16 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Michael Franti and Spearhead at Electric Factory
Michael Franti is a musician, filmmaker and humanitarian mostly recognized by the multi-platinum success of his song "Say Hey (I Love You)." He is also known for his highly energetic and entertaining concerts with his band, Spearhead, and his outlook on music, which he sees as a way to make positive change in the world. Listen before you go: "I'm Alive." Friday, June 12, 9pm, The Electric Factory, 42 N 7th Street. —Chelsey Hamilton
New Happy Hour at DUEL Piano Bar
Happy weekend! DUEL Piano Bar debuts a new Friday happy hour this week. Enjoy great drink specials, live jazz, and, starting at 8, the dueling pianos will kick off your weekend with a high-energy performance. Friday, June 5th, 5:00pm, pay as you go, DUEL Piano Bar, 1420 Locust Street.
The Laramie Project at Ritz Theatre Company
This moving play documents over 200 interviews of those who lived in Laramie, Wyoming, the town where Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and killed for being gay. The Ritz Theatre Company stages the drama for one weekend only and features a host of Philly and South Jersey actors. Through June 7th, various times, $17.50, Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township.
Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD with Opera Philadelphia
Time is running out to see YARDBIRD, Opera Philadelphia’s world-premiere production based on the life of legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker. Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD features tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the title character, with Angela Brown and Will Liverman rounding out the all-star cast. Through June 14th, various times, $95-125, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
bare: a pop opera in Concert
The cult classic bare: a pop opera will have a series of concert performances at The Luna Theatre. The musical is a coming-of-age tale from the point of view of a group of Catholic boarding school students. As two boys struggle with their sexuality, the score shows how their love for each other impacts those around them. Through June 13th, various times, $25, Luna Theatre, 620 South 8th Street.
Jamie Campbell at CSz Philadelphia
Standout Chicago comedian Jamie Campbell will be splitting your funny bone this Friday night at The Playground at the Adrienne. Campbell has been called one of the nation's top improv artists, and has performed at most of the country's comedy festivals. Don't miss his set to kick off the weekend. Friday, June 5th, 10:00pm, $15, Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street.
Be Well Philly Boot Camp
Philadelphia Magazine's own "Be Well Philly Boot Camp" is this Saturday, and it's quite an athletic extravaganza for women. There's fitness classes, yoga, speakers, "flash chats," cooking demos, and a marketplace with dozens of health-related vendors. Saturday, June 6th, 9:00am, $40, Drexel University Recreation Center, 3301 Market Street.
Philly VegFest
This fun festival has something for everyone, even if you are one of those meat eaters. The Philly VegFest, presented by the Humane League of Philadelphia, will feature live music, speakers, food and commercial vendors, kids activities, and a dog station. Saturday, June 6th, 11:00am, free, Headhouse Square, 2nd Street between South and Lombard Streets.
The Bailey Hounds at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Philly-based band The Bailey Hounds offer up a unique sound known as "Gothic Americana,” which mixes in a taste of folk and blues. Being an outdoor event, concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs, picnics and beverages. Listen before you go:"Along the Gallows." Saturday, June 6, 8pm, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue. —Chelsey Hamilton
Anna Crusis Women's Choir: Reclaiming the "F" Word
The Anna Crusis Women's Choir turns 40 this year, and they have a weekend of celebratory concerts scheduled. Titled Reclaiming the "F" Word, the choir will address issues related to feminism, including employment opportunities, access to education, reproductive choices, and equal personal rights. Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th, various times, $25, International House, 3701 Chestnut Street.
Future Sensations at Eakins Oval
This is your last chance to check out this highly anticipated giant light-up art installation that’s been glowing all week at Eakin's Oval—and on your Instagram feed. Future Sensations features five huge interactive pavilions, a playground, beer garden, food trucks, plus pieces of French-American history interwoven into the exhibit. Check out the Oval after dark to see the pavilions at their best. Through June 6th, open till 10 pm, free, Eakin's Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Catie Curtis at World Cafe Live
Catie Curtis was dubbed the "folk-rock goddess" by The New Yorker. The singer-songwriter recently released her 13th album, Flying Dream, which she will perform this week at World Cafe Live. "Kiss That Counted." Sunday, June 7, 8pm, World Cafe Live upstairs, 3025 Walnut Street. —Chelsey Hamilton
The Lion King at the Academy of Music
Experience the grandeur of Disney's The Lion King during it's triumphant return to Philadelphia. Directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, the musical has been a world-wide phenomenon, playing cities around the globe. It isn't just the for the kids: Adults will be wowed by the amazing stagecraft and athletic dancing that tells the story of the classic animated film. Through June 14th, various times, $23.50-169.50, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at The Wilma
Tom Stoppard spared no words when writing what has arguably become his most well-known play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. The Wilma Theater tackles this intense dark comedy with the same cast that starred in their production of Hamlet, and many of the same characters from Shakespeare's drama make interesting appearances throughout Stoppard's work. Through June 20th, various times, $30, Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.
Passion at Arden Theatre Company
It is arguably one of the best Sondheim musicals ever composed: The Arden Theatre closes out their 2014-15 season with Passion, a story of intrigue, love, and obsession. Featuring local actresses Liz Filios and Jennie Eisenhower, this gorgeous show is one that will haunt theatergoers long after the curtain falls. Through June 28th, various times, $50, Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Bryan Buttler at bbuttler@phillymag.com.
