In a celebration on the first day of Kwanzaa, communities united to honor their ancestors and share the joys of African and African-American culture at City Hall in Center City Philadelphia on December 26th.
Photo by Tu Huynh
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of December 30, 2024.
“We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
Ok, everyone, let’s practice writing “2025”! And just when “2024” was slipping off of the tongue so easily, we now have to move on. So, in the spirit of a new beginning, let’s check out some free or low-cost post-holiday activities of interest. And, as you will see, our active community of talent-rich poets is packing a punch here in early 2025. So, let’s make a promise in the month for resolutions to support them, and step up our artistic appreciation in the brand-new year. And don’t forget: It may be a new year, but we face the same old health challenges: So, when event-going, take precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the ongoing risk of COVID-19 variants and other infectious health concerns.
Poet Queen To Rule Stage
Friday, January 3, 2025. The heavyweights of the poetry world take to the Philadelphia stage for a stellar night of prose with a purpose. Check out Philly – Poetry After Dark! Featuring 2025 Grammy-nominated spoken-word poet Queen Sheba. She is joined by Black Ice, Kira J, Jay Smoov, Lady Sarkazm, Lena L, Evita Colon, and RyAnn. Queen Sheba will host on the heels of her smash album, “CIVIL WRITES: The South Got Something to Say,” which is now up for Grammy consideration. Queen Sheba, of Atlanta, has earned two Grammy nominations, including one last year. Register for tickets in advance, $25, 7:30 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert St. citywinery.com or eventbrite.com.
Turntable Back In Time…
Saturday, January 4, 2025. The magic of Motown. Little Richard and other hits and hit-makers of the 1960s will spin on vinyl into the new year. Get your old bell bottoms. Enjoy the best of the far-out 1960’s soul, rhythm and blues, and soul classics. And hear the old-school hits played on original 45s. It will all happen at the popular Philly Soul Club dance party featuring Selector David Suede, Dino the Barber, and Eric Z. & Fancy Cat. Free admission. 9 p.m. EST. Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S. 2nd St. 215-238-5888 or patch.com.
Open Mic & Open Mindfulness
Saturday, January 11, 2025. Organizers are calling it “a soulful celebration of movement and creativity.” The official name is “Poetry & Motion: A Yoga + Open Mic Experience.” Chill as the mind meets the creative soul. This welcoming event is for anyone who fits these categories: A newcomer to yoga or a seasoned yogi practitioner, an aspiring poet, or anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of poetry. The yoga session is led by Shawnay. Recharge and restore with a short sound bath (a meditative practice of sound waves – using bowls, gongs, bowls — that helps people relax); then, take part, or listen to, an open-mic session. Present your poetry, spoken word, or creative piece. Light refreshments. Pre-register, $20, 4 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. Groove Studio LLC, 1300 S. 50th St. eventbrite.com.
Get Well-versed
Saturday, January 11, 2024. Mix, mingle, connect, and create with the artistic community for a night of alliteration, allusion, and enlightenment in an ultra-creative space. Enjoy art and live performances by local DJs and poets at Palette&Poetry Philly Second Saturdays hosted by United Undergrounds Gallery showcasing emerging artists. Open bar. Tickets: $25 each; two for $45; 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. (performances begin at 8 p.m. EST). Loft Abstract/ United Undergrounds Gallery, 954 N. 8th St. eventbrite.com.
Art & Punishment…
Saturday, January 11, 2025. Enjoy a different type of art exhibition painted with a different angle of the brush. Check out the opening reception of “WE ARE ALL DOING TIME.” The exhibit looks at the art and wide-ranging stories of six local artists impacted by incarceration including Pulitzer Prize-winning Suave Gonzalez, a self-taught New York street artist who was imprisoned for 31 years, and Jennifer Rhodes, a 65-year-old mother of three who has been serving a life sentence since 1990. The exhibit’s promotional material notes that the show is “a deeply personal exhibition that aims to shed light on the transformative power of art within the context of incarceration and America’s flawed criminal justice system while providing a platform for artists to share their stories and gifts with a broader community.” Hosted by the Morton Contemporary and Pennsylvania Innocence Project, the exhibit runs through Sunday, February 23, 2025. Free, 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST. Morton Contemporary Gallery, 115 South 13th St. Email: Debbie@MortonContemporary.com, 215-735-2800 or eventbrite.com.
The workshop practices one of Dr. King’s beliefs: Financial freedom.
Teaching Kids The Tool$ Of Finance
Monday, January 20, 2025. Parents, it’s a perfect time to start making plans for Martin Luther King Day of Service. Honor Dr. King’s legacy by taking part in the 30th annual holiday at Youth Financial Reality Fair 2K25. One of Dr. King’s theories was that poverty was the direct result of social inequality. He promoted financial literacy and independence. Inspired by King’s philosophy, this empowering how-to event is designed for kids, ages 5 to 17, and family members. It is an important initiative since Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate among America’s largest cities. According to the event literature, 40 million Americans, including 11 million children (1 in 7 kids), live below the poverty line. Addressing wealth and financial capabilities helps stabilize communities. Kids will learn about basic finance and take part in hands-on activities such as maintaining a household budget. Hosted by Elements of the Community Inc. and Dr. Leslie Grace, the fair includes a networking and mentoring component, “Lunch with An Entrepreneur.” Pre-registration required. Free general admission; the Lunch with an Entrepreneur segment, starting at 11 a.m. EST, is $10; 9 a.m. EST to 12:30 p.m. EST. Girard College (Armory), 2101 South College Ave. eventbrite.com.
Raul Midón
He Has The Music World By The Strings
Thursday, January 9, 2025. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón swings adeptly in and out of different genres – pop, folk, Latin jazz, and more. Some 14 albums into his long career and he hasn’t skipped a beat. He has been compared to a blend of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, and José Feliciano. He also shares another trait with the Latin star Feliciano: Midón has been blind since infancy. His introduction to the drums as a child helped him navigate his place in the world early on. The New Mexico-born Midón, who is of Argentine and African-American heritage, has broken musical bread with the likes of Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock, and Sting. $44 per show; two performances: 7 p.m. EST and 9 p.m. EST. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m. EST). South Jazz Club, 600 North Broad St. at Mt. Vernon St. 215-600-0220 or eventbrite.com.
