Don’t be scared of October
October observes many neat things like Earth Science Week (Oct. 9-15) and Bat Week (Oct. 24-31), or National Fossil Day (Oct. 12) and World Teachers Day (every day should be Teachers Day). And don’t forget Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Oct. 11). No matter what day it is, go out and celebrate and enjoy this Fall of fun. Let’s make like a big old tree, and leave our homes for some cool events. (Does October have “Corny Sentence Day”?) But before embarking on 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.
Resistance Revival ChorusMusic + Activism = Riveting Performance
October 7, 2022. Resistance Revival Chorus checks the box for a one-of-a-kind performance. And it happens under the star-filled skies of Fairmount Park. More than 60 women and non-binary singers perform in a mus-activism (we made that new word up) concert – a mix of music and activism – designed to bring change and uplifting women’s voices to center stage. The group is comprised of touring musicians, film and television actors, Broadway performers, solo recording artists, gospel singers, political activists, educators and more, “representing a multitude of identities, professions, creative backgrounds and activist causes.” The chorus performs protest songs and, according to the promotional material: “embraces joy as an act of resistance.” Ticket $36, doors open 6:30 p.m.; showtime at 8 p.m. Downstage @ the Mann, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave. ticketmaster.com, 800-982-2787, or the Mann Box Office, manncenter.org.
The legacy of Marian Anderson sings on
October 8, 2022. Porgy & Bess in Concert comes to life performed by the Marian Anderson Scholar Artists and MAHS Instrumental Ensemble, under the direction of Musical Director and Pianist Professor Thomas Weaver. The operetta, emceed by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Jenice Armstrong, marks the 27th anniversary of the National Marian Anderson Historical Society. It’s a true tribute to the legacy of the acclaimed South Philadelphia contralto and civil rights activist Anderson. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., tickets $25 to $50, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Chapel of Four Seasons, 1202 Constitution Ave., RSVP: 215-779-4219, marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com.
Mexico’s ‘Prince of the Song’ honored in song
October 8 2022. José José El Tributo is a dynamic tribute concert to one of Latin America’s heralded singers. José José was known as the “Prince of the Song. ”Singer Alex Moreno, leading a band of virtuoso musicians, will present a lively Latin songbook of Boleros, ballads and romantic tunes. Free, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Alma del Mar, 1007 S 9th St, https://alexmorenosinger.com/.
The works of Cuba’s best composers on center stage
October 6, 2022. If you are Cuban-American, this riveting concert will take you to your roots back gao (home)! Check out Orchestra 2001’s annual iConexiones! series at Esperanza Arts Center featuring orchestral and chamber music by Cuban composers. The stellar lineup includes: Ernesto Abelardo Valdés, Tania León, Ileana Pérez Velázquez, Leo Brouwer (Juan Leovigildo Brouwer Mezquida) and Paquito D’Rivera. $10, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Teatro Esperanza, 4261 North 5th St., 215-324-0746, https://www.esperanzaartscenter.us
Fall and movies go together like pumpkins and pie
October 5, 2022. October Movie Nights @ Cliveden features Kirikou and the Sorceress. The 1998 animation film is inspired by West African folk tales and a newborn boy, Kirikou, who heroically rescues his village from nefarious witch Karaba. The movie is part of a Wednesday series in October hosted by Sally Blagg showing family films on the grounds of historic 18th century-built Georgian-style Cliveden in Germantown. Free, but registration is required. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 6401 Germantown Ave., 215-848-1777, eventbrite.com.
Podcast host Khadija Mbowe
Podcast looks at equity in the arts
October 7, 2022. Returning for a new season this Friday, check out the Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER podcast -- a monthly series of dialogue and music showcasing industry “thought” leaders, activists and guest artists. The focus is the connection of “racial and social justice, and creative equity through the lens of the world of orchestral music.” HearTOGETHER introduces Khadija Mbowe as its new host. Mbowe is a social-cultural content creator, performer and classically-trained soprano. Experience HearTOGETHER on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. 215-893-1900, philorch.org.
Harriet TubmanThe statue survey says: Your input is needed…
Get involved creatively in public art, and fill out a quick question survey (just five questions) that will ultimately guide artists competing to develop a site-specific African American Historic Statue for installation on the north side of Philadelphia City Hall. In November, the City of Philadelphia will officially make a public call for artists, requesting proposals for a permanent statue. The piece must reflect American abolitionist and trailblazer “Harriet Tubman’s story or another African American’s contributions to our nation’s history,” according to the City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy and the African American Historic Statue Advisory Committee. The survey deadline is October 24, 2022. 215-686- 8446, creativephl.org.
