Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave.) is presenting a new yoga class series for children ages 4-12 beginning Oct. 17. Led by instructor Lily Cavanagh the six-week series will feature breathing exercises, games, poses and relaxation. Younger kids will also be introduced to communication skills in a fun-filled environment. Older kids will learn how to maintain balance in both their minds and bodies and how to boost their self-esteem through engaging in group and partner activities.

Classes are once a week, on Mondays, 3:45-4:30 (ages 4-6) and 4:45-5:30 (ages 7-12). The six-week series costs $60 and there will be a free trial class on Monday, Oct. 10. For more information and to enroll go here.

You have a chance to see two gems (as in “a person or thing considered to be outstandingly good or special in some respect”) of the West Philly music scene in an intimate setting Friday night. Musicians Joshua Marcus and Emily Bate are combining for Sweet Sound of Music at Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave.) beginning at 8 p.m. The suggested donation for the show is $8 and sweet teas and simple infused syrups are on the house.

Here are Emily and Joshua’s backgrounds (from the Studio 34 website):

Joshua Marcus

Joshua Marcus lives in Philadelphia, PA and has produced nine recordings under different bands and monikers in the last nine years, including Fan of Friends. This spring Marcus will release his newest recording, Reverse the Charges, on Chicago’s Contraphonic and Philadelphia’s High Two record labels. Joshua is currently working on a collaborative project to produce a folk recording dealing with current U.S. social and environmental justice struggles.

Emily Bate

Emily Bate’s spent 10 years performing, recording and touring, and singing sweetly about complicated things. She’s released three full-lengths and an several EPs. She is one half of the drag cover cabaret band Gender Mountain, with Dave End, and plays with lots of other buddies in West Philly. On this special occasion, expect some ukulele shredding, fingerpicked electric guitar, and big singing.

Here are some things going on this weekend. For more, check the Happenings page:

• Fun-A-Day Art Show • Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. & 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave.) • Free admission

The Seventh Annual Fun-A-Day Art Show presents an eclectic array of art your friends and neighbors made every day for the month of January. Also featuring performances, food and refreshments. Don’t forget to bring your kids. On Saturday don’t miss an open mic reading event (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and the main show (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

• Mariposa Food Co-op Flea Market • Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • New Mariposa building (4824 Baltimore Ave.) • Free admission

Vendors will be showing off their: hand-made jewelry, baked goods, new-to-you clothes, books, records, services, pottery, pet treats, and artworks. You can also meet some local body workers and get a sample of their skills at the market. And while you are at the market, check out the Mariposa tables. You can talk to a representative about the expansion, see the plans and learn how you can make a financial contribution to the expansion.

• 30th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration • Penn Museum (3260 South St.)

The celebration features music and dance performances, healing and martial arts demonstrations, games, workshops, children’s activities, and grand opening as well as grand finale lion dance performances. The celebration is free with Museum admission donation ($10 general admission; $7 senior citizens [65+]; $6 students [with ID] and children [6 to 17]; free for children under 6, members, and PennCard holders). See the complete schedule of events here.

• Great Expectations • 8 p.m. • Curio Theatre • 815 S. 48th St. • Tickets $10 to $15

The Dickens classic opens tonight at the Curio. There is also a Saturday performance at 8 p.m.

Mummers don’t float your boat? There are alternatives on New Year’s Day if you are looking for something to do a little closer to home. Here are a few things to do on 1X4 (1-1-11).

• Philadelphia’s seventh Pecha Kucha night will be held at Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave.) Jan. 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Japanese word for “chit-chat,” Pecha Kucha (peh-CHAK-cha) nights involve lightening quick presentations by innovators, thinkers and all around interesting folks. The rules are simple. Wired magazine summed them up well: “Say what you need to say in six minutes and 40 seconds of exquisitely matched words and images and then sit the hell down.” Basically, you get 20 slides, 20 seconds each.

According to organizers, Vol. 7 will feature talks about girls who rock, podcasts about Philly, goats that groom urban spaces, and more! The suggested donation for the night is $5.

• One way to work off the hangover blues is to share your pain. One place to do that on New Year’s Day is Local 44 (44th and Spruce Streets), our friendly neighborhood pub, which is celebrating its second anniversary (yep, they opened Jan. 1, 2009) with a day-long brunch. They will have fare for veggie and meat lovers alike and a lengthy anniversary draft list.

• Perhaps the best way to get your mind and body right is with some good old fashioned acupuncture.  Philadelphia Community Acupuncture (50th and Baltimore, above Dock Street) is open both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They offer affordable acupuncture on a sliding scale.