"The earth laughs in flowers." 

 – American poet-abolitionist Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)

As May is buzzing in like a busy bee, let’s explore some events to keep you busy, too. Chin-chin, salute, skoal, cheerio, here’s mud in your eye and bottoms up! Lift a glass to these engaging low-cost or free activities focusing on garden-hopping, park cleanups, salsa dancing, beer festivals, and tribute concerts. 

Bring The Spice To Salsa  

Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Dance to stay fit; dance for stress relief or just shake it for pure enjoyment. The Parkway Central Library’s Music Department and Urban Movement Arts have teamed up for Solo Salsa. Novices or seasoned pros can explore the world of salsa in a welcoming space. Learn basic steps, body isolations, turns, techniques, and footwork patterns. The class is led by certified dance instructor Laurel Card, owner and Director of Laurel Card Latin in Center City Philadelphia. Open to dancers of all levels; no dance partner is required. B.Y.O.W.B. (Bring Your Own Water Bottle). Parkway Central Library, Skyline Room (4th floor). Free. 6 p.m. EST to 7 p.m. EST. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. E-mail: [email protected], 215-686-5316 or freelibrary.org.

Jayson Musson with one of his puppet creations

The Unconventional Art Of Jayson Musson

Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Spend an evening with artist Jayson Musson whose current exhibition at Fleisher/Ollman Gallery, Allegory of the Veil, highlights a series of wonderful quilts. Of note is Musson’s "Black Canopy" quilt made from cotton, cotton batting, and thread. Fleisher/Ollman Gallery specializes in contemporary and self-taught art. Musson’s solo exhibit debut featured colorful reclaimed “Coogi sweater” fabric in 2012. Musson is an innovative creative – an artist and famed hip-hop musician. He developed his alter ego character, Hennessy Youngman, who became an Internet sensation in 2010. From the process and mind behind his current art to rap music, jump at the chance to explore Musson’s creative genius in “A Conversation with Jayson Musson.” Free, 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. The Fleisher/Ollman Gallery, 915 Spring Garden St., (Suite 215). E-mail: [email protected] or 215-545-7562.

Morris Arboretum at 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Photo by Rob Cardillo Photography

Get A Passport To Explore Philly-Famous Gardens

Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 19, 2024. Greater Philadelphia is abloom with nearly 40 public gardens, and that distinction has earned it the official designation as “America’s Garden Capital.” To celebrate, join local garden-goers at Go Public Gardens Days promoting public gardens in the Philadelphia area known as “the cradle of horticulture.” Check out the beauty of the early blooms of cherry blossoms, tulips, and magnolias at sprawling oases such as Awbury Arboretum (One Awbury Rd.) Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.), Glen Feord (5001 Grant Ave.), The Arboretum at Laurel Hill (3822 Ridge Ave.), The Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard Ave.), Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center (Lansdowne Ave. and Horticultural Dr.), The Woodlands (4000 Woodland Ave.) and Wyck Historic House and Garden (6026 Germantown Ave.). An initiative of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), dig deeper into the world of gardens and get an America’s Garden Capital Passport, a booklet highlighting many area gardens. Get the passports at these public spaces. They provide a link to access online garden itineraries. Get your passport stamped at all of the local gardens or download the stamp images online. A print-at-home map checklist also is available for those who want to track their garden visits: americasgardencapital.org/passport. Free times vary.　For a list of gardens and to access their websites: americasgardencapital.org.

 

Concert Spotlights The Genius Of Ray Charles

Friday, May 10, 2024. Hit the Road Jack, Georgia on My Mind, I Can’t Stop Loving You. It’s all part of the Ray Charles songbook, the unmistakable crooner who even reinterpreted America the Beautiful, and made it all his own. He was part church soul-stirrer and taproom singer -- king of the aching torch ballad. He mixed genres like country, R&B, pop, and gospel like a chef cooking up a perfect peach pie. The Unchain Your Heart with The Music of Ray Charles tribute concert will give you a taste of that musical pie through the nimble voice and hands of vocalist “Weez'' Newton and pianist Junius Bervine. It’s a party with a purpose, and that purpose is to honor the legacy and classics of the late musical genius Charles, who died in 2004. Free, 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave. E-mail: [email protected] 215-247-0476 or ｗoodmereartmuseum.org.

 

The Museum Is The Mother Of Invention

Sunday, May 12, 2024, Noon. Are you looking for Instagrammable moments? We got you: From the funky reverse room with a vintage diner booth hanging from the ceiling to the spinning tunnel, there are tons of zany photo opportunities at the Museum of Illusion. Talk about a mind-blowing experience: A game room abounds with cool puzzles and brainteasers. Treat mom to a unique Mother’s Day gift and a fantastical day filled with crazy but thought-provoking exhibits. Noon; $28, 20-percent ticket discount for all moms. Museum of Illusion, 401 Market St., in Philadelphia’s historic district. E-mail [email protected], 267-703-2270 or moiphilly.com.

Made on American Street Festival is on tap.
Photo by Stephen Lyford Photography

Sip And Shop At Music & Beer Street Festival

Saturday, May 18, 2024. Quench your thirst with some of the area’s finest brews at the Made on American Street Festival. Hosted by community-oriented Wissahickon Brewing Company, Punchbuggy Brewing Company, and Home Brewed Events, the festival will be the main party attraction in Olde Kensington. Check out the best of the city’s diverse craft beer, cider, and spirits. Shop for artisanal homemade crafts at a maker’s marketplace that supports the thriving local entrepreneurial economy and community. Palate-pleasers from food trucks and restaurants, and live music will win your attention. $50 in advance, 2 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST. 1445 N. American St. (between Master Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue). eventbrite.com.

 

Volunteer At Second Saturdays In The Park

Saturday, May 11, 2024. Philadelphia’s urban municipal public park system is the largest in the United States. One cool way to meet people, and serve your community by preserving natural spaces is to volunteer on Second Saturdays during Love Your Park Week, May 11 to 19. Plant and care for trees, remove invasive plants and clean local waterways at the Montgomery Wetland. No experience is required. Register to volunteer; 10 a.m. to noon EST. Montgomery Wetland by Belmont Plateau, 1800 Belmont Mansion Dr. 215-883-3600 or loveyourpark.org.