Cirque du Soleil comes to Camden waterfront for first time with 'Totem'

It’s been five years since Cirque du Soleil has been under the blue-and-yellow Big Top in Philadelphia. And this time around, the site where the show was staged in 2008 — along Broad Street — wasn’t available. So they needed to find another spot to set up shop.That spot happened to be on this side of the river in Camden, along the waterfront.

“It’s nice to develop new sites,” said Tim Smith, “Totem” artistic director. “The location on the waterfront will be great. And it’s nice to support the region’s economy.”

Cirque du Soleil productions are known for being unique, Smith said. And this production — opening in Camden on Thursday, May 30, is no exception, standing out even among other Cirque shows. "Totem’ draws on native American influences and follows the civilization of man,” he said.

With original music that has a “native American urban sound,” the show features all of the elements Cirque fans have come to expect, including exciting acrobatic acts, colorful costumes, singers and live musicians. It’s a “spectacle coupled with amazing talent,” Smith said.

Written and directed by Robert Lapage, “Totem” traces the journey of the human species from its amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Inspired by many myths, this show’s concept explores “man’s need to progress forward,” said Smith.

“Each show has a concept that drives the experience from point A to point B,” he said. “But we like to leave the door wide open. It’s conceptual instead of plot-driven.”Since its world premiere in April 2010, “Totem” has stopped at 18 cities in Europe and North America.

“If you’re a Cirque fan this is a great one to see. The level of talent and the score is my favorite,” Smith said. “They’ve put it all together in ‘Totem,’ all of the elements make for a great show.”

If you are adventurous, eager to see fascinating things, kind of ISFP, INFP, INTP, and ESTP type of personalities, you really do not want to miss this once in a while opportunities!

Fall Out Boy Comes to Philadelphia

After an almost 2 year hiatus Fall Out Boy is back with a brand new album entitled "Save Rock and Roll" which was released on April 12th, 2013. Even though they have a major 17 city tour coming up later this year, they are going to be visiting Philadelphia, PA tomorrow, Thursday May 30th at The Electric Factory. The main single off of their album "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" has reached number 15 on the billboard Hot 100 charts. 

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.stubhub.com/fall-out-boy-tickets/fall-out-boy-philadelphia-the-electric-factory-30-5-2013-4234850?GCID=C12289x839

Step outside your block & Experience Philadelphia: Hidden City Festival 2013

9 Sites, 10 Projects, 6 Weeks to See the City Anew. ALL FESTIVAL SITES OPEN THURSDAY- SUNDAY, 12-7PM WITH A FESTIVAL PASS.

Running for the next six weeks, May 23-June 30, 10 projects by visionary artists will be exhibited at nine locations in a wide array of neighborhoods including Center City, Germantown, Frankford, South Philadelphia and University City.

Each of the nine festival sites not only spotlight under-appreciated destinations, but also activate the spaces with progressive artists and curious audiences. That mix is intended to spark visitor interaction.

So be prepared — better yet, get excited! — to participate in thought-provoking dialogue, join a knitting circle or have a spot of tea while taking in the awe-inspiring sights at each of the nine locations.

Let your curiosity get the better of you and venture out to take part in this incredible and innovative event.

Read on for our guide, organized by city region, to the nine sites, tickets and events of the Hidden City Festival. For even more information and event times, check out the complete festival calendar online.

Tickets and Donations

Festival passes are available online, and ticketing options include a single-day pass for $20, a weekend pass for $40 or an all-festival pass for $70.

Hidden City members receive a 25-percent discount off of festivals passes, discounts on all Hidden City tours and invitations to members-only Hidden City happenings and events. Memberships start at just $25 a year. To become a member, register here.

To support a project individually, funding and financial donations for this year’s festival are being crowdsourced via Hidden City’s website. Check out the projects support status online, and give back if you’d like to make a contribution.

Inspired to get involved and go behind the scenes? The festival still needs volunteers to help with ticketing, ushering and prepping at sites. Learn more here.

What To Know Before You Go

All festival sites require a festival pass (see ticketing info above) and are open May 23 through June 30, Thursday to Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.

The Hidden City Festival sites are located in neighborhoods throughout the city, and all are accessible by public transit with the exception of Fort Mifflin.

As many of the sites are intentionally well off the beaten path, though, we recommend mapping out your destination before you go. An interactive map of the nine festival sites is available here.

Source: Uwishunu

Are you ready for the Memorial Weekend Philadelphia?

Ready for summertime, Philadelphia? Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer season (the first day of summer is June 21), but a great time to welcome longer days and balmy weather.

A number of locations in Philadelphia and the countryside are hosting celebratory events in honor of the long weekend. Some of the city’s museums boast extended hours this weekend, too, so making a trip to one of the marquee exhibits is a perfect addition to your weekend plans.

Spend time with friends and family and be sure to commemorate our military men and women at any one of the Memorial Day Weekend events.

Read on for our top picks this Memorial Day Weekend.

• 2013 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field: Some of college lacrosse’s best and brightest are headed to Lincoln Financial Field for the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament. From May 25 to May 27, semi finals and championships fill the field. Purchase your tickets soon to join in the action and root for your favorite team’s victory. Outside of the stadium, the free LaXperience Fan Fest invites fans to show off their lacrosse skills, meet some of the tournament’s star athletes and enjoy food and drinks.

• Fireworks and Fountains at Longwood Gardens: On Saturday, May 25 at 9:15 p.m. fireworks illuminate the night sky at Longwood Gardens’ Fireworks and Fountains event. The Memorial Day event marks the first in the summer series of fireworks. The show is coordinated to music by Elton John including Philadelphia Freedom, appropriately. Tickets to the event are available online and also include all-day access to Longwood Gardens.

• Amistad at the Independence Seaport Museum: In accordance with the Independence Seaport Museum’s new exhibit Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware River, the historic Amistad Schooner will visit the museum’s docks for a multi-day run from May 24 to May 29. Deck and sail tours will be available for guests. The ship has traveled around the globe to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade.

• Memorial Day Programming at the National Constitution Center: From Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27 the National Constitution Center celebrates military heroes with a number of family-friendly activities for museum guests. Activities include a patriotic karaoke station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., American pride-themed arts and crafts, a flag etiquette lesson and a giant flag folding exercise on the front lawn. Each activity is included in the price of museum admission. The museum also provides guests with extended hours on Sunday, May 26 when the museum will remain open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Hidden City Festival Block Party: It’s the kick off weekend for the second annual Hidden City Festival, and an epic block party is set to go down at 12th and Wood Streets in the Callowhill neighborhood. From 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, local bands and DJs provide music for folks to dance up a storm at the Reading Viaduct. Food trucks will be on site serving up a variety of sweet and savory fare, and craft beer will be available as well. Tickets are available online.

• Memorial Day Parade, Service and Reception at Laurel Hill Cemetery: Laurel Hill Cemetery is home to the burial plot of General George Gordon Meade, a war hero from the Battle of Gettysburg. On Sunday, May 26 honor the famed war hero, and all war heroes, at the cemetery which will host a service and wreath-laying followed by a reception with complimentary refreshments.

• Memorial Day Weekend at Franklin Square: The Old City attraction hosts a celebratory weekend this Memorial Day. From Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27, Franklin Square hosts family-friendly festivities for all to enjoy. Children are invited to hop aboard the Lightning Bolt Express for a train ride around the park. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the popular SquareBurger restaurant, ride around and around on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel and challenge friends and family to a game of mini golf.

• Memorial Day in Historic Philadelphia: The Historic Philadelphia Center raises its hat to Memorial Day with a slew of events from Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27. Each day at 3:45 p.m. listen to a live reading of the Declaration of Independence located behind Independence Hall. At 10 benches throughout the historic district, listen to stories about America’s history from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children are invitied to march to a militant drum at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. where they will learn marching and musket etiquette at the Signers’ Garden. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell will also be open all weekend long for visitors.

Beer Expo comes to Philadelphia!

The 5th International Great Beer Expo is once again coming to Philadelphia! This expo visits around 25 countries, features over 75 International Brewers and over 200 different kinds of beers. The proceeds from this festival is donated towards the Committee To Benefit The Children. There are two beer tickets available, General Admission (GA) and VIP.  The GA ticket has a souvenir tasting glass marked with a 2oz pour line. The VIP ticket has the same as General Admission but also includes admission to an hour meet and greet with the brewers. There are also Designated Driver (DDs) tickets that can be bought which include a bottle of water. All DDs get a bottle of water and are not allowed to taste any of the beer or risk being ejected from the festival.

Rain or shine, the festival is going to be held at the Philadelphia Navy Yard (4747 S Broad St #120  Philadelphia, PA 19112) on Saturday June 1st, 2013 starting at 12:30pm and is strictly 21 and over. Water and food will be available for purchase on the day.

VIP Tickets - http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/eventV2/210541?utm_medium=bks
12:30pm - 5:00pm
Online - $75.00 
Designated Driver - $10.00

General Admission Tickets - http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/210553?utm_medium=bks
1:30pm - 5:00pm
Online - $46.00 
Event Day (if available) - $60.00
Designated Driver - $10.00

What is the must see movie for this Memorial Day Weekend?

What is the must see movie for this Memorial Day Weekend? 

Cast your vote in the comment section below!

If you have seen one of these movies share your review for your fellow moveiegoers. 

If you have not, check out the trailers for all of these movies right here:

The Hangover Part III

 

Star Trek Into Darkness

Fast & Furious 6

The Great Gatsby

Iron Man 3

Enjoy your long weekend of fun as we remember the men and women who have died for the United States while serving in the Armed Services! 

Hungry? Head out to the 2013 Night Market in Fairmount from 6-10pm!

Warm Night and GREAT eats. What could be better?

Check out the 2013 Night Market in Fairmount. With the range of incredible vendors present, It is guaranteed to please foodies and starving students alike. See for yourself below.

Bring Out Your Inner Hero!!

It's that time again for the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con! Since 2010 the Philly Comic Con has been bringing popular actors and actresses from Comic Books, Fan Fiction and other areas to the Philadelphia Community. The convention features a large range of pop culture elements, such as professional wrestling, science fiction/fantasy, film/television, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels. Fans of all ages come dressed as their favorite characters as this weekend allows them a chance to escape reality and jump into a world of something that they love.

Some of the stars coming to this event include Shawn Ashmore (Iceman from X-Men), Lou Ferrigno (the original Incredible Hulk), Holly Marie Combs (Piper from Charmed), Dean Cain and Brandon Routh (both Superman actors).

The Philly Comic Con will be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center (1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107) from May 30th - June 2nd 2013. 

Ticket Prices: http://wizardworld.ticketleap.com/philadelphia/
4 Day Weekend Tickets - $85.00
Thursday 1-Day Ticket - $35.00
Friday 1-Day Ticket - $45.00
Saturday 1-Day Ticket - $55.00
Sunday 1-Day Ticket - $45.00

New Daft Punk Album!

For the first time in almost 8 years, Daft Punk is releasing a new album entitled "Random Access Memories" on May 21st, 2013. If you don't know who Daft Punk is, you may remember them as the duo that created the soundtrack for the movie Tron: Legacy. The album consists of 13 tracks with genres in Disco, Jazz and Funk Fusion. It features Panda Bear, Todd Edwards, Paul Williams, Julius Casablancas, Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams.

The main single "Get Lucky" featuring Pharrell and Nile Rodgers, is said to help Deft Punk redefine their image and what they can offer to the dance and electronic music industry. The album is currently available for pre-order through iTunes Store via digital download for $11.99.

Myers Briggs Tests- What is it all about?

Have you ever wondered what is your personality? Have you ever heard someone describe themselves as an INTJ or an ESTP and wondered what those cryptic-sounding letters could mean? What these people are referring to is their personality type based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator is a self-inventory test designed to identify a person's personality type, strengths and preferences. 

Today, the test is one of the most widely used psychological instruments in the world. You can check out the official page of Myers Briggs test here, also learn more about it here. But what is the relationship between Persona and Myers Briggs Test?

What exactly is Persona?

Friday is here!

Lets take a break from your busy schedule to watch one of the blockbusters of the year: Iron Man 3. 

Disney and Marvel’s “Iron Man 3″ is officially on fire at the worldwide box office.

The 3D actioner, opening Friday in the U.S., earned a record-breaking $21.5 million in China on Wednesday, topping Marvel’s “The Avengers” ($18 million) as the highest opening day in the country’s box office history.

“Iron Man 3′s” international haul now stands at a towering $307.7 million in just nine days.

Pic also opened in Germany and Thailand Thursday, bringing its Wednesday total to $65.6 million.

To put Marvel’s powerhouse into perspective — not only did “Iron Man 3″ top “The Avengers’” foreign debut last weekend, despite opening in fewer territories, the Robert Downey Jr. actioner has also already passed the total international box office cume for “Captain America” ($192 million), “Thor” ($268 million) and the first “Iron Man” ($267 million).

“Iron Man 3,” directed by Shane Black, launches domestically Friday at 4,253 locations.