Art

Cheap sideshow freaks for everyone: Dr. Sketchy’s Philadelphia

Doesn’t the third Friday of each month always seem like such a drag, even in a great city like Philadelphia? Sitting around with a long face. Trimming your fingernails for the umpteenth time that day. Testing the paint chips you pried off the wall with your tongue for lead content. Well, those days are long gone, unless the brain damage is permanent now, you’ve got a great monthly event that will make all your wildest dreams come true.

It’s called Dr. Sketchy’s Philadelphia and it takes place in the Sanctuary of the Fleisher Art Memorial. This stately architectural backdrop is the setting for a cabaret show that would make likely make Paul Reubens flinch. And that’s saying something. By the way, don’t get sidetracked too long by the last link, however intoxicatingly humorous you might find it. Stay the course until you see Mr. Reubens (AKA Pee Wee Herman) in his Charles Manson phase then come back here!

Are you an art monkey anxious to transform a mere drawing experience into a no holds barred cabaret extravaganza?

What exactly does the evening hold in store for you? For a mere pittance of $12 (it’s almost an insult to pay so little) artists like your intrepid self are treated to burlesque dancers, fetish divas, sideshow freaks, and roller derby queens modeling elaborate costumes. During breaks you compete for booze and prizes, enjoy fantastic music and suffer the slings and arrows aimed by smart-aleck emcees and morning hangover from a dirt-dishing blog the next day.

What’s not to like? I know I’m always disappointed any time I lay my head down on the pillow and haven’t seen a single sideshow freak all the day long.

The show gets underway at 8 PM sharp. Dr. Sketchy suggests you arrive at 7:30 PM if you actually want a seat. Once they’re full, no one else admitted. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter, and 21 with I.D. to drink. The Sanctuary at Fleisher Art Memorial is located at 719 Catharine Street in Philadelphia. Read more about it at the Dr. Sketchy Philadelphia blog here.

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