2016 FRINGE FESTIVAL IS HERE
It’s that wonderful time of year when everyone is back in town, the kids go back to school, and PHILLY FRINGE FESTIVAL is here!
That means that the city is filled with talented artists from Philly and around the world to perform creative pieces in the worlds of drama, comedy, dance, music, and stuff you can’t even put into a genre.
The festival runs two weeks at venues throughout the city in spaces that hold 700 people and some that may hold 20.
I know what you’re thinking. I’m not a theater person. That’s an uptight, stuffy world. It can be, but not Fringe. You can find a fair amount of fun, experimental stuff. I guarantee whatever your interest is that there will be a show you’ll enjoy. I mean, there are like hundreds of them going on. Some of the more enjoyable moments are interactive pieces that make you a part of the show in public spaces around town.
Here’s a bit of highlights from performances at the RUBA club from the 2011 festival.
Fringe will always hold a special place in my heart as I worked in the box office at the very first Philly Fringe.
While some of the prices can get upwards of $30 for a larger productions, the majority of shows are moderately priced. If you buy a Fringe Membership for $100 you get 30% off most shows and 50% some select shows, plus you save on FringeArts productions all year long. WHAT A BAHRGAIN!
The FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARTY is tonight (Friday 9/8) at the Fringearts building right under the Ben Franklin Bridge at 140 N. Columbus Blvd. The party features music by DJ Sideswipe so folks will be dancing.
If that ain’t enough to get you off your couch tonight, the amazing RED 40 the Last Groovement are also playing. They are without a doubt one of the most entertaining acts in town.
No you know what to do tonight. See ya there. Buy me a beer when ya see me!
I haven’t had a chance to go through the program (later tonight) to recommend specific shows, aside from the underrated act of talking to oneself by femme.collective. I know some of the people in this talented and important local group and they are always worth seeing.
The women of femme. collective continue to empower each other, support women in the arts, and provide a platform for female artists to collaborate in sharing their passions through the underrated act of talking to oneself at Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival this autumn.
If you can’t afford tickets, you can always volunteer and get free tickets. No excuses. Get your Fringe on Philly!