FunTimes Entertainment column for Week of January 30, 2023
FunTimes Fun Events: Culture, Education & Entertainment!
The month of January – named after Janus, the Roman god of doorways, and new beginnings – is now in the rear-view mirror. It’s time to usher in the fresh winter breeze and new tidings of February. So let’s continue to make the start of 2023 eventful, with these free or low-cost activities to warm your heart and sooth the soul.
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.
First Friday: Innate
Racism in science and medicine
February 3, 2023. Innate: How Science Invented the Myth of Race, a Distillations podcast and magazine project exploring the historical roots of racism in American science and medicine, is worth your time. The Innate podcast season and accompanying articles will focus on hidden histories, old misconceptions and current change-makers. The kickoff celebration features a live listening party and Q&A with the Distillations podcast team: Lisa Berry Drago, Mariel Carr, Rigoberto Hernandez, and Alexis Pedrick, who is also the Innate project lead. Take a look behind the scenes, hear clips, bonus audio and talk to the producers and hosts. Hosted by the Science History Institute, nibble on light snacks and check out the museum, view a rare book display or try your hand at button-making. The facility also houses a library, archive, research center and conference center. Free, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut St., 215-925-2222, e-mail: rsvp@sciencehistory.org, https://www.sciencehistory.org.
The medium and message in modern art
February 2, 2023. Check out a Pecha Kucha-style virtual show, the Wind Fellowship Exhibition 2023, from the InLiquid Wind Fellows. Pecha Kucha is a format in which presenters show and discuss 20 slides briefly. The participants are 10 emerging 2023 Wind Fellow recipients who are diverse modern Philadelphia-area artists. The promotional literature describes the exhibit: “These conversations contend with profound elements of the human experience, weaving together themes surrounding marginalized identities, femininity, spirituality and the man –and animal– built environments that surround us.” Deep yet interesting. The artwork ranges from paint and murals to prints and sculpture, “creating a nuanced platform to ask questions about ourselves and the places we inhabit.” Again, so darn deep. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Free but RSVP. InLiquid Gallery, Crane Arts, 1400 N. American St., 215-235-3405, inliquid.org
Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Auto show is electric
Through February 5, 2023. What screams the sentence: Test drives and cool cars on hot wheels? You guessed it. The annual Philadelphia Auto Show has raced into Philadelphia featuring the latest new vehicles, classics, exotics and an expanded indoor electric vehicle track (the e-Track). Children, ages 6 and under, free (with a ticketed adult); general admission: $17 (ages 13+); kids 12 and under, $11; seniors, $11; military vets, $13. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Weekdays: noon to 9 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., 610-279-5229, phillyautoshow.com.
DRUMLine Live and Marvel Studios’ Black Panther to benefit UNCF
The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus have teamed up with the Philadelphia Office of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) — which supports student education and development through scholarships and other programs across a network of 37 member colleges and universities. Part of the ticket sales from two shows – DRUMLine Live and Marvel Studios’ Black Panther – will benefit UNCF. DRUMLine Live (February 17, 2023, 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Theater) and Marvel Studios’ Black Panther In Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Damon Gupton (March 17-19, 2023, 3 performances, times vary, at Verizon Hall) will be on the Kimmel Cultural Campus. DRUMLine Live, created by the musical team behind the hit movies, Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat, embodies the energetic high-stepping style of the dynamic Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience.
In 2018, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther emerged as a cultural phenomenon, as a Super Hero film. Now you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger as The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar ® and Grammy ® -winning music score live to picture. Marvel Studios’ Black Panther Live in Concert, Kimmel Center/Verizon Hall, tickets starting at $47, 300 S. Broad St., philorch.org, and DRUMLine Live, Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater, tickets starting at $73), 250 S. Broad St., 215-731-3333, kimmelculturalcampus.org.
Art tribute after tragedy
Through March 31, 2023. Art has the power to help heal. Angels – A McDonald Family Tribute honors 12 members of the McDonald family who were sadly lost in one of the deadliest fires in Philadelphia history last January. The solemn exhibit is presented by the City’s Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (OACCE) with the Office of the Mayor and surviving McDonald family members. It includes photographs, video, toys, books and other memorabilia, as well as a painting of the deceased by artist Taqiy Muhammad entitled: 869 Angels. The number “869” alludes to the address on North 23rd Street in the Fairmount neighborhood where the family lived. For the past year, Vanessa and Estelle McDonald — the surviving immediate family — have been on a path of reflection and grief. The exhibit, which they co-curated, is part of their healing process and is a testament to their strength. The public can write comments of support in guest books at the exhibit to be given later to the McDonald family.
Vanessa McDonald lost three of her daughters and nine of her grandchildren. Estelle is the lone surviving daughter. The exhibit honors the memory of: Rosalee Nicole McDonald (age 33) and her six children: Quintien Tate-McDonald (age 16), Destiny Nicole McDonald (age 15), DeKwan Hameen Robinson (age 8), J’Kwan Tyrone Robinson (age 5), Taniesha Clara Robinson (age 3), and Tiffany Joy Robinson (age 2); Virginia Maria Thomas (age 30) and her three daughters: Shaniece Maria Wayne (age 10), Natasha Janiece Wayne (age 8), and Janiyah Vanessa Roberts (age 3); and Vanessa’s youngest daughter, Quinsha Vanessa White (age 18). Free, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Philadelphia City Hall, Broad and Market sts., 2nd floor, 215-686-8446, creativephl.org.
