FunTimes Magazine: ‘Culture & Entertainment’ column, week of January 19, 2026.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
As this week marks the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we reflect on a few fun facts and little-known trivia about the civil rights leader who inspired and empowered us with his words and actions. These light tidbits reveal how King himself was inspired. King was a huge Star Trek fan since it adequately represented Blacks on the popular sci-fi show. His birth name was Michael King, Jr. later changed to Martin Luther by his minister father who was inspired by the 1500’s German monk-theologian-priest. The young King attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA at age 15, skipping his senior high school year. From a neighborhood cleanup to poetry and plays, here’s to an eventful new year of community participation and inspiration.
A Clean Sweep At Day Of Service
Sunday, January 25, 2026. There’s time to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.by volunteering at the Germantown United CDC’s Day of Service: Germantown Clean Up. Get some exercise, socialize, and keep the streets sparkling at this neighborhood beautification effort, which was postponed from the weekend. BYOB (Bring Your Own Broom), refreshments provided. 10 a.m. EST to 1 p.m. EST. Corner of Chelten Avenue and Green Street. Email: info@germantownunitedcdc.org,
Alfredo Rodriguez (left) and Pedrito Martinez
Catch The Classical Cuban Beat
Thursday, January 22, 2026. Vibe to the Cuban jazz beat of Grammy-nominated virtuoso artists Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez. The classical pianist Rodriguez was discovered by his mentor, Quincy Jones, at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Singer-percussionist Martinez’s start was more humble, as he found his path through the streets of his hometown in Cavo Hueso in Old Havana, practicing Afro-Cuban folkloric and classic rumbas, as well as religious music. They first collaborated on Rodriguez’s 2012 album, The Invasion Parade. Their tastes meshed, developing an innovative style. Rodriguez’s classical background is more Bach and Stravinsky combined with Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz. From Cuban classics to original compositions, they formed the popular as a popular duo. Individual tickets: $53 to $95; 7:30 p.m. EST. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Perelman Theater) Theater www.ensembleartsphilly.org/series-and-subscriptions/jazz-series/alfredo-rodriguez-and-pedrito-martinez
ActorTaysha Marie Canales plays ‘Aisha’ in Good Bones.
‘Good Bones’ Looks At The Price of Progress
Thursday, January 22, 2026. Check out the opening of the Philadelphia premiere of Good Bones from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames (Fat Ham). His newest offering is a riveting exploration of family, change, and gentrification in a neighborhood where developers are building a new sports complex. The story chronicles the character Aisha’s challenging return home to help revive her evolving old community at the cost of preservation. The play is directed by Philadelphia-based award-winning actor Akeem Davis and features Taysha Mare Canales (Aisha). The promotional material offers this: “Good Bones uses sharp humor and emotional depth to explore the tension between progress and preservation…” It has shades of the Philadelphia 76ers’ aborted proposed move to develop an arena in Center City last year. The production runs through Friday, March 8, 2026. The January 22nd show is at 7 p.m.; other show-date times vary: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. EST; Individual tickets start at $60 (adults), $55 (seniors 62+, educators & students), $50 (military), $37 (kids). Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St. Email: boxofficer@ardentheatre.org, 215-922-1122 or https://ardentheatre.org/production/goodbones/
Performers & Poets To Shine At Talent Showcase
Friday, January 23, 2026. From music to movement, catch the next superstar. Support the vibrant celebration of young emerging talent from underrepresented communities performing music, dance, theater, and spoken word at Rooted Rhythms: First Annual Youth Performing Arts SOUL Showcase. The competitive neighborhood talent show will highlight the passion and creativity of rising artists. Prizes will be awarded to winning performers. 6:30 p.m. EST (doors open at 5 p.m. EST). Free but a donation is requested. Proceeds go to youth programs supporting artists of color. Venice Island Performing Arts Theater, 7 Locke St. Email: info@villageofsoul.org, www.villageofsoul.org, or https://allevents.in/philadelphia/rooted-rhythms-youth-performing-arts-showcase/100001978851884255
Damien Davis’ artwork, “Passive.”
Exhibit On Wood Explores Family Lineage
Through Sunday, February 15, 2026. Treat yourself to the exhibit A Useable Past: Reflections on a Nation and its Inheritance. From family lineages and ancestral myths to rooted or shifting values, view the abstract works of 12 contemporary artists who take a deep dive into our collective identity. The term “a usable past” describes how meaning from history is relied on to navigate the present. The exhibit achieves this through wood. Explains the promotional material: “Like families and nations, trees inherit traits that strengthen and sustain them, and in the artists’ hands, this living archive becomes a site for reflection on what is passed down: liberty and revolution, labor and belonging, resilience and repair.” Local African- Americans featured are Worcester-based multi-media artist James Maurelle and Newark visual artistDamien Davis. Free but donations accepted. Wednesdays to Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. EST. Museum for Art in Wood (Main Gallery), 141 N. 3rdSt. Email: info@museumforartinwood.org, 215-923-8000 or museumforartinwood.org
Restore Mind & Body In The New Year
Thursday, January 29, 2026. Breathe in slowly, exhale…and relax. Time for some self-care in the brand-new year. For your wellness and well-being, find your balance through mindful movement and restorative experiences at the Mind. Body. Soul. health fair. Relax to the max with health-beauty products and services from wellness vendors offering sound baths, acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy, and acupuncture. Enjoy free samples, discounts, raffle drawings, and more. Individual cost: $12.51; 5 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST. The Pyramid Cub. 1735 Market St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pyramid-club-wellness-expo-tickets-1979749470961?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Recharge In The New Year
Saturday, January 24 & Sunday, January 25, 2026. A new year may bring a new resolution. Winter Reset Yoga, hosted by Tiny Farm Wagon, may fit the bill. Relax and unwind with yoga led by certified yoga instructor Misty Sol. Revive your mood and muscles in a calm nurturing environment. Yoga mats provided but you can bring your own, and also a pillow or blanket for restorative rest and rejuvenation practices. Free but pre-register (includes tea and cafe refreshments courtesy of the Museum of Black Joy); 10 a.m. EST. to 11 a.m. EST. D’Griot Café + Gallery, 51 Maplewood Mall. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-winter-reset-yoga-tickets-1980353223802
Kids: Show Off Your Pipes
Through Saturday, January 31, 2026. The Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles (PYCE) is making a pitch for young singers to audition for the Commonwealth Youth Choir (CYC) — a nationally recognized all-gender youth choir for ages 6 to 18. If you can carry a tune, this is your chance to sing and travel worldwide including to South Korea for a concert tour this summer. Over the years, the choir has performed for popes, presidents, and Nobel Prize recipients. After combining the Keystone State Boychoir and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir in 2024, the Commonwealth Youth Choir now comprises 160 young singers who hone their musical skills and confidence while learning teamwork and self-expression. Brief auditions will take place in person through the end of this month. Parents and guardians can schedule an audition online. Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.
