Kids get crafty at West Park Cultural Center.
Photo courtesy of West Park Cultural Center: westparkcultural.org
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of February 3, 2025.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
— Actress Mae West (1893-1980)
Nestled gently between the birth of a new year in January and the birth of spring in March, February has been called “the border between winter and spring.” But don’t worry, February is holding its own, thank you. And if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get out more to have fun, don’t stop now. After all, the month is short. Indulge in these events, ranging from movies to observing Black History Month to Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl watch parties. And don’t forget: When event-going, take precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other infectious health concerns.
Marcus Anderson
A Soul Stirrer
Thursday, February 6, 2025. Here’s a pop quiz: Where can you find some stellar jazz, funk, and soul? Answer: Marcus Anderson: Sax, Soul, & Groove At South Jazz Club. That’s the place for a powerful end-of–the-week night of music that will soothe your soul. The world-acclaimed Anderson, an advocate for music education, shows up with a loaded toolbox as a masterful saxophonist and composer. Heck, he even shared the stage with Prince in an impressive career filled with top-tier albums that hit all of the emotional chords. $39; 7 p.m. EST. South Jazz Club, 600 N. Broad St. 215-600-0220 or www.southjazzkitchen.com
The Scoop On The Top Black Movies
Thursday, February 6, 2025. Blacks have made monumental contributions on the Silver Screen. To kick off Black History Month, check out Micheaux Mission Black History Month Podcast – Live! Hosted by Vincent Williams and Len Webb, the general mission of the podcast is to cover “Every Black Film Ever Made.” In this particular live episode, sit in on a spirited discussion of the Top 10 Black movies, which were adapted from books. Free, 7 p.m. EST. The SKYLINE Room (4th Floor), Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. 833-825-5357 or libwww.freelibrary.org.
Little Painting with Yellow (Improvisation) by Vasily Kandinsky,1914. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Louise and Walter Arensberg Collection.
Get A Clearer Picture Of Abstract Art
Sunday, February 9, 2025. Dig deep into art and check out Contemplating Abstract Art, a virtual event hosted by Interfaith Philadelphia, a nonprofit promoting inter-religious understanding. Immerse yourself in the world of abstract art, which, according to the event’s promotional material, “may lead to intellectual, emotional, and spiritual discoveries.” Discuss the works with facilitators Rev. John B. Hougen, PhD, Coordinator, of the Art of Interfaith Understanding Series, and Christine Modey, PhD, Director of, the University of Michigan’s Community Scholars Program Art of Interfaith Understanding. The event is sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Division for Community Engagement, and the Church of St. Martin in the Fields, Philadelphia. Pre-register; pay as you wish (based on a sliding scale of $5 to $45), 2 p.m. EST to 3:30 p.m. EST. 215-222-1012 or interfaithphiladelphia.org.
Get On The Ball!
Sunday, February 9, 2025. E-A-G-L-E-S! Go Birds! Party hardy at the year’s biggest football game with friends, family, and other football fans at the AAMP Super Bowl LIX Watch Party. Wear green and white, watch on a giant screen, and enjoy food and beverages. At halftime, keep the action going, and take part in fun games and activities. Pre-register: $25; 6 p.m. EST to 10 p.m. EST; African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. 215-574-0380 or aampmuseum.org.
Fly High At ‘Eagles’ Hub’
Through Sunday, February 9, 2025. Celebrate Super Bowl LIX at the #EaglesEverywhere Activations at Independence Visitor Center Fan Hub. Enjoy interactive activities and Eagles’ giveaways and get pumped up for the Super Bowl to be held on February 9th. Create your own Eagles’ pennant and learn how to say “Go Birds” in nine languages. Take a selfie at the Eagles-themed balloon displays from Charming Garlands, props, and character cut-outs featuring “GO BIRDS” in various languages. Get your hands on “GO BIRDS” buttons inscribed in different languages, beaded necklaces, leis, and rings. Buy an ‘Iggles Tailgate’ Candle as a keepsake to celebrate the Eagles’ recent National Football Conference Championship victory. Activities are free; from 9 a.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St. Email: tday@signature57.com or 571-435-5304.
Taking A Shot At The NBA
Thursday, February 11 to Tuesday, March 2, 2025. From a small West Nigerian village to the spotlight of a huge basketball arena in the U.S., travel on a mythic journey in The Half-God of Rainfall by Inua Ellams. Nigerian-born British poet and playwright Ellams blends Yoruba and Greek mythologies into an innovative story featuring a demigod-turned-NBA star. Directed by Lindsay Smiling, the production chronicles Demi, a Nigerian mortal/Greek God, who has great powers leading up to his basketball prowess. The promotional literature sums it up: “The Half-God of Rainfall features the HotHouse Acting Company and explores the intersection of patriarchy, imperialism, and American basketball.“ Single tickets: Pay as you wish; $65 & $88. Times vary. The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. 215-546-7824 or https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/.
Bringing Juneteenth To The Stage
Monday, February 10 & Tuesday, February 11, 2025. “We Are Free, No Longer Bound,” The Musical is a story about resilience, freedom, and the development of the Juneteenth holiday observed June 19th. It was the day when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation to free indentured individuals in Texas in 1865. Enjoy song, dance, and musical theater celebrating the spirit of a race. Rejoice in renditions of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem, and “Fanga,” one of the oldest traditional African dances created by legendary cultural activist, Arthur Hall, of The Arthur Hall African American Dance Ensemble. The inspirational theme song, “We Are Free, No Longer Bound,” was written by Alfie Pollitt, James Solomon, and Walter Sorey. The production was created by artistic director Kofi Asante. One of the producer’s goals is to preserve the culture and traditions of the diaspora and the origin history of the annual Juneteenth national holiday. The lively two-hour production is a collaboration by the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, The Greater Philadelphia YMCA, the Northeast Philadelphia Rotary Club, The Fortress Arts Academy, The Black Male Community Council of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Juneteenth Family, The BSI National Hope Collaborative and Idina Health. Pre-register, single tickets: $20, 11 a.m. EST to 1 p.m. EST. Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd. nolongerboundthemusical.com or eventbrite.com.
Comic Niles Abston
This Comic Is Seriously Funny
Thursday, February 13, 2025. Tickle your funny bone with actor-writer-comedian Niles Abston (Netflix is a Joke, Dave on FX), who tells hysterical mini-stories inside his main jokes. With a third stand-up comedy TV special on the horizon, the Los Angeles-based Abston is a veteran of the comedy scene. Laid back, witty, and flat-out funny, catch Abston’s live Philly show. Pre-register, single tickets: $16; 7:30 p.m. EST to 9:30 p.m. EST. Next In Line Comedy, 1025 Hamilton St. eventbrite.com.
