Fun Fact: May is named after the Greek goddess Maia.
It’s May and so the focus — through music, history, education, shopping and dining — is getting outdoors to exercise the natural power of the mind, body and soul – the physical and mental. Let’s call it mentical.
But before venturing out, please check with the event organizers to confirm event hours and inquire about their updated COVID-19 safety protocols regarding mask-wearing and proof of vaccination.
Vibe to the Black sound of Philly
May 21 & 28, 2022. Listen to musical history. The Black Music City Showcase series honors Philadelphia’s vibrant Black music history and is hosted by public radio stations WRTI (90.1 FM in Philadelphia) and WXPN (88.5 FM) and talent incubator REC Philly. Check out the bodacious beats of DJ NASH, Zeek Burse and Sug Daniels. LOVE Park, 11:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., free. For details, email: marketing@magicmakerscreative.com or call 267-571-1602.
Reset Your Wednesday in LOVE Park
May 18, 2022. CBS3 is celebrating Mental Health Month with special community events in LOVE Park. It’s all part of the Mental Reset series. Get in tip-top shape with local fitness instructors at a Barre Blend class in Philly’s iconic outdoor space. Barre is a rigorous workout fusing ballet, Pilates and yoga. Instructor Carrie Wightman will get you firm and healthier with the basics. Following barre, keep the heart pumping for the Yard Out Fitness focusing on mental and physical improvement with instructor Ron Rasul Johnson of Germantown’s Yard Out Fitness. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., free, LOVE Park, 15th St. and John F. Kennedy Blvd., 215-636-1666, phila.gov
Keeping mind and body in tune
May 21 & 28, 2022. It’s all about mind, body and soul. Try meditation and beginners yoga classes with local instructors Adriana Adele (May 21) and Debora Charmelus (May 28), who will energetically lead your Saturday morning class. Reserve your spot at www.springinlove2022.eventbrite.com,11 a.m. to noon, free, LOVE Park, 15th St. and John F. Kennedy Blvd., 215-636-1666, phila.gov
This event is free as a bird!
May 20, 2022. Bird-watchers of a feather flock together. Are you interested in warblers, tanagers or flycatchers? Well, you’re in luck; join BirdPhilly for a Friday morning of bird watching in peak migration season in Haddington Woods in Cobbs Creek Park. Don’t worry: These city birds have an edge to them, but are still cute. Binoculars available. Meet on the northwest corner of 63rd and Market streets, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., free. For more info., check the event Facebook page. 215-683-3600, parksandrecreation@phila.gov
Resources for Black men
May 17, 2022. Learn about City of Philadelphia agencies, Black-owned businesses, community organizations, programs, services and community stakeholders that provide support for Black males. Join the City of Philadelphia’s Officeof Black Male Engagement (OBME) online for the Black Male Partnerships Series.The series highlights organizations featured on the The Black Male Resource Finder, an interactive tool providing you access to City and community resources through a digital platform. Learn more about the Black Male Resource Finder and find out how you and your organization can join, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., free. Sign up at: bit.ly/PartnershipsPHL, 215-686-0332, phila.gov
Byron Stripling
Memorial Day Weekend Concert salutes military
May 27, 2022. Enjoy the patriotic sounds of the annual Comcast NBCUniversal Memorial Salute at the Mann, presented by Welcome America, under the direction of guest conductor Byron Stripling. The POPS will perform a stirring repertoire of traditional anthems, Great American Songbook classics and show tunes featuring guest vocalist Sydney McSweeney and violinist Jennifer Orchard. Favorites include “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Hymn to the Fallen,” and “America the Beautiful,” along with the popular “Armed Forces Salute.” The concert is dedicated to those who served in the United States military and their families this Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps all were founded in Philadelphia by the Continental Congress more than 240 years ago. Today, Pennsylvania is home to thousands of veterans. Free to all active and retired military members and their families, Philadelphia police officers and firefighters. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Free tickets are limited for the general public, so reserve now. 7 p.m., TD Pavilion at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmount Park, 800-982-2787, manncenter.org or phillypops.org
Walk through Wash West colonial Black history
May 18, 2002. Traverse in the footsteps of colonial Black Americans at Washington Square West in Center City. Discover Philadelphia’s most prominent activists who worked to halt slavery and inequality. Join tour guide Kalela Williams for an evening of education and enlightenment. Meet at the entrance to Seger Park, mid-block on the 1100 block of Lombard Street. You’ll be asked to provide an e-mail address to receive images and information during the tour. Inquire about start time and ticket prices. Washwestcivic.org/hello or Eventbrite.com
Penn Museum
Discover world wonders, get a free gift for Mom
Through May 31, 2022. Mother’s Day is recognized all month at the Penn Museum. For Mother’s Day, which just passed, show your love for mom by giving her the world this May in sort of global getaway. The museum is a global experience without going too far. It connects you to the cultures of Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean though dozens of ancient world treasures. Schedule a museum visit for you and Mom, and get a free global gift called the BYO Mom Offer from the Penn Museum Shop. Select from cool gifts like Mexican Taza chocolate discs made with cacao; Native Northwest coin purses featuring works by Northwest Indigenous artists andrIznik tile soap tins inspired by design patterns from the Middle East. Book two Museum admission tickets for you and Mom online or at the museum admission window. Then, just mention the BYO MOM Offer at the Gift Shop on the main level, showing your receipt for at least two May admission tickets. Kids: $13, adults:, $18, 3260 South St., 215-898-4000, penn.museum
Black-owned Philly businesses abound
African American and Latino culture flows deep as the Delaware River in Greater Philadelphia. Fine coffees, decadent desserts, books, jewelry and more. Explore, shop and dine at the region’s many Black-and Brown-owned small authentic shops, restaurants, galleries and attractions celebrating Philadelphia’s rich diversity. Check out a taste of what Philly has to offer through a detailed presentation of more than 60 businesses: visitphilly.com
