Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Opera fans have another weekend to check out the Philadelphia Opera Company’s production of Aida, or more accurately to check out soprano Angela Brown’s dazzling performance in the title role. The rest of the production is hit or miss, due to some uneven singing in the other parts and the company’s trademark static staging, and some inexplicable production decisions (the costume designer should never be allowed to touch gold lame again). However, Brown transcends all of the problems in her vocal power, musical intelligence and stage presence, and makes it a production not to miss.
If you haven’t been to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this weekend is an excellent time to take that long (yet scenic) walk down Ben Franklin Parkway. Even if you’ve already been there, you might want to return this weekend for a new exhibit of works by the Italian surrealist Salvador DalÃÂ, entitled “DalàRevisited.” He’s more than just those melting clocks, and this show’s aim is to solidify his reputation as a serious, important artist over his public persona. It’s going to be quite crowded, and you might want to buy a ticket ahead of time on the museum website, http://www.philamuseum.org.
If the on campus show by They Might Be Giants isn’t enough music for you this weekend, or just isn’t your style, head to the World Cafe Live at 3025 Walnut Street in Philly for the latest trend in salsa music, called timba. It uses a heavier percussion section and a reggae beat, and draws for R & B, jazz and African music as well as more traditional salsa. La Timba Loca performs at 7:30 tonight.
