West Philly’s Curio Theatre kicks off the new year this week with David Adjmi’s Marie Antoinette, a modern take on one of European history’s most infamous characters.

Adjmi’s take on the French queen introduces us to a woman who embodies artifice, excess and privilege while the mood in the streets grows hostile.  Continue Reading

The 9th annual “Big Push” Holiday Concert will take place at the Calvary United Methodist Church at 48th and Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 17.

The concert will feature a cameo performance by Philly Funk band Breakwater, and all proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Other musical guests include: Calvary UMC Choir, Salsa singer Anthony Colon, Latin percussionists Raul & Asaf Berrios, and more. Suggested donation is $20, and there is free admission for children.  Continue Reading

Saint Francis de Sales Church is an architectural landmark in West Philadelphia that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., the public is invited to a Candlelight Christmas concert, proceeds from which will go towards the ongoing renovation of the church.

The Choir of St. Francis de Sales, under the direction of Isabel Boston, will be presenting a program of Christmas choral music in a candlelit sanctuary, featuring works by Biebl, Holst, Palestrina, and others – along with some of the usual seasonal favorites.

The theme this year is most light, as the concert falls on the feast of St. Lucy–in many northern European countries, she’s associated as the “bearer of light” in the winter darkness. Besides the choir, there will also be a few children from the parish congregation performing several pieces. Entrance is through the front doors at 4625 Springfield Avenue.  Continue Reading

Go West! Craft Fest is one of the biggest shopping events in the area that supports local artists and artisans. On Sunday, Dec. 10, the holiday edition of the Fest will return to The Rotunda at 40th and Walnut and will feature handmade items by 70 local makers.

If you’re looking to buy unique holiday gifts for your family, friends or colleagues, make sure to stop by The Rotunda on Sunday and check out such items as handmade jewelry, ceramics, knitted accessories, clothing, prints, original art, stationery, home wares, childrens’ items, soaps, candles, holiday items and much more. The vendor list is available here.

The Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit: gowestcraftfest.com.

An assistant to the French-Tunisian artist eL Seed puts the finishing touches on a new mural at the corner of Preston and Market (Photos by Mike Lyons, West Philly Local)

If you’ve been up around 40th and Market in the past few days, you may have noticed a lot of activity near the corner of Market and Preston. The French-Tunisian “calligraffiti” artist el Seed is painting a mural.

eL Seed and two assistants have been working on the mural day and night since Monday and, despite the theft of their paint earlier in the week, the mural will be unveiled officially tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 18) at 11 a.m. Mural Arts Philadelphia and Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture co-sponsored the piece.  Continue Reading

November 18th will be exactly 10 years since Cedar Park’s craft and gift shop VIX Emporium opened its doors to customers at 5009 Baltimore Ave. To celebrate the shop’s 10th anniversary, owner Emily Dorn invites everyone to a party this Saturday from 6 – 9 p.m.

It’s also the opening party for two new 2018 wall calendars by two local artists. One features 12 tiny oil paintings of West Philadelphia architecture by Russell Brodie (see image below), and the other, by Loretta Gary of Radical Hearts Print Lab, highlights 12 prominent social and political activists.

Both limited-edition calendars will be available for sale.

And last but not least, you can head start on your holiday shopping at VIX. Your purchase of $50 or more during the party will be 10 percent off. Also, stay tuned for more details about the annual Go West! Holiday Craft Fest, which will take place at The Rotunda on Sunday, Dec. 10.  Continue Reading