FunTimes Fun Events: Culture, Education & Entertainment!
February derives from the Latin word februa, meaning “to cleanse.” So go cleanse your soul with some fun. Take on these invigorating events that shine a ray of light on Black History Month. But before venturing out to these in-person activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers. As a general rule: If you feel unwell, please do not attend in person.
Image Source: Hedgerow Theatre
The long road from Nigeria to Philadelphia
Through February 25 & 26, 2023.In her childhood home in suburban Philadelphia, “Nkechi” experiences the painful loss of her high school love and the transition from Nigerian to American life in the regional production of Good Grief. This story of growing pains covers her journey from 1992 to 2005, and is a funny and riveting piece by innovative Steinberg Award-winning playwright Ngozi Anyanwu. Good Grief features actors-directors Zuhairah McGill and Phillip Brown, with Morgan Charéce Hall (Nkechi) in the lead role. 90 minutes. Tickets start at $20. Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, Pa., 610-565-4211, hedgerowtheatre.org.
Find your roots at The Rotunda
February 25, 2023. Quench your thirst for the blues, soul, jazz, pop and gospel at “Celebrating Our Roots” presented by musician Denise King. Featured are ‘soulstress’ King, Aaron Graves, Lee Smith, Khary Shaheed and Louis Taylor. Enjoy a popup art galley presenting artists Bernard Collins, Leon Finney, Kirsten J and Chamar Cooper. (Those interested in vending, contact 267-595-9321.) Free, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., in West Philadelphia, 215-573-3234, therotunda.org.
A century of Black music giants
February 27, 2023. Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Roberta Flack, Alicia Keys and Leon Bridges. To mark Black History Month, “From Louis Armstrong to Leon Bridges – Celebrating a century of genius in Black American Music,” strikes a harmonious chord by highlighting these famous Black artists and more. 100 melodic years of them. The event features a live performance celebrating the original compositions of iconic musicians and composers. Enjoy the sounds of International saxophonist/vocalist Robin Clabby and various top Philadelphia-area musicians. Sponsored by AFM Local 77 (the Philadelphia musician’s union) and the Music Performance Trust Fund. Free, 4 p.m., Independence Library, 18 S. 7th St. (on Independence Mall), 215-685-1633, freelibrary.org.
Shining a light on Black art
February 25, 2023. Celebrate Black History Month with programs and activities highlighting Black artists and the work of local community organizations. And it’s all happening at the world-famous the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Learn about the works of Black, Indigenous and Latin American artists and their contributions to American art. Make some creative masterpieces with artist Aaron Douglas. Check out gallery tours of the art of Douglas, a Black modernist painter. Immerse yourself and your family in an interactive performance by storyteller Thembi Palmer with stories of Black artists. Listen to community leaders from the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Father’s Day Rally Committee, NAACP Philadelphia Branch, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Philadelphia Chapter, Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Temple University and Urban League Philadelphia. Enjoy a musical performance by the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Christ Choir. Free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 215-763-8100, https://philamuseum.org.
Be bold and beautiful on the Red carpet!
February 25, 2023. The event is in Los Angeles but the 2nd Annual NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet Watch Party is in Philadelphia. Join WURD Radio host Andrea Lawful Sanders simulcasting live onsite in LA. Sparkle on the red carpet. Dress fashionably “classy and chic.” Enjoy great music, beverages and a live auction. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., $75, African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., 215-574-0380, aampmuseum.org.
Dive into the world of Wakanda & superheroes
February 26, 2023. Beyond Wakanda — Imagining the Future with Black Comic Creators is just that. Take a good look into the futuristic frontier of independent creators and “superhero media” shaped by Black identity and inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther and DC’s Cyborg. Check out a panel discussion, comic book mini-marketplace and youth/adult workshops. Hear from inspiring artists first-hand about themes highlighted in comics, sci-fi and other genres. For fun, wear a Black Superhero and Wakanda-inspired costume to take photos. Free with museum admission (age 5 and under, free; ages 6 to 17, $6; adults $12), noon to 5 p.m. Advance registration encouraged. National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., 215-925-2800, libertymuseum.org.
The fab five
If you are an African-American singer, how can you build your career? WXPN radio has the answer. The radio station selected five fortunate rising musicians as part of The Black Opry Residency program. It will take center stage in Philadelphia, where the artists can develop their craft and expand their audiences. The up-and-coming artists represent the world of country, bluegrass, folk, blues, gospel and rock. They are unsigned musicians, who are over age 21, and have been recording and performing for at least three years. Chosen from among 100 musicians, the five promising creatives demonstrated strong songwriting and production skills. The artists are Tylar Byrant, Denitia and The Kentucky Gentlemen — all Nashville, TN musicians; Grace Givertz, of Boston, MA, and Samantha Rise, of Philadelphia. They will be part of a week-long residency in which they will cut their teeth by co-creating project activities, receiving mentoring, showcasing their work and ultimately performing live on a public stage on March 24. WXPN, 3025 Walnut St, 215-898-6677, xpn.org.
