For those of you sticking close to home next week, here are some music, performing arts and dining options in these three cities for some East Coast fun.
MUSIC
Friday - March 6
OK Go with Oppenheimer and Longwave
Theater of Living Arts, 334 South St.
Philly residents and visitors can look forward to the usual venues providing an assortment of live music during spring break. If you make it home by Friday night, head down to popular entertainment spot South Street to see OK Go on Friday at the TLA, according to Live Nation.
Joining this treadmill dancing band is Oppenheimer, who has played in State College in the past and will play tonight at Bar Bleu, 114 S. Garner St.
Monday - March 8
Nickelback with Seether and Saving Abel
The Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
On Monday, pop-rock band Nickelback, along with Seether and Saving Abel, will visit Philadelphia sports arena/concert venue The Wachovia Center.
"It's a very popular concert," said Eric Nemeth, director of public relations for the Comcast Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm that owns the venue. "Nickelback is a popularly played band on the radio and on iPod downloads. I think it will turn out to be a great show."
There are still fairly good seats available, Nemeth said as of press time Tuesday, adding he expects tickets to still be available the day of the show.
PERFORMING ARTS
March 5 through March 29
The Irish...and How They Got That Way
Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St.
As part of the Broadway Series at the Kimmel Center, the venue will be hosting Frank McCourt's The Irish...and How They Got That Way. According to the Kimmel Center Web site, the performance strings together a series of classical Irish melodies, such as "The Ghost of Molly McGuire" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
Landmark Theatres in Philadelphia
landmarktheatres.com for showtimes
Always the cultural event, the Landmark Theatres in Philadelphia offer a quaint setting to view favorite independent and Oscar-nominated movies. The Ritz East, 125 S. Second St., Ritz Five, 214 Walnut St., and Ritz at the Bourse, 400 Ranstead St., offer a showing of films that have yet to reach the State College scene.
DINING
Paul Olmo (senior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management) grew up in Philadelphia. Olmo said when he visits his father, he checks out new options the town has in store.
Here are some of his restaurant suggestions:
Moshulu Café/Restaurant/Bar, 401 S. Columbus Blvd.
Located on a tall ship, this fine dining restaurant has a "South Seas flair," according to its Web site.
Executive Chef Ralph Fernandez studied Southwestern, American and French cooking, all contributing to the food fusion on the Moshulu.
Chart House Restaurant, 555 S. Columbus Blvd.
Fresh fish, fine wines, steaks and desserts highlight the menu of this waterfront eatery.
The restaurant has a "great selection, reasonable pricing and just has a beautiful view of the river," Olmo said.
Pat's King of Steaks, where 9th Street crosses Wharton and Passyunk Avenue
"The First and The Originator of the Philly Steak and Cheese Steak," according to its Web site, this restaurant chooses light American cheese for its famous sandwiches, Olmo said.
MUSIC
Friday - March 6
Cheech & Chong: "Light Up America Tour"
Benedum Center , 803 Liberty Ave.
Head out to Pittsburgh to see comedy legends Cheech and Chong in their first tour in more than 25 years. The Grammy-winning duo will visit the Benedum Center for Performing Arts at the tail end of this tour Friday night, according to Live Nation.
PERFORMING ARTS
Sunday, March 8 through Monday, March 9
Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre
Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St.
For an educational performance check out the Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Set to perform in Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., this Native American dance troupe features dance, music and and storytelling in its performanes. The Lakota Sioux will perform Sunday, March 8 and 9, and is dedicated to celebrating its rich and historic background through song, according to the Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre Web site.
Tuesday, March 10 through Sunday, March 15
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Benedum Center, Liberty Avenue
PNC Broadway Across America's presentation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be shown in the Benedum Center this break. According to the Benedum Center, the performance incorporates all the classical elements of a musical with a timeless Sherman brothers' score. This "yummy, delightful musical" as reviewed by the New York magazine is running from March 10 through 15.
DINING
Though Abbey Farkas (sophomore-media studies) admits she has trouble remembering restaurant names, here are a few Pittsburgh places too tasty for her to forget.
Nakama Japanese Steakhouse, 1611 E. Carson St.
Located on the Southside, the Japanese restaurant is "kind of expensive, but really good," Farkas said. "It's one of those places where they make the food in front of you, and it's awesome."
Me Lyng Restaurant, 213 W. 8th Ave., Homestead
Located near the Waterfront, an area with shops and other restaurants, this Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant isn't too well-known, but offers great cuisine at reasonable prices. Her family frequents the spot, Farkas said.
"We love it," she said.
DOWNTOWN
OPTIONS
Backstage Bar at Theater Square
Offers pre-theater or post-theater drinks, food or dessert.
Tambellini, 139 7th St.
Try the fried zucchini, which was invented here, according to the restaurant's Web site.
Max & Erma's, 630 Stanwix St.
Burgers, salads and appetizers are offered here, though the Web site notes it's a bit of a walk from the theaters, but parking is offered nearby.
The Capital Grille, 301 Fifth Ave.
This restaurant, which specializes in steaks, is close to the Andy Warhol Museum, and is cheaper if you sit at the bar. Complimentary valet parking is available for nights out at the theater, according to the restaurant's Web site.
Christos Mediterranean Grill, 130 6th St.
For the lighter appetite: soups, salads and pita, but also Greek foods such as spanakopita and baklava for dessert.
The Original Hot Dog Shop, 3901 Forbes Ave., Oakland
Commonly referred to as the "Dirty O," the shop offers top dogs served up with spicy mustard.
The French fries are fried twice, and the size of a small order may be surprising.
MUSIC
Saturday - March 7
Think Floyd USA - The American Pink Floyd Show
The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place
Think Floyd USA claims to be a "celebration of one of rock's most innovative and enduring legends," according to the band's Myspace.
This spring break, concertgoers can head to The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza, to experience what the band's Myspace called "a musical and visual celebration through the Pink Floyd galaxy."
Monday, March 9-11, and March 12 - 14
The Allman Brothers Band
Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway
Another act that has already graced the stage in State College, The Allman Brothers Band, will perform on March 9 in the Big Apple at the Beacon Theater, according to Live Nation.
PERFORMING ARTS
All Week
In the Heights
Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St.
For a new highly acclaimed musical check out the winner of the 2008 Tony Award for best musical, In the Heights, a show that spans a three-day period in the close-knit community of Washington Heights while at a crossroads. According to the Richard Rodgers Theatre's Web site, The New York Times called this show "a singular new sensation!" Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com.
All Week
Gotham City Improv, 48 W. 21st St.
For a cheap and entertaining date, check out Gotham City Improv, 48 W. 21st St. This theater and school offer shows in their 60-person theater for $10 or less, according to their Web site. Check out www.gothamcityimprov.com closer to the date of choice for performance times.
DINING
Rachel Parkes (sophomore-elementary education) lives in New York, 40 minutes outside New York City and travels into the city about once a month, she said.
Here are some of her restaurant recommendations:
Becco Restaurant, W. 46th St. in Times Square, Theater District
Parkes said Becco is a really good Italian place for citygoers.
"They have like a regular menu, but what they're known for is every night they have three kinds of pasta dishes and you get to try all three and then it's basically unlimited," she said.
Serendipity3, 225 E. 60th St.
Famous for its frozen hot chocolate, the restaurant also has lunch and dinner available.
Sardi's, 234 W. 44th St.
In the center of the theater district, this 82-year-old gem is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and serves late supper Tuesday through Saturday.
Carmine's, 200 W. 44th St.
Theater district bosts this Italian-American option for family-style dining.
Ellen's Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway
Struggling Broadway stars often work at this 1950s style diner, Parkes said, where the staff sings and performs variety shows.
