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A journalist who created his own reality.

Roger Ebert’s ‘Life Itself’

The secret of Roger Ebert’s success

Life Itself is a documentary about a remarkable man who spent his entire life in movie theaters yet somehow managed to develop more humane relationships with more real people than most of us who inhabit the real world.

Dan Rottenberg

Jul 07, 2014 Articles 3 minute read

Ottoman military band, c. 16th century: Would you rather fight these guys or join them?

When music trumped military force

When you have music, who needs guns?

Music has long been used by armies in battle to intimidate the enemy and bolster morale. We tend to forget that diplomats also used music to heal the scars after the fighting stopped. That’s what happened between European Christians and Muslim Turks.

Clarence Faulcon

Jul 07, 2014 Articles 4 minute read

Michael Fassbender and Javier Bardem in "The Counselor." (Photo by Kerry Brown - © 2013 - Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.)

Cormac McCarthy and Ridley Scott re-team for 'The Counselor'

Cormac and the Dark Side All-Stars

Cormac McCarthy is our Balzac of dope.

Bob Ingram

Jul 05, 2014 Articles 3 minute read

Bright colors, textured surfaces, and surreal situations typify Drew-Bear’s art. ("Untitled [Mermaid Show]," date unknown, courtesy of the Drew-Bear Family.)

Jessie Drew-Bear’s colorful art and unconventional life

An artist worth rediscovering

Despite a high level of success, particularly in view of her late entry into painting, the art world's awareness of Jessie Drew-Bear receded after her 1962 death. It's time to rediscover — and be inspired by — her.

Pamela J. Forsythe

Jul 05, 2014 Articles 4 minute read

Photo of the Solano Drive-In by Thomas Hawk, via Flickr/Creative Commons.

Drive-ins and the way we watch movies

Starry night

The drive-in experience is like tailgating before a sporting event, but for movie junkies.

Ryan Dellaquila

Jul 05, 2014 Articles 4 minute read

The mother of all romantic comedies: Kathryn Meisle, Ismenia Mendes, and Lily Rabe in "Much Ado About Nothing." (Photo by Joan Marcus)

'Much Ado About Nothing' at Shakespeare in the Park

Merry sparring under starry skies

Every once in a while, a Shakespearean production comes along wherein all the planets align. Such is the case with O’Brien’s marvelous Much Ado About Nothing, a Shakespeare in the Park production.

Carol Rocamora

Jul 05, 2014 Articles 4 minute read

City Rhythm Orchestra at Cooper River Park

Keeping the Big Band flame burning

City Rhythm Orchestra brought its swinging 12-piece edition to an outdoor concert on an evening with near-perfect weather.

Robert J. Robbins

Jul 05, 2014 Articles 2 minute read

Sarah Young (Agnès Sorel) and Gillian Watson (Joan of Arc), the Tuesday 6/24 principals of "The Maid of Orleans," take a selfie in front of St. Joan of Arc Statue on the Parkway in Philadelphia.

Tchaikovsky's "Maid of Orleans" at the Academy of Vocal Arts

Workshopping Saint Joan

Ghenady Meirson’s Russian Opera Workshop offers local audiences a chance to hear promising young voices singing major works in an informal setting, with no admission charge.