A-List

Thank You, Gregory! A Tribute to the Legends of Tap

Thurs., May 19, 7:30pm; Fri., May 20, 8pm; Sat., May 21, 2pm and 8pm. $32-$44. Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. 215.898.3900. www.pennpresents.org

From its beginnings in minstrel shows to its popularization in musical theater and film, tap has distinguished itself as one of the most exciting and difficult forms of dance. For a fascinating retrospective of the genre, check out Thank You, Gregory! A Tribute to the Legends of Tap, which closes this season's Dance Celebrations Series at the Annenberg Center. A world premiere production with live music conceived by Dance Affiliates/Dance Celebrations artistic director Randy Swartz, Legends is inspired by the life and career of Gregory Hines. Hines was a stirring performer, but his legacy goes beyond his Tony Award-winning performance in Jelly's Last Jam and his star turn in the film White Nights. He's also important for his impact on the next generation of tap performers, mentoring such contemporary stars as Savion Glover and Jason Samuels-Smith. In addition to Hines, Legends also pays tribute to pioneers Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Howard "Sandman" Sims, Van "the Man" Porter and Fred Astaire. And the performers couldn't be more impressive: Included on the bill are the aforementioned Samuels-Smith, Karen Calloway Williams and the show's MC/narrator Tony Waag. (J. Cooper Robb)

>>SPORTS

White Collar Boxing

Fri., May 20, 7:30pm. $20. Blue Horizon, 1314 N. Broad St. 215.763.0500. www.legendarybluehorizon.com

Thanks to the Blue Horizon, two strangers beating the crap out
of each other is no longer relegated to beer-fueled weekends on South Street. At Friday night's grand-opening event Philadelphia's boxing mecca lets average Joes put on gloves and headgear to see if they have what it takes to be a Rocky. "It's a civilized fight club," says White Collar Boxing co-owner Fern Johnson, adding that he hopes a decent crowd of locals will sign up for three two-minute rounds. Organizers will match fighters according to weight and skill level, and professional and amateur boxers should stay at home-the organizers want to keep it fair. No winners will be declared, but Johnson, who also plans to get in the ring, expects some fierce competition. EMTs will be standing by just in case. "We don't want anyone to get hurt," he says. "We know some of them have to get up and work the next day." (Mike Bederka)

>>SEX

"Tantra Wisdom: Awakening Shakti"

Fri., May 20, 7-9pm. $35-$60. Passional, 704 S. Fifth St. 215.829.4986

Ever since Sting revealed that he and partner Trudy Styler regularly have hours-long, multiple-orgasmic tantric sex sessions, there's been a buzz about all things tantric. A method of pushing the mind and body past sexual desire and into sexual enlightenment, tantra foregrounds the spiritual side of sex, and aims to bring partners to a higher level of connectivity and sensuality. According to tantra's beliefs, true enlightenment and bliss can be achieved by letting go of your fears and connecting to the world on a deeper level. To assist those of us who aren't ready to make the leap on our own, tantric expert Anita De Francesco presents "Tantra Wisdom: Awakening Shakti," a women-only class aimed at helping participants explore their sexuality and femininity. Open to both experienced practitioners and first-timers, De Francesco's one-off class will teach participants about the power of Shakti (the power of consciousness and spiritual evolution) through meditation and movement. (Julie Gerstein)

>>MUSIC

Sherman Arts Compilation CD Fundraiser

Sat., May 21, 8pm-midnight, and Sun., May 22, noon-8pm. $10-$15 suggested donation. Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St. 215.573.3234. www.shermancommunityarts.4t.com

If you're taking stock of our city's booming music scene, don't even think of leaving out West Philly. The neighborhood's big basements and leafy, laidback streets have spawned plenty of contenders. Rich Wexler, aka VJ Large Marge, is just the latest person to recognize this. A visual artist and events organizer who's long been a friend to obscure bands, Wexler has rounded up a solid roster for his upcoming compilation Up the Stairs and Through the Hall. It's all West Philly, and more refreshing still, no two bands sound alike. You've got the ambitiously odd Make a Rising, the instrumental octet Chromelodeon, the fey strum of Men in Fur, folky Buried Beds and the brave noise of the Notekillers' David First, just to name a few. Many more have been recruited for a pair of shows to raise money for the comp-Otoño Brujo, Todd Young, Cheese on Bread, Niagara Falls, Grey Reverend, Be Careful Little Hands, Evil Janet, Like Moving Insects, and the Doctor and Philip. Don't recognize every name? A free eight-song sampler will be given out at each show. Take it home and catch up. (Doug Wallen)