It’s said that November is a month of spiritual awakening, magic and mysticism. A deeply spiritual month indeed. It’s a month to practice refocusing and regaining our inner strength. One way to connect is through the gifts and therapeutic enjoyment of the arts and entertainment. This column is not as deep, but if you pursue the event suggestions, can help rebalance you. And remember, before venturing out to any of these in-person activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers. As a general rule: If you feel unwell, please do not attend in person.
Kimmel Campus Presents Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Jazzing it up for 60 years New Orleans-style
November 11, 2022. Straight from the Crescent City comes Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The jazzy jumbo of New Orleans never sounded so vibrant. And the veteran band has been flavoring this electric stew of music for 6 decades. According to promotional information: “The band’s mission remains focused on initiating audiences into the ineffable, almost religious experience of channeling their ancestors through the music and culture they’ve inherited from them.” 8 p.m., tickets starting at $39, Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater), 250 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, kimmelculturalcampus.org.
‘King of Sing’ does her thing at Rittenhouse Square
November 3, 2022. Vibe out to a great concert, Jazz on the Square, near scenic Rittenhouse Square Park featuring the “King of Sing,” Denise King, who performs it all – pop, jazz, blues and gospel. Her style and voice are reminiscent of her idol, Sarah Vaughan. (King is stepping in for Marta who previously was booked for this concert, as promoted here recently). $40, includes a free glass of wine. Opens at 5 p.m., concert: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. 267-595-9321, eventbrite.com.
Civil rights on stage.
November 4 & 5, 2022. Check out a staged reading of Terri Lyon’s new play, When The Truth Comes Out. The piece is about the unsung builders of the Civil Rights movement. Learn about the fictional encounters between nine important leaders: Daisy Bates, Jo Ann Robinson, Pauli Murray, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Barbara Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, Patricia Harris and Constance Baker Motley. Free. Nov. 4th: 7 p.m. Second Baptist Church of Germantown, 6459 Germantown Ave., 215-849-0257, and Nov. 5th: 1 p.m. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322, https://www.beacontheatreproductions.org.
Get ready to Rumba
November 4, 2022. Swing to the sweet and swift Latino beats of salsa, merengue, Reggae, samba, chacha, bolero, rumba and funk at Viernes Calientes featuring De Tierra Caliente. Dine, drink up and dance to live music. Free, 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Lounge, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com
Online lecture hits high note on America’s Black music
November 4, 2022. The Spiral Bookcase presents a virtual lecture with Dr. Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr. — The Guggenheim fellow, music historian, pianist, composer and Professor of Emeritus of Music at the University of Pennsylvania, who will discuss his recent book, “Who Hears Here?: On Black Music, Pasts and Present.” Dr. Ramsey will read excerpts of his work, followed by a curated conversation with Bookseller Victoria and a question-and-answer period. The book of essays represents one-quarter of century of “commentary and scholarship, diving into America’s Black musical past.” The varied collection looks at Black musical expression from sacred music to jazz and hip-hop. Free. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Spiral Bookcase, 4257 Main St., spiralbookcase.com, Zoom Link
Sergio Delgado Rodriguez
Latin composers showcased Astral Artists
November 18, 2022. Check out new classical musicians from Astral Arts performing chamber pieces written by Latin-American composers including a world premier from Sergio Delgado Rodriguez. Featured Astral Artists: Beomjae Kim, (flute) Amer Hasan, (clarinet;) Byeol Kim (piano) and Hao Yang (guitar). Social distancing and masks recommended at the event (regardless if vaccinated). In-person and on live stream, $10; free for students and seniors, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Teatro Esperanza, Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. 5th St., 215-324-0746, https://www.esperanzaartscenter.us/event/latinx-composers-astral-artists/
