Philly residents, authors, and illustrators Jared Axelrod and Steve Walker discuss their new book, “The Battle of Blood and Ink: A Fable of the Flying City,” an exciting new steampunk fantasy adventure graphic novel. Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
Each episode of Literary Death Match features four established and emerging authors who perform a sample of their most electric writing in seven minutes or less in front of a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. The two finalists compete in the Literary Death Match finale, which takes the show’s literary sensibility to an absurd and comical climax to determine who will take home the Literary Death Match crown. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information, call 215-222-1400 or visit www.worldcafelive.com.
From the wildly imaginative Moses Pendleton comes “reMIX,” a night of the best and favorite works of dancer-illusionists MOMIX. Celebrated for its ability to conjure a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body, MOMIX presents a series of new works and re-imagined pieces from its impressive 30-year history. Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-3910 or www.pennpresents.org. $50, $62, $70. Additional performances on May 18, 19, and 20.
"Wonders of the Microscope" explores the revolution in observational science facilitated by the invention of the microscope in the late 1600s and emphasizes the many ways in which the microscope entered popular culture over the following centuries as a source of instruction and entertainment for a broad public. Displays include rare books, engravings, broadsides, colored images, and a selection of antique microscopes. Exhibit runs through Aug. 17, 2012. Kamin Gallery, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, 1st Floor, 3420 Walnut St. Info: http://www.library.upenn.edu/rbm/.
"Wonders of the Microscope" explores the revolution in observational science facilitated by the invention of the microscope in the late 1600s and emphasizes the many ways in which the microscope entered popular culture over the following centuries as a source of instruction and entertainment for a broad public. Displays include rare books, engravings, broadsides, colored images, and a selection of antique microscopes. Exhibit runs through Aug. 17, 2012. Kamin Gallery, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, 1st Floor, 3420 Walnut St. Info: http://www.library.upenn.edu/rbm/.
“First Among Equals” considers the various modes that contemporary artists have developed to work with their peers and reach across generations. Contributions to the show include performance, publications, and curatorial projects that incorporate the work of other artists. Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 South 36th St. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org.
“The Happy Show” offers the experience of walking into graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister’s mind as he attempts to increase his happiness via mediation, cognitive therapy, and mood-altering pharmaceuticals. Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 South 36th St. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org.
“Samba Sessão” introduces viewers to the visual culture of African-descended people living in Brazil. The 15 paintings and four sculptures draw on different aspects of Afro-Brazilian life, from working in the fields to religious rituals and syncretic belief systems. Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 South 34th St. Info: 215-898-2083 or www.upenn.edu/ARG. Exhibit on display through July 29.
“MAYA 2012: Lords of Time” leads visitors on a journey through the Maya’s time-ordered universe, expressed through their intricate calendar systems and the power wielded by their divine kings. Penn Museum, 3260 South St. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.penn.museum. Students: $16.50; children 6-12: $16.50; military (w/ID): $18.50; seniors (65+): $18.50; adults: $22.50. Exhibit on display through Jan. 13, 2013.
Soulstress Jaguar Wright performs songs from her long awaited new album, including current singles “Switch (Make Change)” and “Beautiful.” World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $15.
Carlin Romano, critic-at-large of The Chronicle of Higher Education and an adjunct faculty member at the Annenberg School for Communication, discusses his book, “America the Philosophical,” which argues that America today towers as the most philosophical culture in the history of the world. Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
In the “Relieving Stress for Health and Well-Being” class, learn easy and effective bodywork and other healing tricks to relieve day-to-day stress and strain. Be guided through a new way of understanding headaches, heartburn, indigestion, back and neck support, and learn focusing tips. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Members: $40, non-members: $50.
The Kalob Griffin Band is a group of Americana rockers who strive to provide listeners with an energetic, personalized experience. Kalob Griffin, Rob Dwyer, Eric Lawry, John Hildenbrand, and Nick Salcido create a sound that some would say is immediately warm, original, familiar, and contagious. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $15, $17.
In the “Appreciating Native Trees and Shrubs” class, tree enthusiast Ken LeRoy shares his knowledge of trees native to the Wissahickon Valley. Learn about a variety of trees, examine the flowers, bark, and leaves, and learn to identify these plants by their common and Latin names. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Members: $30, non-members: $35.
Explore the world of nature’s recyclers at “Wormy Squirmy Fun!” Dig, touch, and discover why some species of worms can be both helpful and harmful to gardens and local habitats. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.
Storytime at the Morris Arboretum is a fun and engaging reading session among the trees. The program is a partnership with William Jeanes Memorial Library in Lafayette Hill and the Free Library of Springfield Township. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Free for members or free with admission. Advance registration is required.
Simon Martin, a research specialist at the Penn Museum, discusses “The Maya and 2012: Fact, Fantasy, and Phenomenon” for the Great Riddles in Archaeology Lecture Series. Recently, there has been speculation about an “end of time” arriving in December 2012. Penn Museum, 3260 South St. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.penn.museum. $10 at the door; $5 with advance registration; free for Museum members with advance registration.
Alan Doyle is the guitarist and vocalist for the Canadian Celtic rock band Great Big Sea, as well as an independent musician, actor, and producer. Backed by a band of talented multi-instrumentalists, his show features new material and Great Big Sea fan favorites. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $25.
In the “Relieving Stress for Health and Well-Being” class, learn easy and effective bodywork and other healing tricks to relieve day-to-day stress and strain, from headaches to heartburn. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Members: $40, non-members: $50.
In “Yoga ‘Out on a Limb,’” experience trees as you never have before during early morning outdoor yoga sessions held on the Morris Arboretum’s thrilling tree canopy, “Out on a Limb.” Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Members: $20, non-members: $25.
First Person StorySlams is a storytelling competition in which audience members are invited to share true stories from their lives, based on the night’s theme. Tonight’s theme is “My Favorite Mistake.” World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $10; $8 for First Person Arts members.
Teresa Giudice of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and, most recently, “The Celebrity Apprentice,” discusses her new cookbook, “Fabulicious!: Fast & Fit.” Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
Spoken Soul 215 is an artist collective dedicated to promoting open mic events throughout the Philadelphia region. The collective hosts “The Harvest” every month, where poets, vocalists, lyricists, MCs, and musicians come to share their gifts. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $9, $11.
George Dunning’s “Yellow Submarine” is a 1968 animated musical fantasy film based on the music of The Beatles. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., Ibrahim Theater. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. $9 general admission; $7 students and seniors; $5 for children 6-12; free for IHP members and children 5 and under. There is an additional screening on Saturday, June 16.
George Dunning’s “Yellow Submarine” is a 1968 animated musical fantasy film based on the music of The Beatles. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., Ibrahim Theater. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. $9 general admission; $7 students and seniors; $5 for children 6-12; free for IHP members and children 5 and under.
Storytime at the Morris Arboretum is a fun and engaging reading session among the trees. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Advance registration is required.
The P.M. @ Penn Museum Summer Nights series kicks off with the Middle Eastern folk and rock fusion sounds of Barakka. Penn Museum, 3260 South St. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.penn.museum. $5 (includes general Museum entry fee); free for Museum members and PennCard holders. The series runs through Aug. 29.
Christopher Beha discusses his debut novel, “What Happened to Sophie Wilder?” which explores faith, love, friendship, and the redemptive power of storytelling. Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
In “Yoga ‘Out on a Limb,’” experience trees as you never have before during early morning outdoor yoga sessions held on the Morris Arboretum’s thrilling tree canopy, “Out on a Limb.” Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Members: $20, non-members: $25.
P.M. @ Penn Museum Summer Nights presents Tres Compadres, a modern flamenco ensemble that combines jazz and Latin influences with spirited dance rhythms. Penn Museum, 3260 South St. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.penn.museum. Admission: $5 (includes general Museum entry fee); free for Museum members and PennCard holders. The series runs through Aug. 29.
Charles Vite, an assistant professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Penn Vet, discusses “Canine Epilepsy” for the Animal Lovers Lecture Series. New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, Pa. Info: 215-898-1480 or www.vet.upenn.edu. Pre-registration is requested.
Take a tour of the native trees at the Morris Arboretum and learn the many ways they can support increased biodiversity when planted in a variety of non-forest settings. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.
Storytime at the Morris Arboretum is a fun and engaging reading session among the trees. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. Advance registration is required.
International House presents "Directors in Focus: Nicholas Ray," a filmmaker whose works include "Johnny Guitar" and "Rebel Without A Cause." This bill features restored prints of "We Can't Go Home Again," Ray's experimental masterpiece made with his students at the State University of New York at Binghamton, and "Bigger than Life," which stars James Mason as a friendly, successful suburban father who is prescribed cortisone for a painful, possibly fatal affliction, and grows dangerously addicted to the experimental drug. "We Can't Go Home Again" screens at 5 p.m. and "Bigger Than Life" screens at 7 p.m. at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. $9, $7 students and seniors, free for members.
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“They have a dream demographic, but they haven’t figured out how to monetize it.”
—Eric Clemons, professor of operations and information management at Wharton, on the difficulty Facebook may have attracting advertisers. (The Boston Globe, Feb. 3, 2012)
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