This week spring indeed officially has sprung. Soon we will shed our coats for cut-off jeans. Maybe not, but you get the picture. And with the March winds be-bopping in, we find ourselves craving the cool sounds of jazz. Here are some events in case you’re jonesing for jazz. Plus, we added some food and educational activities for good measure. But before venturing out to 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.

Philly takes a hands-on approach to jazz appreciation 

March 28, 2023. Want to be part of a possible world record? Here’s your sweet chance! The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) invites you to kick off Philly Celebrates Jazz and its ambitious efforts to snag a world record for the most people doing ‘jazz hands’ at once. You’ve heard of a high five. Well, give me a Jazz Five! And the first 500 folks get a spiffy pair of white gloves free. Be part of this potential record-setting photo with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. The event features the local jazz band Mobbluz. It also includes the release of the Philly Celebrates Jazz 2023 calendar of 100+ jazz events of block parties, poetry events and more set for April. Philly Celebrates jazz marks the City of Philadelphia’s annual celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, held each April. It’s free to register and arrive early. Free, noon to 1 p.m., LOVE Park, 15th Street and JFK Boulevard, 215-686-8446, creativephl.org.

Residency mentors rising musicians

March 24, 2023. The World Cafe Live will present WXPN Black Opry Residency Showcase for the first time. It’s part of WXPN radio’s Black Opry Residency program, which provides career opportunities for five Black Americana creatives to build their talents and an audience. Tylar Bryant, Denita, The Kentucky Gentlemen, all from Nashville, TN, Grace Givertz, of Boston, MA, and Samantha Rise, of Philadelphia, PA, will perform as the climax of a capstone showcase project with special guest Frankie Staton, singer-pianist and champion of Black artists. Seating is on a first come-first-serve basis. Free, doors open, 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. The show also is available via Livestream. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, https://worldcafelive.com.

There’s a jazz thing goin’ on…

March 31, 2023. We love a Billy Paul Tribute any time of the year. Billy Paul and Gamble and Huff’s Philly-style R&B go together like peanut butter and jam together. Sherry Butler and Roy Richardson will perform the late Billy Paul’s classic songs, like one of the most famous soul songs ever: Me and Mrs Jones. $25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., 215-247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org.

UNCF College Fair to support college students

March 26, 2023. You may have heard of the phrase: A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Well, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) wastes no time and money. UNCF, a proven funder of college scholarships since 1944, will hold college information and a ‘success fair’ with its partners Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Meet representatives from the nation’s HBCUs; check out information sessions focusing on College admissions, college financing, STEM education and career pathways and campus life. UNCF awards more than 7,000 scholarships and internships to low-and-moderate-income Black students annually. It covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and southern New Jersey. Free, noon to 3:30 p.m., Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Family Life Center, 2800 Cheltenham Ave., 215-925-9044, https://uncf.org.

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Who Is Florence Price?

March 25, 2023. The Philadelphia Orchestra collaborates with students from Special Music School at Kaufman Music Center in New York City to introduce young listeners to Florence Price, the unheralded pioneering Black composer. In a performance adapted from the students’ book, Who Is Florence Price?, conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados and the Orchestra focus on Price’s work and life journey to create a great viewing experience. Tickets: $22 to $51, 11:30 a.m., Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall, 215-893-1999, philorch.org.

Florence Price set many of Paul Laurence Dunbar's poetry to music:

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FunTimes’ workshop for female entrepreneurs

March 23, 2023. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for FunTimes Magazine’s special Women’s History Month presentation – an inclusive virtual event called How to Build Your Business Tool Box: What makes a successful female entrepreneur? The informative and insightful workshop explores business start-up tips, growing your business from A to Z, and how to secure funding and city contract and procurement opportunities. Guided by engaging moderator Lavonne Nichols, leading business-development experts Towanda Livingston, Iola Harper and Monique Joyner will inform, educate enlighten and empower women. Philadelphia entrepreneurs, FunTimes’ own Jennifer K. Smith and Michelle Snow will provide testimonials as true small-success stories. The open discussion includes a Q&A. Live on Zoom. Free, noon to 1 p.m., funtimesmagazine.com or register here. 

Leafy, not beefy

Vegans rejoice! There’s an excellent website for you. Get inspired by food demonstrations and recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Afro-Vegan Society’s Cooking free demos are awesome. And even if you aren’t vegan, these affordable, plant-based, delicious dishes will whet your appetite. Who can you turn down teriyaki mushroom fried rice or hearty vegetable lasagna? Or what about country-fried cauliflower with gravy? Mmmmm. Vegan tacos with tropical fruits and vegan Louisiana chicken pasta also are on the meatless menu. Are you licking your chops? (Coops, no chops, this is all vegan). Check out step-by-step instructions and videos by vegan food creators. Afro-Vegan Society is a national nonprofit providing resources for marginalized communities. Free. afrovegansociety.org 

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