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Holiday cheer, VinylCon, Sip & Paint, and more
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, November 21-27, 2024
Kyle V. Hiller
This week, we’ve got holiday offerings from NextFab (an annual holiday market), Ensemble Arts (a performance of Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical), and Hedgerow Theatre (a live radio performance of a holiday classic). Then, there’s a chance to get well before the holidays with CultureWorks, a chance to paint it out with NoName Gallery, and maybe even some holiday shopping for your music-loving loved ones—or just for yourself—at VinylCon.
There won’t be a roundup next week, so I’ve included a few events that run through next weekend. Also, be sure to check out BSR’s webinar, HELP US HELP YOU: A PR webinar for artists with the editors at BSR, on Thursday, November 21. It’s a return from a popular webinar we hosted last year, and folks interested in PR and communications in the arts in Philly should attend! It would be great to see you there.
Happy holidays, Philly!
Calm + Create: Wellness and Holiday Joy
Thursday, November 21, 5-8pm
CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, 1315 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
A wellness workshop designed to bring calm and creativity to your holiday season arrives in Center City, featuring activities like guided breathing exercises, journaling, a crafting session, the making of homemade greeting cards, and more—great ways to set mindfulness before what can often be a stressful time of year.
Sip & Paint
Saturday, November 23, 5-8pm
NoName Gallery, 8127 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
Join NoName Gallery for an evening of drinks and painting. You don’t have to be a professional or any good to join in. You’ll be supported by visual artist, graphic designer, and educator Flygirrl, so your attempts at making art won’t be all alone.
Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market
Saturday, November 23, 11am-5pm
NextFab North, 1800 North American Street, Philadelphia
The fourth annual Miracle on American Street Holiday Gift Market returns this week, featuring over 80 local vendors offering handmade gifts, jewelry, clothing, home décor items, and more. There are hands-on activities, live demonstrations, food and drinks, and a chance to explore the new Wheelhouse building.
VinylCon
November 23-24, 2024
23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia
This two-day community celebration of collecting culture and new music discovery pops up this weekend. Pick up some vinyls and other recorded media and memorabilia. There’s also a full bar, food trucks, and vinyl-only DJs.
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
Tuesday, November 26, 7pm
Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Theater Company hosts a one-night benefit reading of Terrence McNally’s Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, a play that tracks two blue-collar middle-aged romantics as they confront feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and the universal human need for intimacy. It stars Academy Award-winner, Tony Award-nominee, and Philadelphia native Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames.
Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical
November 26-December 1, 2024
Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Ensemble Arts Philly will present the Broadway holiday musical over Thanksgiving weekend. The show is family-friendly, and a sensory-friendly performance will be available on Saturday, November 30, at 7pm.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
November 27-December 29, 2024
Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media
The Frank Capra classic comes to Hedgerow Theatre as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Starting over Thanksgiving weekend and continuing through the end of the year, the immersive production will open with a preview on Wednesday, November 27; an opening night with a post-show reception on Friday, November 29, with open captioning, live audio descriptions; and relaxed performances throughout December.
Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band
November 29, 7:30pm
Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
There’s more from Ensemble Arts! After Turkey Day, they’ll host Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band with homegrown guests Joanna Pascale, Paul Jost, and Bilal for a night of Philly jazz. The two-time Grammy-nominated band is led by Philadelphia native Orrin Evans.
At top: James Ijames directs Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. (Photo by Justin DeWalt.)
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