The Table Sessions, Sattriya Dance Company, May 2024. (Photo by Shannon Sophy)

After 20 years, a West Philadelphia visionary arts group which has staged more than 100 productions, including an ambitious (and sold-out) undertaking supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, is changing its name and evolving. Journey Arts is the new name and branding of Intercultural Journeys, a gem in Philadelphia’s performing arts world.

Journey Arts plans to increase its offerings, including more ambitious and complex shows, seeking new and additional funding, and offer artists more production/development time of projects. And another large-scale production is already underway this coming season.

“Journeys are for seekers – when we create, perform, and witness together, the journey is that much richer and more nuanced,” Carly Rapaport-Stein, Executive Director of Journey Arts said. “Wayfinding together is our artistic beating heart. We seek connection and we are on this journey together. Today, our new name and visual identity match our ethos of artist-forward work and belonging for all.”

Continue Reading

Piffaro, the Philadelphia-based and internationally renowned Renaissance wind band, New York City’s TENET Vocal Artists, and projection artist Camilla Tassi are collaborating to transform Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Artwork and poetry will be projected on the interior architecture of the historic building while the sounds of 16th century Italy will fill the sanctuary. The concert takes place at the Cathedral, located at 38th and Market, on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m., and the band is offering West Philly Local readers a special 50 percent discount off regular ticket prices with code WPL.

The occasion of the concert is the 650th anniversary of Francesco Petrarch’s death. The most influential poet of the Italian Renaissance, he wrote hundreds of poems grappling with his thwarted love for the lady we only know as Laura, who died young of the plague. Love, Chastity, Death, Fame, Time, and Eternity all make appearances, embodied by the superlative singers of TENET. The music will run the gamut of 16th century Italian musical styles, from Carnival songs to sacred hymns to yearning madrigals.

Continue Reading

Here’s a unique opportunity to visit and learn more about some of the most interesting but often forgotten historic and cultural places along 52nd Street, aka “The Strip.” A walking tour titled West Philly’s Main Street: A Walk Through Time, will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, and is organized by All That Philly Jazz, a public project exploring the history of jazz in Philadelphia. The 52nd Street stroll and talk, led by All That Philly Jazz Director Faye Anderson, will uncover the Strip’s hidden past as an entertainment destination for African Americans.

The 52nd Street Stroll dives deep into the Strip’s social and cultural heritage. Uncovering hidden landmarks, it will revisit forgotten stories and remember the iconic figures who shaped the historic corridor.

Here are some of the stops during the stroll:

• Nightclub frequented by celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Cab Calloway, Joe Frazier, Teddy Pendergrass and Stevie Wonder.
• First-ever Walk of Fame memorializing African American artists of stage, screen and television.
• Oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast.
• Sites featured in the 1972 Blaxploitation film “Trick Baby.”
• Restaurant where President Bill Clinton ordered soul food.

Continue Reading

The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month and invites community members to Clark Park at 43rd and Chester for the annual Ethiopian Day Festival. The event, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12-7 p.m., will include DJ music, vendors, children’s games, food, a raffle and more.

The event is co-sponsored by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).

The festival is a great opportunity to celebrate Ethiopian culture. West Philly is home to many residents of Ethiopian heritage and many Ethiopian businesses are located in the area, such as Abyssinia, Dahlak, Alif Brew & Mini Mart, Doro Bet, and more. The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia is located at 44th and Chestnut Streets, where the Ethiopian Day Festival used to take place for many years.

Continue Reading

Curio Theatre Company is celebrating 20 years of theatre in West Philadelphia this upcoming season and will present several great shows, both for adults and children, from October to May.

The company kicks off this anniversary season with the Philadelphia premiere of Larissa Fasthorse’s Broadway hit, The Thanksgiving Play. The play centers around a group of four well-meaning but culturally insensitive white theatre artists who attempt to create a politically correct elementary school play about the first Thanksgiving while struggling with their own biases and the lack of Native representation. Curio Theatre Co-Founder, Tim Martin, is directing this smart and funny premiere which runs October 23-November 9. Opening Night is Saturday, Oct. 26.

Next, in time for the holidays, Curio is bringing back its Make/Partake theatre experience. The next show is The Three Little Pigs, written by Company Co-Founder and Artistic Director Paul Kuhn.

As they did with Jack In The Beanstalk last year, children will begin by making theatre props, set pieces, voice recordings and more. All of these will then be incorporated into the story to create a magical theatre experience for all who attend. The Three Little Pigs runs December 12-29. Opening is Saturday, Dec. 14. Recommended for children 3-12 though the whole family will enjoy it!

Continue Reading

Theatre in the X, the popular all-Black theatre company, is returning with a new summer production in the park this month. From Aug. 22-25, the company will present One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show, a comedic play by the American playwright Don Evans. Set in the 1970s in Philadelphia, the play deals with the clash between middle-class and working-class African Americans. Don’t miss this show filled with laughter and drama, and featuring unforgettable performances.

The show is directed by Maureen Henighan Booker and features actors Janan Ashton, Carlo Campbell, Eric Carter, Danielle Shaw-Oglesby, Sharese Salters, Tasha Holmes, Semaja Murphy, and Davon Cochran.

All performances are free and open to everyone, just bring your own chair (BYOC!). Tickets can be reserved here.

Continue Reading