Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.phsonline.org
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of November 18, 2024
“Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.”
— Journalist Hunter S. Thompson, upon writer Dorothy Parker’s death in 1967. Parker left her fortune to Martin Luther King, Jr., and after his assassination, it was donated to the NAACP.
Way B.C. (Before Cable), a wise poet named William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) described autumn as “the year’s last, loveliest smile.” It’s still true today more than a century later, as November smiles upon us just before the dawn of winter’s calling. Let’s talk turkey, as Thanksgiving calls us on November 28th. These free or low-cost activities highlight theater, old-school house music parties, holiday food from the soul of the Diaspora, inspirational self-help books, and race marathons. Please don’t forget: When event-going, take precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the ongoing risk of COVID-19 variants.
Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
The Light Shines In Darkness
Through Sunday, December 8, 2024. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ The Comeuppance Is a dark comedy that brings many truths to light. The production kicks off the season at the Wilma Theater. It’s directed by Wilma Co-Artistic Director Morgan Green and features Jordan Bellow, Alana Raquel Bowers, and The Wilma’s Hothouse Company members, Taysha Canales, Sarah Gliko, and Jaime Maseda. Brooklyn-based Tony Award-winning playwright Jacobs-Jenkins (An Octoroon) offers a tale of how one’s present cannot dodge the sins of the past. Five Millennials, outcasts as teens, return for a 20-year high school reunion and, at a pre-gathering, experience a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the movie, The Big Chill. The self-effacing misfits call themselves the “Multi-Ethnic Reject Group,” and they candidly reveal their experiences from the stark realities of adulthood. The Comeuppance features Wilma’s HotHouse with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The Comeuppance was nominated for five Lucille Lortel Awards, winning Outstanding Play. Showtimes vary; $32, Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. 215-546-7824 or wilmatheater.org or https://wilmatheater.org/event/thecomeuppance/.
Old-school Jam On The Water
Friday, November 22 to Saturday, November 23, 2024. The party boat will be rockin’ at Herbert Holler’s Freedom Party® PHL — a throw-back dance at the dock. Escape in time with 1970s classics to current dope sounds like hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, reggae, disco, or house music. Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Isaac Hayes, Rufus, Earth Wind & Fire never sounded so good. Hosted by Jermayne Gamble, check music by party producer DJ Herbert Holler, DJ Snips, and Jay Wright Radio! The twist here is that this dance party will be on the Delaware River aboard the Moshulu. Call it a house party boat for the night! Must be 30 years or older. Starts at $10 (early-bird discount) to $60, VIP open bar on the north desk; 10 p.m. EST to 2 a.m. EST. Moshulu, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. E-mail: herbert@herbertholler.com, hebertholler.com or eventbrite.com.
Ms. Pat is the real deal.
Ms. Pat Is Where It’s At!
Saturday, November 23, 2024. Before Santa makes his way to town, we have to get some belly laughs from another favorite figure: Emmy-nominated comedian-actor-author and host of MS. PAT. Check out the ‘Ms. Pat: The Hot & Flashy Tour.’ Ms. Pat is known for ‘The Ms. Pat Show’, a Netflix standup comedy special ‘Ms. Pat: Y’all Wanna Hear Something Crazy?’ Ms. Pat’s life story is inspirational, as she did not take the typical or conventional road to show business. From the streets to the stage and from a stand-up to a standout, Patricia Williams (her real name) struggles unfold in her raw, candid comedy. $29.99; 8 p.m. EST. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia (Live! Event Center), 900 Packer Ave, South Philadelphia. 833-472-5483 or philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com or AXS.com.
Thanksgiving Traditions Of The African Diaspora
Sunday, November 24, 2024. Celebrate this Thanksgiving with diversity. Explore the holiday traditions, food, and cultures of the Caribbean jewels — St. Lucia and Grenada — as well as the United States. Enjoy a tasty authentic brunch menu of island flavors from these regions known for their spiced stews, seafood, and vegetables. It’s not just food but storytelling at its best at “Brunch at AAMP: A Taste of the Diaspora.” Sip on rum punch, a classic mimosa from Kitty on Top Bar, try a mocktail, and enjoy the vibes of DJ G33K. Educator and digital creator Dr. Afia will host the event, which includes a lively panel discussion of thought leaders sharing stories of the Thanksgiving traditions of the Diaspora. The promotional material explains: “Hear how this holiday has been embraced and reinterpreted in St. Lucia, Grenada, and the U.S. … discover the deep connections between these cultures and the meanings they attach to the holiday.” It all sounds delicious! $75 (museum members $45); 11:30 a.m. EST to 1:30 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. 215-574-0380 or aampmuseum.org.
Food for the soul.
Getting To The Meat Of The Matter
Sunday, November 24, 2024. Just in time for the holidays, learn how to make Nigerian meat pie with turkey filling) at an interactive virtual workshop. Curry, minced turkey, potatoes…. Get step-by-step instructions and ingredients that go into preparing these tasty flaky treats with Chef Christine Nwakwue. She’s a veteran “meat pie master,” who happily explores her Nigerian roots. $32; 4 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. eventbrite.com
Cheer On Marathoners, And Sign Up For The Kids For Fun Run
Sunday, November 24, 2024, In 1994, when the Office of the City Representative launched the Philadelphia Marathon, it was similar to The Little Engine That Could; it started modestly with just 1,200 local runners. Today the marathon boasts 30,000+ and is a top-10 race in the United States. The course is relatively flat and is preferred by runners, especially elite participants aiming for future U.S. Olympics, who can accumulate fast qualification times. Registration for runners is sold out, but spectators can get a free glimpse of the race anywhere along 26.2 mostly scenic miles, from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Manayunk. (Check out places to view the race; visit philadelphiamarathon.com for a course map). Start times 6:55 a.m. EST for push rim wheelchairs participants; 7 a.m. EST for runners & walkers; AACR Philadelphia Marathon start and finish line: 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. For the kids (ages 5 to 15) check out the Nemours Children’s Run, a set of short-distance, untimed/non-competitive races, as well as play activations like giant inflatables, balloon art, caricatures, and temporary tattoos. The Philadelphia Union will host soccer clinics and provide health and fitness tips. Kids must be accompanied by an adult; each gets a t-shirt and a race medal. For kids’ races, advance online registration only: $15; 8 a.m. EST to noon. Von Colin Memorial Field, 22nd Street, and the Ben Franklin Parkway. E-mail: Info@PhiladelphiaMarathon.com, https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/races/marathon/.
Mighty Writers’ food delivery
Some Mighty Holiday Meals
Mighty Writers’ nonprofit is talkin’ turkey. The group, which covers 4,500 kids in the region through its free youth literacy programs and centers, is aiming to give out 1,300 turkeys, with all of the trimmings, to the families in its network. The group is looking for monetary donations; $20 to service one family, $55 to feed three families, etc. Mighty Writers never bites off more than it can gobble. So, with your help, we know it will be a successful holiday collection. Donate by check: Mighty Writers Turkey Drive, Bok Building, 1901 S. Ninth St, #622, Phila., PA 19148, or by other ways: 267-239-0899, e-mail: hello@mightywriters.org, or https://mightywriters.networkforgood.com.
Fighting Through Faith
The way author Bulinda Wright (Coach B. Wright) sees it: She is simply sharing “her truth to help you in your faith walk so that you can move forward in faith knowing that God has created you with an amazing plan and purpose for your life.” And her advice comes not only from her truth but from her experience. The certified life coach-podcaster’s new book, Fight the Good Fight of Faith: How to Remain Standing Through the Storms of Life, released last month, chronicles her spiritual battles and triumphs. Take a motivational spiritual journey with someone who has been there and back again, and now proudly tells about it in a self-help book that will help you conquer your innermost fears. Hear the words and find the tools to go from the guttermost of insecurity to the uttermost of confidence. Storms of Life Paperback, $20. Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions:
