Campaign for Change Watch Party

Philadelphia Weekly

August 27, 2008

Editor's Picks

Campaign for Change Watch Party

»For Bluebloods

Campaign for Change Watch Party

Thurs., Aug. 28, 8pm. Free. Independence Mall, Fifth and Market sts. 267.886.8591. my.barackobama.com

Surely the historical significance of watching Barack Obama’s nomination process and acceptance speech (on a 20-foot-by-30-foot screen, no less) just a stone’s throw from where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed some 232 years ago is obvious. But the silver-tongued senator is scheduled to deliver this highly anticipated address on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, which, depending on your perspective, guarantees either disappointment or epic opportunity. While it would be folly to believe any campaign speech is capable of going toe-to-toe with Dr. King’s soul-stirring sermon, if the self-appointed candidate for change can muster the same mix of magic and motivational wordplay that drove his rousing “Audacity of Hope” address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Obama’s speech here could be remembered for years to come. On a local note, let’s not forget George W. Bush’s eight-year reign was officially conceived within our city limits when he accepted the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2000 at the GOP’s convention here. In fact, in the wee hours of that convention’s opening day, a young freelance journalist was detained for smoking a cigarette in the shadow of Independence Hall, thus earning the dubious distinction of becoming the first official member of the famed RNC 420. Perhaps I’ll leave the smokes at home this time. (Joshua Valocchi)

Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour

Philadelphia Weekly

July 9, 2008

A-List

Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour, Chikara Pro, Uhuru Solidarity Flea Market at Clark Park and Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano.

»picnic tour

The Cemetery and the River: A Tour and BYOF Picnic Overlooking the Schuylkill

Sun., July 13, noon. $20. Laurel Hill Cemetery: The Underground Museum, 3822 Ridge Ave. 215.228.8200. www.theundergroundmuseum.org

Defying countless booms, crashes and “adjustments,” one real estate industry truth has remained self-evident throughout history: Location is everything. When Laurel Hill Cemetery’s founders were vetting potential plots for the grandiose graveyard, proximity to the Schuylkill River was considered an absolute necessity. Incredibly, this determination wasn’t borne of a great notion to streamline deliveries by floating corpses from Fairmount to the Falls like so much Oregon timber steered by the Schuylkill’s mighty yet predictable currents. Rather the riverside stipulation stemmed from decidedly more prosaic plans, namely providing picturesque scenery to mollify mourners and attract tourists. Additionally, easy access from shore to sepulcher offered the bereaved the option to roll straight gangsta, riding to interments on steamboats pimped out with 20-foot paddlewheels. The planners’ insistence on putting their politicians and patriots to rest in such idyllic environs proves that even before the Industrial Revolution gained a full head of steam, people were already just dying for primo waterfront digs. Sunday’s tombstone tour traces the (presumably) more historically accurate origins of the nationally recognized historic landmark and concludes with a BYOF picnic on its hallowed grounds. Bring your own … Fulton? Fife? Financier? (Joshua Valocchi)

Club d'Elf

Philadelphia Weekly

July 2, 2008

A-List

Club d’Elf, Orpheus, Fourth of July Dance Party, Pardon My Freedom and the Cat’s Meow: 40th Annual CFA Cat Show

»Musical Guests

Club d’Elf

Sat., July 5, 7:30pm. $11-$16. With Paradigm. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. 215.222.1400. www.worldcafelive.com

In stark contrast to their fellow Massholes, Club d’Elf tend to keep to themselves. Despite hailing from the same area code as the majority of the insufferable Red Sox Nation and the resurrected Celtic Brigade, d’Elf regulars rarely go on the road looking to make noise in other cities. Purveyors of a unique meld of world jazz and tribal hip-hop, Club d’Elf have inundated downtown Beantown with their musical mastery for years while shunning the rest of us in a fashion that borders on self-sabotage. Stemming from a side project helmed by late Morphine frontman Mark Sandman, d’Elf originated as a revolving cast of musicians proudly including the likes of John Medeski, DJ Logic and Joe Manieri. Now a consistently evolving ensemble, Club d’Elf mesmerize Bostonians with a seemingly eternal bimonthly residency at the legendary Lizard Lounge, infusing elements of post-funk and smart turntablism into loose jazzy foundations. Bassist and bandleader Mike Rivard plays conductor and conjuror, leading his sonic soldiery through seamless transitions that leave genre boundaries faded and decapitated. Joining Rivard’s assault squad, G. Calvin Weston’s bombastic beats and Mat Manieri’s bowstrung feats duel before the backdrop of this all-too- exclusive engagement. (Joshua Valocchi)

Paine's World: A Benefit for Paine's Park

Philadelphia Weekly

June 25, 2008

Editor's Picks

Paine’s World: A Benefit for Paine Park

»fundraiser

Paine’s World: A Benefit for Paine’s Park

Sat. June 28, 9pm. $22. With Yah Mos Def, Broadzilla, Emynd & Bo + Rock Tits. Urban Outfitters Facility, Philadelphia Navy Yard. www.painesparkproject.org

Get up, stand up people. Calling all skateboarders, ex-low rollers and the girls who bravely loved them. The Paine’s Park crew are stepping up to bridge the gap between half-pipes and pipe dreams that’s marred our street culture since the not-so-great LOVE Park skating ban of 2002. They’re holding the deed to 2.5 acres of city land and envision Vision Street Wear back on board. Organizers are actively seeking creative partnerships to make it happen, so they’re throwing a benefit party down in Urban Outfitters’ space at the Navy Yard to raise funds. Twenty bucks gets you open beer bar sponsored by Triumph and Pabst, and free transportation via a big yellow bus from five spots in Center City (see the website for pickup locations) that’ll run from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Art by Obama-obeyer Shepard Fairey, octopus chandelier master Adam Wallacavage and fellow Space 1026er Andrew Jeffrey Wright will be auctioned off. Meanwhile, Red Bull has sponsored a 25-by-30-foot skate ramp built inside the Urban O building, and the Nocturnal skate crew will rock pro skating demonstrations, getting you to talk smack about how cool you were back when you had a Winona sticker on your board. Liar. (Joshua Valocchi)

Too Black for B.E.T.

Philadelphia Weekly

April 9, 2008

Editor's Picks

Too Black for B.E.T.

Fri., April 11, 6pm. Free. With Spank Rock + William Pym. Mad Decent Mausoleum, 531 N. 12th St. www.jaysonmusson.com

If Barack Obama’s race speech sparked a fuse leading to the powder keg of race relations in America, former PW contributor Jayson Musson’s Too Black for B.E.T. is an acetylene torch firing directly on the pile of gasoline-drenched rags draped over its lid. A collection of poster designs featuring unabashedly offensive treatments of heretofore taboo topics like interracial divisions and intraracial disputes, Too Black addresses supersensitive issues with the delicacy of a jackhammer. Whereas Obama’s discourse encouraged Americans to openly discuss matters not often “expressed in polite company,” several of Musson’s designs contain images and phrases entirely unsuitable for even the most depraved of dialogues. It’s exactly that brand of extremism that allows Musson to pull off such a coup. By going so over the top, Musson is able to inject subtle commentary and healthy doses of humor into a product that’s otherwise simply ludicrous. Surely nobody in their right mind equates Osama bin Laden with Jesus Christ, right? Perhaps not, but as Musson points out, they’re both “persuasive men with beards.” Complementing Musson’s offbeat spins of logic, Spank Rock spins beats on records. Come for the posters party; stay for the throwdown at Diplo’s new joint. (Joshua Valocchi)

Colbert Nation Invades Philadelphia

Phillyist

March 19, 2008

Colbert Nation Invades Philadelphia

Editor's Note: We mentioned Mr. Colbert's impending visit to our fair city yesterday (and announced a contest, no less), but Phillyist Joshua felt this historic event deserved more in-depth coverage. Enjoy!

If we’re to trust Hillary Clinton’s supposition that It Takes a Village, wouldn’t logic then dictate that a nation could get the job done faster and with far more efficiency? Philadelphians will soon have the chance to witness that theory in action up close and personal as Stephen Colbert and members of his rabidly devoted “Colbert Nation” descend upon the Cradle of Liberty in the spirit of true demockracy.

In between the oddly familiar satirical rants and the bumpy jaunts along oft-tread avenues of sarcasm and coy derision that typify most broadcasts of the Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert lobbed a slow curveball to his audience Monday night. As that pitch loped its way toward home plate, it grew to the size of a grapefruit before the eyes of legions of local Colbert loyalists. To hell with Mudville’s Casey, mighty Stephen is coming to Philly.

Following the lead of Democratic Sens. and presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, Colbert will transplant the bulk of operations related to the nightly broadcast of the Report to the 215 for the week of April 14 to coincide with the nationally televised Democratic debate scheduled for April 16 at the National Constitution Center.

Tickets for all four shows (4.14-17) were gobbled up within mere minutes of Colbert’s on-air announcement as fans immediately stormed the show’s online ticketing system. Those lucky enough to score a spot for one of the Report’s Philadelphia tapings are sure to be constant targets of scorn, envy and the occasional pie toss over the course of the next few weeks—and that only accounts for the reactions of “friends.”

Nonetheless, the payoff promises to be fairly epic and the “studio” is bound to be filled with hordes of fellow fans suffering from similar bouts with jealous siblings, lovers, spouses and the like. An overwhelming sense of community is sure to quickly gel among ticketholders as the “Nation” takes care of its own. Damn the outsiders and the non-believers because though the heart may be weak, the wrist is strong. It takes but a quick flip to wave off the deadweight of the past before rotating inward to welcome new friends and loved ones with a warm beckon.

Unfortunately, the temporarily displaced and somewhat makeshift “Nation” will surely dissolve scant days after its meteoric rise, leaving shattered dreams and limp wrists in its wake. Consummate leader that he is, however, Colbert shall persevere and press on, stoically striding toward his ultimate goal of a world teeming with monkeys on the lam with nary a bear in sight.

Fleeting as it may be, Colbert’s four-day reign will doubtless leave a lasting impression upon our fair hamlet that will span generations. Kind of like that crack in the Liberty Bell.

Image Credit: Flickr user stricklin_family

Building a Broken Mousetrap

Philadelphia Weekly

February 6, 2008

PW's Picks For The Week

>>Clogosphere

Building a Broken Mousetrap

Thurs., Feb. 7, 7pm. $5-$7. International House, 3701 Chestnut St. 866.468.7619. www.ihousephilly.org

When Dutch punks the Ex visited New York’s Knitting Factory on the third anniversary of 9/11, the city was feeling more than a little colicky. The ignoramus-packed Republican National Convention had just quit town after steamrollering local civil liberties. The stench of tear gas and fascism lingered. Filmmaker Jem Cohen didn’t think twice about his plans that night. A director who makes documentaries about music as resistance culture, Cohen captured a sonic shitstorm of raw energy on 16 mm stock as the Ex—buzzed by the anger—tore through an incendiary set. Cohen then interlaced the stage action with footage of the anti-RNC protests to create Building a Broken Mousetrap. It screens with Smells Like Teen Spirit, an eight-minute video of Patti Smith covering the Nirvana classic. Which will, of course, be either the coolest or the crappest thing ever. (Joshua Valocchi)

Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest

Philadelphia Weekly

February 6, 2008

Opening Riff
Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest

by Joshua Valocchi

Winter Wonderland

The opening night of this year’s Northern Liberties Winter Music Fest includes a nod to the good ol’ days in the form of a bluegrass jam featuring Mason Porter and the awesomely named Wissahickon Chicken Shack. Comprised of eight mostly classically trained musicians, the Chicken Shack represents a fun outlet and musical escape of sorts. Apparently toiling away at Curtis for hours on end isn’t as much fun as turning that violin into a fiddle and trading Bach and Mozart for Bill Monroe.

Night two boasts seven acts for a paltry $8 (as opposed to the poultry $8 for the Chicken Shack night), and features the headlining one-two punch of Cowmuddy and Devin Greenwood. Having worked with each other extensively in the past, Greenwood and the Cowmuddy kids are almost guaranteed to contribute to the festival feel with a few guest spots and sit-ins peppered throughout their respective sets.

The third night of the festival rolls in hard with nine acts, thus lowering the evening’s per-band cost below 90 cents. Along with the ridiculously low music-to-money ratio, Wednesday also offers attendees the chance to check out cuts from the Victor Victor Band’s newest release Chatterbox as their festival set doubles as a CD-release party. The married duo take the White Stripes route, with Danielle handling drums and keyboards while husband Jamie takes on guitar and vocal duties. No word yet on whether they’re actually divorced or brother and sister. Or both.

Admittedly, the first three days are just the tip of the Winter Music Festival iceberg. When all is said and done, more than 40 acts will have graced the Fire stage over eight days, continuing a cold-weather tradition while proving that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Sun., Feb. 10, 6pm. $8. Through Feb. 17. With Cowmuddy, Devin Greenwood, Chase Pagan + Victor Victor Band. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave. 267.671.9298. www.iourecords.com/thefire

Kiss 'n' Fly

Philadelphia Weekly

January 9, 2008

A-List

>>Spin crowd

Kiss ’n’ Fly

Wed., Jan. 9, 9pm. Free. With DJ RMT + Strawberry Mansion. Barbary, 941 Frankford Ave. www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary

When John Redden opened the Barbary it was a given he’d have no problem booking DJs. Even so, the lineup at the little-Fishtown-club-that-could has gotten downright silly. From the Immediate! crew to the old-school soulery of Philly’s favorite expat Mark Foreman and his Turnaround funk, the Barbary’s schedule has been chugging along with serious steam. Enter the gals from Oh, Murder! Inc. and their Kiss ’n’ Fly night—this time with contributions from DJ RMT’s Darklord. Don’t let the drug reference fool you—these ladies come correct on the decks with serious club bangers and disco funk. If that’s not your thing, don’t fret—the Strawberry Mansion gents run the hip-hop gamut from old-school jams to contemporary cuts. If you have energy to spare after this one, you’re not doing it right. (Joshua Valocchi)

The Sea

Philadelphia Weekly

January 9, 2008

Editor's Picks
>>THEATER

The Sea

Fri., Jan. 11, 8pm. $12-$15. Through Jan. 19. Old Swedes’ Church, 916 S. Swanson St. 215.389.1513. www.jamessugg.com

Local renaissance man James Sugg brings a wealth of experience to the story of a captain’s quest for his mermaid daughter through salty monologues and a “rock ’n’ roll song cycle” of punk-tinged lullabies and sea shanties. While preparing for The Sea’s Fringe debut in 2006, Sugg spent two weeks on a freighter scouring the ports of Panama for authentic tales of life, love and loss from the sailors who troll the Canal. And the setting could hardly be more apt. One of the grave markers littering the 310-year-old candlelit Old Swedes’ Church reads: “In memory of the 34 men lost on the U.S. flagged merchant vessel S.S. Poet. ‘Oh God, the sea is so great yet our boat so small.’” (Joshua Valocchi)

Weekend Dig! - 12/28 - 12/30

DigPhilly
December 28, 2007

Weekend Dig! Dec. 28-30

By Joshua Valocchi

Posted: Dec 28, 2007 12:51 PM

You may as well skip New Year's Eve all together because the good stuff is happening in the next three nights: Gospel, dirty roasts and "special" BBQs.

Although the nannies over here at digphilly HQ are completely freaking out at the mere prospect of our peeps navigating the daunting Philly scene in virtual blindness while your beloved Digger was off galavanting amongst the relatives, I’m granting the benefit of the doubt and guessing that y’all fared just fine in my absence.

Nonetheless, it’s high time to get back into the swing of things, yeah?

Right.

Let’s do this.

Friday

The Word

Fri., Dec. 28, 8:30 p.m. $25-27. With Chocolate Genius.

Electric Factory. 421 N. 7th St. 215.627.1332.

For the folks who are still wallowing in Christian-bred guilt after showering loved ones with gifts instead of sincere blessings to commemorate the admittedly arbitrary anniversary of J.C.’s birth (this pretty much covers most of our Catholic readers, methinks), The Word anoints the stage at the Electric Factory tonight.

Draping a touch of blues, a dash of jazz and a slew of soul over some downright inspired gospel music, The Word is just what the preacher ordered. Presiding over the keys, John Medeski is sure to get the congregation groovin’ just in time for Robert Randolph to testify on the pedal steel guitar. The North Mississippi Allstars earn plenary indulgences all around with their musical tithings as the whole damn thing comes full circle, bringing all of us a little closer to the almighty.

Religious allusions aside, if you haven’t seen these guys, you’re really missing out. This lineup is simply unstoppable and they seriously put on one of the best shows this side of the Mississippi Delta. That said, I challenge any band to cross the Delta and mess with these guys. They’re the real deal and this gig is a rare Philly appearance. Don’t lunch on this. And while we’re postulating here, we might as well implore you to get there early. Chocolate Genius is simply sublime live. Give him the credit he's due, Philly. He’ll love you for it forever.

Saturday

Dirty D Birthday Roast

Sat., Dec. 30, 9:30 p.m. Free.

Khyber. 56 S. 2nd St. 215.238.5888.

If you can find a better way to spend your pre-New Year’s Eve Saturday night that doesn’t involve filthy renditions of Neil Diamond songs, we need to hear about it. Even so, we’re seriously doubting that free vibrators are in the mix. Once you realize the impracticality of even entertaining such a challenge, just tote your ass over to the Khyber for the Dirty Diamond Roast.

Yes, we’ve all seen the roast go down in some form or fashion on Comedy Central over the past few years. The Hugh Hefner edition wasn’t nearly as raunchy as it should’ve been but the Flavor Flav jawn made up for it in spades. Regardless, it’s a safe bet that nothing can truly prepare anyone for the debauchery that will surely ensue at the Khyber Saturday night. Don’t worry if you have no idea who Dirty Diamond is. Just strut through the door, demand a free vibrator (it’s your God-given right, after all) and kick back as the likes of Needles Jones, a.d. amorosi and the Legendary WID (all Philly “celebrities” in their own, um, ‘special’ way) stumble their way through scripted jabs and pre-orchestrated bits in a feeble attempt to embarrass a man who sings about hookers and blow on a regular basis.

Needless to say, the real fun begins after the roast, when the man of the hour, Dirty Diamond, takes the stage to regale the crowd with his truly tasteless takes on Neil Diamond classics. According to his relentless MySpace bulletins, the “performance” begins at 11:15 p.m. and goes on “until it’s fucking done.” Did we mention there will be free vibrators?

Sunday

Bob & Barbara's BBQ
Sun., Dec. 30. 8 p.m. Free. $3-6 for a plate of BBQ.

Bob & Barbara’s Lounge. 1509 South St. 215.545.4511.

After Saturday night with Dirty Diamond do you really think you should be going out on Sunday night? Even if you feel like you gained some sort of twisted redemption by spending Friday with The Word’s sweet gospel sounds, you still have New Year’s Eve staring you dead in the eye. That’s Monday night, you know …

Nonetheless, if you absolutely must head out Sunday, keep it cool, local and tasty. Lucky, the sometimes bouncer at Bob and Barbara’s, cooks up some of the most divine soul food you’re likely to find this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. In fact, Lucky’s vittles even house the majority of anything in the dirrrty South, so take that for whatever it’s worth. Will he be cookin’ up mac ‘n’ cheese and ribs and fryin’ fish and chicken the day before the annual amateurs’ showcase that is New Year’s Eve? Probably. He kinda loves his craft. Then again, if he opts not to cook this weekend, don’t call him on it. You’re still in for a fun night at one of the city’s best dives. Order the Special (shot of Beam and a can of PBR - $3) and keep your damn trap shut. Chances are still pretty good that Lucky’s bigger than you. Don’t make him prove it. Just drink your drink and stay cool, killer. If there’s no food this week, you can rest assured it’ll be back next year (that’s next week, you know … ) – with a vengeance.

As for Monday night, you’re on your own, kids. Just be sure you stay safe, have fun and come back here hungry for more in the new year. We’re diggin up the goods for you here and we pledge to keep on bringing it as long as you want it, ya dig?