15 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Philadanco dancers. Photo by Lois Greenfield
FRIDAY, JULY 29
Philadanco Founder’s Day Concert @ Dell Music Center
All three Philadanco companies are taking part in this dance show: the professional company that performs nationally and all over the world, D/2, the apprentices who stay local (for now), and D/3, the young aspiring dancers. You’ll also get to see Philadanco alumni doing Suite Otis, a ballet set to the music of Otis Redding.
Post-DNC Dance Party Under the Shambles @ Headhouse Shambles
Close out DNC week swing dancing to the early jazz sounds of the BlackBird Society Orchestra, courtesy of South Street Headhouse District and Society Hill Dance Academy.
RUN DNC @ Johnny Brenda’s
Head to Johnny Brenda’s for a DNC after-party with Lushlife DJing. This might be your last chance to get #DNCDeals drink specials.
Digable Planets @ Ardmore Music Hall
Groove to the hip-hip-and-jazz fusion of Digable Planets when the trio’s reunion tour makes a stop at Ardmore Music Hall.
Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret @ Franky Bradley’s
Martha Graham Cracker, “the world’s tallest and hairiest drag queen,” and her four-piece band are taking over Franky Bradley’s this weekend with two different shows on Friday and Saturday. Johnny Showcase, Rumi Kitchen and comedian Chip Chantry join the cabaret on Friday; on Saturday come back to see Alex Becthel.
SATURDAY, JULY 30
Jazz Age on the Delaware
Jazz Age on the Delaware @ Glen Foerd Estate
Don your 1920s best for the second annual Jazz Age on the Delaware on the grounds of the 1850 Glen Foerd mansion on the Delaware river. Carte Blanche, Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society, the Gin Canaries, the Minsky Sisters and the Old City Sweethearts will be providing the dance music.
Party on the Parkway: Flex-N-Barnes @ The Barnes
The Barnes had to move this party indoors because of a rainy forecast, but you still get to see Flexn, a “flex” dance show, and get into the exhibit Sun Splashed, both for free. In case, like me, you don’t know what flex is, the Barnes describes it: “a high-energy form of street dance born from the Jamaican dance style ‘bruk-up’ and raised in the dance halls and reggae clubs of Brooklyn.” It includes something called “bone-breaking.”
Aparna Nancherla @ Punch Line Philly
Comedian Aparna Nancherla brings her album release tour to Philly’s new comedy club.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Release Party @ Wellington Square Bookshop
This independent bookstore in Exton is celebrating the newest Harry Potter tale with a late-night party (the book comes out at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday). Dressing up as your favorite character — Hermione! — is encouraged.
We Do! @ The Art Dept.
Comedy Collective We Do! hosts a weekly showcase of Philly talent. This Saturday, check out locals Chris Stenta, Jia Din and Sarah Bell, plus visiting New Yorkers Chris Donahue, KC Arora and Dennis Rooney.
Philadelphia Dance Day @ Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia
Join a free dance workshop or check out a free live performance of pretty much any genre of dance all over the city, from tap to hip-hop, and then head to the Ethical Society on Rittenhouse Square for a nighttime dance party where you can show off what you learned.
10 Year Anniversary Celebration @ Connie’s Ric Rac
South Philly bar/music venue Connie’s Ric Rac is throwing a block party to celebrate 10 years, with both outdoor and indoor stages.
SUNDAY, JULY 31
The Brazilian Girls
Brazilian Girls @ Foundry at the Fillmore
Electronica/pop band Brazilian Girls — neither Brazilian nor all girls — visit the upstairs venue inside the Fillmore.
The Two Gentleman of Verona @ Clark Park
Sunday is the last night for this Shakespeare in Clark Park production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. It’s set in the 1950s, there’s a really cute dog and a troupe of swing dancers, and Park on Tap will be there. What more do you need?
Masters of Italian Horror @ International House
Spend the day getting spooked watching five horror films from Italian directors, presented by Exhumed Films.
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