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.
With three, count them three, real class days left to fall semester, the weekend is overflowing with possibilities. A late Thanksgiving and impending Reading Week mean that just about every student group or ensemble on campus is in the midst of performances. Below are a few of the on campus attractions and, as always, an off campus escape or two for the adventurous.
You can watch faculty and students dance the evening (or afternoon) away in the Fall Student Dance concert (4:30 today, 8 pm tomorrow). If “the play’s the thing…” you won’t be disappointed by this weekend’s offerings of Dramaboard’s “Roland,” or the Theater Department’s Senior Company performance, “Vinegar Tom.” This is also performance time for three of Swarthmore’s large ensemble groups: Orchestra at 8 tonight, Chorus at 7:30 Sunday, and Gamelan at 3 on Sunday.
If you are eager to get in the city, there’s always the Philadelphia Art museum where this morning the Rocky steps are hosting an Army/Navy relay race. The holiday-cheer seekers will be happy to know that last night Rittenhouse lit up their Christmas tree and the shops around the square are buzzing with carolers, roasted chestnut, ‘bargains,’ and hot cocoa (though nothing tops nearby Naked Chocolate’s cup of rich sipping chocolate.)
As it’s supposed to snow a bit on Sunday you could also wander through the city and enjoy the public art throughout. Scavenger hunt style, you can see how many of the following famous sculptures and artworks you notice: Calder’s “Swann Memorial Fountain,” Epstein’s “Social Consciousness,” Oldenburg’s “Clothespin,” Robert Indiana’s “Love,” and—my favorite—Zagar’s “Magic Gardens.”
