Free/Cheap things for the week of January 18th

TUESDAY

PML presents Any Given Sunday IV (21+): 8 pm at the Khyber (which you know how I love...that sounded sarcastic...I'm not being sarcastic) This will be webcast live and posted on youtube. Free show and $1 PBR until eleven, so unless you're an idiot I'll be seeing you at 8 on 56 S. 2nd St.

Dance Party at the Barbary (21+)- No cover, it'll pry be a bunch of hipsters, but hey if you're into that go to 951 Frankford St.

Pub Quiz at Fergie's (21+)- Located at 1214 Sansom St. No cover.

Pub Trivia (21+)- Pub trivia at the Dive on Passyunk just north of Carpenter.

Tavern at Camac Karaoke night (gay bar) (21+)- 243 S. Camac St. 10pm-2am

WEDNESDAY:

The Complete Persepolis Book Talk Part 1: Right in the heart of Center City at Broad St. Minestry they are holding the first in a series of 4 talks about this book, which if you haven't read you really should. It will start at 6:30 and Broad St. Minestry is located right on Broad between Spruce and Pine.

The Iran-Iraq war in Contemporary Persian Fiction- At the Free library of Philadelphia on 33rd and Walnut st. Join Rutgers Persian language Professor Paul Sprachman for a discussion on the varied representations of the Iran-Iraq war in Persian literature. Room 231 at 5:30 pm

One Book, One Philadelphia Kick-Off Event: A Journey to Iran through Music, Featuring Intercultural Journeys and a Screening of Persepolis- At the Philadelphia Free Library at 19th and Vine st. at 7:30

THURSDAY:

Reality Television and Arab politics- 6 pm at Penn bookstore. "Penn Professor Marwan Kraidy challenges the notion of a monolithic "Arab Street" and offers an original perspective on Arab media. Kraidy analyzes how reality television stirs controversy over cultural authenticity, gender relations, and political participation in the Arab world."

Metropolis (21+)- Playing at the Barbary no cover, open bar until it's gone...which realistically pry means there won't be a whole lot, but hey why not try. Frankford and Delaware Ave.

FRIDAY:
All Ages Show at JR'S Bar: $5. 22nd and Passyunk. 9 PM

Minas- Free celebration at the Kimmel Center (right on Broad st. in Center City) for bringing Brazilian music to Philadelphia, and how else would you celebrate bringing Brazilian music to Philly then with Brazilian music. at 5:30 pm

1 cent drink happy hour (21+)- At roosevelts 23 from 5 to 7 every friday enjoy drinks for a penny. $6 cover to get in, but hey for $6 you get all the beers you can drink in 2 hours. Located on 23rd and Walnut.

Karaoke at Ray's Happy Birthday Bar: If it's your birthday you get a free drink! They may not have $1 pbr, but they do have south philly charm lots of cigarettes, and not a lot of english. (1200 E. Passyunk Ave.) 10pm-1:30

SATURDAY:

Punk Show: Make your friends think you're cool and spend $5 to go to a real live punk show, maybe if you're lucky you can even get a bruise to show off to all your friends. Bucket Flesh, Zombie Dogs, Death First, and 2 others. At terrordome on 48th and Havorford

Traditional Irish Music Session- at 4 pm at Fergie's Pub 1214 Sansom St.

Tour of The Kimmel Center Art and Architecture- which if you've ever been in the kimmel center before you know is fascinating. 10:30 in the morning at the Kimmel center on Broad St. (For more information- http://www.kimmelcenter.org/planning/tours.php)

Tango Hop- Argentine Tango in Media PA. For $12 you get a half hour lesson at 9, and then at 9:30 until late you can do social Argentine style dancing. (For more information- http://www.tangohop.com/tangohop.com/Home.html)

SUNDAY:

WSA Worldwide Open Northeast- Admission is free. And yes, this will be a bunch of happy jumpy people in skirts with pom poms as this is the Worldwide Spirit Association. (The schedule- 9:00 am Doors Open. 10: 00 am Competition Begins. 10:00 am Individual Competition. 11:00 am Team Competition L1- L2. 1:00 pm Awards L1 - L2. 2:00 pm Team Competition L3-L6. 5:00 pm Team Awards L3-L6.)

Karaoke and $1 beer- You know how much I love $1 beer and karaoke, the only thing that could make this better would be if it was at the Khyber instead of the Barbary (951 Frankford St.- aka "that kinda hip part of the city")

OPEN (ALMOST) ALL WEEK

The Blue Door- A play at the Arden. Starring my badass acting teacher from awhile ago. I hope ya'll know the deal by now only $5 to go see a live badass play if you have a student Id. That's cheaper than a movie, and waaaay better then something involving Vampires making out.

Broke Party tips

Thought everyone here might enjoy this.

Free/Cheap this week- January 4th

MONDAY:
Paranormal Activity Movie Showing (21+) - Doors open at 6:30 the show starts at 8. $3 to get in which goes towards a beer, and if you get there before 7 you get a free beer and bag of popcorn.

Philly Rising Open Mic Night- World Cafe Live. 7:00 Most people go there and order food and watch the music. Broke people get free water and watch the music. WARNING: Anyone can sign up for this, so on occasion I've seen people playing and reppin dirty jerz bra! Located on 3025 Walnut St.

Free Salsa Lessons (21+)- Free s

alsa lessons every monday at Vango Lounge and skybar. The drinks can definately get a little expensive there, but rest assured all their beer costs less than $6.

Jazz open Mic Night- Free at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore hosted by jazz pianist Mike Frank, bring your in

struments and be ready to play, or just yourself and be ready to listen. (For more information go to Milkboycoffee.com)

Graduate thesis exhibition- Uarts' low residency MFA (Master of fine

arts) program in ceramics is having its thesis exhibit in galleries in Hamilton Hall located on Broad St. on the Avenue of the arts. To the left is a piece called "working woman" by Tiernan Alexander. (For more information go to

http://www.uarts.edu/newsevent/6302.html)

Khyber Karaoke: Lots of songs in all genres. No entrance fee, and $1 PBR until 11. At the khyber in Old City. 9 o'clock be there or be lame.

Tiger Beats Indie Dance Party- Exactly what it sounds like at the Barbary

Open Mic Night- Fergie's pub open mic night 21+ no cover charge. 1214 Sansom St.

Free Tai Chi Class- Every Monday at 2 increase your flexibility and do those cool arm move thingies at the Philadelphia Free library on 18 S. 7th St.

TUESDAY:

(Every Tuesday) Open mic night at the Helium Comedy Club on South Street. Free admission, but you do have to purchase 2 things (food) when you get there. So if you were gonna go out to eat, you may as well get in some laughs for free.

Graduate thesis exhibition- Uarts' low residency MFA (Master of fine arts) program in ceramics is having its thesis exhibit in galleries in Hamilton Hall located on Broad St. on the Avenue of the arts. (For more information go to http://www.uarts.edu/newsevent/6302.html)

Pub Quiz at Fergie's (21+)- Located at 1214 Sansom St. No cover.

90s Dance Party (21+)- Another dance party at the Barbary, this one has a dance contest too, with a $50 prize. No cover, and lots of grunge.

Pub Trivia (21+)- Pub trivia at the Dive on Passyunk just north of Carpenter.

WEDNESDAY:

Graduate thesis exhibition- Uarts' low residency MFA (Master of fine arts) program in ceramics is having its thesis exhibit in galleries in Hamilton Hall located on Broad St. on the Avenue of the arts. (For more information go to http://www.uarts.edu/newsevent/6302.html)

Bouffant Bangout (2

1+)- Show up with a bouffant and get a free beer. There's a DJ, but this one sounds like a sweet one, they play 50s rock and 60s surf. Please note unless you're wearing your bouffant this is not a costume party.

Starving the Tsunami (21+ no cover)- Starving the Tsunami, Joe Jack, Talcum, and Stinging Nettles. (For more information or to hear them http://www.myspace.com/starvingthetsunami) Located at Millcreek Tavern 4200 Chester Ave in University City

Free Chinese Folk Dance Lessons- Join the Phiadelphia free library every Wed. at 2:00 on 18 S. 7th St. To learn about and how to do a chinese folk dance.

Araya-New Restored Print- Araya was acclaimed as the forerunner of latin feminist cinema, but was never released in the united states. Let's make sure it feels welcome here. (For more information or to order tickets go to http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/VenueListings.action?venueId=intlhouse) at 7:00 tickets range from $5 to $8.

Graham Keir Featuring Trio Slaye (21+)- I have no clue what they sound like, but they're playing for free at Fergie's pub at 1214 Sansom St at 10.

Philly for Change- Tired of being broke, well make some noise about it (not really). A grassroots political organization that fights for progressive public policy. Meeting at Tritone on 15th and South at 7.

Poet-tree in Motion- "A diverse range of dance, live music, and spoken word" There are a whole bunch of things going on this night at 7. Admission is free. At the Rotunda, which is part of UPENN now, but used to be a church, located at 4014 Walnut St.

THURSDAY:

Pub Quiz at Fergie's (21+)- Located at 1214 Sansom St. No cover.

Learn Chinese for Free- Every Thursday go to the Philadelphia Free Library at 18 S. 7th St. to learn Chinese for the English speaker.

FRIDAY:
WXPN's Free at Noon- At the World Cafe live in Philadelphia. Shows are free and have a large variety of music from XPN and NPR, you do however have to register at XPN.org to be able to attend.

Metal Show at JR's Bar- $5 and don't let the bar word scare you away this is a show for all ages. Rat healer (evil sounding), Bucketflush (Philly hardcore punk), worm (punk rock), Maledicere (Black Metal). At 8pm 22nd and Passyunk.

1 cent drink happy hour (21+)- At roosevelts 23 from 5 to 7 every friday enjoy drinks for a penny. Located on 23rd and Walnut.

If I could shoot lasers out of my eyes (I would shoot lasers out of my eyes) Gallery

opening- And yes, before you read on it looks like this gallery just may be as cool as it sounds. Opening reception from 7 to 10. Super colorful and comic inspired. Located on 1026 Arch St. on the second floor. (For more information go to space 1026.com)

Sub Verso Show (21+ no cover)- Sub Verso, Christopher Walken (the band not the man silly), Party Photographers, and Shitty Knees at Millcreek Tavern 4200 Chester Ave in University City.

Gallery opening for Arabesque Expressionism- Two different artists. One works with ovals and one works with squares. The gallery is open from noon to 6. (For more information go to- http://a-x-d.com/gallery)

Tony Manero-Philadelphia Premiere- This movie (with tickets ranging from $5-8) is about a man who is in love with John Travolta's character in Saturday Night Live, and likes to do impersonations. In this film, he finds out about an impersonation contest that he thinks he can win, and it's about everything that he does to get there. Located at Internation House at 3701 Chestnut St at 7:00. (For more information or to order tickets-http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/VenueListings.action?venueId=intlhouse)

SATURDAY:
Tour of The Kimmel Center Art and Architecture- which if you've ever been in the kimmel center before you know is fascinating. 10:30 in the morning at the Kimmel center on Broad St. (For more information- http://www.kimmelcenter.org/planning/tours.php)

Traditional Irish Music Session (21+)- Join Fergie's Pub on 1214 Sansom St. at 4 for a traditional Irish music session.

nEW Meet the Artists see the Work: They describe themselves as "artist driven, dance fueled experimental dance and performance art". Come and see for free the work of some of Philly's new emerging artists. Light refreshments will be served. Takes place on the 4th floor of the Terra building at Uarts on Broad St. (For more information see their website http://www.newfestival.net/schedule.html)

Drinks for a Penny (21+)- At roosevelts 23 from 1 pm to 12 am a penny will buy you a drink. That's right my friend, drinks for a penny. You're welcome. Located on 23rd and Walnut

Tango Hop- Argentine Tango in Media PA. For $12 you get a half hour lesson at 9, and then at 9:30 until late you can do social Argentine style dancing. (For more information- http://www.tangohop.com/tangohop.com/Home.html)

Another Metal Show at JR's Bar- Once again 5 dollars. All ages. 8pm. Crucifest (WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CRUCIFIST), vulcan, Hessian and Born of Thunder. JR's bar is still located at Passyunk and 22nd. South Phillay!

OPEN (ALMOST) ALL WEEK:

Jesse Whitacer- Colorful artwork at Gross McCleaf Gallery. Open Monday-

Saturday 10-5. Located at 127 South 16th St. (For more informatin go to http://www.grossmccleaf.com/)

Peter Pan: At the Arden theatre in Old City. It's a play meant for little kids, but from what I've heard it sounds pretty bad ass, lots of talent and steam punk theme. Plus it has great reviews. Not convinced yet, it's one of Philly's best theatres (in my opinion) and with any kind of student id you can go there for only $5. (Not open on Mondays. Go to ArdenTheatre.org for show times)

Making Modernity- An exhibit showing how chemistry has effected our lives. Includes scientific instruments, rare books, journals of scientists, fine art. Covers everything from alchemy to the chemical instrument revolution to the chemistry of color. Made to help you get a new perspective on things around you. At the chemical Heritage Foundation Museum on 315 Chestnut St. (For more information go to their website http://www.chemheritage.org/exhibits/ex-nav6-exhibition.html)

Project H.O.M.E.s 20th anniversary celebration.- This is an exhibit showcasing the art of 21 formerly homeless adults who participated in the H.O.M.E. program a charity that works in Philadelphia to help homeless people. Open from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. Located at the community art gallery on 1234 Market St.

Once Upon a Time- All different types of media from fantasy. Ranging from Ceramics to mixed media. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11-6 at DaleT Gallery on 141 N. 2nd St.

Dance with Camera: 36th and Sansom. The institute of contemporary art. Part of the University of Pennsylvania. A study of artists who want to make choreography for the camera. Features film, video, and still photography. Looks neat to me. Not open on Monday or Tuesday (For more information http://www.icaphila.org/exhibitions/dance.php)

The Astronomer, Part 1: Departure From Shed by Ronnie Bass: Located on 319 N. 11th Street, Second Floor. This is the first installment of a 3 part series. I'm having a hard summarizing, so here comes a quote "Departure From Shed consists of a video and sculpture centered around an open-ended narrative in which an astronomer, played by Bass, recognizes an opportune time for he and his friends to flee an oppressive situation and begin a new life. Working out of a shed, the astronomer motivates his friends to labor diligently and retain their faith as they prepare for the journey. "

Week of Dec 28th. Free/Cheap things to do with yourself

This is a list of things that are going on this week in Philadelphia for extremely cheap or free. (Things are free unless a price is listed)

I will be updating this list as the week goes on, so keep checking back.

MONDAY:

The Hangover Movie showing: (21 and up) The event starts at 6:30 and the show starts at 8. Show up before 7pm and get a free beer and a bag of popcorn. Otherwise $3 to get in which goes towards a drink. At the Trocadero on Arch St. between 11th and 10th.

Philly Rising Open Mic Night- World Cafe Live. 7:00 Most people go there and order food and watch the music. Broke people get free water and watch the music. WARNING: Anyone can sign up for this, so on occasion I've seen people playing and reppin dirty jerz bra! Located on 3025 Walnut St.

I Don't Watch the Internet Group Gallery at Fleisher/Ollman: Open Monday through Wed. this week. Installation pieces. (For more information http://www.grossmccleaf.com/ )

TUESDAY:

I Don't Watch the Internet Group Gallery at Fleisher/Ollman: Open Monday through Wed. this week. Installation pieces. (For more information http://www.grossmccleaf.com/ )

WEDNESSDAY:

I Don't Watch the Internet Group Gallery at Fleisher/Ollman: Open Monday through Wed. this week. Installation pieces. (For more information http://www.grossmccleaf.com/ )


THURSDAY:
Penn's Landing Fireworks: New this year there are 2 shows one at 6pm and one at midnight. Fireworks are at Penn's Landing (duh)

FRIDAY:

Make a mark on the Resolution Wall: 10 am. Free at the Kimmell Center (on Broad St.) There will also be music performances, and cake for everyone who has January 1st birthdays. I'm not sure what this means, but I hope it doesn't mean that it's only for people have birthdays on January 1st, because that's just mean. But this is not all there, oh no you actually can write your very own resolution on the resolution wall!! (I can't help but wonder if this sounds as skippable to you as it does to me, especially after being up all night for New Years, but hey just in case)

The Mummers Parade on Broad St.- South Philly bro dudes in skirts. Sweet man.

Steve Messenger gallery reception: Steve Messenger is an artist who does portraits of horses. They look pretty neat, big colorful and realistic. From 5-8:30 there will be a reception at the Muse Gallery (on 52 N. Second St.) for his new gallery. (For more information call 215-627-5310) To the left is a picture from The Muse Gallery website.

The Afterparty of drunken Mummers: Go to 4th street late at night, and you will see everybody drinking in the street and going crazy. You will also see lots of South Philly bro dudes still wearing skirts, except now they've been drunk for almost 2 days, which makes it excellent. This is an event that should not be missed.

The Hoppin John Orchestra: They describe themselves as a post modern 8 piece brass band. Free show at the Kimmel Center (broad st) at 1:30. (For more information visit hoppinjohn.net)

OPEN (ALMOST) ALL WEEK)

Chris Burnside gallery exhibit: Chris Burnside sculpts plywood and does lots of work with cutting into wood. It's very "modern art" and I'm not sure it's totally enjoyable by the average person. But it does look interesting to me. And at the same time Adrienne Eichelburg has an exhibit up in the same place. Located at 127 South 16th St. (For more informatin go to http://www.grossmccleaf.com/)

This gallery will be closed January 1st and on Sundays. Other than that it is open from 10am to 5 pm.

sLowlife- The Chemical Heritage Foundation 315 Chestnut St. Monday- Friday 10am - 4pm. Ever wanted to watch pictures of plants growing in fast motion. Don't get too excited now. It actually sounds pretty cool. On the website it is described as follows "Many of us think of and treat plants as inanimate objects. But a plant grows, reacts to changes in its environment, reproduces, responds to disease and injury, and undergoes a slow decline into old age and death—a saga that sounds hauntingly familiar." (For more information go to http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/usbg/toc.htm)

Peter Pan: At the Arden theatre in Old City. It's a play meant for little kids, but from what I've heard it sounds pretty bad ass, lots of talent and steam punk theme. Plus it has great reviews. Not convinced yet, it's one of Philly's best theatres (in my opinion) and with any kind of student id you can go there for only $5. (Not open on Mondays. On Tuesday there is a show at 12 and one at 4, on Wed. there is a show at 12 and one at 4, On Thursday there is a show at noon, on Friday there is a show at 2pm, and on Saturday and Sunday there are shows at 12 and at 4)

Dance with Camera: 36th and Sansom. The institute of contemporary art. Part of the University of Pennsylvania. A study of artists who want to make choreography for the camera. Features film, video, and still photography. Looks neat to me. Not open on Monday or Tuesday (For more information http://www.icaphila.org/exhibitions/dance.php)

I'm sorry I'm too broke to take you out to a bar and get you drunk there.

I recently turned 21, and so did my boyfriend. It has brought on a lot of conversation about how we should get out of the house and go to that bar down the corner. If you're over 21 I'm sure you're in the same boat, either with the person you're dating or your friends who you want to hang out with.

My very broke solution:
Pizza and PBR (or Mickeys if you really aren't trying to impress anyone)
At a bar I'll easily throw down $40 to get two people through the night, more than that if I want to have a really good time. On Mickeys or PBR I'll throw down about $6 for myself and be as jolly as santa.
Now pizza, sure you can order it, but if you're stuck at your house you may as well try to impress your friends somehow. After all, it's very important to remind your friends that you are as cool and fun as you know you are.
At Trader Joe's (on Market st.) you can get pizza dough for ninety-nine cents. This is exciting, I'm fully aware. You can also buy a can of tomato puree for sixty cents just about anywhere. These two ingredients are all you need to make breadsticks. Now before you yell at me for how lame breadsticks are, don't forget about that Mickeys and PBR you have, the fact that you have friends, and the fact that you are awesome. Think about all the shapes you can make and then eat. It actually sounds kinda fun right?
So I know the next time my friends wanna go to a bar I'm gonna pay about $8 instead and have some shitty beer and breadsticks.


Or if you're really stuck on that pizza idea you can pick up a block of cheese (or soy cheese for those of you that know what's up) and shred it yourself (it's cheaper this way). Another idea, if you don't have any seasonings to put on the tomato puree you may be better off just getting a tomato, and cutting it into pieces on the crust, and then just putting the cheese on top of that.

Oh, and while you're at Trader Joe's did you know you're allowed to sample anything there? The employees are allowed to open any box and let you try it all you have to do is ask. This is an excellent way to get free lunch. Just ask to try a few things, I mean you never know when you'll need spicy soy and flax tortilla chips right?

Hey everyone, I'm sorry I won't be able to make a list of shit to do this week, but the holidays are being all crazy on me. Next week i will be back with lots of free shit (which is after all the best kind of shit, the free kind I mean) to do next week.

I'm sorry I'm too broke to go to your dumb christmas party.

Oh yes, it's that time of year. When we're all afraid to go to our friend's parties because all of a sudden we're expected to have both cooking skills and money (please note this is not an or, this is an and. You need both).

So next time you hear those dreaded words, "just cook something to bring over" think of this recipe for chocolate soda cake. For the record this will not taste like soda.

You will Need:

10 oz. of coke or pepsi (think a can of soda that you took 2 sips from)- 75 cents

1 chocolate cake mix (the store brand one will do)- about $2

Add the soda to the cake mix. Mix really well. Bake just a little longer then directed on the box.

Voila! Impress your friends with a cake you made for $2.75. You can also buy frosting, but usually I just throw some powdered sugar on the top if I have some.