Students warm up at the 3rd Annual Hip Hop Olympics competition in West Philadelphia on May 23rd. Photo by Aidan Gallo, FunTimes
FunTimes Magazine: ‘Culture & Entertainment’ column, week of June 9, 2025.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
— American freedom fighter Harriet Tubman (1820-1913)
By Stephen Lyford Photography
Drop The Mic At Open Mic
Mondays, June 9,16, 23 & 30, 2025. Mondays will be a night for creatives to show off their Philly talent. Come out and support musicians, singers, songwriters, comedians, poets, and magicians, who work their magic at Open Mic at Wiss at the Wisshickon Brewing Co. in East Falls, featuring host Mark Menk. The brewery is owned by Roxborough’s Tim Gill and his three sons, Peter, Luke, and Tim, Jr. It’s an award-winning 15-barrel full-production authentic craft brewery manufacturing more than 30 inspired brands of beer and hard cider. The indoor-outdoor multi-purpose facility is in a family, pet-friendly space — with a tasting bar, a regular bar furnished with recycled wood from old local defunct breweries, a beer garden, a hand-roasted specialty coffee shop (Wirlybird), an event space, and dining areas. It’s nestled in historic Wissahickon Valley paying homage to the area’s native-American history, and inspiring the names of some of its beers. Free entry; 7 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. Wissahickon Brewing Company 3705 W School House Ln. Email: wissahickonbrewingco@gmail.com, 215-483-8833, or https://www.wissahickonbrew.com/food-trucks-events/
Philadelphia To Host Jamaica Diaspora Conference
Wednesday, June 12 to Saturday, June 14, 2025. The City of Philadelphia will host the inaugural Jamaica Diaspora Conference Northeast during June’s National Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations. Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica in the United States and globally will discuss development, religion, culture, politics, education, health & wellness, investment, sustainability, and global cooperation to advance the Caribbean nation. Explore the impetus behind the growing movement of Black people seeking reconnection with the African continent spiritually, culturally, and economically. Network and engage in workshops and cultural showcases with leaders from government, business, academia, art, and the Jamaican diaspora. FunTimes publisher Dr. Eric Nzeribe is scheduled to participate in “Motherland Connect: The Lagos Experience,” a conversation about Africa. The conference will open on Thursday with remarks from Alsion Wilson, Consul General of Jamaica. The Jamaica Diaspora Conference fosters partnerships and recognizes the diaspora’s role in national development, bridging the gap between Jamaica and the global diaspora. The event supports efforts to raise Caribbean voices. For ages 18 or older. Free but pre-registration required (donations accepted); Thursday: Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., and Friday & Saturday: Temple University/ Center City campus, 1515 Market St., both days 8 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. Email: Ne2diaspora@gmail.com, https://sflcn.com or https://bit.ly/NEDiasporaConference
Art & Poetry Unite
Saturday, June 14, 2025. Check out live music and poetry performances, and buy art from local artists at June Philly Pop Up Art Exhibit and Poetry Night – P&P, which is part of the Philly Art Events collection. The event is hosted by Palette & Poetry, which connects music, poetry, and art creators to the public. 6 p.m. EST to 10 p.m. EST (performances: 8 p.m. EST), Individual tickets: $20 ($15 early bird special). United Undergrounds Gallery, 954 N. 8th St. (1st Floor). eventbrite.com
Day Of Community Resources
Saturday, June 14, 2025. Come together for the Philly Black Worker Project Record Clearing Clinic and Community Fair celebrating Black workers. Enjoy a day of food, fun, including live DJ music, and access to health information and services as well as legal assistance for second-chance hiring. This event is organized by the Philly Black Worker Project with local partners to support the health and rights of Black workers and their families. Pre-registering is encouraged but not required. Free, 11 a.m. EST to 3 p.m. EST. Leon Building Trust (Suite 228) & Lawn, 1415 N. Broad St. eventbrite.com
Wynton Marsalis. Photo courtesy of ensembleartsphilly.org
The Wonder Of Wynton
Sunday, June 15, 2025. Experience the brilliance of the acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the incomparable Wynton Marsalis. Known for their unparalleled artistry and virtuosity, the orchestra brings the heat with timeless classics mixed in with original compositions. Founded in 1988, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis tours the world performing standards to historic and rare works. The group’s compositions and arrangements include music by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Charles Mingus. Also check out the All City Orchestra and Jazz Fellowship Showcase featuring the 2024-2025 All City Fellows in a free pre-concert performance at 3:45 p.m. EST. in the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza Stage. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Individual tickets: $59 to $117.88; 5 p.m. EST. Kimmel Center/Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad St. 215-893-1999 or https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org
Artists’ public statue designs ready for Sadie T.M. Alexander
Weigh In On Proposed Statue
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, The City of Philadelphia is the curator of one of the United States’ largest public-art collections. And it’s steadily growing. Be part of the art expansion and participate in a virtual public design presentation meeting featuring the five artists competing to create a statue of Philadelphia’s Sadie T.M. Alexander. She was an African-American civil rights activist who was a trailblazer in academia and law; she fought for the advancement of the civil rights of Black Americans. The finalists are: Vinnie Bagwell, Tanda Francis, Rayvenn Shaleigha D’Clark, Alvin Pettit, and Team WILSON + HAYES + HONZO (David Wilson, Stephen Hayes, Acori Honzo. They will present to the public their designs including images, renderings, and/or models, explaining their visions for the statue. After the presentation, the public can give input. Free but pre-register for this ZOOM meeting; 6 p.m. EST. The city’s arts and culture office, Creative Philadelphia. 215-686-8446 or Zoom Registration Link
Celebrating Community, Culture, Fun, & 160 Years of Freedom at AAMP’s Juneteenth
Thursday, June 19, 2025. FunTimes has happily teamed up with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, as a media partner, to celebrate Juneteenth with what Philly loves dearly: An old-fashioned-style block party. But this party is special, marking the 160th legacy of Juneteenth and the museum’s 49th anniversary (Happy birthday, AAMP!). The African American Museum is one of the first institutions funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. With the theme, “Juneteenth: Audacious Freedom: Celebrating 160 Years of Freedom,” the party of all parties will kick off the 16-day Wawa Welcome America 2025 (June 19 to July 4) — the nation’s coolest summer festival. Hosted by iHeart Radio’s Patty Jackson, AAMP, Wawa Welcome America and VISIT PHILADELPHIA® are the event producers. Check out Philly’s GRAMMY® Award-winning DJ Drama, Kid Capri, Slick Rick, and Keke Wyatt, live performances, the West Powelton Steppers, Philly Girls Jump, and Founding Fathers Trolley Car. Browse the vending areas of Black-owned businesses, and snack at local eateries. The Juneteenth Block Party will kick off with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by the Mother Bethel Choir. Enjoy performances by DJ RL, DJ Na$h, Maci Lago Universe, Lady Alma, West Powelton Steppers, Zeke Burse, and Youba. The Third Regiment Infantry United States Colored Troops will recite General Order Number 3, which declared the freedom of all enslaved peoples in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Adults can enjoy a beer garden with free samples of DeLeon Tequila, wine courtesy of Chaddsford Winery, and Tito’s Lemonade & Tito’s Lemonade Spritz courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Take part in Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, along with nutrition takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess. Kids will love Sesame Place activities and snagging free books at the PECO Kid Zone. Indulge at food trucks for treats like Rita’s Italian Ice, the official water ice of Welcome America. Visit museum exhibits, “Demond Melancon: As Any Means Are Necessary,” which explores the culture, history, and artistry of the New Orleans tradition of Black Masking, and “AAMP Presents: The Pearl Bailey Showcase,” of archival materials highlighting performer Pearl Bailey’s life. Free, noon to 7 p.m. EST. Indoor museum admission, from 10 a.m. EST to 4 p.m. EST, will be free on a first-come, first-served basis and capacity. African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. 215-574-0380 or http://aampmuseum.org/juneteenth-2025
Photo: Instagram | Parkway Council
Jazz Up Your Mondays!
Mondays, June 16, 23, & 30, 2025. Check out the vibes at “Mondays with Maja” jazz concerts. The Vibe-A-Delphia jazz trio will be joined by a featured soloist. Bring a blanket or chair for some fun on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Mondays with Maja is organized by the Parkway Council, the American Federation of Musicians, Local 77, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. No registration needed, free; 6:30 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST (weather permitting). Maja Park, 22nd Street, and The Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Email: infoparkwaycouncil.org, 215-763-3427, or parkwaycouncil.org
