Russian National Orchestra’s Exclusive East Coast Performances
The Russian National Orchestra takes the stage July 27, 28 and 29 for the Mann’s classical season finale. After Wednesday’s journey deep below the sea with performance of the majestic score of the BBC’s award-winning “Blue Planet” television series, Thursday night was another nod to the Mann’s crossover programming, with the RNO playing the music of Russia’s greatest composers while aerial artists of Cirque de la Symphonie performed their breathtaking acrobatics and artistry overhead. Wrapping up the Mann’s classical season, the final RNO concert will showcase many of the greatest works by the mighty Russian masters. “From Russia With Love” highlights the haunting theme from “Dr. Zhivago,” Rachmaninoff’s most popular piano tour de force – Paganini’s “Rhapsody,” and music from Tchaikovsky’s most beloved ballet – Act II of “The Nutcracker,” complete with fireworks. This concert also concludes the Mann’s three-concert partnership this season with soloists from the Curtis Institute of Music, as pianist Kwan Yi, a 2008 Curtis graduate, makes his debut under the baton of Mikhail Tatarnikov.
Mann Center for the Performing Arts at 5201 Parkside Avenue
Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
$49.50, $25 or $10 (lawn)
www.manncenter.org
Sticky Buns Burlesque
Going beyond bizarre with some of the strangest and most beautiful performers on the east coast, Sticky Buns Burlesque is a Baltimore/DC-based troupe dedicated to pushing boundaries in both the art form of burlesque and our society at large. Their innovative performances empower and entertain audiences by challenging conventions with sexy, comedic commentary. Their aim is to create tableaux of strange and arresting beauty through liberating, joyous performance and take audiences on journeys that make them laugh, think, revel in bizarre freakishness and feel alive. Starring: Criminally carnal sex-educator: Roma Mafia; Burlesque madman: Paco Fish; So cute it hurts: Marla Meringue; The chocolate that melts your heart: Gigi Holliday; and diner waitress open 24/7: Shortstaxx, with special musical guests Sisters 3.
The North Star Bar at 2639 Poplar St.
Saturday, July 30 at 9 p.m.
$12 at the door, $10 in advance (ages 21+)
www.stickybunsburlesque.com
Philadelphia’s Eighth Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival
An exciting, inclusive community event, the Black Women’s Arts Festival features multi-media artistic and creative performance and exhibits by self-identified women and girls of African heritage. This year will include a rich variety of healing arts and more of a focus on personal growth and spirituality as well as the creative arts. The weekend will include music, films, spoken word, theatre, dance, visual arts, children’s events, workshops, open mics, food, vendors and after parties. Check out the full, four-day schedule online.
The Rotunda at 4014 Walnut St.
Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 31
Free to $15, depending on the time, day and event
www.therotunda.org
Sixth Annual Car Show & Street Festival
2010’s Car Show (formerly the DooWop) brought 130 classic, muscle and antique cars, trucks and motorcycles to the Avenue and thousands of visitors to enjoy them. This year’s Car Show will feature live music on every block, street food, vendors and fun for the whole family. Over 60 trophies are awarded, including Top 50, Best Stock, Best Modified, Car & Motorcycle Best of Show and 10 specialty trophies. The Bang! Boom! CRAFT! show will also be held at the Fountain, featuring over 30 artisans with handmade clothing, jewelry, artwork and more.
East Passyunk Ave. between Dickinson and Broad Street
Sunday, July 31 from 12 – 5 p.m. (rain date: Aug. 7)
$15 for participating cars, free for attendees
www.visiteastpassyunk.com
Second Street Music Festival
The Second Street Festival is back, this year it is presented by The Philadelphia Folk Society and sponsored by NLBOA. As part of the 50th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival celebration, the Philadelphia Folksong Society will be partnering with the Northern Liberties community to produce the 3rd Annual 2nd Street Music Festival Sunday, July 31. The amalgamation of these two festivals will result in a 6-block long party that retains the raucous good time of last year’s food, beer gardens, over 150 vendors and music and incorporates folk musical acts, workshops and crafts curated by the Philadelphia Folk Festival. There will be three free stages throughout the day – a Rhythm and Roots stage (just south of George St), an Independent stage (at Poplar) and a Kids and Workshop stage (at Fairmount) – featuring performances from Black Landlord, Chuck Treece, Gildon Works, The Rebel Yell, Adam Arcuragi, Peasant and other acts and DJs.
2nd Street between Germantown Ave. and Green Street
Sunday, July 31 from 12 to 10 p.m.
www.nolibs.com
Screenings Under the Stars
The RiverStage at Penn’s Landing is transformed into an outdoor theater for another season of Screenings Under the Stars. Every Thursday night in July and August, beginning July 7, a different popular film will be featured on a big screen on the new RiverStage at Penn’s Landing, located on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street. The screenings, sponsored by media partners NBC 10 and B101.1 FM, will begin at dusk or approximately 8:30 p.m. in July and 8 p.m. in August. As with all events produced by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the screenings are free. For a list of featured presentations, please visit www.delawareriverevents.com.