American Fight Club
Friday, 11/07/2008 to Saturday, 12/20/2008

What: Over 10 years in the making, this photographic exhibit documents the violent world of boxing gyms in our country's most destitute neighborhoods and the troubled individuals who survive them. Part of the Painted Bride's Independence Foundation Gallery for the Visual Arts, there will be two receptions on November 7th and December 5th from 5-7pm.

Where: Painted Bride Art Center @ 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: N/A

Castanets
Monday, 11/24/2008@ 9PM

What:   The folk/blues band Castanets take the stage making you strain your ears with their hushed tones and slow melodies. Combined with a psychedelic feel to make you feel like the colors of the rainbow are dancing before you, this band is definitely worth listening to. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson also takes the stage with their folk-rock tunes to accompany the Castanets folk sounds.

Where:   Johnny Brendas. 1201 N. Frankford Ave. Philadephia, PA. (Frankford and Girard Aves)

Cost:   $12 | +21

www.r5productions.com

dark play or stories for boys
Thursday, 11/13/2008 to Sunday, 12/07/2008@ various times

What:   Dark play is a psychosexual cyberspace drama about two teenage boys, Nick and Adam, who find themselves involved in an intricate web of deceit and fantasy. The play explores the search for human connection in our disconnected world.

Where:   The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival @ 2111 Samson St Philadelphia, PA

Cost:   $15-$40

www.theatreexile.org/show.php

Divide and Consider
Tuesday, 11/04/2008 to Saturday, 11/29/2008

What: A solo exhibition of new works by Scottish artist Dana Hargrove exploring her ongoing interest in globalization and militaristic issues, while discussing the colonization of South Africa. The month long show will have an opening reception on First Friday, November 7th, 6:00-8:30pm.

Where: Bridgette Mayer Gallery @ 709 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Cost: N/A

Gee's Bend
Tuesday, 09/16/2008 to Sunday, 12/14/2008@ Tues-Sun, 10AM-5PM; Fridays, until 8:45PM

What: See the truly extraordinary creations by members of the Gee's Bend community in Alabama. This exhibition of quilts made in the unique, African-American tradition, includes some from the early 20th century as well as very recent work.

Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $14/adults, $12/Seniors (65+), $10/Students, 13-18, Free/12 and under

Hairspray
Tuesday, 11/04/2008 to Sunday, 01/04/2009@ Various times

What: In 1962 Baltimore, all Tracy Turnblad wants to do is dance her ass off on the Corny Collins Show. See her accomplish her big dreams (and big hair) on the Walnut Street Theater stage.

Where: Walnut Street Theater, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA

Cost: $10-$125

www.ticketmaster.com

James Castle Retrospective
Tuesday, 10/14/2008 to Friday, 01/09/2009@ NA

What:   The Philadelphia Museum of Art will present the first comprehensive museum exhibition of the art of James Castle (1899-1977), one of the most enigmatic and remarkable self-taught artists to emerge in the United States during the 20th century.

Where:    Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway)

Cost:  $7 adults $5 students

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Monday, 11/24/2008@ 9PM

What:   R5 productions presents Blookyln's best kept secret, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. Miles’ folk rock has taken a turn toward the anthemic stylings of Fleetwood Mac, Bell Biv Devoe, and early Pavement. The Castanets will also be featured during this night of non-stop great music.

Where:   Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, Philadelphia

Cost:   $8 | 21+

Museum of Art:
Saturday, 09/27/2008 to Sunday, 12/28/2008@ 6 PM

What:  19th century artist Thomas Chambers' 15 prints will be displayed including American Marine and Landscape Painter.

Where: Museum of Art

Cost: $19

Philly Jewish Film Festival
Saturday, 11/01/2008 to Monday, 05/18/2009@ Various times

What: The 28th annual Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival is the second longest running Jewish Film Festival in the United States. Support its diverse and compelling line-up of independent films and see why it has been around for so long.

Where: Various locations

Cost: Various costs

www.pjff.org/films.php

Rest Your Feet
Tuesday, 11/04/2008 to Friday, 12/12/2008@ 11AM-5PM

What:  This exhibit seeks to understand the impact of shoes and chairs in our everyday lives. Check out this unique exhibit daily, Monday-Friday, at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. Shoes designed by Prada to Salvatore Ferragamo are paired with chairs designed by Harry Pertoia to Don Chadwick to discover the answer to this quirky inquiry of the effects of the two.

Where:   The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. Nesbit Hall. 33rd and Market. Philadelphia, PA.

Cost:   FREE! | all ages

The Urban Archives
Monday, 10/13/2008 to Friday, 01/30/2009@ Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5PM

What: The 10-million item Urban Archives collection held at Temple University's Paley Library holds exclusive insight into the city of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, from the 18th to 20th centuries. The collection includes print materials and visual media and the opening of the Manuscript Collection will offer incredible knowledge on the political and community organizations in Philadelphia.

Where: Samuel Paley Library, Temple University; 1210 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: N/A; All Ages