Laugh off touchy subjects with Donnell Rawlings

Donnell Rawlings
Provided

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, 12 p.m.
Parade route begins at JFK and 16th Sts.
Free, Philadelphiastpatsparade.com

This annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a spectacular spectacle of true Irish pride and heritage. The theme this year is “St. Patrick, Bless the Heroes of the 1916 Easter Rising.” The parade will pause for a performance in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum. For the first time ever, the parade will air live on Fox 29.

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FILM

The Science Behind Pixar
Saturday through Sep. 5
The Franklin Institute
222 N 20th St.
Free with admission, Fi.edu

The Franklin Institute explores the scientific principles, mathematical concepts and feats of engineering that created some of the special effects of Pixar’s most beloved animated movies, like “Toy Story,” “WALL-E,” “Finding Nemo” and more.

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Israeli Film Fest
Saturday through Mar. 13
Locations vary
Prices vary by film, Iffphila.com

This annual Israeli Film Fest is one of the biggest Israeli film events in the country. With many movies created about and by Israelis playing in multiple locations across the city, it’s easy to catch one or two if you don’t have the whole day to spare. Headlining the event is the film “The Kind Words,” the story of three siblings who discover after their mother’s death that their family heritage was fabricated.

‘Black and Cuba’
Sunday, 5 p.m.
African American Museum
701 Arch St.
$7, Aampmuseum.org

The documentary “Black and Cuba” follows a group of Ivy League college students as they explore the music scene in Cuba, encountering block parties, hip-hop performances and the young artists who create the country’s underground culture. Filmmaker Robin Hayes will answer questions following the screening.

DANCE

Koresh Kouture Silver Gala
Thursday through Mar. 12
Suzanne Roberts Theatre
480 S Broad St.
From $125, Koreshdance.org

The Koresh Dance Company celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Silver Gala, premiering a dance performance called “23: Deconstructing Mozart,” choreographed by Roni Koresh himself. The three-day event also features a whiskey tasting, a fashion show and a silent auction.

MUSIC

Lucinda Williams
Thursday, 8 p.m.
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
$35, Worldcafelive.com

This grand lady of country music descends upon World Cafe Live this Thursday to grace us with her soulful crag, her sarcastic wit and her stirring country compositions. Her latest album, “The Ghosts of Highway 20” spends some time ruminating on the fleeting nature of memory. Buick 6, a band discovered by Williams, opens.

Mahler Symphony No. 8
Thursday through Mar. 13
Verizon Hall
300 S Broad St.
From $99, Kimmelcenter.org

Nicknamed the “Symphony of a Thousand,” this performance actually features around 400 singers performing the energetic and ambitious piece by Mahler. This performance marks the 100th anniversary of the symphony’s American premiere by The Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Chieftains
Sunday, 3 p.m.
Merriam Theater
250 S Broad St.
From $30, Kimmelcenter.org

One of Ireland’s most legendary musical groups, The Chieftains have had an in incomparable effect on the reach and popularity of Irish folk music across the globe. If your blood runs green, but you don’t prefer to vomit emerald, consider this a worthy St. Patrick’s Day weekend alternative.

Railroad Earth
Thursday, 8 p.m.
Union Transfer
1024 Spring Garden St.
$25, Utphilly.com

Americana jam band Railroad Earth has been playing their blend of roots, country and bluegrass for over 15 years, becoming well-known for their energetic and stirring live performances. The six-piece from New Jersey also takes musical inspiration from Celtic and Cajun traditions, infusing their songs with wanderlust and a zeal for overcoming the challenges of American life.

COMEDY

Donnell Rawlings
Thursday through Mar. 12
Helium Comedy Club
2031 Sansom St.
From $20, Philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com

Comedian Donnell Rawlings is known for his recurring role as Ashy Larry on “Chappelle’s Show.” He’s also guest-starred on “The Wire” and “Law and Order” as well as more regular roles in “Def Comedy Jam,” “Guy Code” and “Hip Hop Squares.” He has a low-key style of stand-up that focuses on race in popular culture.