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A free storytelling project aimed at youth ages 18-21 is looking for participants interested in sharing their stories while learning skills in live performance, mixed media performance and improvisation.

Project organizers want to reach out to the LGBT community and young adults dealing with poverty, addiction and special needs.

“The general idea is to create a nurturing environment where all participants feel included and safe, as well as given the skills to share about the meaningful experiences in their lives,” according to a flyer for the project.

Project Arts will run the project, which begins on Jan. 7 at The Rotunda and runs every Wednesday evening from 5-8 p.m. for seven weeks, culminating in a live performance.

More information is available at the Project Arts website here. There will be 15 spots available and the deadline to apply is Dec. 15. Decisions will be made by Dec. 20.

Corey Harris (publicity photo).

After the summer break and some uncertainty regarding the Fall 2014 season, Crossroads Music is resuming its program. So far the company has announced performances by two musicians, which will take place at The Rotunda (40th and Walnut) while the Calvary Church building, its usual performance space, is undergoing maintenance.

This Sunday (Nov. 16), Corey Harris, a blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and band leader, will give two performances. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. (tickets are $10-$30 and can be purchased here) and there will also be a free program for children and their caregivers starting at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, Honduran musician Aurelio will bring Garifuna music sounds to The Rotunda. This performance also begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available here.

More performances will be announced soon, according to the Crossroads Music website, so check it regularly for updates.

Friday is finally here and despite chilly temperatures hitting our area a lot of cool and energizing stuff will be happening tonight on Lancaster Avenue, between 35th and 43rd Streets, as part of the monthly 2nd Fridays on Lancaster Avenue. Tonight’s program will include an art show opening, film screenings, live music and open mic, an orchestral disco party, coffee tasting, shopping, and more! Check out the flier below and also visit our Events Calendar for more information about tonight’s events. There is also a Facebook page for Lancaster Avenue – West Philadelphia, with tons of useful info.

Curio Theatre Company opens its 10th season this week with the world premiere of a performance that is, as they say, ripped straight from the headlines.

The Matter of Frank Schaefer tells the true story of the Methodist minister from Lebanon, Penna. who is defrocked for officiating his son’s gay wedding, refrocked on appeal and is currently threatened with another defrocking.

“What grabbed us right away with the story of Frank Schaefer is that it felt like a civil rights movement was starting right in front of us,” said Curio’s artistic director Paul Kuhn. “When we started this project gay marriage had not been legalized in Pennsylvania and Frank Schaefer had not yet been defrocked.”  Continue Reading

It’s getting chilly out there. How about some chili? No, how about a LOT of chili? On Sunday, Nov. 9, there will be a chance to try many versions of this popular dish and vote for your favorite during University City Arts League’s 6th Annual “Chili Bowl” Cook-off, an event that benefits its great pottery studio.

Participants showcasing their chili-making talent at this year’s event include: Philly Cow Share, Greensgrow Farms, Guacamole, Green Line Cafe, The Gold Standard Cafe, Rx The Farmacy, Harvest Seasonal, Café Renata, Tortas Frontera, New Deck Tavern, Local 44, Atiya Ola’s, and Heathland. In addition, Milk & Honey will be serving Mac and Cheese and Metropolitan Bakery will supply bread. Drinks will be served by Yards Brewing Company. There will also be some music and entertainment: Ann Schwartz of Green Tambourine and her students will be performing throughout the event, from 1 to 5 p.m.  Continue Reading

A reader, Adam, snapped these photos the other day of a guy playing the drums in the bed of a moving pick-up near 49th and Warrington.

Adam writes:

“I love my neighborhood. This guy was playing a full drum kit in the back of a moving pickup truck.  Unfortunately, the cops weren’t music lovers.”

Sure enough, the drummer had to explain himself to police.