We are only heard if we speak - a statement held close by the members of one of Philly’s most talented collection of poets Voices In Power.  Since its inception in April 2011, Luis Marrero and his cohorts have used Voices In Power as a conduit for positive self-expression and community uplift. 

Voices In Power can be found performing at various events throughout the tri-state area.  Their staple event, however, is an open mic poetry slam that occurs ever third Sunday at The HeadHouse Lounge (122 Lombard Street).  The doors open at 6:30p, there is a $5 cover charge, and you must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink.  At this recurring event, the members of Voices In Power will perform as well as anyone else who’s brave enough to express themselves in front of an intimate audience. 

Trust us, you won't be disappointed with this if you enjoy thought-provoking entertainment. 

Sometimes it’s easier to purchase a Nikon D90 Camera than it is to find someone who can show you how to turn its lens into da Vinci’s paintbrush.  And, if you are fortunate enough to find someone and some place to cultivate your photography skills, often times the monetary cost is absurd. 

Project Basho is a place where aspiring photographers can go to hone their skills. Project Basho is a photography resource with a communal dark room, located at 1305 Germantown Avenue in Old Kensington (Northern Liberties, about 2 blocks from the Piazza at Schmidt's).  It’s one of the only (if not the only) photography resource centers in Philly that houses every type of photo development and processing. Basically, you can shoot something with an HD digital camera and manipulate the prints to the point that it looks like it was taken in 1895.

Founded by Tsuyoshi (Yoshi), Project Basho also houses classes, workshops, private lessons, exhibits and a community of talented photographers who bounce off each other’s talents. It’s a great place for beginners to learn photography and for experts to grow their craft and find inspiration.  And, the prices won’t break your wallets.

Once you are able to take advantage of sound resources, it’s now your job to perfect your craft.  Grisha Enikolopov, one of the managers at Project Basho, brought up world renown photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson and his concept of the decisive moment.  Cartier-Bresson said that a scene has one second where all compositional elements are in perfect unity and it is the photographer’s job to not miss it.  This comes with practice, which is why Henri Cartier-Bresson also stated that your first 10,000 photos are your worst.  Just think how great photo number 10,001 will be.

So, if you're looking to up your photography skills, definitely check out this place.

The days are getting slightly shorter, and the temperatures are getting slightly cooler.  This can only mean one thing--summer is nearing its end.  Soon, we’ll be deciding on Halloween parties, Thanksgiving trimmings and what to get that special someone for the holidays. Before we bid our dear summer adieu, we should take time to enjoy the outdoors a few more times with that special someone. 

Make sure you close out summer with romance and style. Here are a couple favorite outdoor date spots:

Kelly Drive/Boathouse Row

1 Boathouse Row

Stop by one of the restaurants near the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Fairmount Avenue and pick up some takeout. And then head over to Kelly Drive. Grab one of the scenic spots near Boathouse Row and lay down a blanket. The scenery will do the rest.

Franklin Square

6th and Race Streets

Franklin Square is the perfect spot for a romantic stroll with your date. Between the carousel, miniature golf, twinkling lights and the fountain, it has romance written all over it. Stop by Stephen Starr's SquareBurger which is also in Franklin Square for shakes, burgers and fries.

Forbidden Drive

Bells Mill Road and Forbidden Drive

On your way to the Bells Mill Road section of Fairmount Park in Chestnut Hill, stop by Cin Cin restaurant on 7838 Germantown Avenue and pick up some fresh spring rolls. Once you arrive at Forbidden Drive, instead of pulling out a blanket just take a stroll down the long winding pathway along the river. You’ll be able to take in all the scenery with your date while digesting those spring rolls.

Rittenhouse Square

Walnut and 18th Streets

Some of the best things to do as a couple are also the simplest.  People watching can be quite entertaining especially when amongst the diverse crowds of Rittenhouse Square.  A slight divergence from the typical quiet setting of most parks, Rittenhouse Square offers charm that gives you the same magnetic pull towards your special someone. Before you settle in the park, make sure you stop by Alfa American Tavern for takeout. I recommend the cajun chicken wings and chicken quesadillas. Or, stop by Reading Terminal Market to grab some local food before heading to the park.

Belmont Plateau

Montgomery and Belmont Drives

Belmont Plateau is famous for family BBQs and sizable crowds during the peak summer months, but as summer dwindles, so do the crowds. Try venturing to the plateau during a weekday after work and watch the sunset while snacking on a cheesesteak from Larry’s Steaks.  With the city’s skyline in the background, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful evening.

Sometimes we just need a release.  When the day-to-day grind leaves us with the weight of the world on our shoulders, we need to find something to ease the stress.  As complex as these stressors can be, the remedy is quite simple. 

Just laugh. 

Not just any small chuckle.  I’m talking about that buckle over, eye tearing, laughter.  I don’t mean to trivialize anyone’s plight but it’s been proven that laughter helps us deal with our problems in a more sensible manner.  It works even better when we can make others laugh too.  That’s where the Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) comes into play.

PHIT is “a showcase of the city’s improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy community.”  PHIT holds monthly runs of shows at The Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge Street) where you can BYOB for a night of uninhibited fun.  However, the main attraction of PHIT isn’t the sketch comedy shows.  As the saying goes, “Show a man some improv, and he’ll laugh for a night. Teach someone to improvise, and they’ll laugh for a lifetime.”  And that’s what they do at PHIT. 

Hundreds of people attend PHIT classes in Improv Comedy, Sketch Comedy and Teen Comedy throughout the year.  Each class is broken into beginner and intermediate levels for those who want to work amongst their comedic peers.  The instructors are comprised of local comedic standouts and former and current Saturday Night Live writers including Brian Kelly and Christine Nangle.

With a sanctuary for good old unadulterated foolishness, there’s no need to feel like you can’t find a release.  For more info on Philly Improv Theater shows or classes, go here.

Insider tip: Looking to catch a PHIT show? The next one is at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 29, at the Adrienne Theater (2030 Sansom Street). There’s a $10 cover.