Spring is here! Hopefully the weather has finally goten the memo and warmer days are going to be the new normal. We’ve got a few events to celebrate the change of season, and a few other events as well. From learning to tango to enjoying the city’s cherry blossoms, there’s a variety of events for you to enjoy this week.
Rock on Philly: Spring Fling
When: April 2, 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Where: MilkBoy Philly, 1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia Cost: $10
Spring is here, so Rock On Philly is ready to celebrate. This Battle of the Bands event will feature some of the best musical talent in the area, including: Nardo Lilly, who is self-described as “somewhere between Kimya Dawson and School House Rock;” Science Club, a local three-piece punk rock band; Ju-Taun, a group that distinctively blends classic soul, folk, 80’s hits, African, and reggae; and RFA, a band that plays rock-and-roll with the raw garage sound it’s meant to have. You’ll vote on your favorite performance, and the winning group wins a half-day of recording at Forge Recording Studios. So come out and enjoy a night of rockin’ out! This event is 21+.
Beginner Argentine Tango Class
When: April 3, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Where: Major Moment Studio, 1624 SouthStreet Philadelphia Cost: $15 each
Have you ever wanted to learn the tango? No, no, you don’t dance, you don’t know how! You’ll make a fool of yourself surely, mess the whole thing up. Well, Al Pacino says there’s “no mistakes in the tango, darling,” so now’s your chance. Whether you’ve got experience or not, this beginner class is a great way to learn the basics or practice your general skills. You’ll learn walking, pivots and turns, and the building blocks of the Argentine Tango. You’ll probably make some friends during the process, too! No partner is required, but if you want to cut some of the uneasiness of trying something new, bring some friends along.
Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival
When: April 6 – 12 Where: Varies Cost: Varies
Who says April is all showers and May is all flowers? Cherry blossoms bloom in early spring! They’re a beautiful sign that warmer weather has arrived, and Philly wants to celebrate how the Japanese do. The Sakura Matsuri, or Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrates the pink blossoms and Japanese culture throughout the city. There will be ceremonial drumming, a traditional tea ceremony, origami demonstrations, Japanese movies, and more. Most events are free, but be sure to check the official website for pricing. Celebrate spring and Japanese art and culture during this week-long event!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Preview Nights
When: April 3 – 5, 7:00 p.m. – 10:o0 p.m. Where: The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom Street, Philadelphia Cost: Pay-what-you-wish
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the classic play by William Shakespeare that is all about love. From passion to despair, we’re all searching for love—but this play suggests that we can’t control that part of our destiny. Instead, playful fairies and gods roam behind the scenes calling the shots and playing games with our hearts. Directed by Carmen Khan, this production of the play will be hosting pay-what-you-wish previews on April 3, 4, an 5. This is a great chance to get out and enjoy a classic comedy for as much as you’re willing to pay. Pocket some of that extra money for another day!
Scott Simon Book Reading and Talk
When: April 6, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Where: Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia Cost: $7
Scott Simon is one of the country’s most respected broadcasters. He’s the host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, and has reported from all 50 states, five different continents, and 10 different wars. Simon has won an Emmy, a Peabody, and other awards for his work in broadcasting. In addition, he has written both fiction and nonfiction books, ranging in topic from Jackie Robinson to war in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopting children. The memoir that Simon will discuss at this talk is one focusing on the moments he spent with his mother in her final days. Don’t miss your chance to hear a touching and wistful story from a national treasure like Simon; you won’t be disappointed.
