FunTimes Magazine Culture & Entertainment, Week of June 5, 2023

It’s almost like Kwanzaa in June because there are so many beautiful gifts of celebration this month in the world of events. These activities highlight food, history, music, dance, and African culture. So, from morning until night, here are some cool reasons to eagerly explore a few upcoming neighborhood festivities in Greater Philadelphia. And better yet, it’s free for all, meaning all the events are free to attend.

Jakeya Limitless & Solomon Temple 

Go to the Temple for a Limitless performance

Jun 9, 2023. Solomon Temple & Jakeya Limitless will light up Friday Happy Hour Sessions at the Kimmel like a holiday tree. Check out soul-stirring live performances featuring original compositions and inspiring interpretations of covers by Philly’s own Temple and Limitless. Limitless is a global alternative soul Indie artist with a commanding stage presence. Temple is a non-binary singer-songwriter and show producer who knits a soulful blend of gospel and jazz. Kimmel Center (Commonwealth Plaza). Free, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 215-893-1999 or Kimmelculuralcenter.org.

Blow off steam on the waterfront 

Go all in, and veg out!

June 10, 2023. Order us up cauliflower-chickpea tacos with guacamole. Yes, siree. It’s time to nosh on vegan and whole-food-plant-based goodies at the Philly Vegfest 2023, where they do meatless right. But hey, open-minded meat lovers are invited, too! Enjoy music, vegan/wfpb speakers, and informative panel discussions about food, health, and wellness. Free but register. South Street Headhouse District, 200 Pine St. Email: [email protected], phillyvegfest.com or AllEvents.in.

High praise for ODUNDE

June 11, 2023. We mentioned this before, but just a quick reminder: Philly’s treasure -- The ODUNDE festival -- is back and bigger than ever. The annual community event highlights awareness and pride in Black history and culture. An estimated 500,000 folks will enjoy 15 blocks teeming with 100 arts & crafts, food vendors, and two stages of entertainment. Established in 1975, the local cultural festival is highly regarded as a prototype of African-American festivals worldwide, hosting many world-known African and Caribbean performers, folk artists, and global cultural leaders. Free entrance, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., near 23rd and South Streets in South Philadelphia. 267-324-9932, email: [email protected] or https://www.odundefestival.org/.

Black Music City Showcase is revealing

June 11, 2023. Long-anticipated new music will be presented through The Black Music City Showcase grant program to help mentor and jump-start the careers of rising creatives. The original works of 30 new artists-performers who were chosen under this initiative will be exhibited and performed in public for the first time. The “reveal” is hosted by performing-artist Seraiah Nicole and WXPN radio. The works feature live ad recorded music, poetry, dance, film, video, painting, photography, fashion, apparel, handcrafted porcelain dolls, and a graphic novel. They are inspired by innovations and enduring influences reflective of Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy of jazz, soul, R&B, pop, rock, and classical music. The event includes a gallery viewing of media and physical projects, a grantees’ awards ceremony, and performances. Free, noon to 5 p.m., World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, [email protected] or https://www.blackmusiccity.com/.

Teriyaki mushroom fried rice sounds yummy…

Get refreshed this summer and delicious-fy (we made up a word here) your life. Learn how to make simple money-saving vegan recipes like vegan tacos with tropical fruit, berry beet, blueberry smoothies, blood orange sesame tempeh, or make plant milk. The menu is yumcious and plentiful through the Afro-Vegan Society’s vast cooking demo library of vegan-inspired meals from Black food vendors and chefs. You don’t have to be a foodie or a practiced cook to love these how-to videos. Bon appetit! Afrovegansociety.org.