Under the radar

Some of My Lives: A Scrapbook Memoir

Tuesday, April 3

7:30 p.m

$7-$15

Free Library of Philadelphia

1901 Vine St.

freelibrary.org

Philadelphia-native Rosamond Bernier returns home after an illustrious career and glamorous life. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, Bernier moved to Mexico, flew planes and maintained a small private zoo. After World War II, she moved to France, where she worked as the Features editor at “VOGUE” magazine, befriended the artists of her era, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, and eventually founded “L’Oeil,” a French art magazine, in 1955.

In the 1970s, Bernier moved back to the U.S., where her well-known role as a lecturer was born and cultivated. After giving more than 200 lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, her influence and importance in the art realm was solidified. She’s a lifetime member of the International Best Dressed List, was named a Fellow for Life by the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts in 1998 and was named a National Treasure by the Municipal Art Society of New York in 2004.

Bernier, 95, presents her book, “Some of My Life: A Scrapbook Memior,” tonight, April 3 at the Free Library of Philadelphia. The book tells in detail her life story, experiences, successes and struggles, culminating with a vivacious and unforgettable legacy.

 

Site Seeing: Rediscover Public Art this Spring

April 5 – 29

Various times

Various locations

Free

museumwithoutwallsaudio.org

Having more public art than any city in the U.S., Philadelphia has pledged its dedication to arts funding and events. This month, the Fairmount Park Art Association hosts a month-long celebration of the many public art installations throughout the city, from the LOVE sculpture in JFK Plaza to the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle.

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, April 5 with An Evening of Tango at the Swann Memorial Fountain at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to join local dancers and musicians for a free and public tango dance party. There will be live music, costume contests, dance lessons and Latin-inspired food and drinks in the Swann Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The rest of the month consists of events including the Sculpture Flash Mob on April 25 at 8:30 p.m. at the “Iroquois” sculpture near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Art Association will shut off the sculpture’s lights to encourage flash-mobbers to illuminate the sculpture on their own with flashlights for a new light performance.

 

Cursive

Thursday, April 5

8 p.m.

$15

Union Transfer

1026 Spring Garden St.

utphilly.com

Despite not being punk, indie rock or post-hardcore, Cursive’s sweet sound brings organs and pianos into the usual instrumental mix. Though Tim Kasher and his men have been on the scene since 1995 they took a hiatus in 1998, but have been back on since 1999.

“I Am Gemini,” Cursive’s most recent album released in February, isn’t by any means the group’s strongest album musically, but tells the story of Cassius and Pollock, twin brothers who were separated at birth. Don’t let this deter you, though. Every Cursive album is arranged by some thematic measure, and are worth a listen.

There’s no telling what Kasher and his crew will be playing on Thursday, April 5 but after nearly a decade of not touring, Philly should be happy to have them.

-Alexis Sachdev