Mighty Writers’ youth literacy is teaching about the importance of writing and civic engagement. Photo courtesy of Mighty Writers. mightywriters.org
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of October 28, 2024
“I’m so overexposed, I make Paris Hilton look like a recluse.”
— Barack Obama when he was U.S. President (2009-2017)
With the U.S. elections on the horizon on November 5th, here on our ballot are free or low-cost voter-friendly activities, plus other events showcasing 60s soul, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary country music. Please don’t forget: When event-going, take precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the ongoing risk of COVID-19 variants
Facing Fears Through Faith
Thursday, October 31, 2024. Take the leap of faith with facilitator Coach B. Wright Jones, who dispenses wisdom that soothes the soul. Sign up for Fight the Good Fight of Faith — an interactive virtual workshop offering advice on how to grow in your faith, manage negative thoughts, and face difficult life challenges that cause debilitating fear and doubt. 7 p.m. EST to 8:30 p.m. EST. Free but pre-register: eventbrite.com.
Jazz Just Right…
Friday, November 1, 2024. John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Ethel Waters, Benny Golson: Philadelphia’s jazz heritage is long and impressive as a jazz mecca in the 20th century. The Philadelphia Tabernacle carries on the spirit of the tradition with Jazz Nights. Chill with live jazz performances, food, and fun. Free, 7 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. Philadelphia Tabernacle, 1801 Spring Garden St. E-mail: info@philadelphiatabernacle.org, 267-820 8183 or philadelphiatabernacle.org.
The Soulful 60s On Vintage Vinyl
Saturday, November 2, 2024. Yesteryear’s 1960s soul is relived through the vinyl of old 45’s at the Philly Soul Club. Dust off your old kitten heels and go-go boots. Bust those groovy moves to soul, pop, and R&B: The Twist, The Watusi, and The Pony will never feel so hip. Check out Philly’s top retro garage scene featuring New York WFMU radio’s Vee Vee and The Out Sect’s Lisa Livewire and DJ Grey Haas, with resident selectors Eric Z & Fancy Cat. Can you dig it? No cover charge, 9 a.m. EST to 2 a.m. Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S. 2nd St. E-mail: info@khyberpasspub.com, 215-238-5888.
Go-Vote Party
Sunday, November 3, 2024. A Seat At The Table – GOTV Day Party will be a daylong celebration of civic engagement just in time to coax eligible folks to get out and vote in the November 5th election. Enjoy music, and food, and meet new people in a friendly get-together hosted by the Black Leadership of Pennsylvania, a neutral Political Action Committee of business, labor, community, and civic leaders. For those ages 21 and older. Free, 1 p.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. 305 N. 15th St. eventbrite.com.
Election ‘Goes Church’
Sunday, November 3, 2024. Party at the Polls! It’s just that. But with a twist of faith. To prepare for the November 5th elections, take part in a “get-out-the-vote-themed church service,” followed by a soul food meal, live entertainment, and a discussion about the voting process, including where to vote. The event is organized by POWER Interfaith, a Pennsylvania nonprofit representing a faith-based network of congregations. Free, 9:30 a.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 419 S. 6th St. https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/729954/.
Mickey Guyton, ‘Remember Her Name’….
Wednesday, November 6, 2024. With her 2021 debut studio album, “Remember Her Name,“ Mickey entered the annals of history as the first Black artist to grab a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. Guyton’s knee-high boots are part of a movement of diversity that is kicking the saloon doors of Nashville wide open. But trailblazers rarely let the grass grow under their boots. Guyton just dropped her latest singles, “Scary Love” and “Woman,” in 2024. Check out Guyton with country and folk singer-songwriter Denitia in concert at WXPN’s World Café Live! As fierce Black women and storytellers in country music, both are changing the face of country music. The stage has room for many voices. $25; 8 p.m. EST; doors open: 7 p.m. EST. Music Hall at World Café Live Philadelphia, 3025 Walnut St. 215-222-1400 or https://worldcafelive.org/event/wxpn-welcomes-cmt-on-tour-presents-mickey-guyton/.
Stand In Your Power At She Shines Conference
Saturday, November 9, 2024. “I think the term successful is not necessarily defined by what we achieve, but by what we overcome in life,” says Robin Maddox, founder of the Celebrating Sisterhood Presents She Shines Conference. Maddox, a Mt. Airy resident in Philadelphia, is a community difference-maker who does what she preaches. She is helping women stand in their power. Inspired by this year’s theme of “She Rose, She Soars, She Shines,” her event empowers, inspires, and offers hope, guidance, and assistance to women of color. In just five years, She Shines has emerged as a premier annual gathering that engages women who are disenfranchised and underrepresented in healthcare, education, business, and many walks of life. The daylong event in Mt. Airy will focus on health, wellness, safety, civic engagement, networking opportunities, and spirituality. She Shines was inspired by Maddox’s breast cancer journey in 2018-19. The irrepressible Maddox, who also is a licensed minister, is now in remission. Part of the event’s focus is on breast cancer awareness; free life-saving mammograms will be offered. The conference will include a continental breakfast, a lunch, a resource fair, and lively panel workshop discussions facilitated by leading national and locally acclaimed speakers including Dr. Cora B. Jakes, an associate pastor, speaker, and best-selling author based in Dallas, TX, and Dr. Sarita Lyons, a Philadelphia bible teacher, psychotherapist, community advocate and author. Maddox says the event will “celebrate survival, strength, and sisterhood.” $100; 9 a.m. EST to 4:30 p.m. EST. New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave. E-mail: celebratingsisterhood1@gmail.com, 267-441-5984 or www.sheshinesconference.com.
