Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
Since Men in Black (MIB3) opens up tomorrow, we decided to press rewind on an exclusive that we got with Will Smith when he was filming the movie last year.
Philly 360° and some lucky Philly students in the Destined to Achieve Successful Heights (DASH) program were about to visit the MIB3 set to get up close and personal with Philly icon Will Smith.
DASH students got to go on location to meet Will and ask him a few questions. They also got to watch some of the filming.
Watch what Will Smith had to say to the students about his love of the Philadelphia 76ers and his inspirational words of advise.
“Motownphilly’s back again…” Remember this? Well, it looks like Philly’s given birth to another group of boys who can blow! From Boyz II Men to Smokey Robinson to Jodeci—you name it, MPrynt will tear it up and put their own soul in it. These crooners-in-the-making have been singing their hearts out for a minute, and word on the street is that they’re the next big thing. Actually, those sweet and sultry harmonies just landed them a deal with Universal Motown!
We caught up with the boys at the Prince Music Theater as they rocked an opening set for Philly 360˚ Creative Ambassador Marsha Ambrosius at Philly Live Pod. And, if you follow them both on Twitter, you’ve probably already noticed how much love MPrynt gets from Marsha. The Philly love doesn’t stop there—their upcoming album will be produced by none other than one of our newest Creative Ambassadors, Andrew “Pop” Wansel. We can’t wait! But, for MPrynt this is just the beginning.
Video of our convo with MPrynt is coming soon!
Insider tip: If you missed their performance during Philly Live Pod, make sure you check MPrynt out at Generation Next on June 12!
June 6 – August 29, 2012
5-7 p.m.
Every Wednesday
Throughout the city
Summer just got swankier with the return of Center City District Sips, the perfect way to add some sizzle to Wednesday nights after work at some of Philly's hottest bars and restaurants. Enjoy $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers!
For the latest updates on Sips, follow the CCD on Twitter @CCDSips. Check out the full list of specials here.
Last week, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter revealed that he's putting together a two-day music festival happening only in Philly over Labor Day Weekend.
Jay-Z is curating the talent roster for the festival aka "Made In America" which will take over Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway with 28 acts and three stages on September 1 - 2, 2012.
The first round of the line-up was announced yesterday. See who Jay-Z's picked so far to take over the Parkway. More acts to be announced.
Jay-Z
Pearl Jam
Janelle Monae
Prince Royce
D’Angelo
Santigold
Afrojack
Maybach Music (featuring Rick Ross, Wale, & Meek Mill)
Calvin Harris
Skrillex
Miike Snow
Passion Pit
Odd Future
Dirty Projectors
X
Savoy (DJ set)
The Knocks
Insider Tip: Get your tickets here.
Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
Grammy-nominated songwriter, musician and artist - Curt Chambers - returns to his hometown to perform songs from his debut album One Way Ticket. He's hitting the stage at The Legendary Dobbs on South Street this Saturday, May 26.
Curt has been a touring guitarist with some of the biggest names in music, like Diddy, LL Cool J and Eminem. Now, the songwriter/singer is stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
Insider Tip: Download his album for FREE here.
Saturday, May 26
9:30pm Doors Open
10:00pm Show Starts
The Legendary Dobbs
304 South Street
$10 Entry
There's a new spin on the classic Sound of Philadelphia, and one of the originators of TSOP is behind it.
Leon Huff, one part of the legendary powerhouse duo and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Gamble & Huff, is back and he's working with a new group - Ju-Taun. Huff took on the vocal group made up of brothers Jake and Jamie Evans and friend Samaouen Cheng after seeing them at TSOP Experience, a weekly talent showcase that was hosted by Gamble & Huff's label. Afterward, he signed Ju-Taun to his entertainment group Climax Entertainment.
Now, the group - under Huff's guidance - is out with a single and official music video. Check out the video below.
Insider Tip: Looking for more on Leon Huff? He also has his a new solo project out that he released on iTunes called "Groovy People"
We mentioned that as part of The Roots Mural Project, there will be events aka The Roots 101 Series taking place leading up to the mural dedication in October. Well, here's one of the events - and it's one you won't want to miss.
The Roots 101 Series is bringing dream hampton (writer, director, Emmy Award-winning producer, activist), Fab 5 Freddy (artist, t.v. personality, hip hop storyteller and legend-keeper), Leonard "Hub" Hubbard (bassist, former member of The Roots), and Tiffany Bacon (radio personality, Philly music connoisseur) together on Saturday, May 19, to discuss the relevance and influence of The Roots in hip hop and modern music.
DJ Statik aka Sonny James of the Illvibe Collective will be spinning as well.
The Roots 101 Series Presents The Roots, The Roots, The Roots are on Fire
7 – 9 p.m.
The Arts Bank at the University of the Arts
601 S. Broad Street (Broad & South Streets)
Insider TIp: This event is free - RSVP to or 215-685-0753
We mentioned before that our friends at uwishunu.com launched a video series called Philly 101.
Next up in their Philly 101 series is our Creative Ambassador Tariq Trotter aka Black Thought of the legendary Roots crew. Find out what this emcee wishes you knew about his hometown.
And, make sure you catch The Roots and some of their friends June 2-3 at The Roots Picnic. Find out more here.
Since the Philadelphia 76ers had an amazing win last night, we decided to press rewind on a video exclusive we had with Will Smith talking about his favorite basketball team.
Watch the video to see what Philly icon Will Smith loves about the Sixers.
Spring is in full bloom, and Philly’s creative scene is bursting with energy. Now that we’ve breezed through the winter, it’s time to warm up with electrifying music, captivating art and more. Here’s what we’ll be getting into: partying on the Parkway during the opening of the Barnes Foundation, jammin’ to the original sounds of Esperanza Spalding and kickin’ it old school to the soulful classics of the Temptations and the Four Tops. There’s no place bringin’ it on quite like Philly.
Friday, May 4 – Tribute to Jimi Hendrix
Rock out to the year-long celebration of legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix as Philly celebrates what would have been his 70th birthday. Hosted by WRTI’s J. Michael Harrison, experience Jimi’s unforgettable legacy as renowned guitarists Charlie Ellerbee and Ornette Coleman take over the Woodmere Art Museum with an exhilarating tribute.
Celebrated Philly homegirl Santigold will be rockin’ the stage at the Trocadero Theatre. Make sure you grab her new album, Master of My Make Believe, when it drops on May 1!
Thursday, May 10 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
Get ready for a taste of Motown right here in Philly at the Keswick Theatre. We all know there’s no sound like the Philly sound, but who can resist sweet classics like Just My Imagination or Baby I Need Your Loving? It’s just in time for Mother’s Day, so get your tickets today.
Sunday, May 13 – Esperanza Spalding
She’s back and gracing the stage at the Electric Factory, in partnership with the Kimmel Center Presents. Esperanza Spalding brings the vibrant new sounds of her latest hit album, Radio Music Society.
Saturday, May 19 – Philadelphia On Parade
Featuring more than 800 performing artists—including Philly’s own Helen Bruner & Terry Jones, the Justin Faulkner Quartet and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra—Philadelphia on Parade is taking over five stages at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
Friday, May 25 – Jaguar Wright
Philly homegirl Jaguar Wright is giving World Café Live a taste of that irresistible, soulful voice. Fusing the sounds of Patti Labelle, Nina Simone and Mary J. Blige with her own flare, Jaguar always gives mind-blowing performances.
Insider tip: Keep your ears open for her new album. We hear it’s going to be better than ever!
Wednesday, May 30 – Sittin’ In with Jeff Bradshaw
Mr. Trombone has been making some sweet noise all around Philly, and he’s bringing some of that delicious flavor to the Kimmel Center. A jam session with Jeff Bradshaw will definitely be fly.
Insider tip: Make sure you check out Jeff’s hot new album, Bone Appétit!
Next up for Masters Behind the Music is the executive director of Jill Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation and founder of Jr. Music Executive, Aisha Winfield. If you don’t know her, allow us to introduce you—we’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love with her, too.
From a soulful brunch at Ms. Tootsie’s to cruisin’ on the Spirit of Philadelphia, there are plenty of ways to show mom some love on Mother’s Day. Take a look at our top picks for a fabulous Mother’s Day in Philly.
Philly 360˚ Exclusive: Jeff Bradshaw
Philly 360˚ was in the house during Jeff Bradshaw’s album release party celebrating his hot new project, Bone Appétit. With appearances by Kindred the Family Soul, Frank Knuckles of The Roots, Carol Riddick and more, Ms. Tootsie’s was jam-packed with Philly love. Check out the video recap.
Grand Opening: The Barnes Foundation
On May 19, Philly will welcome even more brilliant art to the Parkway with the opening of the Barnes Foundation. Known for its breathtaking collection of Impressionist and early Modern paintings, it’ll be the new cultural hot spot on the Parkway.
28th Annual Celebration of Black Writing
Art Sanctuary is doin’ it big this year with its one-of-a-kind Celebration of Black Writing festival. There will be a host of literary workshops, music showcases and film screenings—and did we mention that representatives of JET and Ebony magazines will be in the house? Block off your calendars from May 21 to June 2!