The LasT WorD ROCKS! at Moonstone Arts Center

The LasT WorD ROCKS!
Moonstone Arts Center
Thursday, September 15


Report by: Bryant Nnadi


The LasT WorD is ground zero for the “Movement for a DoPeR PhiLLy.” It is an all-ages monthly open mic/performance art fiasco orchestrated by Saint Skribbly LaCroix and featuring the top readings and performances by the most eclectic performing artists in the Tri-State area.

I would have to agree with Skribbly's description, but let me add that this art fiasco is more than just a great place for wanderers to find poetry and live open performance art. The Last word is also ideal for young budding artists who need a stage to practice some of their in-progress work. Since I've been going to these episodes/ shows I've been getting the vibe that I'm in a practice hall, lightly critiquing my friends work in the library. It doesn't hurt that the lovely people who organized the event, cater including wine and an assortment of baked goods. I feel as if I had joined a private membership that fills a certain void inside.

The ambiance was subtle and still. I wished there were more women present, making the droves of masculine energy walking through the door and into the room more balanced, but like I said before; it's a good thing they serve wine here. One of my favorite bursts of energy at this event is when the host messes up the introduction of the next artist to the stage. First the host breaks out into his speech, which goes "The next Performer is going to leave nothing home,.." and then the crowd finishes "But he's going to leave it on all the stage." Now if Skribbly forgets how to finish this sequence, all of a sudden the audience starts to bombard him with barrage after barrage of Yo Momma jokes. It's one of the bravest acts and creative ways to keep the crowd engaged in a show. The whole place erupted in laughter when all of a sudden one joke made it to the stage in clarity going, "Yo Mama so freaky, she could suck peanut butter through a coffee straw." There was also a championship battle for Swag on the Mike between Mike joseph Johnson and Reem GameFace Hall. Both poets offered their own styles and think tanks for the audience to connect but in the end GameFace would emerge as the victor in a three part series, which lasted the whole first half of the night.

The performances were ok but I would be lying if I said that they were ground breaking or amazing. I didn’t even stay for the whole event after the first intermission. I had enough of the event for the first hour and felt like it was the perfect time to wander off into the night. I still recommend to giving the last word a shot. If not for the poetry, go for the drinks and baked goods. So if you looking for a relaxed environment where you can get a simple drink and listen to some poetry I would say hit up The Last Word every third Thursday of the month at Moonstone Book store. I placed the address below. Till next time, I’ll give you my adventures in the Philly nights.


Bryant Nnadi
Vanache on Twitter as @vanache_vida
facebook.com/vanache
http://www.vanache.us

G Lounge - June 3 Visit

And now comes another long-awaited report, from another new writer, Ebony Knight. -Adam

G Lounge, Friday June 3

Report by: Ebony Knight

As a busy wife, mother, and prelaw student, I covet the rare opportunities I get to let my hair down and just be ME! Imagine my disappointment when, after finally finding an outfit that didn’t scream “soccer-mom”, getting all six of my little angels settled with the sitter (yes, I said SIX!), and breaking a few traffic laws to find the G Lounge and a place to park in downtown Philadelphia early enough to get in free, I ended up being turned away at the door because I didn’t have proper ID. After the initial shock of being “carded”, my husband and I made the trek back to the parking garage to retrieve my driver’s license from my purse. Of course we ended up having to pay full price since the bouncer claimed it was after 10:00pm already.

The atmosphere outside the G Lounge leads one to believe that they are about to enter an upscale establishment. The bouncer who asks you if you’re “on the list”, the pic of Snoop Dogg on their website, and the inscription you read when you walk in “sophisticated nightlife” all contribute to the ambiance of exclusivity. However, upon entering the G Lounge, I found it to be more like a boring house party in someone’s basement.

After going down a few stairs and through a couple doors you’re met by an ex (or aspiring) pimp whom I assume was watching either the register, the girl on the register, or both. I am not exaggerating when I say he looked like a wanna-be-pimp: mismatched polyester suit, hat, gold rings and all! Proceeding past this unexpected source of comic relief, we entered the G Lounge and ordered a drink at one of their three bars. Unfortunately, we only ordered one drink since my request for something “cute and slushy” couldn’t be fulfilled because they don’t have blenders in their establishment. What kind of bar doesn’t have a blender!?!?!?! Anyway, the one drink we did order cost us a whopping $15 bucks!

It wasn’t hard to find a place to sit since the place was virtually empty besides a few stragglers here and there who were enjoying drinks quietly. There was also a group of young guys who seemed to be doing a pretty good job entertaining themselves in what was supposed to be the VIP section of the club. Note: this “VIP” area consists of an unenclosed, elevated strip of the room with one girl dancing at the entrance of the room for everyone to see. Sadly, this wasn’t even a perk since neither of the two girls who took turns dancing had any rhythm. I guess the big guy blocking the entrance of the landing makes it “VIP”.

The lounge/basement was decorated very comfortably with some sections of it actually looking like a living room, complete with flat screen televisions on the wall. We were bored out of our minds for the first hour we were there. We actually got out hands stamped and left for a while just to walk around the city and grab a quick bite to eat with hopes that the party would start poppin by the time we returned. After window shopping and enjoying a free doughnut from Krispy Kreme for doughnut day, we returned to find that a few more people had shown up, but the party was far from poppin. Maybe it was the house/techno music that I couldn’t quite get with or the boring movie that kept catching my attention and on the flat screen televisions, but I couldn’t stop yawning and after another hour or so I finally decided to retire to life as usual…Until next time!

Ebony Knight

Ranstead Room - Shelter from the Sun (and Center City Sips)

And now, from P. Thatcher, a report I have long been waiting to read. -Adam

Yesterday I stepped out of work and decided that it was a good day for a cocktail. Amuse came to mind as an alternative, but my gut was to try Ranstead Room first. Along the way I noticed several big crowds out, included a loud party over at 19th and Market. I was surprised for a moment wondering at big crowds on a Wednesday night. But comprehension soon dawned as I remembered that Center City Sips has started a couple of weeks ago.

Walking through the late afternoon sunshine, it was about 5:30 when I reached the Ranstead Room. I pushed open the first door and really was blind for a moment in the relative darkness. But I adjusted quickly-must be all the carrots I eat.

So it was that I managed to be one of the first folks in for the evening. David, standing nattily attired and ready to deliver, was the bartender this evening. I took a front-row seat at the soft bar to watch him do his work.

After asking me a few questions about my interests for the evening, he began preparing my drink. First off was a Toronto Cocktail. It was a magical paintbrush of a drink, and set the world even righter.

As I sat and sipped, I observed other folks starting to walk in. First a young man waiting for his date, then another couple who also took on a bit of the bar.

I had to decide what to do next, and decided upon grapefruit as the touchstone of my next drink. Again, the good wizard was ready with a drink, this time the Hemingway Daiquiri.

Now the world was expending, and I could ponder upon all that was right with the world. Including my having to read A Farewell to Arms long ago in high school.

By now I was getting hungry, and so I tried the cheese plate. I can say definitively the blue cheese and goat cheese were excellent. They were washed with a bit of a margarita-style drink I'd requested on the wild hare idea of a liquid General Tso's.

Finally I was ready to return to the outside world. By this time the sun had kindly chosen to dim a bit and I could continue on with my night.

If you have ever been frustrated getting a seat, going early is an excellent strategy. I was dressed business casual, and felt I blended in fine. But in general it's a good place to dress up. The service is excellent. The prices are reasonable for what's being provided.

Mexican Post Love Park - Outdoor Dining

And now comes P. Thatcher's report on the Mexican Post Love Park location. -Adam

Mexican Post, Love Park
June 3, 2011.

Report By: P. Thatcher

I am always up for a party, so when the e-mail came saying "Happy Hour" my day was made. The invite mentioned that Mexican Post was picked for its outdoor seating, and convenience. I might be ready to hop a taxi to some Old City outpost, but I understand that people with wives or dogs or children or World-of-Warcraft waiting for them at home might not be as excited about venturing far from our offices.

I popped over at 5 sharp, making me the first of the crew to arrive. Friday was about about as nice a day as Philadelphia ever has: sunny, not to hot, with a breeze. There was already a big crowd in a cordoned off area of outdoor seating, and a DJ playing some music from portable speakers.

About five minutes later, the first wave of the rest of the party arrived. The partier-in-charge asked the hostess, an attractive brunette, by the way, about getting a table for ten. Expected wait, 30-45 minutes, but we were free to stand and get drinks from the small outdoor bar. We took that deal.

The little bar had margaritas, red cans of Tecate, and maybe Lager? I went with a margarita, graciously paid for by one of my co-workers. Now, this is a margarita in a plastic cup, and fairly low strength. No problem, I could nurse it a while and continue enjoying hanging out.

So we socialized and a few things started to become appearant. The first was that standing too close to the speakers was really annoying. The second was that 30-45 minutes was a very optimistic guess. Part of the problem, I think, is that the crowd was having a wonderful time starting the weekend with a little buzz in the sun. I know I was impressed. Even if my legs were getting tired.

Our crew had a few splits and re-orgs, so by about 7:30 we got a table for six. The sun was still out, people watching could continue, and food was on the way. I wound up getting more shrimp than anticipated (I was trying to order the appetizer, wound up with an entree. No big deal, I was hungry enough to tackle it. Waitress was apologetic.) Closed out the night with a shot of Don Julio Blanco ($14).

By 9:30 the party was winding down. And, perhaps because of its dependence on Center City worker bees, so was Mexican Post. They were quick with the check. The bathrooms were clean. And so the happy hour ended.

A few further notes. If you are trying to meet new people, the patio is really not the right place to do it. Most everyone there was part of a party of some sort. So although it was fun to people-watch, I don't think anyone would have felt comfortable striking up a conversation with a different table. For that, you would probably be better off at the bar indoors. Also, on a nice day, it's going to be hard to get a nice chain of table all to yourself without arriving early. We will remember that for next time. By 5 the place was packed.