FunTimes Fun: Events & Entertainment!
The local Philly Celebrates Jazz initiative during national Jazz Appreciation Month — observing the rich time-honored tradition of jazz — is now in full swing! But make room for Philly Theatre Week, which shares a week-long moment month of April. Few corners of the arts community were disrupted as much as live theater. The current week of drama, acting, comedy, music, and art provides a virtual and in-person opportunity to catch up on the theft of pandemic time. So don’t hesitate, go out and celebrate! But before venturing out to any of the in-person free or low-cost activities, be sure to contact the organizers to confirm event hours and inquire about their updated pandemic safety policies.
MUSIC
Monnette Sudler
A Monnette of All Musical Trades
April 9, 2022. Monnette Sudler does it all – composes, sings, plays guitar and piano, and arranges and writes poetry. Early in her career, she worked with vibraphonist Khan Jamal in the Sounds of Liberation. In the 1980s she studied at Temple University in North Philadelphia. She has performed with Kenny Barron, Hamiet Bluiett, Arthur Blythe, Dameronia, Sonny Fortune, Dave Holland, Freddie Hubbard, Joseph Jarman, Hugh Masekela, Cecil McBee, David Murray, Sunny Murray, Trudy Pitts, Odean Pope, Don Pullen, Sam Rivers, Shirley Scott, Archie Shepp, Leon Thomas, Steve Turre, Cedar Walton, Grover Washington Jr., and Reggie Workman. The event is part of Philly Celebrates Jazz in partnership with Philadelphia Jazz Project. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free, Wissahickon Brewing Company, 3705 W. Schoolhouse Ln.
215-483-8833, https://www.jazzbridge.org/
Gerald Veasley
It’s All about the Bass
April 16, 2022. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy wants you to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month in Philadelphia with free Neighborhood Jazz Performances. One of the coveted performances is that of Philly’s contemporary bassist composer, Gerald Veasley. Enjoy the six-string bassist’s extensive repertoire. Veasley has recorded or performed with many of the world’s most acclaimed artists in jazz, R&B, and gospel — Kirk Whalum, Will Downing, Chuck Loeb, Maysa, Nnenna Freelon, Special EFX, Pieces of a Dream, McCoy Tyner, The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Gerald Levert, Teddy Pendergrass, Philip Bailey, the Dixie Hummingbirds, John Blake, Odean Pope and Pat Martino. This event is presented as part of Philly Celebrates Jazz in partnership with Jazz Bridge, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., free, Jacobs Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave.
267-320-2675, https://www.jazzbridge.org/
Student Jazz Is in the Air
April 18, 2022. Start your afternoon with a high note. Groove to the afternoon student Jazz Ensemble Recital by the Mike Boone Ensemble at Temple University. Hosted by the Center for the Cinematic and Performing Arts/Boyer College of Music and Dance at 2 p.m. (45-minute sets), free. Presser Hall, Art of Bread Café, 13 and Norris sts., First fl., 215-204-8301, www.events.temple.edu
Time to Act
Now through April 10, 2022. Check out experimental theater, readings, musicals, improv, workshops, and more. Virtually or in person, you deserve to immerse yourself in 2022 Philly Theatre Week presented by Theatre Philadelphia highlighting dozens of events at various venues across the Delaware Valley. It’s a cool way to support and re-connect with the theater after time off from the pandemic. Tickets (in person or for virtual viewing) range from free to $30, For various events, venues, and schedules: 267-761-9950, https://www.theatrephiladelphia.org
Shamika Byrd
Queen of Soul Sunday
April 10, 2022. Shamika Byrd sings some of her favorite classics in a virtual 35-minute concert that is virtually impossible not to enjoy, and vibe out right from your own residence. Indulge in some Soul Sunday with standards from The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke. $15, 7 p.m. https://www.theatrephiladelphia.org
All Business at Lady Day Play
April 9, 2022. Curio Theatre Company presents Lanie Robertson’s critically-acclaimed play,Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, starring beloved company member and Barrymore Award winner Ebony Pullum. Enjoy a live 90-minute production that explores the life of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in one of her final performances in Philadelphia, where she was born. $30. Performances at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. In-person, 4740 Baltimore Ave.
215-921-8243, https://www.theatrephiladelphia.org/
Silence Broken
April 10, 2022. The Preacherman by Cris Eli Blak presented by the Trailblazers Collective chronicles a young man who becomes the latest victim of Kevin, a preacher at his Baptist church. The story tells of the bravery of the young men speaking out about the secrets behind closed doors, and the seldom-told stories of abused young Black men in the church. Free but a donation is encouraged: $5 to $30. Two hours, 10 p.m. Virtual event, appropriate for ages 18 and older.
215-921-8243, https://www.theatrephiladelphia.org
