9/11/07

Fall Forward

Philadelphia Weekly
September 17, 2003

BY JOSHUA VALOCCHI.




College Day on the Parkway. So what's the scenario? Stroll through a lush jungle of culture- and arts-based displays along the Parkway (interspersed with credit card pimps as well, I'm sure) for the first half of the day, then take in a free Busta Rhymes concert at night. You never know what kind of stunt Busta might pull, or what might come out of his mouth. More power to ya if you can understand a word of it, though.

>> Sat., Sept. 20, 10am-9pm. Free. With Silvertide, Rowdy Black Giants, Paul Green School of Rock (featuring the music of Frank Zappa), Mutlu, Still Standing, Muses Wild + more. Ben Franklin Parkway. 215.746.4750. www.campusphilly.org

Denim Grand Reopening. Apparently the place to see and be seen opted for the preemptive hip makeover in order to stay well ahead of the chic curve. In true Denim fashion, the grand unveiling of the refurbished space is sure to be quite the over-the-top production. Entertainment will be provided by Rouge, a performance troupe that runs the gamut of antics, ranging from vaudeville to burlesque to Hollywood. In the midst of the chaos, executive chef Scott McLeod will whip up a seven-course meal for your tasting pleasure. Be sure to visit the bar early and often as well. Insider tip: Don't actually wear denim--irony remains a difficult concept for bouncers to grasp.

>> Thurs., Sept. 25, 6:30-10pm. $125. Denim, 1712 Walnut St. 215.735.6700

Fall Moonlight Booze Cruise. Join a few hundred of your closest friends to drink and dance the night away aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia. DJ Ryan drops the beats as the open bar drops your inhibitions. Three hours is just enough time to get as trashed as the river you're sailing.

>> Fri., Oct. 17, 9pm-midnight. $45-$55. Spirit of Philadelphia, Columbus Blvd. and Lombard St. 866.211.3808. www.youngprofessionalevents.com

Flashlight Maze. Navigate through a "maize maze" by the light of moon (or a flashlight, for the less daring). Extra creepy bonus points for combining two Stephen King themes: Children of the Corn and the hedge labyrinth from The Shining. Add the fact that it takes place the week of Halloween and you have endless potential for scaring the bejesus out of friends and strangers alike.

>> Fri., Oct. 24 and Sat., Oct. 25, 7-8pm. $2. Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media. 610.876.7116. www.linvilla.com

Larry Fine's 101st Birthday Celebration. Knock a few back in honor of a true comic genius. Jon's Bar and Grille is situated on the site of the actual birthplace of the Stooge known simply as Larry, who will be watching over the festivities from the mural up on the second-story wall. Wise guys beware.

>> Sun., Oct. 5. Jon's Bar and Grille, 606 S. Third St. 215.592.1390

Oktoberfest: Take One. Say what you will about the Germans, but you can't deny the fact that they brew some damn fine beer. Celebrate the rich heritage of hooch with an evening of food, music and many steins of golden--and dark--elixir. Have a bratwurst, have a beer, have a ball.

>> Fri., Nov. 7, 7pm. $7-$8. Cannstatter Volksfest, 9130 Academy Rd. 215.332.0121

Oktoberfest: Take Two. Not to be outdone by the volks over at Cannstatter, the United German Heritage Club serves up a two-day blowout to pay homage to those who lent their know-how and ingenuity (not to mention a good part of their livers) to the fine art of German beer-crafting. Featuring traditional Bavarian music dancing and food, along with the obligatory ceremonial keg-tapping, all under the big tent. Oddly, you may notice that neither event actually takes place in October.

>> Sat., Sept. 27 and Sun., Sept. 28, Noon. $5 per day. BVV Oktoberfest, 4666 Bristol Rd., Oakford. 215.357.9851. www.ughclub.us

Robert Pinsky. Join the former U.S. poet laureate as he reads from his body of work. There's a reason that Pinsky is the only person to ever serve three consecutive terms as laureate. Come out to Bryn Mawr to experience the magic up close and in person.

>> Tues., Sept. 30, 7:30pm. Free. Thomas Great Hall, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr. 610.526.5210

Sippin' by the River. Festival Pier plays host to a huge array of breweries and wineries that are only all too happy to foist their magical nectars into your waiting hands (and mouth, presumably). This one's a no-brainer for those who enjoy an adult beverage now and again.

>> Sun., Sept. 21, 1-5pm. $25-$30. Festival Pier, Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden St. 215.922.2FUN. www.sippinbytheriver.com

Stroll in Fishtown. Rather than shrouding itself in obscurity as it has in the past, Fishtown is finally starting to break out of its shell. Isolationist policies no longer fly in this future hipster haven, and the East Girard Business Coalition invites you on a walking tour of the Girard Avenue section of the neighborhood. Marvel at the new businesses, shops and bars that have sprouted along the route, and rack up cool points galore. It's the new Northern Liberties, you know.

>> Sat., Sept. 27, noon-6pm. Free. Girard Ave. 215.634.5188

Warminster Day. Come out and show your Warminster pride as the town celebrates the grand opening of the brand-spankin'-new Warminster Community Park. This promises to be a no-holds-barred event complete with hot air balloon rides, a custom car show, carnival rides and games, hay rides and even fireworks. If that's not enough, NASA Endeavor astronaut Winston Scott and American Idol 's Justin Guarini will stop by to show some love.

>> Sat., Oct. 18, 9am-dusk. Free. Warminster Community Park, Bristol and Newtown rds., Warminster. 215.443.5428. www.warminstertownship.org

Witches' Ball. Grab your broomstick and your cauldron and get out to Mt. Holly for the annual gathering of witches and warlocks. Win prizes for best costume and learn your future through tarot cards and palm readings. Dance the night away with fellow dark magi--ballroom- or disco-style. The South Jersey Ghost Research Company will even be on hand to dole out the latest dope on the spectral research scene.

>> Sat., Oct. 11, 5-10pm. Mill Race Village, Mt. Holly, N.J. 609.518.1700

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