FunTimes Magazine Culture & Entertainment, Week of April 17, 2023
April is in full swing, especially since Jazz Appreciation Month is be-
bopping along. But we have more than jazz-inspired events. In the
repertoire, we are laying down other eventful beats like poetry, dance, art,
health fairs, book signings, and road races this week and beyond. But
before venturing to any in-person events, please check individual event-
attending instructions with the organizers. As a general rule: If you feel
unwell, please do not attend in person.
A tribute to ‘Rockit’ Man Hancock
April 21, 2023. The Trestle Inn is “all in” for its happy-hour salute,
Chameleon: A Tribute to Herbie Hancock, celebrating the music of jazz
composer-bandleader. It’s described as an “improvisational jazz-funk
performance” featuring keyboardist Margel Overton, vinyl DJ Junior and
Trestle special dancer Ladonna Winters as The Chameleon, which is one
of Hancock’s songs. Classic cocktails and Happy Hour specials. No cover
charge, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those under 21 are welcome to attend
accompanied by a guardian. The event is part of Philly Celebrates Jazz 2023 and Neighborhood Jazz Series of jazz events in Philadelphia. Trestle
Inn, 339 N. 11th St., 267-239-0290, creativephl.org or allevents
Center City on stage for Jazz Appreciation Month
Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Center City Jazz Festival must be doing
something right: Nine years and counting…. A stellar lineup of 20
performers — including Sasha Berliner, Dezron Douglas, Louis Fouche,
Nazir Ebo, Pasquale Grasso, and Joanna Pascale — will grace the stages
of the Ninth Annual Center City Jazz Festival at five venues in Center City.
It will mark Philadelphia’s Jazz Appreciation Month in April. The festival is
presented by WRTI 90.1 and supported by PECO, Jazz Philadelphia, and
Turtle Studios. Free, 1 p.m. to
p.m., ccjazzfest.com.
Poetry and a Chat with acclaimed author
April 28, 2023. Join civil rights activist and filmmaker Kevin Powell and a
powerhouse lineup of poets: Dr. Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, Gabriel
Ramirez, Richard J. Watson, AFKA Furious George, and Lyrispect. The
event title is We Gon’ Be Alright: An Evening of Poetry & Conversation with
Kevin Powell. NBC10 journalist Leah Uko will moderate a conversation
about Powell’s newest books. Check out his book signing following the
conversation segment. Powell is the author of 12 books and a well-known
commentator on political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop in the United States.
A formerVibe Magazinewriter, Powell interviewed a bevy of various
legends, from Tupac Shakur to General Colin Powell. Suggested for
audiences 16 and older. Free, doors open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (7:30
p.m.: Conversation segment, followed by book signing). Space is limited,
and pre-registration is encouraged. African American Museum in
Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., 215-574-0380 or aampmuseum.org.
Steppin’ it up!
April 28, 2023. Step Afrika! is a musical mash-up of percussive dance
styles from historically African-American fraternities and sororities mixed
with traditional West and Southern African dances. And, finally, sprinkle on
top a dash of modern dance and art forms. This stew of stepping
deliciousness results in an exhilarating and uplifting experience for your
senses. Enjoy songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The
blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance
unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. Founded in
1944 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company
dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Williams’ leadership, stepping
has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 50
countries across the globe. Step Afrika! now ranks as one of the top ten
African-American dance companies in the United States. Step Afrika! is
featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African-American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive. In
2017, Step Afrika! made its Off-Broadway debut with the critically-
acclaimed production, The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence. 7
p.m., $45, Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999,
For the health of it…
April 22, 2023. Clark Park is a healthy place. Check out the Uhuru Health
Festival & Flea Market. Enjoy live music, fitness demonstrations, yoga,
children’s activities, health screenings, merch from 100 vendors, and many
freebies for the whole family. The Saturday event features entertainment by
Karen Smith & Friends, DJ Lexx, Rasaq, creator of AFRVBZ, and yoga by
Jean-Jacques Gabriel. The keynote speaker is Dr. Aisha Fields,
International Director, All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project. Free entrance; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clark Park, 43rd St. and Chester
Ave. in West Philly. Vendor opportunities available now. 267-875-3532 or
Honoring Harriet Tubman’s artfully
April 24, 2023. It’s time to voice your opinion on an essential piece of public
art. The City’s Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy is asking
the public to join a virtual meeting to guide the selected semi-finalist artists
competing to create a statue of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The semi-
finalists — Vinnie Bagwell, Richard Blake, Tanda Francis, Alvin Pettit, and
Basil Watson — will be able to hear directly from the public before they
competitively create initial design proposals for the public statue. The
winning submission will result in a work of art that will be placed outside of
Philadelphia City Hall. It will represent the first statue of a Black female
historical figure in the City’s public art collection, one of the largest in the
United States. Free, 5:30 p.m. RSVP HERE or visit creativephl.org.
Image Source: broadstreetrun.com
A kids’ day at the races to cheer and run…
April 30, 2023. 10 miles has never been so much fun. Scope out the
nation’s longest road race on the world’s longest continuous street: High-
tail and high-five it down to The 2023 Independence Blue Cross Broad
Street Run. Spectators are welcome to come out and cheer on some
40,000 eager participants. Enjoy the Cheer Squads along the course that
starts in North Philly, and bring every ounce of your spunk to encourage the
runners to the finish near the sports complex in South Philly. The whole
family can catch the iconic race and participate in kids’ events and post-
race activities. Join the Shriners Children’s Fun Zone and Shriners
Children’s Run at the finish line on Pattison Avenue in South Philly, where
the festivities start at 7:30 a.m. Events for little runners, ages 12 and under,
include the Shriners Children’s Run and dashes for all ages. Enjoy fun
activities like face painting, clowns, and more. Commemorative t-shirts are
available for the first 500 participants, and everyone gets refreshments.
Entry fee: $5 per child; free for ages 2 and under. Register online or at the
Health & Wellness Expo presented by Penn Orthopaedics in the Shriners
Children’s Fun Zone in advance, or sign up at the start line, starting at 7
a.m. race day: broadstreetrun.com.
