Tacita Dean is a world-renowned visual artist/analog film activist who’s coming to Philadelphia to debut an extraordinary new work at Arcadia University Art Gallery. Tomorrow night, join her as she unveils this long awaited piece.

From February 7 through April 21, Arcadia University Art Gallery will be showing Dean’s film. The piece was shot in ever-rarer looped 35 mm anamorphic film in the deserts of Utah and Southern California. The film portrays the passage of time, the connection between the desert and the dystopian writings of British author J.G. Ballard, and even the slow death of film in the digital age, which is a topic that Dean is quite passionate about.

The exhibition will commence at 6:30 PM, and a reception in the gallery at 7:30 PM. Admission is free but reservations are required and can be made here.

On Friday, February 15th, make way for one of the most coveted events for fine art enthusiasts in the city. With over 500 artist donations to view, InLiquid’s annual art auction is an event you won’t want to pass up. However, before you start bidding at the InLiquid Benefit, they’re giving you a sneak peak at what you’ll be seeing at the event.

On February 1^st, InLiquid launched their new interactive auction section where art admirers can browse the website and keep a running list of all of the pieces that they would like to place bids on during the InLiquid Benefit.

The three hour event will be taking place in the vast Ice Box Space at the Crane Arts Building from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. You can purchase tickets and RSVP here, or call 215-235-3405.

Don't miss out on some fantastic shows coming up this week including Cheers Elephant, Laser Background and more!

Wednesday, February 6: Cheers Elephant at Johnny Brenda’s

Philly’s Cheers Elephant craft big, friendly rockers that draw from all your fave 60’s bands: The Beatles, The Kinks, The Byrds, and more. The band’s 2012 LP, Like Wind Blows Fire, found them at the fore of the local  pop scene, with an “Album of the Week” nod from XPN, a featured track on Hype Machine, and opening spots for Mayer Hawthorne and Rubblebucket. Live, the band explodes with energy and passion, from front man Derek Krzywicki’s smooth vocals and excellent falsetto, to drummer Robert Kingsly’s Animal-esque drumming (yes, we just compared him to a Muppet.) Did we mention the record is available as a free DL via Bandcamp? This is one you’ll wanna hit repeat on.

After you finish up with First Friday festivities tomorrow, make your way over to Ortleib’s Lounge to hear Edison premiere two brand new songs.

Not only does the local band, Edison, have some new tunes for you to listen to, they’ve also got a fresh new bassist to show off.  The band consists of 5 equally talented musicians: Alexander Savoth, Michael James Murray, Gusten Rudolph, Bobby Tre Brumbaugh and Alison Rigz.

Before you go, you’re going to want to hear a little preview. Check out their album Living Room, and enjoy their ambient rock vibes.

Cancel your plans for Friday, February 8 because you’re going to want to head over to The Fire to check out one of our favorite Philly based artists, Dewey Decibel.

The award winning graphic designer/illustrator and hip hop artist will be performing live along with The People and Hennessey Bonfire.  If you haven’t checked out this triple-threat, you ought to because this guy has got some serious talent. Just check out his latest single “Love” from his most recent album Son of a Beach – it’s a great jam with some equally quality visuals. 

The show starts at 8 pm. You can purchase tickets here.

If you’ve got a thirst for great imperial stouts, and any sort of white attire hanging in your closet, you’re going to want to stop by Varga Bar on Thursday, January 31^st.

As January winds down, Varga Bar is inviting everyone to attend their White Party, which they’re also calling their Craft Stout Invitational. Drafts include:

Goose Island Bourbon County
Troegs Scratch #83
Great Lakes Blackout Stout
Oskar Blues Ten FIDY
Left Hand Wake Up Dead NITRO
Port Santa's Little Helper
Ballast Point Victory at Sea
Allagash Bourbon Black
Dogfish Head Bitches Brew
Sierra Nevada Narwhal
Harpoon Leviathan Czerborg

Building on Michelle Obama’s national call to action to help improve the physical and emotional health of children, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter will be hosting Let’s Move It Philly! On February 16^th.

Let’s Move It Philly! is the first step in the Grassroots Community Foundation’s 10 city initiative to address childhood obesity and health inequality for African Americans and those living in low-income communities.

With a new month comes some great, new shows.

Friday, February 1: Buke and Gase at Johnny Brenda’s

More » 

Aiden James, the openly gay Philadelphia native who is currently soaring to worldwide appear, will bring his singing and songwriting talents to the Tin Angel this Saturday, January 25^th.

James, who has recently released his album “The Trouble With This”, has garnered major popularity on both the iTunes Hot 100 and album charts. The album debuted in the top 30 after release.