Wolf Trap

Philadelphia Ballet’s season is a rare chance to see the company stretch its legs in both directions: the grand sweep of full-length classics and the sharp edge of new choreography. The programming isn’t just a greatest-hits parade or a nod to the avant-garde—it’s a conversation between tradition and invention, and the dancers are fluent in both. If you’ve only caught the company at Nutcracker time, this is the moment to see what they can really do. The contemporary pieces, in particular, have a way of sneaking up on you, with unexpected musical choices and movement that feels rooted in the city’s restless energy. The classics, meanwhile, are performed with a clarity and confidence that comes from a company that knows its history but isn’t weighed down by it. It’s a season that rewards curiosity and rewards repeat visits.

Erykah Badu doesn’t just perform—she transforms a room. If you’ve caught her live before, you know the feeling: the setlist is unpredictable, the banter is sly, and the crowd is always a little bit in awe. Badu’s shows are less about nostalgia and more about presence. She’ll dip into Baduizm, sure, but she’s just as likely to riff on something new or stretch a classic into a ten-minute meditation. The band is tight, the vibe is loose, and the whole thing feels like a late-night jam session that just happens to be happening in a packed venue. If you’re after a night that’s equal parts soul, wit, and genuine musical risk, this is the one to catch. Don’t expect a greatest hits parade—expect to be surprised.