FunTimes Magazine ‘Culture + Entertainment,” Week of March 25, 2024
“I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”
-Marian Anderson
On June 8, 2024, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Verizon Hall in Center City Philadelphia officially will be renamed Marian Anderson Hall in honor of the late legendary contralto.
Taking the inspirational cue from trailblazers like iconic singer and civil rights activist Marian Anderson, this week’s column tells the women’s story; it embraces the past, celebrates the present, and smiles toward the future. FunTimers, read on for low-cost, or free events, focusing on the business and cultural achievements and activities of women, as Women’s History Month takes a glorious final 2024 bow. And don’t forget: When event-going, please take precautions, especially when in groups and indoors, with the current COVID-19 variants and other infectious health threats. Check with the event organizers about their safety protocols, and also any changes due to inclement weather.
Pop Up market showcases Black artisans
Saturday, March 30, 2024. Check out cool items for sale created by local Black artists and merchants in Philadelphia at the Art Star Pop-Up Market: Highlighting Women Makers. The event will be a great close to highlighting female entrepreneurism during Women’s History Month. The spotlight will shine brightly on these highly skilled creatives and women-owned small businesses selling jewelry, ceramics, mugs, art prints, and candles. Free entry, 11 a.m. EST to 4 p.m. EST, Independence Visitor Center (North End of the building), 599 Market St.
Storyteller Saundra Gilliard
Telling a good story…
Saturday, March 30, 2024. It’s great to live a great story and also to tell a great story. Saundra Gilliard has the natural gift of storytelling. Enjoy Storytelling with Saundra Gilliard in connection with the ongoing exhibition,Dolls, Idols, and Ideals. Gilliard will present an array of riveting stories from West Africa, Black America, and the Caribbean that inspired the artists of Dolls, Idols, and Ideals, Kimberly Camp and Emilio Maldonado. Gilliard’s stories will help viewers better understand the works. The exhibit features more than one dozen homemade dolls. The artists examine their identities, labels, lineages, and “how they create their power while stranded in a ‘new world.” Camp and Maldonado employ symbols as a way of referencing their ancestry and spirituality. The gifted Gilliard will bring the exhibit to life as a nationally recognized storyteller. For 20 years, her stage performances and training “playshops” have promoted and cultivated Sacred Feminine Practices and techniques. She is the founder of Femininely Free!, and the current co-chair of the Philadelphia Folklore Project. Storytelling with Sandra Gilliard is free, but register in advance; doors will open at 2.45 p.m. EST; the performance will be at 3:15 p.m. EST. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. The InLiquid Gallery, the Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American St. (Gallery 108). 215-235-3405 or eventbrite.com or inliquid.org.
A women’s (artistic) touch
Saturday, March 30, 2024. It’s all about the women at the State of the Art Showcase, a “celebration of empowerment and resilience.” Learn, create, and connect in an environment of artists who will proudly showcase their stellar works of artistic expression. Enjoy “Art Talk” led by the collector Tierra Rich who will give her insights about the artwork on display. Take part in a special “Hilofiber Class” presented by Miranda Lopez. Learn about fiber arts material, a medium using natural or synthetic fiber, and other components, such as fabric or yarn (available on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive early to get a spot). Free, 7 p.m. EST to 11 p.m. EST. Culture Currency Studios, 3460 J St. eventbrite.com or creativephl.org.
The career fair is near
Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The first career lesson for recent college graduates is that it can be a full-time job looking for a job. But they can make that challenge less daunting by registering for Campus Philly’s Spring Career Event. Network with employers in the Greater Philadelphia area. Make a great first impression. Shop your resumes and bring your dress-to-impress ‘A’ game. Internship opportunities also are available at this job fair. More than 200 college students and dozens of companies, institutions, and organizations from the Philadelphia region are expected to take part. The event is presented by The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, with support from Comcast, Independence Blue Cross, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Camps Philly’s mission is to help attract and retain college students and graduates in the area through initiatives such as internship programs and career fairs. Free, but pre-registration is required. Saxby Cafe, Community College of Philadelphia. 1700 Spring Garden St., 5 p.m. EST to 7 p.m. EST. E-mail: shaquierra@campusphilly.org, 215-988-1707 or campusphilly.org.
Here’s what’s on tap.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024. We interrupt our column saluting women during Women’s History Month with this special event announcement: Come out for a community jazz jam at Bob and Barbara’s! All tap dancers and all musicians are welcome. Bring your shoes and a friend! For ages 21 and older. I mean how many occasions in cultural life is there a bona fide call for tap dancers? They must be channeling the late and great Hines Brothers or Sammy Davis, Jr. Hosted by The Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble, the event is called Community Jazz Jam. So go on, jump in feet first. $15 donation encouraged, 9 p.m. EST to midnight. Bob & Barbara’s Lounge 1509 South St. 215-545-4511 or 267-273-6937.
Your business is our business
FunTimes recently offered a golden opportunity for local businesses to brag about their products, services, and success stories. To support and elevate Black-owned companies/businesses, from lifestyles to health, FunTimes created the Business Insider Magazine Series. The business promotion, through small video vignettes, shines a deserving spotlight availing a huge readership of more than 100,000 followers through our dynamic social media platforms. Free. Check it out. funtimesmagazine.com.
