Take time for your selfie at these events…

Enjoying the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, which will be in bloom March 2-10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this year.
Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

FunTimes Magazine “Culture + Entertainment” column, week of January 22, 2024

Don’t be left out in the cold…break out your cell phone for a selfie moment to capture these January events and activities. But don’t forget: When event-going, please take precautions, especially when in groups and indoors, with the current COVID variants and other infectious health threats on the rise. Check with the event organizers about their safety protocols, and also any changes due to inclement weather. 

Artist Rhoden’s “Three Headed Lion” in bronze, 1954.

The art of bronze, wood and stone

Through Sunday, April 7, 2024. Check out Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, “the first comprehensive retrospective of African-American sculptor John Rhoden, one of the 20th century’s most prolific artists. Enjoy about 70 pieces in bronze, wood, and stone. The show displays the visual and technical mastery of an award-winning artist.
$18 (the price of the museum’s admission), Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad St. E-mail: info@pafa.org, pafa.org or 215-972-7600.

Drum tribute memorializes the greats 

Jazz Night in America, a video from WRTI Radio (90.1FM in the Philadelphia area) and NPR Radio, is a memorial tribute that bids a fond farewell to many of the icons, pioneers, educators, activists, and musicians who died last year in the jazz community. It is well worth a look and listen. In a spiritual ode to the “eternal gift of their music,” “The Sound that Guide,” composed and performed by Djembefola Weedie Braimah, celebrates the lives and legacy of Wayne Shorter, Isaac “Redd” Holt, James Casey, Tony Bennett and others, through the uplifting beat and spirit of a moving drum performance. https://www.npr.org or wrti.org.

A workshop to sew-cialize 

Thursday, January 25, 2024. Sew What?! is a confab for crafters – the old-school creators who crochet, knit, sew, embroider, quilt and more. Meet and greet with folks who know how to weave a tale. And there will be needling, but it’s all in good fun! Bring your own project, or work on one of the group’s. Sew to your heart’s content on sewing machines; thread and fabric, too, are available. For all skill levels. Every Thursday. Free, from 5 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST, Parkway Central Library/ Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement, 1901 Vine St. 215-686-5403 or freelibrary.org.

‘Ease on Down the Road,’ karaoke fans!

Monday, January 29, 2023. Chill out at Black Broadway, a night of karaoke featuring hits from The Color Purple, The Wiz, and Dream Girls. Take in the energy of Broadway and the lively show tunes around the Old Grand Piano. Everyone knows that your velvety voice shouldn’t be relegated just to your shower. So, show off your brilliant chops in a fun, welcoming, nonjudgmental environment, with a few close friends and future friends. Registration required, $5, 7 p.m. EST (karaoke sign-up) 7:30 p.m. EST (karaoke). Live piano music, cash bar; must be at least age 21. Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St., eventbrite.com.

A talk for all faiths

Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Healthy dialogue and understanding are needed more than ever today. Learn to deepen your understanding of others, particualrly when in challenging situations. Explore effective strategies for navigating conversations and building bridges across religious and cultural divides. The virtual program is designed to enrich interfaith knowledge and life skills. Noon to 1:30 p.m. EST. Based on a sliding scale: $10 to $45. Pre-register. Interfaith Philadelphia,100 W. Oxford St., Suite E-130. E-mail: info@interfaithphiladelphia.org or interfaithphiladelphia.org.

2023 Black Music City recipients.

A boost for Black artists

Through Wednesday, January 31, 2024.Calling on all Black creatives who have the talent and drive, but just need some support to reach their goals. WPXN Radio’s Black Music City (88.5 in Philadelphia) is asking those working in any creative medium in the Greater Philadelphia area (PA, NJ, DE) to submit project ideas honoring Philly’s rich fountain of Black music history. Selected artists will receive a grant of $1,500 to $5,000 each to make their dream projects a reality. The grants will provide a financial and promotional boost for new, original works. Recipients will be offered mentoring support while developing their new works. Their creations will be featured in videos, online and at special events during “Black Music Appreciation Month”  in June. Those selected will be announced in March. Free. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2024. BlackMusicCity.com.

Ingrid is part of a new women’s photo exhibit
Photo by Gregory Wright 

Photo exhibit looks at women’s wealth inequality

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 to Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Be there for  the opening of “Today We Are Possible,” a photo exhibition by WOMEN’S WAY, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing women, girls and gender and racial equity. Featuring the digital photography of Gregory Wright, see powerful portraits of “abundance and struggle” through the perspectives of six Philadelphia women: Faith, Ingrid, Ivy, Taina, Tamara and Tracey. Their stories examine wealth, health, family, and community. WOMEN’S WAY conducted a mixed-methods research initiative to examine what drives wealth inequality for women last year in Philadelphia. Some 400 women from all walks of life were interviewed. At the exhibit’s kick-off event January 31, meet the four selected subjects of the exhibit, and listen to their stories first hand during a panel discussion. WOMEN’S WAY, The Free Library of Philadelphia, and Mayor’s Office of Engagement for Women organized the kickoff. Free, 5:30 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST. (panel discussion: 6 p.m.). Refreshments. Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, 215-985-3222 or womensway.org/opening.