The Philadelphia Orchestra is proud to say, despite of DOGE cuts, they are putting on for the fifth year in a row the annual FREE Pride Concert on June 30th. While everyone will miss Martha Graham Cracker who sadly passed on this week, more on that in the previous post, this year it will be hosted by Trixie Mattel, alongside conductor Carolyn Kuan and Yannick Nezet Seguin, the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus, Voice of Pride, and cast members of the traveling production of The Notebook. The concert will include works by Berstein, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Bach, Lady Gaga, and Madonna. So, if you get to Philly for Pride you might want to check this concert out... tickets are free but required...so it's first come first serve...and they are going fast.
As Prides season is upon us, another drag legend heads to the grand stages of Fabulon. Philadelphia has lost one of its most beloved of drag queens, Martha Graham Cracker brought to life by Dito van Reigerberg, a drag queen, artist, actor, singer and theater director. Martha co-founded Philadelphia's acclaimed Pig Iron Theatre Co and used his theater background to craft the wildly popular, 7in platform wearing alter ego. I can recall seeing Martha as far back as the early 90's where she was already well established, in standing room only venues, with people sitting on people to watch the show. Martha Graham Cracker was famously inspired by the pioneer of modern dance Martha Graham as well as renowned drag performers Joey Arias and Raven O. Always a very strong advocate in Philly's LGBTQ community, hosting drag shows all over Philly and as far as NYC and Pride concerts-adding his signature mix of sincerity and sass. Once billed as the world's tallest and hairiest queen, forget what you know about drag... Martha often let it all out with her shaggy legs and arms on full display. And to think it all started because he liked to try on his mother's makeup as a kid. Known for his campy, drag on a dime looks, and booming, soul baring singing voice rather than lip synching, Martha packed venues for years, blending chaotic cabaret, humor, wise cracks and heart. This year will be the first of Pride concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra without Martha. Last year she gave a showstopping performance with the song Rainbow Connection. Tragically, Martha passed away this week at 53 following a battle with leukemia. Spread your magic in Fabulon girl.
Whilst in Baltimore this weekend we made a quick pitstop on the way back home to say hi to some boys I know who own a delicious home accents shop, which hit the wallet hard I might add, and we dined at a stop I enjoy, The Duchess. You may be thinking it's Duchess Deedles's house. I wish! But she is on the other coastline! But every time I see this place I think of our Duchess Deedles and think the place is named in her honor. The Duchess is a corner pub, but don't expect shepherd's pie or Yorkshire pudding here. Rather than serve traditional pub grub, the Duchesss is the ultimate hangout in Hampden brought to life by owner Tony Foreman and Chef KiKo Fejarang, with a sometime weekly rotating menu I hear. With a vibe inspired by the friendly spirit of a English pub, it's a place where great food and good time come together for sure. The food and even drinks infuse the Chef's vibrant Chamorro heritage and rich with culinary roots from Western Pacific, Guam. She has a melting pot of taste on the menu from Filipino, Japanese, Korean and even some Spanish cuisine. It's definitely a friendly place, with welcoming staff and attentiveness...the place is a true original fitting right into this quirky town of Hampden. I have always loved the vibe of the place. By time we left from an early dinner, the place was packed and we caught just enough of a live performance from a singer on stage, which I hear is a new weekly addition. And we made pigs of ourselves!
I already can't wait to go back!
I came across this video from a year ago of the place for more info. I just adore Chef. And yes, she does a lot with Spam! And it was delish!
Seen this weekend with the clan. Not sure what took me so long to go see this museum. Over 100 years old, this museum was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas and culture is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life and I couldn't agree more. It's important to go and see and support these places before it's too late and the billionaires get their greedy mitts on them, and start charging Disneyland admissions!!! Art should be able to be viewed by all. The museum had a great exhibit called the Cone Collection, with over 1, 200 works by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Renoir. The George A Lucas Collection was very impressive, with over 18,000 French mid-19th century works, and one of the greatest single holdings of French art in the US. I also enjoyed the African and Native American art as well, not to mention there was a pretty impressive sculpture collection in the gardens surrounding the museum. I have been going to Baltimore for years. Shame on me for not going to this place sooner.
Is there anything better then art and music for the soul?
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