Thursday, July 2
BEFORE EUROPEANS: Join Shelley DePaul, co-curator of “Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape of Pennsylvania” and language director of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, for a special introduction to the region’s first Americans. 10 a.m. to noon at Penn Museum, 3260 South St. Info: 215-898-4000 or www.museum.upenn.edu.
WEST SIDE STORY: The exhibit, “West Philadelphia: Building a Community,” focuses on the development of West Philly during the second half of the 19th-century and today. The show opens on on July 7 at the Arthur Ross Gallery. For more information, call 215-898-2083 or visit www.upenn.edu/ARG.
Friday, July 3
THE DARK DAME: Amy Speace’s new album, The Killer In Me, marks a quantum creative leap from her 2006 breakthrough Songs For Bright Street. While that release won her widespread critical acclaim and a loyal international fan base, The Killer In Me finds the singer/songwriter forging into deeper, darker lyrical and musical terrain. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $13, $15.
Saturday, July 4
FOURTH OF JULY: Happy 233rd Birthday, America!
SHADY ACRES: At the “Garden Discovery Series: Made in the Shade,” find out why planting trees is a cool thing to do. See what you can do to help trees thrive in your neighborhood. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.
GREAT ADVENTURE: Attend the opening of a new permanent exhibit called Tree Adventure, which explores the relationship between plants and people. Armed with a Passport to Adventure, visitors can travel to many stations throughout the 92-acre garden to learn all kinds of fascinating things about trees. 10 a.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.
COME AS YOU ARE: Experience vinyl nirvana at the Philadelphia Record Fair 2009, held on July 11 at the Institute for Contemporary Art. For more information, visit www.icaphila.org.
Monday, July 6
SCIENCE THEATER: Sharrona Pearl, assistant professor of communication at the Annenberg School for Communication, co-hosts a workshop titled, “Performing Science: Science and Theater in the Modern Age.” The event kicks off with a film screening of Peter Galison’s “Secrecy,” a documentary about the vast, invisible world of government secrecy. 6 p.m. at Annenberg School for Communication, 3620 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7041 or www.asc.upenn.edu. Workshop runs through July 8.
Tuesday, July 7
SCIENCE THEATER: See Monday, July 6. Today: 9 a.m. at Annenberg School for Communication. Info: 215-898-7041 or www.asc.upenn.edu. Workshop runs through July 8.
HISTORY LESSON: Penn History Professor Richard R. Beeman has written six books and several dozen articles on various aspects of America’s political and constitutional history in the 18th and 19th centuries, including a biography of American Revolution
hero Patrick Henry and “Beyond Confederation: The Origins of the Constitution and American National Identity.”
“Plain Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution,”
Beeman’s latest book, is a comprehensive account of the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The book takes readers behind the scenes and beyond the debates
to show how the world’s most enduring constitution was forged through conflict, compromise and, eventually, fragile consensus. Beeman discusses the book on Aug. 25 at the Penn Bookstore.
In the 544-page book, Beeman captures the dynamic of the debate and the characters of the men who labored that summer, among them James Madison, who later served as the fourth President of the United States, Pennsylvania’s Gouverneur Morris, Maryland’s Luther Martin, Connecticut’s
Roger Sherman and General George Washington, later elected the first American President.
The event takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information,
call 215-898-7595 or visit www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
HOW THE WEST WAS BUILT: Attend the exhibit “West Philadelphia: Building a Community.” This exhibition documents the neighborhood’s 19th-century architectural and urban development and also features highlights of today’s dynamic, multicultural community. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 South 34th St. Info: 215-898-2083 or www.upenn.edu/ARG. Exhibit runs through Oct. 11.
DOPE MAN: Philippe Bourgois, the Richard Perry University Professor of Anthropology and Family and Community Medicine at Penn, discusses his book “Righteous Dopefiend,” an anthropological and photographic study on the world of homelessness and drug addiction in America. 7 to 8 p.m. at Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/ bookstore.
Wednesday, July 8
SCIENCE THEATER: See Monday, July 6. Today: During the Performance Conference, Annenberg doctoral student Tara Liss-Marino conducts a workshop on “Steampunk,” a subculture that has roots in science fiction literature and combines high-tech fantasy with Victorian material culture. 9 a.m. at Annenberg School for Communication. Info:
215-898-7041 or www.asc.upenn.edu.
HEY MR. CARTER: For the Summer Wonder Family Program, tag along with British archaeologist Howard Carter as he follows clues that lead him to the tomb of King Tut. This two-actor theatrical production is humorous, fast-paced and not to be missed. 10:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-746-6774 or education@museum.upenn.edu. Free with Museum admission donation.
SPACE IS THE PLACE: Hear a lecture by John Szwed, the biographic expert on all things Sun Ra. He is an anthropologist, musicologist and historian who teaches at Columbia University and is the author of “Space is the Place: The Lives and Times of Sun Ra.” 7 p.m. at Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila. org.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: With two successful albums behind them, Kindred The Family Soul had some thought-provoking conversations about their musical direction when recording their third CD. The result is their latest, The Arrival, a pungent and powerful set of 12 songs. 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $25, $35.
Thursday, July 9
LATIN JAZZ: Groovin’ in the Garden presents the Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble. 7 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. On summer concert evenings, all cars entering after 4 p.m. will be charged a per-car parking fee to encourage carpooling. Member cars: $10; non-member cars: $30.
LEEDERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL: The New Mastersounds are a four-piece band based in Leeds, England, whose modern take on vintage soul-jazz, funk and rock draws influences from the three Jimmies—McGriff, Smith and Hendrix—as well as their most closely-associated mentors, The Meters. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $16-$24.
Friday, July 10
STAGE FRIGHT: Exhumed Films presents “Black Steele in the Hour of Chaos: A Night with Barbara Steele,” featuring the films “Cannibal Apocalypse,” by Antonio Margheriti and “Terror-Creatures from the Grave,” by Massimo Pupillo. “Cannibal” is a rare early ‘80s Italian gore classic. “Terror-Creatures” is about a possessed castle. 8 p.m. at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. $10 (cash only).
Saturday, July 11
DIGGIN’ IN THE CRATES: The Philadelphia Record Fair 2009 is a day of vinyl nirvana. Flip through bins and find your treasure. The event benefits Vox Populi, Philadelphia’s acclaimed artist-run collective and gallery. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ICA. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org. $10 from 9 to 11 a.m.; free from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FÊTE NATIONALE: Film@International House presents the 7th Bastille Day Celebration featuring Alain Cavalier’s “Fire and Ice,” a tale of love and betrayal cloaked in the guise of a stylish political thriller. 7 p.m. at International House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Free admission for members above Internationalist level; $5 for Internationalist members, students and seniors; $7 general admission.
Monday, July 13
BARENAKED GENTLEMAN:
Best known as a skilled multi-instrumentalist for platinum-selling international pop heroes Barenaked Ladies, Kevin Hearn has long pursued a parallel solo career path. As a solo artist, he has operated underneath the commercial radar, but has earned a loyal international following with his highly idiosyncratic yet tuneful sound. 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $13.
Wednesday, July 15
ARAVOD GARDE: As part of the Summer Wonder Family Program, enjoy Armenian dance music and Middle Eastern folk songs from the internationally acclaimed Aravod Ensemble. The duet’s vibrant live performances are authentic, educational and entertaining, and a form of cultural preservation. 10:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-746-6774 or education@museum.upenn.edu. Free with Museum admission donation.
OUT OF HIS MIND: The Bookstore Monthly Book Club discusses the book “Into the Wild,” by Jon Krakauer. The book tells the story of Christopher Johnson McCandless and his deadly trip into the Alaskan wild. Noon to 1 p.m. at Penn Bookstore. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstoreRSVP to: rkredo@exchange.upenn.edu.
ENGAGING LOCALLY: Attend the opening reception for “Style Tribes 2009: An Exploration of Contemporary Subculture.” With this exhibition, design and merchandising students from Drexel University explore the present role as well as the lasting legacy of subcultures in contemporary society. 6 p.m. at International House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Exhibit runs through August 15.
ANOTHER WORLD: View Don Letts’ “Sun Ra: Brother from Another Planet” and Robert Mugge’s “Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise.” Letts delves into the mysterious world of Sun Ra in this British, made-for-television documentary. Filmed in and around Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., Mugge’s documentary captures Ra’s Arkestra at the height of its creative powers. 7 p.m. at ICA. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org.
Thursday, July 16
GROOVE IS IN THE HEART: Groovin’ in the Garden presents Warren Oree and The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. They close out the series with their unique fusion of jazz, African, Brazilian, rhythm and blues and hip-hop music. 7 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. On summer concert evenings, all cars entering after 4 p.m. will be charged a per-car parking fee to encourage carpooling. Member cars: $10; non-member cars: $30.
TROMBONE SHORTY: Every once in a blue moon, along comes someone who can merge the forces of virtuosity and exuberance and unleash them on an unsuspecting public. The latest in this exclusive line of blue moon arrivals is Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who plays both trombone and trumpet. 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live. Info: 215-222-1400 or www.worldcafelive.com. $22-$34.
Wednesday, July 22
DANCE MELE: As part of the Summer Wonder Family Program, don’t miss the Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble, blending West African ancestral music and hip-hop into a vibrant and exciting performance. 10:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-746-6774 or education@museum.upenn.edu. Free with Museum admission donation.
HEAD OVER HEELS: Jayanti Tamm discusses her book, "Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult," where all activities considered dangerous to spiritual development were prohibited, including drinking, smoking, dancing, watching TV, listening to the radio, and reading newspapers and books. 6:30 p.m. at Penn Bookstore. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
PLANET FUNK: “Saturn Never Sleeps” is a cosmic adventure in contemporary music. For this artist-curated event, Philadelphia DJ, composer and producer King Britt, in collaboration with multimedialist Rucyl, present a night of sonic and visual funk taking micro-edits of Sun-Ra source music and combining it with live experimentation together with video collage. 7 p.m. at ICA. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org.
Sunday, July 26
PARENT’S DAY: Don’t forget Mom and Dad.
Wednesday, July 29
DRUMS PLEASE: Kyo Daiko Drummers offer a high-energy and dynamic Japanese taiko drumming experience as part of the Summer Wonder Family Program. This Philadelphia ensemble uses a variety of traditional taiko drums to educate and excite. 10:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-746-6774 or education@museum.upenn.edu. Free with Museum admission donation.
SONIC LIBERATION FRONT: An expanded Sonic Liberation Front, the Philadelphia ensemble acclaimed for their iconoclastic combination of Free Jazz passion and Afro-Cuban percussion, premieres a new composition dedicated to Sun Ra and commissioned specifically for this performance. 7 p.m. at ICA. Info: 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org.
Sunday, Aug. 2
FRIENDSHIP DAY: Phone a friend.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
WONDER WOMAN: For the Summer Wonder Family Program, learn about Native American language and dance from the Lenape people through traditional stories presented by Shelley DePaul, educational coordinator for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, and co-curator of the Penn Museum exhibition, “Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape of Pennsylvania.” 10:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-746-6774 or education@museum.upenn.edu. Free with Museum admission donation.
NEWMAN DAY: Film@International House remembers screen legend Paul Newman with “Behind Blue Eyes,” a showcase of four films that encompass his range as an actor and see beyond that face. The outdoor showcase begins with Richard Brooks’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” co-starring Elizabeth Taylor. 8 p.m. at International House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Free admission. Please bring chairs and blankets.
Thursday, Aug. 6
KIDS CORNER: At WXPN’s Kids Corner Concert Series, come out and listen to Ernie & Neal as they explore rock and roll, reggae, ska, jazz, folk, bluegrass and more. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. On summer concert evenings, all cars entering after 4 p.m. will be charged a per-car parking fee to encourage carpooling. Member cars: $10; non-member cars: $30.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
PEN PAL: Journalist, filmmaker and author Alia Yunis reads from and signs copies of her debut novel, “The Night Counter.” Currently a professor of communications at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, Yunis is a PEN Emerging Voices fellow. 7 to 8 p.m. at Penn Bookstore. Info: 215-898-7595 or www.upenn.edu/bookstore.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
ART OF PEACE: As part of the Summer Wonder Family Program, the art of the samurai sword and other martial arts forms are demonstrated by the Four Winds Martial Arts School from Havertown. 10:30 a.m. at Penn Museum. Info: 215-746-6774 or education@museum.upenn.edu. Free with Museum admission donation.
NEWMAN DAY: See Wednesday, August 5. Tonight: Robert Rossen’s “The Hustler,” a film of grit and greed and ultimately, redemption. Fast Eddie Felson is essentially a good man who is good at one thing—pool. 8 p.m. at International House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Free admission. Please bring chairs and blankets.
Thursday, Aug. 13
FLYNN FAN: WXPN’s Kids Corner Concert Series presents John Flynn, a beloved performer of folk music who has a great following in the area. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. On summer concert evenings, all cars entering after 4 p.m. will be charged a per-car parking fee to encourage carpooling. Member cars: $10; non-member cars: $30.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
NEWMAN DAY: See Wednesday, August 5. Tonight: Martin Ritt’s “Hud.” Based on Larry McMurty’s novel “Horseman, Pass By,” “Hud” is the story of a brutal, amoral cowboy. 8 p.m. at International House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Free admission. Please bring chairs and blankets.
Thursday, Aug. 20
COOL BEANS, MAN: WXPN’s Kids Corner Concert Series presents Steve Pullara of the Cool Beans Band. He performs fun and hip music that draws from jazz, swing and pop. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Morris Arboretum. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org. On summer concert evenings, all cars entering after 4 p.m. will be charged a per-car parking fee to encourage carpooling. Member cars: $10; non-member cars: $30.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
HISTORY LESSON: See “Editor’s Pick.”
Wednesday, Aug. 26
NEWMAN DAY: See Wednesday, August 5. Tonight: George Roy Hill’s “The Sting.” Set in the Great Depression, “The Sting” is a revenge comedy with Paul Newman and Robert Redford at their 1970s best. 8 p.m. at International House. Info: 215-387-5125 or www.ihousephilly.org. Free admission. Please bring chairs and blankets.
