IN THE KEY OF C

Deep C

[ WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 ]

Deep C is having a birthday, and we're all invited to attend. The Detroit native and house DJ (second from left, below) is a key member of the Philly-based Tigerhook team of DJs and producers, which includes his Wamdue partner Chris Udoh and Tigerhook founding members Randall Jones and Hito, among others. Deep has played all over the world and has regular gigs at the London club Fabric, but he chooses to live in Philadelphia--and to build his business here--which makes him a true Philly booster. And in his typical fashion of giving back, Deep C is celebrating his birthday by giving us a good time. First he'll play an opening set and then he'll relax with help from DJ Craig Richards. Richards has a residency at Fabric, so he and Deep play together every other month or so. Richards is also known for his "Georgie" parties in London--different themes, different locations, same progressive beats--and for his Tyrant monthly, and the April 1999 mix CD of the same name. Even if you don't know much about clubbing or the difference between deep house and, uh, shallow house, you do know whether you want to dance all night and support a guy who's been a positive force in the city. (L.S.)
9-10pm: open bar. 10-12pm: $3 drinks. $5 cover. Proto Lounge, 125 S. Second St. 215.351.9026

SECRET COMEDY

Ellen DeGeneres

Call it the frog-in-the-box syndrome: Remember the old Looney Tune where the man on the park bench finds the frog who will only sing and dance and be entertaining when no one's looking? Well, Ellen DeGeneres is sort of like that: Whenever she's supposed to be funny--in a sitcom or on a (God help her) chat show--it's death to watch. But put her onstage, when the cameras aren't accustomed to rolling, and the broad is laugh-out-loud funny. And I must confess, she looks cute in sneakers. DeGeneres' standup HBO special from a few years back cemented this, and it's this DeGeneres--refreshingly free from plot lines and things to plug--who'll be taking the stage here. Who'da thunk it? Someone who's famous for being funny actually is. (Joey Sweeney)
7:30pm. $38.50-$47.50. Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall. 260 S. Broad St. 215.790.5800. www.kimmelcenter.org