Enjoy romantic classics, from Mozart to the Beatles, at the Philadelphia Orchestra’s evening Valentine’s Day Concert on February 14th at the Kimmel Center.
Photo courtesy of ensembleartsphilly.org, where you can get more information.
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of February 10, 2025.
“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
— James Baldwin (1924 to 1987)
A wise woman once said, “February feels like the middle of everything.” This column features a little bit of something in the middle of everything. It’s a sprinkle of Valentine’s, a dash of Black History Month, and a brief mention of an Eagles Super Bowl victory parade in Philadelphia on Broad Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The parade is scheduled for February 14, when there will be a citywide sea of green on a day traditionally reserved for romantic red (phila.gov). Don’t forget: When event-going, consider taking precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other infectious health concerns.
Singer PINK SWEAT$
A Velvety Valentine
Friday, February 14, 2025. The last of the city’s cleanup trucks should have cleared off of Broad Street after the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl victory parade before the Pink Sweat$ concert. Check out the Valentine’s Day Welcome Home Tour of Philly’s hometown singer-songwriter R&B balladeer. Known for his velvety vocals, smooth melodies, and sparse arrangements accompanied by a guitar, Pink Sweat$ cut his teeth as a demo singer at Philly’s historic Sigma Sound Studios, where he co-wrote for Rosie Bondz, Natalie Imani, Aaron Campter, and Tierra Whack. He emerged with his successful debut album, Pink Planet, in 2021. It was followed by 2022’s Pink Moon and EPs, including 2023’s Volume 3. The rapid rise of his debut EP, Volume 1 and Volume 2, earned him a gold single and recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and The Fader. Single tickets start at $25 at 7:30pm EST. Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St. 215-893-1999 or ensembleartsphilly.org.
David A. Gaines
Photo by Mochi Robinson
A Double Dose of Poetry & Theater
Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16, 2025. Is it theater, or is it poetry? Gabardine is both. It’s an experimental poetry-theatre performance examining the impact of Black grief, shame, and joy. The solo show Painted Bride presents Gabardine by David A. Gaines has been described as “a work-in-process on inner child healing.” It includes film projection, immersive sound, and various technologies to create a riveting, empowering experience. The production is directed by Brooke O’Harra and stars Gaines, a Philadelphia writer and director. The award-winning Gaines’ work examines Blackness, masculinity, Christianity, and mental health. His films have been shown at the BlackStar Film Festival, the Gary International Black Film Festival, the National Black Arts Festival, and the International Video Poetry Festival. Pay-what-you-can (suggested: $20). Proceeds benefit the Painted Bride. February 14 to 15; 7 p.m.; February 16; 2 p.m. For ages 18+. Icebox Project Space, 1400 N. American St. paintedbride.org or davidagaines.com.
A Lesson In Black Music History
Saturday, February 15, 2025. Celebrate Black History Month with the African American Heritage Ministry’s Celebrating Things We Didn’t Know About Black Music featuring Dr. Eva Diane Lyles-Smith, author-music historian-educator and musician. Enjoy music, food, and an engaging session in the heritage and pioneers of Black music. Inquire about cost; noon to 4 p.m. EST. Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church (East), Aubrey Jones Family Life Center, 2800 W. Cheltenham Ave. 215-276-7200 or https://enontab.org/.
A Spirited Book Tour
Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Think while you drink, with New York Times best-selling author and CEO Fawn Weaver at the Love & Whiskey Unfiltered Book Tour at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Sip and soak up the heart-warming winter fireside candid book discussion with Weaver along with a liquor-tasting featuring four premium whiskeys created by Victoria Eady Butler, a Master Blender of the Year. The book Love & Whiskey explores the true story and hidden truths of America’s iconic whiskey brands, including Jack Daniels and the whiskey company that Weaver founded. $100 per ticket, $75 for museum members; 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. (Doors open at 5 p.m. EST). African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.. 215-574-0380 or aampmuseum.org.
Experience The Color Of Love
Friday, February 21, 2025. Dive into the Valentine’s season with FunTimes Magazine’s latest engaging community workshop, The Color of Love: How The Power Of Love Can Strengthen Black Communities. This post-Valentine’s virtual presentation was inspired by the phrase “loving on us.” It will celebrate love and the power of the Black community in an ever-changing and sometimes unwelcoming world. Explore ways to cultivate unity and collaboration within Black communities including among younger generations; the role of love in addressing systemic inequality, racism, and economic disparities. Discuss inspiring instances in history when communion and love have been a transformative force in Black communities as well as how the power of love can effectively build intergenerational bonds and preserve cultural heritage. Get some insights from expert panelists Dr. Kory Grice, of the Life Turn Network of therapists and Christian counselors, and “Your favorite church girl,” Kala West (a.k.a. Kala J.), host-producer of WURD Radio’s Sunday Morning Praise, a weekly faith-based program. The event moderator is Lavonne Nichols, a dynamic multi-media host-author-trauma recovery coach-certified ACEs trainer. Instagram Live. Free, noon to 1 p.m. EST. E-mail: info@funtimesmagazine.com or funtimesmagazine.com.
Honoring Artists For Black History Month, For The Record
Through Friday, February 28, 2025. From Stevie Wonder to Kendrick Lamar, WXPN in the Greater Philadelphia area is singing the praises of essential” albums in American Black music history. Listen every day this month to this tribute featuring innovative consequential records that shaped culture and shattered barriers. Online or on the radio: 88.5 FM, wxpn.org, or 215-898-66777.
‘Thriving Together’ Through Breast Cancer
Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, 2025. Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit supporting those living with breast cancer, will host its 19th Annual Conference on metastatic breast cancer, Take part in a weekend of education, inspiration, and community. The theme is “Thriving Together.” The in-person and virtual event, designed for women with metastatic breast cancer and their caretakers, features information about research, treatment options, and the emotional effects of living with the illness. Learn from medical and wellness experts (physicians, nurse practitioners, patient advocates, psychotherapists, and wellness specialists) about insurance and personalized medicine in metastatic breast cancer, and managing side effects. Share your experiences in a safe, welcoming space. Try yoga, meditation, and BeACTive workouts live. Check out the latest resources, products, and services designed for individuals and families impacted by cancer. Meet and mingle at receptions, meals, and social events. Individual tickets: $125 and $100 for a caregiver/friend (You can inquire about a registration waiver); a live stream ticket is available: $25. (A free ticket option is available, with no application required, for those who need it.) Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. 201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. lbbc.org or https://www.lbbc.org/community/events/metsconf25.
