Sunday ‘Storytime’
Storytime & jazz for a be-boppin’ good time
Sunday, September 3, 2023. Are you up for a free and carefree day of storytime for the kids and jazz for kids-at-heart at the Barnes? We thought so. They call it Peco Free First Sunday Family Day. In the morning, youngsters, from ages 2 and older, can check out Storytime to escape into entertaining tales and adventures in either of two sessions, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. EST. The afternoon gets in tune with youth ensemble performances organized by the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts program. Celebrate the next generation of jazz greats from Philly, and groove to the inspiring cool sounds of rising musicians. Listen in for two concerts: 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. EST. For ages 1 to 100. Can you dig it? Plus, hang around and see the Barnes collection and exhibition William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision. Free, but register. All in all, you get to spend a free day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Barnes, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. 215-278-7000 or barnesfoundation.org.
Art finalist Tanda Francis’ work.
Pick a permanent public sculpture design of Tubman
Through Friday, September 1, 2023. This rendering from artist Tanda Francis’ called “Together in Freedom” (photo above) is one of the five design choices in the running for the City of Philadelphia’s future Harriet Tubman statue, which captures the essence of the freedom fighter’s journey, struggle, triumphs, her life, and legacy. Part of Tubman’s crusade for emancipation moved through the Philadelphia area. Through the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy’s Public Art Office, the City is soliciting your opinion in a brief survey. You can pick your favorite design of a statue that would be placed outside of Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall. Ultimately, the selected sculpture will join the United States’ largest public art collection, which is growing and becoming even more diverse. How often do we have an opportunity like this to weigh in on such an important project? The deadline to fill out the survey is September 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 215-686-4486 or creativephl.com.
Labor Day Lu’au
Extending a helping hand to Hawaii
Sunday, September 3, 2023. Labor Day Relief Lu’au & Music Festival is a free community blast that will celebrate the end of summer while paying homage to the time-honored spirit, traditions, and heritage of Hawaii. Hosted by award-winning, family-owned Wissahickon Brewing Co. (WBC) of East Falls, the event also has a serious side and will raise relief funds in the aftermath of the deadly and devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii that began on Aug. 8th. The WBC is community-minded and the jewel of historic Wissahickon Valley. Chill for a great cause while enjoying delicious food and cool vibes featuring performances by @jacksonpines, @atomicfizztheband, and @themarkmallonband. Buy a WissBand (Wissahickon Wristband), and receive special deals on drinks, including the first one free, and a $5 draft pours thereafter. Wristbands are available online, or on the day of the event, September 3, 2023. A portion of every WissBand and event proceeds will go to Maui Strong – a national fundraiser led by the Hawaii Community Foundation. Free to attend, 3:30 p.m. EST. Wissahickon Brewing Co., 3705 W. School House Ln., in Fairmount Park, 215-483-8833 or wissahickonbrew.com.
A dino-mite exhibit
Through Monday, September 4, 2023. Ancient dinosaurs still roam among us. If you don’t believe it, go see Staying Power: Be Distinct, or Go Extinct! Check out the gigantic animatronic dinosaurs and insects at the Philadelphia Zoo’s spellbinding interactive exhibit. “Staying Power” is life-like and real. Learn about the evolution of these creatures of yesteryear and their downfall to extinction, Explore why other nimble ancient species figured out how to endure over the centuries. The nation’s first zoo is old too, 160 years and counting. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Ages 4 and way up; $6, plus zoo admission (Adults: $25, kids $20; under age 2: free), Philadelphia Zoo, 34th St. and Girard Ave. 215-243-1100 or philadelphiazoo.org.
Get your beanbag & bocce game on…
Thursday, September 7, 2023. Who’s up for bocce, Jenga, mini-donuts, tacos, sushi, live band music, and a lot more? If so, The Navy Yard Night Market Festival is your jam. Check out the folk and country vibes of The Cheddar Boys and endless fun activities like bounce houses, face painting, and Ping Pong. Partake from a variety of food trucks. Plus, you could enter into a raffle for prizes, when registering to attend. Enjoy the historic two-century-old Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, once the United States’ oldest government ship-building facility before it closed in 1995. Free entry, but pre-registration is encouraged, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Central Green at The Navy Yard, Rouse Blvd, and Normandy Place, South Philadelphia. 215-843-9273 or navyyard.org.
Everything is negotiable: Learn how…
Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Learn negotiation strategies and practice techniques to advance your career at the Negotiation Skills for Women online workshop hosted by Working Women, ZS Communications, and WOMEN’S WAY. Negotiating can be challenging, yet empowering; learning this important skill could be a career-changer. It can assist with securing a new job, or getting a promotion, making housing decisions, and navigating business or personal relations, Free, 4 p.m. EST. eventbrite.com or womensway.org.
Gerald Veasley and Rick Braun
‘Jazz Under the Stars’ will light up the Mann
Thursday, September 7, 2023. Anything involving Gerald Veasley is golden. As curator for Jazz Under The Stars, Veasley shines while allowing featured performers to take the spotlight. Enjoy a soulful evening of jazz overlooking the Philadelphia skyline. Catch trumpeter-composer Rick Braun and the Gerald Veasley Band in full form. Veasley, who grew up in West Philly, is an accomplished six-string bass guitarist. And, yes, his musical toolbox also is filled with many titles: Bandleader, composer, producer, educator, and now curator. Veasley has recorded and performed R&B, gospel, and jazz with some of the best in the business: Grover Washington Jr., Joe Zawinul, Kirk Whalum, Will Downing, Chuck Loeb, Maysa, Nnenna Freelon, Special EFX, McCoy Tyner, and more. Veasley also is the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Gerald Veasley’s Bass BootCamp, a program that helps mentor young musicians. Headliner trumpeter Braun brings more than 20 top smooth jazz hits to the Philly stage. 8 p.m. EST. $35 to $55. TD Pavilion at the Mann (Crescendo Tent), 5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park, 215-546-7900 or manncenter.org.
