Samantha Figgins of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Photo by Dario Calmese
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of September 9, 2024
There is no beauty but the beauty of action.
— African proverb (from Morocco)
Embrace the fun of fall, but do it through education. September gifts us with events that avail us of stories of the Black experience, the Black wine-making industry, the struggle for freedom in educational systems, making homemade remedies to heal, movie screenings with a famous actor, and a book fair. As the African proverb above notes, seize the beauty of action, and check out these activities that scream one common theme: The mind matters. And so does the body; so, please don’t forget: When event-going, take precautions, especially when among groups and indoors, with the risk caused by COVID-19 variants.
Telling Your Stories…
Saturday, September 14, 2024. Learn about many of the stories that reflect the beauty and complexity of the American Black experience at StoryCorps’ Brightness in Black Launch. Hosted by Cherri Gregg, the event will kick off the initiative with interview recordings, giveaways, and live performances by Kai Davis, Seraiah Nicole, and Chill Moody. Get engaged by an expert panel, “The Brighter Side of Black,” moderated by Marc Lamont Hill, comprised of Gregory Walker, Malcolm Jenkins, Jos Duncan-Asé, and more. Free, noon to 4 p.m. EST. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts/ Ensemble Arts Philly, 300 S. Broad St. 215-790-5800 or register: https://storycor.ps/3Mnnmgz or ensembleartsphilly.org.
No Sour Grapes Here…
Saturday, September 14, 2024. Event organizers call it a “taste of diversity.” Bold reds and crisp whites: Enjoy the best of local premium wines at the 2nd Annual Philly Black Wine Fest at the Penn Museum. Sip, shop, eat, and dance to live bands and a DJ. Hosted by Kabila Events, Philly Black Wine Fest will feature more than 20 Black-owned businesses, wine tastings, product samples, live music, art, and curated drink and food vendors. Taste and learn all about the history and future of wine from industry experts. Check out art displays and, as a bonus, enjoy access to a treasure trove of items on display at the Penn Museum. $40 to $100; 6:30 p.m. EST to 11:30 p.m. EST (VIP entry & Cocktail Hour: 6:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. EST is General Admission). Penn Museum, 3260 South St. E-mail: contact@kabilaevents.com, wooderice.com or phillyblackwinefest.com.
Learn To Make Homemade Healing Remedies
Saturday, September 14, 2024. The workshop, Making Alcoholado with Iris Brown of Las Parcelas, is a great opportunity to create Alcoholado, a traditional Puerto Rican pain relief remedy derived from the Malagueta tree and alcohol. The homemade healer is used to relieve various ailments including fever, muscle aches, and insect bites. Learn how to work with these natural ingredients, and be rewarded by taking your remedy home. The workshop will be organized by Norris Square Neighborhood Project and Convalescence, an immersive art installation by artist Pepón Osorio at Thomas Jefferson University. A traditional vegan-friendly Puerto Rican meal will be served. Instructor Iris Brown, a community activist, is dedicated to culture, agriculture, and food to share the Diasporic connection between her Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia and her hometown of Loíza. Wheelchair accessible; conducted in Spanish, with English interpretation provided. Free but pre-register, 4 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. Norris Square Neighborhood Project, 2248 N. Palethorp St. E-mail: chelseamia.pm@gmail.com, or eventbrite.com.
The Power Of Books
Saturday, September 14, 2024. Information and knowledge mean power. That’s why the Philadelphia One Africa! One Nation! Marketplace’s Uhuru Book Fair & Flea Market in West Philly always is a nice and important treat. Enjoy poetry, spoken word, authors’ book readings, yoga, activities for children, a variety of live music, food, and shopping featuring authentic arts and crafts and clothing. Grab some educational material focusing on adult literacy, English as a Second Language, and other community reading materials. Free admission, 9 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. Clark Park, 43rd Street and Chester Avenue. 267-875-3532 or oneafricamarketphilly.org or festival.net.
Drummer Kimbedro Rodriguez
Rodriguez To Be Cymbal Of Success At Jazz Concert
Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Catch the beat with drummer Kimpedro Rodriguez and his band, as Jazz Bridge Board President Kevin Johnson and vocalist Shekhinah B. will host Jazz in Germantown, which is part of the “Third Tuesday Neighborhood Concerts Series.” The outdoor concert will be held indoors in the event of inclement weather. $15 in advance ($20 at the door), free for students & kids; 6 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST. Settlement Music School Germantown Branch, 6128 Germantown Ave. E-mail: info@jazzbridge.org, 215-517-8337 or jazzbridge.org.
Mingle With The ‘Living Single’ Star
Friday, September 20 & Saturday, September 21, 2024. Join Philly’s own Erika Alexander, the Philadelphia Film Society, and special guests for Erika Alexander: Mid-career Perspective – screenings of two dramatic films starring the “Living Singles” TV star: LA MISSION (September 20, 7:30 p.m. EST) and AMERICAN FICTION (September 21). A conversation with the beloved personality-plus actor will follow the screenings to discuss these films, her career, and community activism, as well as a screening of a Living n Single episode, with live commentary from Alexander. This year is the 40th anniversary of Alexander’s acting debut at age 14. LA MISSION (2009) with Benjamin Bratt, is a drama about “acceptance inspired by the upbringing and community of brothers” in San Francisco. The Academy Award-winning AMERICAN FICTION (2023) is about author Thelonius “Monk” Ellison (played by Jeffrey Wright), who adeptly navigates racial stereotypes in the publishing industry. $14 (adults), $12 (seniors & students), $10 (kids). Philadelphia Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut St., 267-239-2941 or filmadelphia.org.
