You can’t fall short with these autumn activities
This week’s basket of events has a fund-raiser, concerts brimming with jazz and Philly funk, a history exhibit, a kids’ writing contest and a Mexican ritual. But before venturing out to any of these in-person activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers. As a general rule: If you feel unwell, please do not attend in person.
Exhibiting the trailblazing spirit of Leon Sullivan
October 23, 2022. “Vision & Spirit: African American Art Works from the Bank of America” (running through February) features 100 powerful paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and mixed-media by nearly 50 African artists over the last 100 years. Artists included are Henry Clay Anderson, Chelle Barbour, Romare Bearden, Dawoud Bey, Willie Cole, Murry DePillars, Jacob Lawrence, Whitfield Lovell, Gordon Parks, Faith Ringgold, Jamel Shabazz and James VanDerZee. The event spotlights the centennial birthday of the late North Philadelphia civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan. It is part of the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy’s Leon H. Sullivan 100th Birthday Celebration. Free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., 215-574-0380, https://www.aampmuseum.org/.
The art and commerce of jazz
October 27-28, 2022. Check out the two-day 2022 Philadelphia Jazz Summit’s in-person concerts and speakers, as well as an informative itinerary of virtual workshops focusing on funding, marketing, and health & wellness. Enjoy Philly jazz performers. Participate in discussions with artists and music professionals to learn how to create a successful recording project. Independent artists talk about their accomplishments and challenges in marketing and promotions. Co-curated by musician-producer Jawanza Kobie. Panelists to be announced. $75, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 S Broad St., 215-790-5800, eventbrite.com
Worldtown SoundsystemWorldtown Soundsytem is in the house!
October 26, 2022. Worldtown Soundsystem will step into the spotlight at the Nightlife at the Kimmel Center series. And everyone will remember their powerful upbeat sound. Inspired with the kind of funk energy popularized by Earth Wind & Fire, the group is a true Philly original performing compositions and House Music. For over a decade, the eight-piece Philadelphia band has blended electronic dance music, global rhythms and Philly soul into a sweet music pie that’s all its own. Led by Zeek Burse, its song, "Freedom" is an ode to the Philly sound. It reflects Worldtown’s “signature celebratory electronic sound with classic tones and textures of Grammy-winning string arranger Larry Gold and percussionist Pablo Batista.” Free, 8 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-790-5800, kimmelculturalcampus.org.
Mighty Suspenseful writing contest
Who’s the next Edgar Allan Poe out there? Kids, ages 7 to 17, can exercise their writing chops through the Mighty Contests program and win $100. Pen a poem, story, essay or other piece using a “suspense” theme in honor of the fall Halloween season. Artwork to complement the writing also is accepted. Winners will be chosen in November and featured in Mighty Writers’ social media outreach. The materials and submission forms are in English and Spanish, and are due by November 7, 2022. The writing will be reviewed by judges and constructive feedback will be provided. Mighty Writers is a youth- literacy nonprofit that empowers and mentors kids in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. 267-239-0899, e-mail: [email protected] or tinyurl.com/mightysuspense.
Bee-bop over to Jazz on Rittenhouse Square
November 3, 2022. Vibe out to a great concert, Jazz on the Square, near scenic Rittenhouse Square Park featuring Marta The Roma Swing Queen with special guest Chocolate Elvis. $40, includes a free glass of wine. Opens at 5 p.m., concert: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1901 Rittenhouse Square. 215-735-3456, eventbrite.com.
Honoring the souls of the deceased at the altar
Now through November 4, 2022. Honoring loved ones comes in many forms. Check out the Day of the Dead Altar at Love Park. To acknowledge deceased family members, pop-up altars are created in Mexican homes for Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead.” It’s a tradition celebrated in Mexico each November. The altars represent colorful memorials with marigolds and other flowers, food, candles and mementos. Letters, poems, and stories are read by family in memory. See first hand this larger local public tribute at the new spectacular altar at LOVE Park by Mexican artist Ivonne Pinto García in collaboration with the Philadelphia Folklore Project and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Enjoy performances by Jarocho folk music of “Los Guachinangos” and Prehispanic dances by Calpulli Kamastle Xiuhcoatl. Free, altar is on display all day, plus performances in evening after 5 p.m. LOVE Park, 15h Street and JFK Blvd., E-mail to: [email protected] or phila.gov.
Heart-felt fundraiser
November 5, 2022. Heart disease sadly is the number one killer in the United States. It’s the leading cause of death for people of most racial and ethnic groups including African Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s why it’s time for that illness to take a walk. Join many ultra passionate folks at the non-competitive 2022 Philadelphia Heart Walk in an effort to stamp out heart maladies and raise awareness and dollars; the event goal is to raise $2 million. 8 a.m.,1 Citizens Bank Way, in the sports complex, South Philadelphia. Find out details and register: 215-575-5200, Heart.org/PHILLYWALK or heart.org.
