What’s Happening in Philly | The Triangle
Arts & Entertainment

What’s Happening in Philly

Sarah Van Aken to debut spring collection

Sarah Van Aken, who is described as an eco-friendly clothing designer and entrepreneur, will be debuting her spring collection May 11. The “SA VA Nature Worship Spring Fashion Show” will consist of her ethical line of women’s ready-to-wear apparel. This is Van Aken’s second annual fashion show and street fair that will be held at the 1700 block of Samson Street, which is on the same block as Van Aken’s Center City flagship store. The fashion show will include a 30-look runway show using the middle of the street as the catwalk, surrounded by vending tables from sponsors. The Career Wardrobe, which benefits “women in transition by providing programs, which inspire the confidence necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and pursue a productive career,” will also be in attendance. This organization will be holding a raffle that includes prizes such as winning a year’s supply of Vitamin Water, gift certificates to Center City restaurants and a two-night stay at Hotel Palom.
1700 block of Sansom Street
Wednesday, May 11, 6 to 8 p.m.
www.shop.savafashion.com

Philadanco

Beloved for its dazzling, visceral style and devotion to promoting African-American traditions in dance, Philadanco returns to the Kimmel Center with works by stellar contemporary choreographers. As part of the Kimmel Center’s Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration, Philadanco puts new choreographic work in the spotlight with the Philadelphia premiere of Ray Mercer’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” based on the controversial 1967 film. Upcoming performances will include Milton Myers’ “Violin Concerto,” Christopher Huggins’ “Cottonwool” and the classic “Philadelphia Experiment” by Philly native and hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris. Philadanco has a long history as Philadelphia’s premiere modern contemporary dance company. It presents wide-ranging repertoire of highly athletic material rooted in jazz, ballet and modern dance traditions. The company continues to consistently tour more than any Philadelphia cultural organization, performing as many as 50-60 concerts and 45 residencies annually.
Kimmel Center at 260 South Broad StreetSaturday,
May 8 through May 8
www.kimmelcenter.org

My Way: A Musical Tribute To Frank Sinatra

Over the years, Frank Sinatra has made women scream when he walked up to the microphone. With a twist of a phrase, men wept. His ability to interpret a song defined an American generation. “My Way” is the must-see musical that celebrates the mystique of Frank Sinatra and the music he made famous. Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson, two dynamic couples take the audience from the 1940s swing era to the bright lights of Las Vegas with the Rat Pack and beyond. Relive the magic of Ol’ Blue Eyes with songs that include “Strangers in the Night,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.”
Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street
Friday, May 3 through July 3
Tickets $30
www.walnutstreettheatre.org

National Halloween, Horror, Haunted House & Hearse Convention

Described as a convention for everything dark and spooky, the National Halloween, Horror, Haunted House & Hearse Convention is coming to Philadelphia! Along with the convention, there will be a costume ball entitled, “The Cadavers Cotillion.” Each year, the costume ball is themed differently and this year the theme is steam punk. There will also be tours of eight haunted attractions with behind the scenes tour and over 100 vendor booths to purchase Halloween products that are not available in stores. Also included at the convention will be a make-up contest. Are you the best makeup artist in the industry? Come the convention and prove it! Guests are welcome to attend in costume.
Valley Forge Convention Center at 1160 1st Avenue
Friday, May 6 through May 8, 8 p.m. to midnight
Cost $25
www.nationalhalloweenconvention.com

PetSmart Charities PetWalk

Philadelphians who love animals can save the lives of thousands of homeless pets by joining the city’s inaugural PetSmart Charities PetWalk presented by Purina ProPlan. With the participation of the local community, the event aims to raise $300,000 for local animal-welfare agencies and PetSmart Charities, Inc., the largest funder of companion animal-welfare efforts in North America. Residents and their four-legged companions will enjoy a 3K walk, contests and other fun activities for adults, pets and kids as well as performances by the Purina Incredible Dog Team. By supporting the PetSmart Charities PetWalk, Philadelphians will raise funds for local animal-welfare agencies committed to finding a lifelong, loving home for every pet. Sponsorships are available for local businesses to help save homeless pets.
FDR Park at 1500 Pattison Ave.
Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m.
Cost $30
www.petsmartcharities.org