Hai-Ye Ni is principal cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra.Credit: Ryan DonnellMUSICTchaikovsky Week 2: The SerenadeTonight through SaturdayVerizon Hall, Kimmel Center300 S. Broad St.215-670-2300, $52-$105www.kimmelcenter.orgTake in the thundering and awe-inspiring soundscapes this weekend at the Kimmel Center as the Philadelphia Orchestra’s associate conductor, Cristian Macelaru, blazes through select pieces from Tchaikovsky, Borodin and Balakirev.Big Head Todd and the MonstersFriday, 7 p.m.Union Transfer1026 Spring Garden St.$25-28215-232-2100www.utphilly.comUnion Transfer welcomes Colorado’s Big Head Todd and the Monsters as they tour in support of their 14th studio album, “Black Beehive,” due out in February. These blues rockers have been playing for more than 25 years and show no signs of slowing down.The SmithereensFriday, 8 p.m.World Cafe Live3025 Walnut St.$27215-222-1400www.worldcafelive.comWorld Cafe Live hosts this New Jersey quartet as they crank out hits like “Blood and Roses,” A Girl Like You” and “Only a Memory.” They are touring in support of their first album in a dozen years, “2011.”THEATEROther Desert CitiesThrough March 2Walnut Street Theatre825 Walnut St.$10-$85, 215-574-3550www.walnutstreettheatre.orgWhen a novelist returns home after a long absence and tells her family she is publishing a memoir on a specific part of their volatile family history, her family doesn't take it very well, especially her Republican parents and liberal aunt. This is one family reunion you don't want to be a part of, but will be entertained throughly watching it unfold.DRINKWinter Beer NightTonight, 4 p.m.Barcade1114 Frankford Ave.Pay as you go215-634-4400www.barcadephiladelphia.comLooking for great craft winter beers and retro arcade games? Of course you are. Barcade has you covered with more than 20 winter beers on tap. There’s nothing like an Imperial Stout and some Galaga to replenish your core temperature.The Drunken Botanist: A Chat-and-Sip EventTonight, 7:30-9:30 p.m.The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd.Free215-482-7300www.schuylkillcenter.orgExperience ancient brews made from organic origins. The Schuylkill Center’s executive director, Mike Weilbacher, will read from author Amy Stewart’s “The Drunken Botanist” while you sample spirits made with Snap, Root, Sage and Rhubarb Tea from Old City’s Art in the Age.SNEAKER BATTLEFrshr than Your Avrge: Sneaker EventSaturday, noon to 5 p.m.Temple UniversityStudent Center, Room 2001755 N. 13th St.$20215-204-7000www.ftyaevent.comThis is your chance to buy, sell, trade and even battle for sneakers! Yes, sneaker battling is a thing. Contestants will be judged on the condition of their kicks, their sneaker knowledge and how well they wear them.SCAVENGER HUNTMurder at the Franklin Institute Scavenger HuntSaturday, 1 p.m.The Franklin Institute220 N. 20th St.$34.50215-448-1200www.watsonadventures.comPut on your thinking cap and head down to the Franklin Institute for an afternoon of mystery and murder. Team up to try to solve the case by cracking codes and uncovering the museum’s secrets. This scavenger hunt is for the grown-ups.DRAG SHOWRuPaul’s Drag Race: Battle of the SeasonsTonight, 9 p.m.Trocadero Theatre1003 Arch St.$29.50215-922-6888www.thetroc.comWatch the best drag queens battle it out at this showgirl showdown judged by TV and radio host Michelle Visage.
