MAGAZINE
Big Screens Roll into Town this issue
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• What’s ‘IN’ for December • Riverfront Happenings • An Arty Holidays to You
DECEMBER 2012 Vol. 4 ISSUE 6
11/23/2012 10:07:28 AM
DO YOUR
HOLIDAY
SHOPPING DOWNTOWN! For a full list of retailers visit downtownvisions.org/ Wilmington/shopping
Market Street welcomes YoYo Joes!
CLOTHING & SHOES: Milan4Ever Children's Clothing Boutique 222 W. 9th • NOSO Boutique 316 Market • Spaceboy Clothing 617 Market • Sneaker Villa 607 Market • Wright & Simon 911 Market BOOKS & GIFTS: Ninth Street Book Shop 730 Market Bloomsberry Flower Shop 207 Market • City Art & Frame 229 Market TOYS: YoYo Joe's 711 Market • SWEETS: Govatos 800 Market JEWELRY: A.R. Morris 802 Market
downtownvisions.org
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liveworkplaywilmington.com
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T
Distinctive. Scenic. Quiet.
Hold your next business event in a Delaware StateQuiet. Park Distinctive. Scenic.
Hold your next business event in a Delaware State Park
Bellevue Hall • Biden Center • Blue Ball Barn Brandywine Creek Nature Center • Cauffiel House • Grass Dale Bellevue Hall • Biden Center • Blue Ball Barn Indian River Life-Saving Station • Indian River Marina Brandywine Creek Nature Center • Cauffiel House • Grass HoldJudge yourMorris nextEstate business event in a Delaware ParkDale •Indian Killens Pond NatureStation Center• IndianState River Life-Saving River Marina Bellevue Hall • Pond Biden Center • Blue Ball • Brandywine Creek Nature Center • Cauffiel House Killens Water Park •Barn Trap PondEstate Nature Center Judge Morris • Killens Pond Nature Center
Distinctive. Scenic. Quiet. Distinctive. Scenic. Quiet.
Hold nextRiverbusiness event inRiver a Delaware State Park Grassyour Dale • Indian Life-Saving Station Marina Estate Killens Pond• Indian Water Park • Trap• Judge Pond Morris Nature Center Hall• Killens • Biden • Blue Killens PondBellevue Nature Center PondCenter Water Park • TrapBall PondBarn Nature Center Brandywine Creek Nature Center • Cauffiel House • Grass Dale Indian River Life-Saving • •Indian River Marina Bellevue Hall • BidenStation Center Blue Ball Barn destateparks.com © 302-739-9220 destateparks.com (302) 739-9220 destateparks.com (302) 739-9220 Judge Creek MorrisNature EstateCenter • Killens• Cauffiel Pond Nature Brandywine HouseCenter • Grass Dale KillensRiver PondLife-Saving Water ParkStation • Trap •Pond Nature Indian Indian RiverCenter Marina Judge Morris Estate • Killens Pond Nature Center Killens Pond Water Park • Trap Pond Nature Center
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destateparks.com
(302) 739-9220
For ed
.c om
302-655-9949
11/23/12 10:43 AM
Produced by
all rights reserved
TSN Publishing, Inc. President Gerald duPhily
Contributing Editor Bob Yearick
Art Director Shawna Sneath
Production Manager Matt Loeb
Advertising Sales
December 2012 volume 4, issue 6
6 Cover Story
IMAXED
Penn Cinema brings Delaware’s first IMAX screen--as well as 14 additional theaters--to Wilmington’s Riverfront. By Mark Fields
11 The Arts ...And an Arty Holidays to You On eight crazy December nights in the city there’s artful holiday cheer to give everyone reason to rejoice. By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald
Jim Hunter Miller Marie Graham
Contributing Writers Barb Bullock, Krista Connor, Josephine Eccel, Christine Facciolo, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Larry Nagengast, Scott Pruden
Contributing Photographers Joe del Tufo, Tim Hawk Les Kipp, Matt Urban
For editorial and advertising information: p (302) 655-6483 f (302) 654-0569
TSN Media, Inc. 307 A Street Wilmington, DE 19801
12 City Notes From bicycles to music lessons, holiday shopping options are abundant Downtown.
Departments 4
“in” Calendar
8
On the Riverfront
13
Wilmington Renaissance News
ABOUT THE “IN” CAMPAIGN
Wilmington is truly in the middle of it all, and the “in” campaign is a celebration of the accomplishments we continue to achieve as a community to make our city stronger and more attractive. From neighborhood and business development to our arts and cultural scene, the people of Wilmington are working together to support our city’s ongoing growth and prosperity.
ABOUT WILMINGTON MAGAZINE
The mission of Wilmington Magazine is to capture, through stories and images, the ongoing energy present in the city. We aim to inform readers, both inside and outside Wilmington, of the city’s residential, financial, and cultural progress while remaining entertaining and vibrant. 3
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WHAT’S ‘IN’ FOR
DECEMBER 2012
MUSIC
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD & DRINK
NOW - SUNDAY, JANUARY 6
SAT, DECEMBER 1, 3PM & 7:30PM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7PM
TUES, DEC 4 - SUN, DEC 9
Yuletide at Winterthur: A Feast for the Eyes
Jim Brickman: "On A Winter's Night"
Hagley's Home for the Holidays
Shrek the Musical
5105 Kennett Pike • 800.448.3883 bitly.com/T7tCGD
DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401 • bitly.com/T7tDun
200 Hagley Road • 302.658.2400 bitly.com/Sxq0iL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 6PM
WED, DEC 5 - SUN, DEC 30
FRI, DECEMBER 7, 3:30-9:30PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 7PM
DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401 • bitly.com/Sxq1mM
Chef Tasting Series Finale
A Christmas Carol
presented by Out & About and Premier Wine & Spirits • The Queen • 500 N. Market St. 302.994.1400 • bitly.com/T7tCGO
Delaware Theatre Company 200 Water St. • 302.594.1100 bitly.com/Sxq0iN
Alternatives Holiday Craft Show 2012
Clifford Brown Year Round: E. Shawn Qaissaunee
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts 200 S. Madison St • bitly.com/T7tCX4
CCAC • 705 N. Market St • 302.652.0101 bitly.com/T7tCX6
SAT, DECEMBER 8, 7:30PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 6PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 7PM
WED, DECEMBER 19, 8PM
Handel's Judas Maccabaeus
Share A Night
Loudon Wainwright III
Saints Andrew & Matthew Church 719 N. Shipley Street • 302.656.6628 bitly.com/T7tDKN
benefitting Ronald McDonald House of Delaware • 1901 Rockford Road 302.656.HUGS • bitly.com/Sxq1mQ
World Cafe Live at the Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400 bitly.com/T7tCXd
Sweet Honey in the Rock: Celebrating The Holydays
The Grand Opera House • 818 N. Market St • 302.658.7897 • bitly.com/Sxq0iP
FRI, DEC 21 - SUN, DEC 23
MON, DEC 24 & TUES, DEC 25
MON, DECEMBER 31, 11AM-1PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 9PM
The Nutcracker
Christmas Dining at the Hotel du Pont
The Grand Opera House 818 N Market Street • 302.658.7897 bitly.com/T7tDKR
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11th & Market Streets • 302.594.3154 bitly.com/Sxq0iR
Noon New Year's Eve Party
NYE with Rusted Root
Brandywine Zoo • 1001 North Park Drive 302.577.7020 • bitly.com/Sxq1mS
World Cafe Live at The Queen 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400 bit.ly/T7tFSJ
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ART IS IN - EXHIBITS OPENING & CLOSING THIS MONTH Chris White Gallery
• Relative Bodies: A Mixed Media Exhibit opens December 7 302.932.0738 • 701 Shipley Street
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH Festive Holiday Greens Workshop Delaware Center for Horticulture 1810 N. DuPont St. • 302.658.6262
Green Willow’s Music of the Season
Flight Club every Tuesday 5:30-7:30
Brian Soward & Michael Ronstadt
Blue Ball Barn • 1914 W. Park Drive • 302.577.1164
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Chelsea Tavern • 821 N. Market Street
• Alison Stigora’s Natural Forces thru Dec 9 • Benjamin Duke’ Thresholds Dec 22 - March 30 • John Williams’ Homeward Reflections Dec 22 - March 30 • Kelly Kozma’s Play Next Episode thru Dec 16 302.656.6466 • 200 South Madison Street
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14TH
Open Mic Night every Tuesday
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Brandywine Baroque: George’s Music for the Royal George Barn at Flintwoods
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
205 Center Meeting Rd. • 877.594.4546
Wee Have Fun Club • Bellevue State
Bronze Radio Return & Wheeler Bros.
Family Wreath Making Workshop
An Intimate Evening w/ Raul Malo
Park • 800 Carr Road • 302.761.6963
• Regional Center for Women in the Arts: Renew/Recycle opens December 7 302.658.6262 • 1810 N. DuPont St.
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
TheDCH • 1810 N. DuPont St. • 302.658.6262
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
4W5 Blues Jam! every Wednesday
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Project Space
The Santa Clause Theatre N at Nemours 11th & Tatnall Streets • 302.571.4699
Out & About and Premier Wine & Spirits present Chef Tasting Series Finale World Cafe Live at the Queen
• Sun and Snow opens December 7 2003 W. 17th Street
The Station Gallery
• Art Works for the Holidays Dec 7-24 302.654.8638 • 3922 Kennett Pike
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST Babes in Toyland thru Dec 16 Delaware Children’s Museum 1014 Delaware Ave. • 302.655.1014 Bank of America Museums on Us Delaware Museum of Natural History 4840 Kennett Pike • 302.658.9111
500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Park • 41 Adams Dam Rd. • 302.577.3534
Wilmington Children’s Chorus Annual Candlelight Holiday Concert
Market Street Music Noontime Concert: Cartoon Christmas Trio
First & Central Church • 302.762.3637
First & Central Church • 1101 N. Market St.
Box of Rain: Grateful Dead Tribute
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Nature Explorer’s Club TH SATURDAY, JULY Brandywine Creek State 14 Park • 302.577.3534
An Evening w/ Jane Siberry
Arden Concert Gild • 2126 The Highway 302.475.3126
Jim Stephens & Friends End of Year Concert & Jam • World Cafe Live at the
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16TH
Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
Nutcracker Brunch Green Room Hotel du Pont • 11th & Market Sts. • 302.594.3154
Art on the Town
Opera in Cinema: La Centerentola
Various Locations Buses leave 5:45pm from the DCCA, making the last return at approx. 8:30pm 302.576.2135 • 200 S. Madison Street
Hagley Family Christmas Activities thru Jan 1 • 200 Hagley Rd. • 302.658.2400
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Winter Crafts Brandywine Creek State
State Park • 41 Adams Dam Rd. • 302.577.3534
1001 N. Park Drive • 302.571.7747
Peanut Butter & Jams: We Kids Rock Band’s Holiday Show
500 N. Market Street • 302.994.1400
Terrific Toddlers SATURDAY, JULYBrandywine 14TH Creek
2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.571.9590
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind! daily • Brandywine Zoo
Peanut Butter & Jams: Bari Koral Family Band World Cafe Live at the Queen
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
Centennial Juried Exhibition Artist Talks Delaware Art Museum
Theatre N • 302.571.4699
Market Street Music: Mastersingers of Wilm. The Wonder of Christmas
Jeffrey Gaines World Cafe Live at the
First & Central Church • 1101 N. Market Street
Queen • 500 N Market St. • 302.994.1400
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 TH
TH
Zach Humenik & Michael Ronstadt
Peanut Butter & Jams: The Rockdoves World Cafe Live at the Queen
History & Trend of Tattoo Art Woodlawn Library 2020 West 9th St. • 302.571.7425
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
• 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Peek-A-Boo Review Holiday
Spectacular World Cafe Live at the Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
The Ministry of Caring presents Voices of Caring World Cafe Live at the
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea Service Green Room at the Hotel du Pont 11th & Market Sts. • 302.594.3154
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21ST
Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Holy Motors & Dec 2
Hike & Hot Cocoa SATURDAY, JULY 14TH Brandywine Creek State Park • 302.577.3534
Christmas by Candlelight
Delaware Dance Co.14 The THNutcracker SATURDAY, JULY 1801 Milltown Rd. • 302.738.2023
Theatre N at Nemours 11th & Tatnall Streets • 302.571.4699
thru Dec 23 • New Candlelight Theatre 2208 Millers Rd. • 302.475.2313
Chesapeake Brass Band & A Capella Pops Holiday Concert
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Reggaepocalypse! w/ Judah Tribe &
Brixton Saint World Cafe Live at the Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Spin for Jim • Bellefonte Cafe
804 Brandywine Boulevard • 302.761.9175
CTC presents BATBOY: The Musical
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 ND
Eilen Jewel World Cafe Live at the Queen
thru Dec 15 • OperaStudios 4 S. Poplar Street • 302.220.8285
Miracle on 34th Street
500 N. Market Street • 302.994.1400
Jim Brickman “On a Winter’s Night” DuPont Theatre • 11th & Market Streets 302.656.4401
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
The Nik Everett Band
Music in the Mansion Holiday Concert Bellevue Hall • 302.761.696
Searching for Sugar Man & Dec 2
Theatre N • 302.571.4699
Flashback Affair’s A Very Whacky Christmas The Queen • 302.994.1400
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23RD The Nutcracker
Theatre N • 302.571.4699
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28TH
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 TH
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
Holiday Pottery Sale14 thruTH Dec 13 SATURDAY, JULY Art Studio • 310 Kiamensi Rd • 302.995.7661
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 TH
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH
Peanut Butter & Jams: Trout Fishing in American - Countdown to Noon!
Beginning Candy Making
X Marks the Spot thru Dec 3
Bellevue Hall • 302.761.6963
Delaware Children’s Museum 1014 Delaware Ave. • 302.655.1014
Art in the Garden Blue Ball Barn 1914 W. Park Drive • 302.577.1164 Ballet in Cinemas: The Pharaoh’s Daughter Theatre N • 302.571.4699
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
CTC presents FEARLESS Improv!
YNOT?! 20th Anniversary Show of “A Thrilled Voice” The Queen • 302.994.1400
Chris White Gallery • 701 Shipley Street
ND
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
818 N. Market St. • 800.37.GRAND
Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Red Baraat World Cafe Live at the Queen • 500 N. Market St. • 302.994.1400
Peanut Butter & Jams: Diggity Dudes
PJ Library Story Hour Delaware Children’s TH SATURDAY, Museum • 1014 JULY Delaware14 Ave. • 302.655.1014
Voices of Christmas The Grand
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
Theatre N • 302.571.4699
TH
Martin Sexton • World Cafe Live at the
Sunset Jazz Series: Joe Allegro Band
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 TH
The Grand • 800.37.GRAND
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
RD
Board Game & Quizzo every Monday
World Cafe Live at the Queen • 302.994.1400
find more at { inWilmingtonDE.com }
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2301 Kentmere Pkwy • 302.571.9590
Aldersgate Church • 302.478.2575
Delaware Center For Horticulture
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Clay Date • Delaware Art Museum
CoroAllegro: Heaven & Nature Sing!
The Magic Flute
Theatre N • 302.571.4699
Market Street Music: Center City Chorale’s Christmas Comes Again
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31ST
First & Central Presbyterian •1101 N. Market St.
New Year’s Eve Gala Hotel du Pont 11th & Market Sts. • 302.594.3154
Live Performance of A Christmas Carol Winterthur • 800.448.3883
MUSIC
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD & DRINK
11/21/12 3:31 PM
hollywood comes to the Riverfront Penn Cinema offers 15 screens,including IMAX, beginning Dec. 14 By Mark Fields
photo by Joe del Tufo
Right: Managing partner Penn Ketchum, shown during construction, has high hopes for the new theater.
L
ong ago, downtown Wilmington was packed with movie theaters—more than a dozen at one point. But for many years, the city’s own Theatre N—an art house—has been the lone option within the city limits. On Friday, Dec. 14, city cinephiles will once again have an abundance of choices as Penn Cinema Riverfront opens just in time for the rush of holiday movies. The entrepreneur behind the $20 million project promises an experience that will draw filmgoers from a wide geographic era. Penn Cinema Riverfront, located at 401 S. Madison St., near the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts, will feature Delaware’s first IMAX screen, as well as 14 additional theaters, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. IMAX is a proprietary film exhibition process that synthesizes a large-format curved screen with digital sound in a theater specifically designed to create a more immersive viewing experience. Many IMAX films are shot using special 70mm cameras that capture more detail and nuance, but regularly-shot films also can be exhibited in IMAX theaters. That technology will be put to the test immediately with Peter Jackson’s much-anticipated The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which was filmed to be shown in 48 fps (frames per second)—twice the speed of traditional movies. The faster frame rate provides a significantly higher degree of detail in the images. Penn Ketchum, the managing partner of the independent Penn Cinema, headquartered in Lititz, Pa., where it operates another theater, recently answered a few of our questions about the newest Wilmington Riverfront attraction.
understand that people have a lot of choices for places to go out for entertainment. We appreciate that sometimes they come to our theater for their night out. I understand that they have found a babysitter, borrowed dad’s car, gotten off work early, or whatever. The point is that they have made some effort to come to our theater and we respect and appreciate that. We run our theater with our guests first and foremost in our minds, and it shows. The sweet leather seats are nice too!
Out & About: What are some of the state-of-the-art features that will be available at this theater? How will the experience at Penn Cinema be different from other theaters? Penn Ketchum: Being the only IMAX theater in the region is the obvious feature that is unavailable at any other theater. But that’s not the biggest thing. The biggest thing, I think, is that we really run a first-class place. We will feature all the modern amenities that real moviegoers have come to expect: digital projection and luxury high-back seats, for example. The real meaningful difference is in the personal experience, the high degree of customer service and our respect for our guests. We
O&A: How did you choose the Wilmington Riverfront as your expansion site? PK: We had a personal connection that brought the area to our attention. As we explored the Riverfront, we discovered a region that was grossly underserved in terms of the number of available movie screens. We were immediately impressed and then conducted research. Not only did the data support our initial instincts, it really validated the project as a whole.
O&A: Do you think it will be a challenge to attract patrons to the Riverfront for movies when there hasn’t been an opportunity in a long time? What will you do to attract them? PK: We will do what we do. We will show the best movies in the best theater. We understand this is a new theater and it will take some time to earn the community’s trust and support. Over time, I expect we will do just that and then, to paraphrase Steven Spielberg, we’ll just “try not to screw it up!” That’s what someone said to him after an early test screening of Jaws in 1975.
O&A: What will be your measure of success? PK: When we opened in Lititz, many people told me, “I haven’t
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been to the movies in years because it was so crummy, but now that you are here and the theater is so wonderful I go to the movies all the time.” That’s the ultimate measure of success: winning back, on behalf of the movie business, a guest who had given up on the movies. My measure of success? Happy guests.
PK: I think we will add to the already substantial list of reasons to visit the area. I think people will come for the IMAX and then some of them will also be pleasantly surprised at all the other things they can enjoy while they’re here. Most Delawareans, of course, already know how awesome the Riverfront has become.
O&A: What does this project represent for your company? PK: We always say, “One good decision at a time.” This represents a good decision.
O&A: How are you working with other riverfront businesses as you launch? PK: We are working closely with the Delaware Children’s Museum and have been so happy to find such great friends so nearby. We will be working closely with them to make IMAX Documentaries available to DCM guests. And yes, we will also be showing IMAX docs on our own to the general public, including Under The Sea 3D on opening weekend.
O&A: What are some of the unique obstacles you face as an independent exhibitor, and what do you do to overcome them? PK: As a small independent, it’s easy to get lost in the big scheme of things, to fall off the radar. To overcome that, we work hard to maintain direct relationships with our friends on the studio side of the business. I spend a lot of time going to New York City to stay in close contact with them. I think they respect our commitment to the movie business and our passion for doing it right. I think they understand that we, in turn, respect them for the hard work they do and so we work well together. O&A: What impact do you believe the theater will have on the Riverfront, on Wilmington?
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O&A: Will you just screen new releases? PK: We will be doing some of the classics, like we do in Lititz. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation in December is a Penn Cinema favorite. Additional grand opening films should launch this month. Tickets for Penn Cinema Riverfront movies will be available online through Fandango. The theater’s website, penncinemariverfront.com, should launch in December.
11/21/2012 5:09:36 PM
RIVERFRONT 3
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1. Amtrak Station 2. Opera Delaware Studios/City Theater Co. 3. Wilmington Youth Rowing Assn., WYRA.ORG 4. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park 5. Residences at Christina Landing 6. Asnan Sushi Bar & Asian Cuisine, ASNANRESTAURANTS.COM 7. Harry’s Seafood Grill / Riverfront Market, HARRYS-SAVOY.COM 8. Delaware Theatre Co., DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG 9. FireStone Roasting House, FIRESTONERIVERFRONT.COM 10. Cosi at the Barclays Crescent Building, GETCOSI.COM
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11. Hare Pavilion/Riverwalk 12. AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Center, AAAMIDATLANTIC.COM 13. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, THEDCCA.ORG 14. Justison Landing, Currie Hair, Skin & Nails, CURRIEDAYSPA.COM Veritas Wine & Spirits, VERITASWINESHOP.COM 15. Kooma, KOOMASUSHI.COM CrossFit Riverfront, CFRIVERFRONT.COM 16. Delaware Children’s Museum, DELAWARECHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG
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17. Joe’s Crab Shack, JOESCRABSHACK.COM 18. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, IRONHILLBREWERY.COM 19. Public Docks 20. Big Fish Grill, BIGFISHRIVERFRONT.COM 21. Frawley Stadium, BLUEROCKS.COM Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame 22. Chase Center on the Riverfront, CENTERONTHERIVERFRONT.COM 23. Dravo Plaza & Dock 24. Shipyard Center Planet Fitness, PLANETFITNESS.COM
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25. Timothy’s Restaurant, TIMOTHYSONTHERIVERFRONT.COM Molly’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, MOLLYSICECREAM.COM Ubon Thai Restaurant 26. Wilmington Rowing Center, WILMINGTONROWING.ORG 27. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge/ DuPont Environmental Education Center, DUPONTEEC.ORG 28. DART Park-n-Ride Lot
Photo by Dick Dubroff of Final Focus Photography
11/21/2012 3:31:37 PM
DECEMBER RIVERFRONT EVENTS INNOVATIVE BEADS EXPO
December 1, 10-5pm December 2, 11-4pm Bringing you variety, quality, original artists and beading classes conducted by well known instructors. Chase Center on the Riverfront Centerontheriverfront.com STRANGER WITH A CAMERA BY ELIZABETH BARRET
December 2, 2-3:30pm Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2000, Stranger With A Camera is a gripping documentary about a complexly motivated murder in Kentucky’s Appalachia & the media’s role in shaping outside perceptions of place. Program followed by optional gallery tour. Discussion to follow. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts Thedcca.org ARTS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS COCKTAIL RECEPTION
December 4, 5:30pm Guest Speaker: Don Linsenmann Enjoy delectable hors d’eouvres from Jimmy Duffy Catering and a cash bar. Register by phone: 302-656-6466 x7103. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts Thedcca.org
PARENTS NIGHT OUT- WINTER WILDLIFE
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Patrick Barlow inspired by the story by Charles Dickens December 5-December 30. Show times vary. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Sprits of Christmas Past, Present and Future gets a merry retelling in this world premiere adaptation by the creators of the two-time Tony Award® winning hit The 39 Steps. Five actors portray over 20 characters, bringing life to this holiday treat both young and old will enjoy. Delaware Theatre Company Delawaretheatre.org ALTERNATIVES HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW 2012
December 7, 3:30-9:30pm during the DCCA Art Loop Meet the artisans and enjoy beautifully designed contemporary handmade craft items this holiday season from over 20 different artists. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts Thedcca.org
December 7, 6:30-8:30pm Set mom and dad loose to have dinner along Wilmington’s Riverfront while you stay at DEEC and have all the fun with games, a scavenger hunt and an evening hike. Dinner provided. Parents receive a discount coupon for Timothy’s Riverfront Grill. DuPont Environmental Education Center Duponteec.org NATURAL HOLIDAY CRAFTS
December 8, 10-11:30am Happy Holidays! Deck the Halls, trim the tree, bring your friends and family and help decorate DEEC for the season! Collect material from the marsh to use in ornaments and greeting cards and create unique holiday crafts for your home. Sing a carol and sip hot chocolate. DuPont Environmental Education Center Duponteec.org TIMOTHY’S NEW YEAR’S EXTRAVAGANZA
December 31 Don’t miss out on the event of the year—Purchase your tickets early. Group discounts available for groups of 10 or more!! Timothysontheriverfront.com DELAWARE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Celebrate the season the whole month of December with fun activities like: Winter Wonderland, DCM Winter Games, New Year’s Eve Around the World, and New Year’s Eve Studio and more! Delawarechildrensmuseum.org
Book your holiday party or gathering now at one of our great riverfront restaurants! Wilmington’s 3rd annual all-inclusive EVE is Back and Bigger than ever at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: EveWilmington.com
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Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront: 302-652-3474 FireStone Roasting House: 302-658-6626 Harry’s Seafood Grill: 302-777-1500 Iron Hill Brewery: 302-472-2739 Joe’s Crab Shack: 302-777-1803 Kooma Sushi Bar: 302-543-6732 Timothy’s on the Riverfront: 302-429-7427
DECEMBER 2012
11/21/2012 3:33:55 PM
Bat Boy
Cartoon Christmas Trio
Happy, Quirky, Cozy, Arty Holidays to You! The official holiday season is here, and on eight crazy nights in the city there’s a wealth of arty holiday cheer to give everyone reason to rejoice. Traditional or quirky, cozy or decadent, enjoy your holiday in the style of the Arts. By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald The Quirky City Theater Company prides itself on presenting works that are out of the ordinary, and the company sticks to its guns this holiday season, presenting the By Michelle dark comedyKramer-Fitzgerald Bat Boy: The Musical. The cult hit—based on a Weekly World News tabloid story—is an edgy tale of half-man/half bat and his impact on a small West Virginia town. This is a restaging of the show, featuring music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming. It was first produced by CTC in 2004 at the Baby Grand. Producing Artistic Director Michael Gray is thrilled to bring it back. “Of all the pieces [CTC has] done in the past 18 years, Bat Boy is one of the few I wanted to remount at OperaDelaware Studios,” says Gray. “The dynamics of a live band, the intimacy of the Black Box and the energy of another extremely talented cast allows us to bring a fresh perspective to the story.” With a set constructed to run into and hang over portions of the audience, and a rockin’ band led by Music Director Joe Trainor, this performance should be another—albeit quirky—holiday hit for Delaware’s Off-Broadway. The show runs through Saturday, Dec. 15. Tickets can be reserved at city-theater.org.
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The Cozy A good choice for something new this holiday season: A trip to Brandywine Baroque’s venue, The Barn at Flintwoods, for the next performance, Georges’ Music for the Royal George (Friday, Dec.14, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, 3 p.m.). The repertoire—a robust collection of arias, cantata and sonatas by famous “Georges” (e.g., Handel and Telemann), written for and during the reign of King George II— beautifully complements the rustic, intimate setting of the Barn. The music is easy to enjoy; these two German composers provide wonderful “gateway works” to the world of the Baroque. And the music and venue work harmoniously to envelop audiences in rich notes and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a unique excursion—perfect for this time of year—and one that you’ll not soon forget. Get tickets at brandywinebaroque.org. And the Art of Tradition You won’t be at a loss for celebration in any traditional sense, with a bevy of Christmas-themed Arts events awaiting you. The fun and family-friendly Music School of Delaware’s Early Childhood Holiday Sing (Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m.); Hagley’s Home for the Holidays, an evening tour of the residence trimmed with traditional crafts, libations and sweets to complete your
outing (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.); Market Street Music’s popular concert by jazz ensemble and Vince Guaraldi aficionados Cartoon Christmas Trio (Thursday, Dec. 6, 12:30 p.m.); the multicultural celebrations of Wilmington Children’s Chorus Annual Candlelight Holiday Concert (Saturday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.); Mastersingers of Wilmington’s “The Wonder of Christmas,” a mix of classical pieces and favorite carols (Sunday, Dec. 16, 3 p.m.); a number of Nutcracker performances (Delaware Dance Company, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.; First State Ballet Theatre, Dec. 21-23). Not to mention the indulgence of gifts, crafts, food and entertainment at the Siegel JCC’s Chanukah Choopla (Sunday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.); the Kwanzaa Celebration at Wilmington Public Library hosted by storyteller Tahira (Wednesday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.); and the artistic delicacies of the Hotel du Pont’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining (Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24 and 25). Thanks for supporting Wilmington’s fabulous Arts and culture throughout this year. I look forward to sharing even more “ArtStuff ” with you in 2013. Happy Holidays! Want more “ArtStuff ”? Follow me @ ArtsinMedia. December 2012
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CITY NOTES Holiday Shopping Beckons in Downtown Wilmington December brings the holidays, and that means plenty of great shopping in Downtown Wilmington. Whether it’s a business that’s been around for many years or a new pop-up, the city offers an impressive array of shops and boutiques. Don’t believe it? Take a look at this list: Men’s/women’s clothing and accessories: You’ll find a variety of men’s and women’s attire and accessories, including ties, suits, dress shirts, casual wear, jackets and hats, great handbags and scarves that can make or break an outfit. Among your choices for such items: Collars ‘N Cuffs, Wright & Simon, Spaceboy Clothing, Sneaker City, Dimensions & Co., NOSO Boutique, Milan4Ever Children’s Clothing Boutique, Isabella G. Fine Accessories & Apparel, Nzinga’s Cultural Connection and Designs by Keiko. Jewelry: A.R. Morris and Goldbug Jeweler. Whether it’s a necklace, earrings, ring, bracelet or watch, these are the places to go. Sporting goods: Al’s Sporting Goods and the Bike Boutique have everything you need for the sports enthusiasts in your family. Car stereo: Hi Sound Electronics will help you find the perfect sound system and accessories for anyone’s car.
Toys: Yo Yo Joe’s Toys & Fun has opened a pop up store at 711 N. Market St. The store, which received the space through the Delaware Economic Development Office under its Project Pop Up program, has everything for that special little boy or girl. Books: Ninth Street Book Store and Sunlight Book Source are great choices for the readers on your gift list, children and adults alike. Art lessons and Instruments: David Bromberg Fine Violins, Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) and Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) have gifts for music lovers. DCAD and CCAC also offer classes and workshops. Spirits: Pick up your favorite holiday cheer or hostess gift at Veritas Wine & Craft Beer. It’s a great specialty shop. Gift certificates: Not sure what to get for the person who has everything? Downtown Wilmington has restaurants, performance venues, museums and boutiques that offer gift certificates. Among them: Govatos Candy, Bloomsberry Flower Shop, Haus of Lacquer Nail Lounge, The Green Room, Extreme Pizza, Chelsea Tavern and Brew Ha Ha!
Gift shops: Butcher Shop Rehab and the DuPont Hospitality Holiday Shop have an array of unique hostess gifts and holiday home décor.
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WRC News Wilmington Renaissance Corporation
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ewark High School’s Aspira Club won the AZ Challenge that was part of Wilmington Renaissance Corporation’s 2012 Downtown Fall Fitness Fest, held in Rodney Square on Nov. 3. The free family-friendly event emphasized the importance of health and wellness while promoting family activity. It also showcased the safe, fun, family atmosphere in Downtown Wilmington. Thirty-one schools/nonprofits participated in the AZ Challenge. The winning school receives $500 toward a school project of its choice. Aspira was rallied by the club coordinator, Vivian Morales. The name Aspira is from the Spanish verb aspirer, which means to aspire. The club’s mission is to empower Hispanic students—through academics, leadership and community services—to complete high school and return to their communities as leaders. Second place went to Kuumba Academy, third place to the Hockessin Soccer Club, and fourth place to First State Ballet. “AstraZeneca is incredibly generous to sponsor the AZ Challenge every year and we are thrilled that the students from Newark High School’s Aspira Club won the 2012 AZ Challenge,” said Carrie W. Gray, WRC managing director. “This enthusiastic group of students completed the challenge with the greatest number of students from one organization. We have been told that they plan to use their winnings towards Newark High School’s International Day, being held on Dec. 7, as well as a cultural trip to New York City.”
Staff Picks Every month we recommend a handful of our favorite city events. Enjoy one or more of these holiday activities in December: Jim Brickman at the DuPont Theatre, Saturday, Dec.1 Jim Brickman is not only the best-selling solo pianist of our time, but he has become a staple during the holiday season. For more information: duponttheatre.com/jim-brickman. Wilmington Children’s Chorus—Annual Candlelight Holiday Concert at First & Central Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Dec. 15 Enjoy a selection of holiday and seasonal songs performed by the acclaimed “Singing Ambassadors of Wilmington.” For more information: wilmingtonchildrenschorus.org. A Christmas Carol—a new adaptation by Patrick Barlow, inspired by the Charles Dickens story at Delaware Theatre Company, Dec. 5-30 Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future gets a merry retelling in this world premiere adaptation by the creators of the two-time Tony Award-winning hit The 39 Steps. Five actors portray more than 20 characters, bringing life to this holiday treat both young and old will enjoy. For more information: delawaretheatre.org/plays/christmas-carol. The Nutcracker at First State Ballet Theatre, Del Tech, Rt. 18 Georgetown, Saturday, Dec. 15, and at the Grand Opera House Friday, Dec. 21-23 Wilmington’s Holiday Tradition - The Nutcracker at the Grand with FSBT on stage, members of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra in the pit and the angels of the Wilmington Children’s Chorus in the balcony. For more information: firststateballet.com/news.html. 28th Annual Holiday House Tour at Delaware Art Museum, Saturday, Dec. 8 Presented by the Delaware Art Museum Council, the Holiday House Tour is always a seasonal highlight. Tour 10 spectacular Wilmington area homes bedecked for the holiday season. The Tour also features 12 talented regional artisans, who will display their wares at the Museum on Tour day. For more information: delart.org/prog_events/holiday_ house_tour.html.
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