FunTimes Fun: Events Education, & Entertainment!

Fun Fact: The word June is derived from the Latin Iunius, meaning “of Juno or Iuno,” and refers to the Roman goddess.

To soothe the soul and fill the calendar, the June breeze brings a whispering wave of neighborhood music festivals, dances, concerts, fashion fundraisers, topical exhibits and more. 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. 

June 2-5, 2022. Enjoy everything “tango,” at the Philadelphia Tango Festival: More than 40 workshops, concerts, dances, lectures, films and even “tango clothing.” Check out live music every day and the 5,500 square-foot ballroom, which opened in 1907 and where the twinkle-toed stars will come out more than a century later. The festival will highlight women’s contributions to tango with an all-female lineup of world-acclaimed teachers and dance performers. Learn tango positions and footwork (the Whisk or the Promenade, anyone?), and how to do the “milonga” just like the pros. Argentine artists Juan Villarreal and Patricio Crom will make their U.S. debut at the festival. If you’re too shy or unable to tackle the tango, there’s an option: Volunteer. Inquire about volunteering, exact event times (most of the nights begin at 7 p.m.) and also tickets ($20, but no one is turned away financially). Lithuanian Music Hall Association, Port Richmond, 2715 E. Allegheny Ave., 215-739-4831, Philadelphiatangofestival.com

This is a fun, fashion fundraiser. (Say that three times!)

June 7, 2022. The former Career Wardrobe is now “The Wardrobe.” And it’s time for the ViPs to come out and play! Play bingo, that is! Try your luck at “Wardrobe Bingo for Fun & Fashionable Prizes“ at The Wardrobe VIP Party. Money raised outfits a young professional or an individual transitioning back into the community or workforce with business and casual wear. 90,000 folks have been served in the counties of Philadelphia, Delaware and Bucks, so far. The Wardrobe addresses “barriers to employment and independence.” Enjoy the fundraiser, hosted by Monique Braxton, in person, or through a “wear you are” virtual event. Triple Bottom Brewery. 915 Spring Garden St., 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets for virtual participation ($50). In-person tickets are limited. Register at wardrobepa.org/vip, 215-568-6693 (Ext.19), wardrobepa.org 
 

 

West Park Arts Fest features family fun

June 11. 2022. Get into the groove at the annual West Park Arts Fest. The festival brings communities together in the park, promotes awareness of the area’s history, while celebrating the arts and cultural diversity in Philly. West Park Arts Fest is a family-friendly event on two stages of musicians, vocalists and dancers. Kids can try their hand at activities focusing on art, science, arts/crafts; they can score free books and enjoy tasty food. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., free West Park Cultural Center, West Fairmount Park, South Concourse Dr., (between East Memorial Hall Dr. and 41st St.), 215-473-7810, or email: [email protected] or https://www.westparkcultural.org 

 

Internashional Bounce Juneteenth Festival ready to jam

June 18, 2022. The annual Juneteenth recognizes the end of slavery in the United States. What better way to celebrate freedom and the African Diaspora than through the expression of music and dance? Check out Black Soul Summer at the Internashional Bounce Juneteenth Festival. It‘s all part of a music festival series organized by African American and Latino event curators who produce cultural events in Philadelphia. The independent network of artists, musicians, local businesses create community spaces combining music, art and commerce through the support of Sunflower Philly and Mill Creek Community Partnerships. Noon to 8 p.m.,free but register. Sunflower Philly, 1725 N.5th St. https ://www.blacksoulsummer.com/

Philly Afro-Caribbean Wine-Food festival is a tasty option

June 11, 2022. Immerse yourself in the amazing rhythms of AFRO-SOCA & REGGAE at the Philly Afro-Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival 2022. Enjoy the melodic sounds of live bands, the wine-tastings and all of the eclectic vendors. $20 to $45, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., 4717 Fishers Ln., Text to: 240-350-4304, eventbrite.com

City Hall, Fourth Floor (Photos by OACCE)

City Hall Second Floor: (From left to right:) Portraits of Jayvon Mitchell Pendleton by Marie Bender, Ammar Rashid Aquil Hassan by B. Douglass Smith, and Officer Lauretha Vaird by Officer Jonny Castro.

City Hall art tour explores realities of rising local gun violence

June 3, 2022. The Souls Shot Portrait Project (SSPP) -- in partnership with Art In City Hall program under the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy -- presents a riveting gallery tour of SSPP’s City Hall exhibition: Artist Honoring Victims of Gun Violence – The Souls Shot Portrait Project (SSPP) on National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The tour will be led by SSPP with artists and family of those taken by  gun violence sharing their insights and personal accounts. The exhibit is created through support from various City offices and agencies as well as community partners. City Hall, Broad and Market sts., tour begins at first display case on fourth-floor hallway, northeast corner. Sign in at the Visitors’ entrance, northeast corner; photo I.D. required. Visit the website or email: [email protected]

Arts grants deadline is approaching

Through June 3, 2022. $1.5 million is up for grabs thanks to The 2022 Illuminate the Arts Grant. But hurry, the deadline is this week. The grant is designed to help Philadelphia’s arts and culture community to recover from the impact of the pandemic. The grant will be distributed to Philadelphia’s individual artists, small and mid-size nonprofit arts organizations and small creative enterprises. The grant serves to boost Philadelphia’s creative sector and disadvantaged populations, particularly Philadelphia’s Black and Brown communities. Applicants must be based in Philadelphia County. For assistance to complete the application through the online form, email [email protected] or call 215-760-6105, creativephl.org/illuminatethearts