Philadelphia Flower Show: Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, phsonlne.org
FunTimes Magazine Culture + Entertainment column, week of March 17, 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 abolitionist Harriet Tubman (1820 – 1913)
March has been described as “a melody of opportunities.” From southern soul to pop, find your melody with these entertaining opportunities. And don’t forget: When event-going, consider taking precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other still-existing infectious health concerns.
A Musical Walk Down Southern Avenue
Friday, March 21, 2025. Take a much-deserved lunch break with WXPN Free At Noon featuring the high-energy blues-soul band Southern Avenue in a live concert and broadcast. The GRAMMY®-nominated band will be led by the Jackson sisters; it got its name from its hometown street housing Stax Records in “Soulsville” in Memphis, TN. Hosted by WXPN public radio and World Cafe in West Philadelphia, enjoy the mid-day musical showcase of leading artists performing in an intimate setting. Listen in person, on the radio, on a mobile device, or smart speaker. Free, noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m. EST). Advance registration is required. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St. 88.5 FM on the radio dial in Philadelphia; available to stream at XPN.org and through the WXPN Alexa skill on Echo and Echo Dot. 215-222-1400 or http://worldcafelive.com.
Recognizing The Voices & Visionaries In Journalism
Saturday, March 22, 2025. The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) will honor female African Americans who have impacted media at the Women of PABJ Annual Women’s History Month Brunch. They are “the voices, visionaries, and trailblazers shaping the future of media,” said Theresa Spencer, the organization’s Board Secretary. “Black women in media are the architects of our stories, the keepers of our culture, and the truth-tellers of our time,” she added. “This brunch is not just a celebration, it’s a recognition of the power we hold when we amplify each other.” Acknowledged for their achievements will be: Shawnette Wilson, of Fox 29’s, Erin Coleman, of NBC10 – both local Emmy-Award news winners, and Tamara P.O.C. Russell of WURD Radio. The theme is “Empowerment through storytelling.” Enjoy a brunch, an awards ceremony, and a “Luxury perfume-making Experience.” PABJ is dedicated to uplifting Black women who shape the narrative. It’s one of the United States’ largest industry organizations for Black media professionals. A female-only event. Free; registration is required. 11 a.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST (doors open at 10:30 a.m.). Pipeline Philadelphia, Coworking and Shared Offices, 30 South 15th Street (15th floor). Email: thspen@gmail.com or www.pabj.org.
A World Without Music
Saturday, March 22, 2025. What a solid combo: Jimi Hendrix and a graphic novel. The late revolutionary guitarist would have loved this far-out premise, and the promotional book-signing event with DJ Ben Ha Meen, author of the fantastical graphic novel, Jimi Hendrix: Purple Haze. Dive head first into a 21st-century psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll space-opera odyssey. The premise has Hendrix searching for a magical talisman who unlocks the latent power of his music, to share with a universe starved of rock ‘n’ roll by a tyrannical intergalactic force. The villain’s evil goal is to banish music and enslave all life. Free, noon to 2 p.m. EST. Multiverse, 8026 Germantown Ave. Email: hello@multiversephilly.com, 215-896-1073 or https://www.multiversephilly.com/ or https://www.multiversephilly.com/events/purplehaze.
Open mic host RyAnn Bryant
Souletri Sunday’s Opens Its Mics
Sunday, March 23, 2025. Check out Power Street Theatre’s Souletri Sunday’s Open Mic Experience, a lively showcase for poets, musicians, comics, and storytellers. The show will be hosted by RyAnn V Bryant and feature DJ Ricochet and musician Lexi Palmira. Enjoy rising talent as a spectator, or perform a poem or song for up to 5 minutes; slots are limited. Free admission (but donations are appreciated); 2 p.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. Two Locals Brewing, 3675 Market St. (Suite 100). https://www.powerstreettheatre.com/what-is-souletri or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/souletri-sundays-open-mic-tickets-1145685388839?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
Photo courtesy of ensembleartshilly.org
Shakespeare Is Laughing In His Grave
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, to Sunday, April 6, 2025. Get a look at Romeo and Juliet with a catchy modern hypothetical twist on the theatrical stage. The production’s so modern that Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” is one of the poppy musical numbers. Well, there’s romantic poetry in pop music. And it was finessed snugly into & Juliet presented by Ensemble Arts Philly, a witty romantic girl-power musical comedy created by David West Read, the Emmy®-winning writer of “Schitt’s Creek.” With danceable songs by Swedish hit-maker Max Martin, this reboot turns William Shakespeare’s16th-century classic on its pointy ear. Remove some of the tragedy out of Romeo and Juliet, and a whole new world opens. Just imagine Juliet skipping the death part to opt for life after that star-crossed martyr Romeo meets his end. Picture something a bit more sassy, less serious. As the promo material notes: “The only thing tragic would be missing it.” Times vary; single tickets start at $21. Academy of Music, 1420 Locust St. 215-893-1999 or ensembleartsphilly.org.
The State Of Free Speech and the Press
Thursday, Mar 27, 2025. Join the World Affairs Council and the National Liberty Museum for a panel conversation about free speech and the press at Free Speech and the Press: Balancing Power and Responsibility. In today’s complex media landscape, the intersection of free speech and journalism has never been more prevalent. Engage with journalists and free-speech advocates on “the evolving role of the press in upholding free speech worldwide, while navigating misinformation, public trust, and accountability.” Also, check out the National Liberty Museum’s related exhibits, Free Speech: Our Right, Our Responsibility, and Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art. Pre-register: Individual tickets: $25; $10 for members of the National Liberty Museum and World Affairs Council; $5 for students, & educators; 6 p.m. EST (doors open at 5:30 p.m. EST) to 7:30 p.m. EST. National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St. 215-925-2800 or https://www.libertymuseum.org/event/free-speech-and-the-press/.
