communion: Philadelphia
Communion, an independent platform for flourishing young musicians, was founded in London in the summer of 2006 by Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons and Kevin Jones of Bear’s Den. It grew into a community for artists and fans alike, with shows across the UK and United States, working to promote new music to broad audiences. XPN and Bonfire will present Communion: Philadelphia this Thursday night at Underground Arts, with performances from (awesome) artists Diane Birch (pictured), Crash (of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros), TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb, Ron Gallo, and Levee Drivers. Tickets are available for purchase online. Thursday, August 4th, 8 p.m., 21+, $9.50, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
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What Shows to See This Week
New Zealand pop darling Lorde is among the must-see musical artists coming to Philly this week. We round up that and a show for every night this week here.
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Submit An Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information to ksordjan@phillymag.com.
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