PhilaCulturati

Monday, January 11, 6 p.m.

Science on Tap: “The Origin and Evolution of Beer”

Speaker: Dr. Ernie Schuyler: Curator Emeritus of Botany, The Academy of
Natural Sciences, Philadelphia
Location: National Mechanics, 22 South 3rd St., Philadelphia

Summary of talk:
About 10,000 years ago, humans became farmers who cultivated a new kind
of barley and brewed beer from it. Some think that the desire for beer
was the driving force for cultivating grains and therefore the
foundation of civilization. Natural selection favored consumers of beer
for health reasons. It was safer to drink than contaminated water and it
had nutritional value. Over eight millennia after the invention of beer,
a major evolutionary change occurred when hops began to be used in
brewing for its bitterness, flavor, aroma, and preservative properties.
Eventually the role of yeast in fermentation became known and techniques
were devised to control the quality of the final product. Today beer
continues to evolve thanks to the efforts of creative brewers, including
many in and around Philadelphia.

Science on Tap is sponsored by a consortium of five Philadelphia
institutions: The Academy of Natural Sciences, The American
Philosophical Society, Chemical Heritage Foundation, Mütter Museum of
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and Wagner Free Institute of
Science.

Science on Tap is a monthly science café for anyone who is interested
in getting together with other people to discuss a range of engaging
science topics. It features a brief, informal presentation by a
scientist or other expert followed by lively conversation.

Science on Tap is held on the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. It
is for people age 21 or older, but folks under 21 can come with a
chaperone who is older than 25.

Gifted: 
The Clay Studio’s Annual Holiday Exhibition

Elevate the art of Gift Giving: This year, choose to make a difference by supporting the arts during the holiday season. By giving a few, carefully considered handmade objects from The Clay Studio, your recipient is left with a quality piece of art to be admired. Remember, your purchase makes a distinctly positive impact on the entire community by supporting our 12 Resident Artists, 40 Associate Artists, School and the award-winning Claymobile outreach program.

Exhibition Run: November 6, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Reed Smith Gallery Opening: FIRST FRIDAY, November 6, 5-9pm.
Reed Smith, Bonovitz and Harrison Gallery Opening: FIRST FRIDAY, December 4th, 5-9pm.

First Friday Reed Smith Gallery Opening: November 6 from 11 am – 9 pm

First Friday Extended Gallery Opening: December 4th from 5 pm – 9 pm

The public is cordially invited to attend both receptions, meet Clay Studio staff, faculty and Resident Artists, and partake in light refreshments and peppermint cocoa while they shop for handmade, one-of-a-kind works that elevate the art of gift giving.

Thirty five years ago, The Clay Studio started as a small group of artists with a collective vision. Today, we are proud to welcome over 30,000 visitors, students & artists each year (not to mention the 1,800+ community members that we visit through the Claymobile). School groups, members of the artistic community, collectors, families, and tourists from around the world find beauty & inspiration in our Old City home so… we are tenting off the parking lot, because it’s time to celebrate!

Saturday October 10, 2009, 6pm-10pm

$35 (in honor of our 35 years) covers unlimited Live Music, local handcrafted Beer & BBQ, Dancing, Sneak Peeks at our Residents & Associates in Action, Live Wheel-throwing Demonstrations and a fabulous Silent Auction featuring the work of our many talented artists.

Tickets are available online

Seaport Starlight Cinema

Tuesday, August 18, 7 pm

“Throw Things at Popeye!”

Enjoy an evening of madcap mayhem at Independence Seaport Museum’s outdoor amphitheatre showing of the Robert Altman film, Popeye, starring Robin Williams and Shelly Duval with audience participation a la The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Could Olive be Janet, Popeye Brad, and Bluto Dr. Frank-N-Furter? Hit the thrift shops and come dressed as your favorite Popeye character (Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto, Swee’pea, Wimpy, Poopdeck Pappy or any of the cartoon’s characters) and compete for the rare and coveted Golden Can of Spinach Award.  Audience members will be armed with fun “props” to interact with the movie, including green confetti to throw at the sight of spinach, bubbles to blow when Popeye smokes his pipe, kazoos to toot whenever a character breaks out in song, and more. There will be free popcorn, give-aways, activities, trivia contests, and a life-size Popeye to pose with – bring your camera, family, friends, a blanket, and a picnic supper for a delightful evening.

Doors open at 7 pm; movie begins at sunset. The Seaport’s featured exhibit, Skin & Bones – Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor, will be open for viewing prior to the movie.  Find the tattooed Popeye in the exhibit. Admission is $5 per person.  In case of rain, movie will be shown in tented second-floor balcony overlooking the Delaware River. Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St., Philadelphia.  215-413-8655. www.phillyseaport.org

WHAT TO DO NEARBY?

The easiest way to get to and from the Independence Seaport Museum is by foot over the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge. If you’re parking, there is a lot at Penns Landing or metered parking on Front Street. If you’re bussing, the 21, 42, 17, and 12 all take you within blocks of Front and Walnut St. Or the El drops you off at 2nd and Market. Old City is chock full of eating establishments for all culinary inclinations and wallet sizes.

An outdoor movie a la Rocky Horror screams date night so why not hit up The Franklin Fountain for a Sundae (open til midnight!) or try happy hour at Positano.

The Seafarer at the Arden Theatre, 40 N 2nd St., 1/2 price tickets May 14th – 19th. Call 215.922.1122 or visit the box office and mention PhilaCulturati.

10% off dinner at Bistro 7. 7 N 3rd St. Mention PhilaCulturati and Arden Theatre tickets. http://www.bistro7restaurant.com/index.html

The Seafarer On a booze-filled, Christmas Eve in Ireland, a group of misfits get more than they bargained for in a high-stakes game of poker. This hauntingly comedic story challenges the ghosts of the characters’ pasts, aptly played by a cast including Greg Wood (Opus, Wittenberg), William Zielinski (Winesburg, Ohio), and Anthony Lawton (A Prayer for Owen Meany). The Seafarer was nominated for four Tony® Awards during its recent run on Broadway. Mention PhilaCulturati when you call the box office and receive 50% off the ticket price (May 14th – 19th). 215.922.1122

Where am I? Welcome to Old City or Historic Philadelphia. And yes, from the name you can deduce that this is where it all began. Independence Hall is just blocks away at 6th and Chestnut Streets, as is the Liberty Bell. This neighborhood is fascinating it contains the most “historic square mile in the US,” alongside some of the city’s best nightclubs, restaurants and cultural destinations. Easy to access with the El on Market St (stops at 5th and 2nd Streets), Septa busses, and the Phlash Bus. There is metered street parking along Front St and lots throughout the neighborhood.

Bistro 7 Chef/Owner Michael O’Halloran (formerly of Fork and the White Dog Café) relies on local, organic farmers to create the eclectic American menu at Bistro 7. Its chic, minimalist atmosphere and quality entrees, have made it an award-winning BYOB. You’ll want to try the 5 course, $35 Chef’s Tasting Menu, available Tuesday through Thursday, or order from Dinner Menu.