FunTimes Fun: Events & Entertainment!
Our environment is everyone’s home. No matter what our differences, the earth is a common ground that unites us. As caretakers of our precious planet, the environment represents the legacy that links each generation. With the looming threat of global warming, our current footprint is in serious jeopardy. This week is Earth Week, calling urgent attention to our universal responsibility to preserve our communities locally and the planet globally. The ongoing pandemic and dramatic changes in the atmosphere, have heightened — renewing our interest and appreciation of nature.
In 1970 when the seeds of Earth Day were first planted, 20 million Americans took part in rallies and marches. About 20 million people, or 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time, went green for the day. Today more than one billion people observe and participate in Earth Day worldwide. Here are some “earth-while” and mostly free activities to consider. Before venturing out, please check with the event organizers to confirm event hours and inquire about their updated COVID-19 protection protocols regarding mask-wearing and proof of vaccination.
Green Fest Is the Best
April 22, 2022. The College Green University of Pennsylvania is pulling out all of the stops for Earth Week – wellness walks, yoga, an ecology tour, and a river-shed cleanup to learn about and celebrate our natural environment. A signature event is a festival on College Green, Green Fest, featuring plenty of festivities presented by student environmental groups at Penn. Hosted by the Penn Environmental Group, eco-friendly is the theme with three hours of exhibits, presentations and energy-saving tips that will save you and the world. The College Green University of Pennsylvania, 3101 Walnut St., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Free, sustainability.upenn.edu
Plant Your Roots
April 23, 2022. Take a barn tour and walk in an aquaponics greenhouse. Enjoy refreshments and take an easy hike to plant a tree with your family on a 30-acre nature reserve. Adding trees prevents runoff from heading directly into the Schuylkill River. Registration is required and limited, open to all ages. Bring your own water and work gloves. $25 per family. 10 a.m. to noon, Riverbend Environmental Education Center, 1950 Spring Mills Rd., Gladwyne, Pa., 610-527-52-34, riverbendeec.org
What on Earth?
April 22, 2022. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability is celebrating its latest edition of Greenworks Review magazine, a key educational resource that provides updates from students, teachers, activists, and artists about the progress of changing the Philadelphia footprint. The event features storytelling, interactive activities, vendors, and appearances by Mayor Jim Kenney and community leaders. The city’s goal is “to keep communities safe, healthy, and inspired.” Free, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., 215-686-3495, www.phila.gov. Register at eventbrite.com
Down to Earth
April 22, 2022. The Village of Arts and Humanities wants you…to volunteer for a community cleanup. The North Philly-based nonprofit engages youth and families to “revitalize physical spaces and preserve Black heritage” through arts and cultural activities related to the environment. Registration is limited. Supplies provided. Free, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Village of Arts & Humanities, 2544 Germantown Ave., 215-225-7238, info@villagearts.org. Register at eventbrite.com
A Beautiful and Famous Resting Place
April 23, 2022. Bird watching, identifying trees, a contest to name the hawk on the two-acre grounds, and a special “eco-history tour.” Founded in 1719, The Christ Church Burial Ground at 5th and Arch streets in the Philadelphia historical district brings you neat Earth Day activities to highlight the flora and fauna on the hallowed Colonial-era burial grounds containing 1,400 graves including painters, poets, mayors, military, and signers of the Declaration of Independence. Free, but a donation won’t be turned away. The Eco-History Tour is $5 if purchased on-site. Registration in advance encouraged, noon to 3 p.m., The Christ Church Burial Ground, 340 N. 5th St., 215-922-1695, www.christchurchphila.org, Register at: eventbrite.com
All about Jazz …
April’s ongoing observation of Jazz Appreciation Month in the United States is the perfect opportunity to go and experience the chords of Philadelphia’s stellar music legacy that continues to “bee-bop on” today. Here is your community connection to everything jazz!
Breathtaking Sounds of Brey
April 23, 2022. Enjoy the spectacular sounds of Philly pianist Tim Brey, composer, bandleader, and educator in concert. Brey has performed in small groups led by Terell Stafford, Veronica Swift, Dick Oatts, Rodney Whitaker, Steve Wilson, Eric Alexander, Noah Preminger; he was featured in ensembles with Branford Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, and Karrin Allyson. Brey has a widely diverse repertoire that covers the Great American Songbook, bebop tradition, jazz fusion, hip-hop, R&B, and house music. The event is presented as part of Philly Celebrates Jazz in partnership with Jazz Bridge. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free, Woodside Park, 3910-18 Conshohocken Ave. https://www.jazzbridge.org/
The Mysterious Traveler All Stars
The Mysterious Travelers Get You to Your Jazz Destination
April 25, 2022. A great way to jazz up your day is to check out The Mysterious Traveler All Stars — an ensemble of some of the best young and seasoned composers and performers. And there is nothing mysterious anymore about these musicians who have made a name for themselves on the local jazz scene. The event is presented as part of Philly Celebrates Jazz in partnership with Philadelphia Jazz Project. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., free, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322, https://www.jazzbridge.org/ or https://libwww.freelibrary.org
Jazz Jam on the Iconic Parkway
April 23 & 30. Enjoy a Saturday afternoon concert in the park right out on the Ben Franklin Parkway. BYOP …Bring Your Own Picnic lunch, a chair, and your best chill vibe for the soulful sounds of the Vibe-A-Delphia Jazz Trio. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., free, Maja Park, 22nd and the Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-763-3427, https://www.associationforpublicart.org
