Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

Theater (and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) fans should rejoice – West Philly’s Curio Theatre is getting ready to emBARK on The Hound of the Baskervilles, their last production of the 2012-2013 season and Philadelphia premiere. We hear that the play, which opens tonight at 8 p.m., is quite spooky (as it should be), but has some derailments, like the cast, Harry Slack of West Philadelphia, Steve Carpenter of South Philly and CJ Keller of Havertown, arguing about whether they should include a medical disclaimer for the audience or getting distracted by a Twitter comment (don’t worry, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson will get back on the case).

The new production, directed by Curio Artistic Director and West Philly resident Paul Kuhn is a very “Curio” kind of play, with its double-casting and high theatricality, and includes some costumes changes right in front of the audience! With all the derailments and cast distractions you may wonder how it will it end. Why not see for yourself? The shows will run through June 1.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, a Philadelphia premiere
May 8-June 1, 2013
Performing on Curio’s Corner Stage (corner of 48th St. and Baltimore Ave.)
All shows are at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (and Wednesday, May 8)
Ticket Prices: $15-20 ($5 off for preview tickets: 5/8-9)
Tickets/Info: 215-525-1350 or www.curiotheatre.org

This Wednesday, May 8, there’s a chance to support a local art program and try delicious Mediterranean dishes prepared by Aksum Cafe (4630 Baltimore Ave). From 5 – 10 p.m. Aksum is hosting “Dining for the Arts” – a benefit for the artists and communities served by the Center For Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA). The specially-prepared three-course, pre fixe dinner will include Aksum favorites and vegan options ($45 per person, BYOB.) 40 percent of the evening’s proceeds will benefit CFEVA. To make your reservation call 267.275.8195.

The Center For Emerging Visual Artists, formerly Creative Artists Network, was founded in 1983 by Felicity R. “Bebe” Benoliel and serves emerging artists who live and work within 100 miles of Philadelphia.
 

The traveling exhibition featuring contemporary botanical artworks depicting plants discovered and introduced by two generations of the Bartram family is opening today at Bartram’s Garden (54th St & Lindbergh Blvd). The exhibit coincides with Bartram’s Spring Plant Sale (members-only preview of the plant sale is also today) and many of the plants depicted in the artists’ works will be available for purchase during the sale, which will run throughout the weekend.

The exhibition will be installed in the gallery of the restored Barn, built in 1775 by John Bartram, and the oldest barn in Philadelphia. It will be on display through May 24, then will travel to further venues throughout the southeastern US. For more information, go here.

Bartram’s Spring Plant Sale will be open for general public this Saturday and Sunday (May 4 & 5), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The plant sale is an annual fundraiser for the garden. For more information on what plants are available for sale this weekend, check out this page.

It all began five years ago when a sculptor, a nurse practitioner, and an Eastern arts instructor, all longtime West Philly residents, opened a multipurpose space at 4522 Baltimore Avenue. Since then Studio 34 has been fostering a sense of community through their health and wellness classes, art exhibitions and events. To celebrate their 5th anniversary, the Studio 34 co-founders – Angela Norris, James Peniston and Stephen Fisher and owner Jason Schoen – are inviting everyone this Saturday to a big party “filled with all things West Philly and wonderful.”

Unidos de Filadelfia performing at Studio 34. (Photo courtesy jjtiziou.net)

Here’s what’s in store for Saturday evening at the studio, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

– Dessert Potluck
– Music by Philly’s favorite songstress, Birdie Busch
– Big dance party with West Philly’s samba drummers, Unidos de Filadelfia
– Free raffle with a chance to win classes and other goodies

Also on Saturday there will be a grand opening of Studio 34 BackSpace, with tours of the space offered during the event.

The BackSpace, which opened in October 2012, has an art and music focus and will include a low-cost community recording studio currently being built in collaboration with the West Philly band Buried Beds. Once the recording studio is up and running, Studio 34 will start offering Music Recording/Production 101 courses.

BackSpace recently hosted a baby shower. (Photo courtesy LoraReehlingPhotography.com)

The BackSpace is used for hosting private events, music shows, queer proms, workshops, theater rehearsals, and even baby showers. The grand opening on Saturday will kick off a schedule of classes (small to start) with local artists and musicians.

“Our goal is to collaborate with local talent in a way that brings awareness to the incredibly talented musicians who live in our community, offering quality classes and workshops with professional musicians, while providing another avenue of income for musicians who require a lot of flexibility in their schedules,” Norris said in an email. “Our hope is to offer courses that are not already available in the neighborhood and the larger Philly area.”

This Saturday in Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine) you have the chance to see some pit bulls and other rugged (or not rugged) pooches engaged in some thrilling, macho competition. But these are pullers, not fighters.

The Lug Nuts program was designed about a dozen years ago as a way to provide competition for (mostly) young men and their dogs that didn’t involve fighting. The dogs don padded harnesses hooked to plastic sleds filled with bags of dog food and do their damdest to pull the sled. No dog is forced to pull and any dog is welcome – from the smallest of chihuahuas to the greatest of Danes. Dogs are judged by how much weight they pull as a percentage of their body weight. So that chihuahua could walk away with the whole thing.

Saturday’s program includes low-cost vaccines, low-cost microchips, low-cost spay and neuter info and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. The pulling competition is 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No registration or training is required and entrants get free dog food and other gifts. The winners get cash money.

The Penn Vet Animal Welfare Society, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Philly Lug Nuts (Facebook page) are sponsoring the event.

Here’s some exciting news: Clark Park is hosting two big events in May – the annual Spruce Hill’s May Fair on Saturday, May 11 and Clark Park Party on May 18. Both events will be packed with fun activities for adults and children alike, music, food and vendors. We’ll let you know more about the details a little later, but for now here are a couple important messages from the event organizers.

Vendors at Spruce Hill May Fair. (Archive photo)

Mark Wagenveld of the Spruce Hill Community Association, who coordinates vendors at the May Fair, sent a note that there are still some slots available for vendors. Especially welcome are artists and crafts persons from West Philadelphia who are making unusual things. Also, groups that want to promote their cause, and businesses, especially unusual start-ups. Tables are $35 for those selling, $25 for non-profits. SHCA provides a table and chair for the day. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested persons or businesses should e-mail Mark by May 1 at: ma.wa@verizon.net

Michael Munson of The Thrive Fitness and Wellness, who’s in charge of field day events this year during the Clark Park Party, is seeking volunteers for the following  events and activities:  the 3 legged race, potato sack races, some fun fitness games, exercises and much more including face painting. Ideas and suggestions are welcome, too. If anyone has kids who would like to join in the fun (young or old) please let Michael know. Also needed: face paint, potato sacks, a rope for tug-o- war and maybe more. If you would like to volunteer, donate or for more information, please email Michael at: thrivefitnessandwellness@gmail.com