Welcome to the weekend extravaganza where pipe organs take center stage—not to be confused with that droning sound you hear on public transportation. Yes, the first-ever Philadelphia Organ Festival kicks off on Friday, appealing to those who prefer their music with an architectural flair. Speaking of crawls, we’re not talking about the ones you might do on an empty stomach. The Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Crawl promises an experience equally stimulating and slightly disorienting, happening Saturday, because obviously, you need to celebrate National Espresso Martini Day on a weekend! And if you’ve ever wanted to knit while pub-crawling, the inaugural Philly Yarn Crawl is your new dream come true, featuring 16 craft stores. Meanwhile, New Jersey is valiantly preserving the ’70s with Yak Rock Gold—because who doesn’t want to relive their parents’ questionable music choices? And in the realm of serious culture, the Tony Award-winning play “The Lehman Trilogy” has been granted a divine extension at the Arden Theatre, possibly because no one could bear to let such financial drama fade away.
New Jersey
Yacht Rock Gold: Music’s Most Relaxed Genre
If you ever wondered what it feels like to lounge on a yacht while sipping a piña colada, well, Yacht Rock Gold is here to provide the soundtrack—minus the ocean and the overpriced cocktails. This musical celebration brings back those smooth ’70s hits, ensuring that you can pretend the last few decades of music never happened. No judgment here; this is a safe space for musical nostalgia.
Boney James—Saxophonist Extraordinaire
Get ready for some smooth sax at the Scottish Rite Auditorium! Boney James is gracing us with his presence to promote his 18th studio album, “Detour.” Can we take a detour back to the ‘90s while we’re at it? This album features “Coastin,’” a collaboration with the melodious Lalah Hathaway, plus the heartfelt song “Tribute” dedicated to his late father. Bring tissues; it’s bound to be an emotional ride.
Delaware
Liz Longley: A Heartfelt Series of Tunes
Where: Arden Gild Hall
When: Thursday, March 14, 8 p.m.
Cost: $24.93 (a very specific amount that just feels right)
Nashville-based songstress Liz Longley will be at Arden Gild Hall, peddling her acoustic CD “It’s Me Again.” This isn’t just another concert—expect adorable mother-daughter moments as she shares the spotlight with her young child, documenting their bonding over social media. We can only hope she’s not using her riding toddler to boost ticket sales.
Romeo and Juliet 2021
Shakespeare’s tragic lovers are getting a modern spin in “Romeo and Juliet 2021” at Delaware’s Everett Theatre. Imagine all the angst of a pandemic unfolding in a fancy Texas suburb. Spoiler alert: love is still doomed, but this time it comes complete with high-maintenance neighbors and Wi-Fi issues.
Special Events
Greater Philly Yarn Crawl: Kneadles Not Included
The inaugural Greater Philly Yarn Crawl is scheduled for 16 locations—a veritable journey for those who enjoy crafting with wool while possibly looking like a yarn hoarder. Participants can collect raffle tickets and patterns at each stop, and if you actually manage to visit 10-16 stores, you might win $750 worth of yarn (or comforting deceit). Who knew craft shopping could make you that rich?
Philadelphia Organ Festival: Celebrating the Mighty Pipes
Nothing says “exciting weekend” like a series of concerts nestled in various venues via the Philadelphia Organ Festival from March 15-23. Sure, it might not attract your average clubgoer, but for those who think organs should take center stage, this is the event of the year. Just be prepared for some serious fanfare accompanying kazoo renditions of Ravel’s “Bolero.”
Funky Brunch & Market: Spring Edition
Where: Ardmore Music Hall
When: Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend, brunch not included (sorry, nothing is ever truly free).
Join the local vendors offering tantalizing goodies while a reggae band named Ear Me Now plays live music. Family-friendly? Absolutely, assuming your kids can handle brunch without trying to drink the mimosas.
Arts & Culture
Suspense Writer Lisa Gardner Takes Center Stage
Where: Free Library of Northampton Twp.
When: Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m.
Cost: $31.80 (includes a book and probably some nail-biting suspense)
Lisa Gardner appears to promote her latest page-turner “Still See You Everywhere.” Come for suspense, stay for the existential dread—who knows what might happen in a book? Maybe you’ll finally find out why they never just turn the flashlight on in horror films.
Philadelphia Ballet: Dance Masterpieces
Where: Academy of Music
When: March 14-16
Cost: $22 and up (because budgets don’t dance themselves)
The Philadelphia Ballet features works from legendary choreographers—if you’re into dance, you’ll want to catch this. Just don’t expect to dance along; there’s a strict no-flailing policy.
The Lehman Trilogy: Come for the Drama, Stay for the Meltdown
This Tony Award-winning play covers the rise and fall of the Lehman Brothers—a saga that teaches us how capitalism can crumble faster than a poorly made soufflé. By popular demand, it has been extended another week, which means the audience can collectively gasp one last time before the curtain closes.
Keyshia Cole and Friends: The Love Hard Tour
Wrapping things up, if you still believe R&B is alive, the Love Hard Tour featuring Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Jaheim, and K. Michelle is here to smash the skeptics’ dreams. Join us at the Liacouras Center this Sunday for what should be an earful of performances that are as unforgettable as they are melodious. Don’t forget your earplugs for the high notes!
