Weekly Entertainment Guide: St. Patrick’s Day and Flamenco dance festival
UPDATED: WHYY’s Arts Calendar curator Robin Bloom sorts through hundreds of listings each week to find out what’s happening in the Delaware Valley. Here are her picks and listings.
“America’s Forgotten War” recalled at Independence Seaport Museum
Opening this weekend at the Independence Seaport Museum is “Home of the Brave: The War of 1812 in Art, Story & Song,” an exhibit exploring the naval aspect of the war through art, material and popular culture, and first-hand accounts of participants and on-lookers, and includes objects from the Museum’s collection, loans from the Dietrich American Foundation and other private collectors. The exhibit also focuses on Philadelphia’s hometown heroes – Stephen Decatur, William Bainbridge and Stephen Girard, along with an interactive cannon battle, a focus on the war inspired poem “The Star-Spangled banner,” and much more, through December 31 on the waterfront at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia. This Saturday, March 17 is a lecture with hands-on activities for kids, 1-3pm.
Pasión y Arte, Philadelphia’s all-female flamenco dance company, hosts the First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival, Monday, March 19 through April 1, featuring the work of internationally renowned Spanish dancer/choreographer Rosario Toledo, as well as film screenings, master classes, a symposium of expert panelists and post-performance discussions and receptions, at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $10-$25
Watercolors and ink depictions of everyday scenes and recent events by New Jersey artist Jen Tracy are on display at the Ocean City Arts Center through March 31 in the Community Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, NJ.
The Stockton Performing Arts Center hosts spring performances: Moscow Festival Ballet – Cinderella, March 19, 7pm; Forbidden Broadway “Dances with the Stars,” March 24, 7:30pm; Bay-Atlantic Symphony “Sebelius and Lee Pui Ming,” March 25, 2pm; Sherri Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, March 26, 7:30pm; Sing along Sound of Music, April 1, 2pm; South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble “Synergy,” April 16, 7:30pm; 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ. Tickets $10-$40
Symphony in C performs “Brahms and Beethoven,” with Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello, Op 102, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and more, Rossen Milanov conducting, Roberto Gonzalez, violin, and Matthias Bartolomey, cello, March 17, 8pm, Gordon Theater, Rutgers Camden Center for the Arts, Third Street, Camden, NJ.
Colonial Theatre hosts spring concerts: George Winston, Thursday, March 22, 8pm; Spring Pipe Organ Concert, Sunday, March 25, 3pm; Leon Redbone, Friday, March 30, 8pm; Leo Kottke, Friday, April 13, 8pm; Suzanne Westenhoefer, Saturday, April 14, 8pm; 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA. Tickets $5-$39.50
Opening this weekend at Wilmington Drama League is “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” by Steve Martin, directed by Jean Eggen, through March 31, 10 West Lea Blvd, Wilmington, DE. Tickets $10-$17
The Drama Group presents “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde, directed by Angela Anderson, March 16-31 at The First United Methodist Church of Germantown, 6001 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. Tickets $10-$15, 2 for 1 on opening night
The Centre Theater and Iron Age Theatre present “Fool for Love,” by Sam Shepard, through March 25, 208 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA. Tickets $20
The annual production “Number the Stars,” takes to the stage at Haddonfield Plays and Players Tuesday, March 20 through March 29, by Sean Hartley, based on the book by Lois Lowry, 957 East Atlantic Avenue at Crows Woods, Haddonfield, NJ. Tickets $10
Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective presents “Reflexions,” six evenings of dance/theater, at the Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street, Philadelphia, March 22-31, reflecting outreach IPDC has done in Haiti, North Philly, and New Orleans with children in need. Tickets $20 at door, $15 in advance, $10 student rush
Lyric Fest performs “A Very Good Year ~ Happy Birthday to 1912,” a historical snapshot of the world the year “Happy Birthday” first appeared in print, as well as songs and opera composed during that year all over the world, featuring Meagan Miller, Randall Scarlata, Zach Borichevsky, Suzanne DuPlantis, Randi Marrazzo and The Chamber Singers of Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, under the direction of Thomas Lloyd, with pianist Laura Ward, Friday, March 23, 8pm, Haverford College, and Sunday, March 25, 3pm, The Academy of Vocal Arts. Tickets $5-$25
1812 Productions presents the newest comedy from Tony Braithwaite and Jennifer Childs, Let’s Pretend We’re Famous, through March 25, with unique interpretations of songs and dissections of American celebrity, at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street, Center City, Philadelphia. Tickets $20-$36
Lantern Theater Company continues its 18th season with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, under the direction of Artistic Director Charles McMahon, through April 1 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th & Ludlow Streets, Center City, Philadelphia. Tickets $20-$36, $10 student rush 10 minutes before curtain with valid ID/cash only.
“The Prints of Andy Warhol,” a collection of more than 60 pieces of pop art icon Andy Warhol, are on display at the Reading Public Museum, with an overview of Warhol’s printmaking career, including the iconic, colorful pop prints of Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, Ronald Reagan and other celebrities, in addition to his famous Soup Can and Camouflage prints, through June 17 at 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA, organized by The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. Adult tickets $10, senior, children and student tickets (with ID) $5
Renowned figurative artist Dick Morrill’s national traveling exhibit makes it way to Rosemont College, providing a look at his compelling, allegorical narratives. “Narratives and Portraits” runs through April 13 at The Lawrence Gallery at Rosemont College, 1400 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA.
New Jersey resident and photographic artist Albert D. Horner brings his knowledge and familiarity of South Jersey to his latest photographic exhibition “Intimate Landscapes,” at the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton College, Seaview Art Gallery, on display through May 29 at 401 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ. Free and open daily to the public.
The first solo exhibition of Philadelphia-based artist and winner of the University of the Arts Henkels Award, Nathan Pankratz, “Over the Urubamba,” is on display at Bridgette Mayer Gallery, featuring his recent abstract paintings and works on paper, through March 31, 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
University City Arts League Gallery presents West Philly Abstraction, recent work by Marina Borker, Robert Goodman, Todd Keyser, Paul King, Alice Oh, Caroline Letham Santa, Tremain Smith, and Douglas Witmer, artists whose works have been exhibited internationally, are part of major museum collections, and make West Philly their home, through March 30, 4226 Spruce Street, Philadelphia.
Glass flowers are the focus of the “Liberty in Bloom” Glass Flower Show at the National Liberty Museum, as dozens of pieces, heated and folded to resemble lilies, orchids, bamboo and more, are on display through April 29 at the National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Featured works of renowned artists from around the country include Bernard Katz, Peter Yenawine and Jonathan Mandell. Show included with museum admission. Tickets $5-$7.
Three-time Emmy Award winner and Tony nominee Jack Klugman returns to the stage at George Street Playhouse to star in Twelve Angry Men, by Reginald Rose, directed by David Saint, through April 8 at 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Klugman is the last living cast member from the 1957 movie of the same name (he played the young Juror 5) and is now cast as the eldest of the twelve, Juror 9.
The Wilma Theater presents Curse of the Starving Class, the first play by Sam Shepard to be produced at the Wilma, directed by Richard Hamburger, through April 8 at Broad and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia. Tickets $39-$66
Asian Arts initiative hosts performances of emerging Indian dance by Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company, the Washington, D.C. based troupe that explores multiple identities of second generation South Asians through modern dance with a performance at Family Style Open Mic, Friday, March 16, 7:30pm, $5-$10, 6:45pm pre-show reception, Asian Arts Initiative; Full concert dance, Saturday, March 17, 3pm, free, RSVP required, 4:30pm dessert reception, Haverford College, Marshall Auditorium in Roberts Hall, 370 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA.
The Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival is Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18, with 30 bands on two stages, including Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Country Current, Avery County, instrument workshops, kids’ academy and more, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 630 Naamans Road, Claymont, DE. Advanced tickets $45, weekend ticket, $50, Friday, $20, Saturday, $25, Sunday, $20
The Academy of Vocal Arts hosts the annual Jubilate! Concert of Sacred Music and Oratorio Masterpieces with young soloists backed by a 100 voice choir, Saturday, March 17, 7:30pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Wayne, PA, and Sunday, March 18, 7pm, The Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square, featuring the music of Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Boito, Gounod, Dvorak, Puccini, and Gaither. Tickets $10-$40
The World Premiere of Azuka Theatre’s Hope Street and Other Lonely Places is onstage at Off-Broad Street Theater, First Baptist Church, 1636 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, by Genne Murphy, directed by Kevin Glaccum, through April 1. Tickets $15-$27
Onstage at New City Stage Company is the Philadelphia premiere of Terrorism, by the Presnyakov Brothers, directed by Rosey Hay, through March 25 at the Adrienne Main Stage, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia. Originally presented at the Moscow Arts Theatre. Tickets $5-$35
The Half Moon returns for its 6th season with concerts: singer songwriter Jack Murray, Friday, March 16; The Druckenmillers (traditional mountain music), Friday, March 30; Leon and Tina (acoustic eclectic), Friday, April 13; At Clay on Main, 313 Main Street, Oley, PA. Doors open at 7:30pm, show 8-10pm, $10 donation includes coffee, tea and light refreshments, parking in church lot
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:
The Kennett Flash hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Bogey Philips, Jay Ansill, and VICTORY Brewing Co., Saturday, March 17, doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8pm, Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Other upcoming concerts include: Lucy Kaplansky, Friday, March 23, 8pm; Mad-Sweet Pangs, Saturday, March 24, 8pm; Kevin Gordon, Wednesday, March 28, 8pm; Ethan Pierce & Sarah Donner, Friday, March 30, 8pm; Marshall Crenshaw, Saturday, March 31, 8pm; 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, PA. Tickets $10-$28
Celtic singer/guitarist Charlie Zahm and fiddler Tad Marks perform a St. Patrick’s Day concert with songs of Ireland, Scotland and the sea, at St. Michael Lutheran Church, Sunday, March 18, 3pm, 109 East Doe Run Road, Unionville, PA, with a reception following including refreshments and green punch. Donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child under age 12 is requested.
The Broadway Theatre of Pitman hosts a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for children ages 3 to 9, “Lotsa Lucky Leprechauns,” featuring stories, shamrocks, and a pot of gold, Friday, March 16, 10 am and Saturday, March 17, 10 am & 1 pm, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ. Tickets $7-$9
Andy Cooney brings a taste of Ireland to the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center with “Forever Irish,” including the Irish Sopranos and button accordionist Liam O’Conner, Friday, March 16, 7:30pm, 602 Lansdowne Avenue, Upper Darby, PA. Tickets $20-$25
And then Andy Cooney travels to the State Theatre Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 17, 8pm, 453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. Tickets $25-$30
The Historic Philadelphia Center hosts a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for all ages, Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18, with activities including children’s crafts, discount off Liberty 360 for visitors who wear green, and more, 6th & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.
Appel Farm hosts spring concerts: Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, Friday, March 16, 8pm, tickets $30, with pre-show conversation at 6:45pm, tickets $10; Southside Johnny & The Poor Fools, Saturday, March 24, 8pm, tickets $30; John Lennon Imagined: The Beatles & Solo Years, Saturday, April 14, 8pm, tickets $27.50; 457 Shirley Road, Elmer, NJ.
The Green Parrot Restaurant and Pub hosts the 2nd annual Newtown Irish Festival with Irish food, drinks, music and more, Friday, March 16 & Saturday, March 17, both days starting at 12pm, 240 N. Sycamore Street, Newtown, PA.
The Celtic band SEASONS performs a St. Patrick’s Day concert at The Byers’ Choice, fusing Celtic, popular and original music, Saturday, March 17, 12-2pm, 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA.
The Old First Reformed United Church of Christ hosts a St. Patrick’s Day “Family Fun Day” including face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy and more, Saturday, March 17, 1-4pm, 151 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Crossing Vineyards and Winery hosts St. Patrick’s Day concerts Saturday, March 17, with Idlewoodsmen, and Sunday, March 18, with The Boys of County Bucks, both 1-5pm, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA.
The World Café Live hosts a “Saint Patty’s Day Spectacular” featuring a string of live bands including Lil Rock, Anomaly, Murphee Doyle, Carmen Magro, Beyond the Element, DIVE and Maddam INK, Saturday, March 17, doors open at 5pm, show starts at 5:30pm, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tickets $15
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a free performance by the students of McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance, featuring traditional Irish step and figure dancing, with drinks and snacks by Wolfgang Puck, Saturday, March 17, 6pm; additional events include Kabuki Dance, Sunday, March 25, 3pm; Wynton Marsalis and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Tuesday, April 3, 7:30pm; Paco de Lucia, Tuesday, April 10, 8pm, Broad Street, Philadelphia.
The Schuylkill Canal Association celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a hike and treasure hunt, Irish music, treats and stories of the Schuylkill Canal and the role of Irish immigrants who helped build the canal in the 1800s, Sunday, March 18, 1-4 pm, Lock 60 on the Schuylkill Canal, 400 Towpath Road, Mont Clare, PA.
The Philadelphia Art Alliance hosts “Irish Eyes: The Life and Voice of Bing Crosby,” an hour with pianist, singer and lecturer Fred Miller, on the life, times and music of the Irish-American singer, Sunday, March 18, 3pm, 251 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia. Tickets $10, free to PAA members.
To submit an event to be considered for the Weekly Entertainment Guide email artscalendar@whyy.org.
Pamela Seaton contributed reporting to this week’s guide.
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