Michael Cavacini

An award-winning arts and culture blog.

13 Dec 2019

Martha Graham Cracker’s Album Release Show Is A Smashing Success

Last night Philly’s favorite drag queen, Martha Graham Cracker, gave her finest performance. This album release show coincided with the debut of Lashed But Not Leashed—Martha’s first studio album. A concept album that captures the music from the live show created in residency at the Kimmel Center’s 2015 Theatre Residency Program, Lashed But Not Leashed is an 11-song odyssey of myriad musical styles and emotions that goes for the jugular and doesn’t let go until the final note dissipates.

Posted in Music, Review and tagged concert, Kimmel Center, Lashed But Not Leashed, Martha Graham Cracker, Michael Cavacini, music, Review | Leave a comment

11 Dec 2019

Music Review: Lashed But Not Leashed

Tomorrow Martha Graham Cracker, Philly’s favorite drag queen, releases her very first studio album. I’ve listened to it several times, and it is fantastic! Filled with numerous musical styles, Lashed But Not Leashed is the perfect representation of everything Martha Graham Cracker is, while paying tribute to her influences. From the high-energy album-opener to the funky and hilarious “Let Me Sit On It,” there’s something for everyone to love. The standout track to me is “I’m Not Trying To Stop The Rain.” It’s an epic, sweeping ballad that is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s like Barry Manilow and Aretha Franklin tossed into a blender, with the result being sheer perfection and 100% soul. To put it simply, this album is all killer and no filler. But don’t take my word for it, check out Martha’s track-by-track insights below. And make sure to buy your ticket to see her one-night-only performance at the Kimmel Center tomorrow night before it sells out.

11 Dec 2019

Martha Graham Cracker: Philly’s Favorite Drag Queen Tells All

The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret is an in-your-face rock and roll drag cabaret starring Pig Iron Theatre Company co-founder Dito van Reigersberg as Miss Martha Graham Cracker, the world’s tallest and hairiest drag queen. For more than 14 years, Martha has entertained audiences in Philly, New York, Vegas, and elsewhere with her high-energy and hilarious shows that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Tomorrow, Martha celebrates a gigantic milestone—her first studio album: Lashed But Not Leashed. To mark the occasion, a special one-night-only performance is taking place at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. My wife and I will be in attendance for this show, and we can’t wait. After buying a ticket to what promises to be an epic evening, read my interview below with the greatest drag queen you will ever see: Martha Graham Cracker.

08 Dec 2019

DDP Yoga Class: December 15

DDPY-Print My first DDP Yoga class as a certified instructor was a big success, and it sold out several days in advance. To those of you that came out, thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed the class and found it to be beneficial. If you couldn’t attend, I’ve got good news—my next class is taking place on December 15 at 10 a.m. at FeeLean Fitness in South Philly (16th and Washington Ave.). The cost to attend is $15, and you can register here. I look forward to seeing you all on December 15!

Posted in Fitness, Uncategorized and tagged DDP, DDP Yoga, DDPY, Exercise, Fitness, Michael Cavacini, Philadelphia, South Philly, Yoga | Leave a comment

07 Dec 2019

My First DDP Yoga Class

This morning I taught my first class as a certified DDP Yoga instructor. If you want to be notified about where and when future classes are taking place, please sign up for my email list here. The crazy thing is that this time last year I wasn’t even doing DDP Yoga. As with many fitness programs, it was one of those things I started and stopped a few times. In December 2018, I decided to recommit myself to doing it regularly. Shortly thereafter, I interviewed the CEO and founder of DDP Yoga: Diamond Dallas Page. I followed that up with a week-long stay at Dallas’ house in April, a DDP Yoga workshop in July, and enrollment in the DDP Yoga certification program. I completed the DDP Yoga certification process in less than six months and became the first Philadelphian to be a certified DDP Yoga instructor. In a city known for its firsts, I’m proud of this accomplishment. With all of this in mind, I headed into my first class this morning as a certified DDP Yoga instructor.

Posted in Fitness, News and tagged DDP Yoga, DDP Yoga Certification, DDPY, Diamond Dallas Page, Fitness, Michael Cavacini, Philadelphia, Yoga | Leave a comment

04 Dec 2019

Review: Super Street Racer for Nintendo Switch

Released on November 7, Super Street Racer is available digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch at the price of $39.99. It’s an enjoyable, attractive looking game filled with numerous customization options, as well as a substantial career mode with a variety of challenges to overcome. I’ve enjoyed my time with it and keep coming back for more. Let’s take a closer look at what this game has to offer.

Posted in Review, Video Games and tagged Game, Michael Cavacini, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Racing, Super Street Racer, Video Game | Leave a comment

29 Nov 2019

Free DDP Yoga Class: December 7

On June 1, I enrolled in the DDP Yoga certification program. Less than six months later, I’m the first Philadelphian to be a certified DDP Yoga instructor!

On December 7 at 10 a.m. my first class is taking place, and I’d love for you to be there. It’s free to attend, so join us at at FeeLean Fitness in South Philly for what promises to be a fun, energizing class. Register here, and I’ll see you on December 7!

Posted in Fitness, News and tagged Class, DDP, DDP Yoga, Exercise, Fitness, Free, Michael Cavacini, South Philly, Yoga | Leave a comment

28 Nov 2019

Audible Review: The Thief of Always by Clive Barker

Prior to reading The Thief of Always, I had heard great things about this book. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d wind up enjoying it. The Thief of Always is now not only one of my favorite Clive Barker books, it’s one of my all-time favorite books in general, regardless of the author. Why? Because it is a tightly-woven fable with vivid imagery, whimsy, and grandeur. What impressed me most was the writing style. I’m used to Clive Barker’s dark, macabre writing style. You won’t get any of that here. It’s so dramatically different that I thought I was reading another author’s book. The Thief of Always has a charming and lovingly presented style that goes down as smoothly as an ice-cold orange cream soda on a sweltering summer day. The characters are splendid, and the story is epic and succinct all at once. While reading this book, I experienced the same joy that I did from watching The Neverending Story as a child. I was filled with awe and happiness because I was fully immersed in a world I didn’t want to leave. Even better, the narrator for this Audible Original is perfect. His warm, emotive voice perfectly captures the mood and tone of the book and enhances it tenfold. Everyone should experience The Thief of Always—it’s a timeless tale for young and old about the wonders of the world . . . and beyond.

28 Nov 2019

New DDP Yoga DVDs Available

With Thanksgiving upon us, DDP Yoga devotees, such as myself, have something to be thankful for: five brand-new DDPY DVDs, featuring 23 workouts from the DDP Yoga Now app. Even better—there is a Black Friday deal going on right now that will save you 30% on these DVDs, so act fast. If you’re a veteran or active service member, you can get 50% off—a fantastic deal that is offered every day of the year as a way to thank those individuals for the work they do. Below are the details of what’s on these new DVDs.

Posted in Fitness, News, Uncategorized and tagged DDP Yoga, DDPY, Diamond Dallas Page, DVDs, Michael Cavacini, News, Yoga | Leave a comment

25 Nov 2019

Shudder December Highlights

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means December is right around the corner. With a new month on the horizon, Shudder is gearing up to end the year strong with a bevy of holiday gifts for one and all. Joe Bob’s Red Christmas and several of Wes Craven’s films—including the highly entertaining Shocker—will be available, as will The Lost Boys and Mick Garris’ Sleepwalkers. And what would Christmas be without some holiday-themed slashers? You can enjoy Black Christmas, Christmas Evil, and Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, just to name a few. Below is the full rundown of what to expect from Shudder in December.