The Drexel University Gospel Choir is celebrating 40 years of song, worship, praise, fellowship and ministry on March 9-11. The weekend-long celebration will include a throwback reunion luncheon, alumni welcome reception, campus tours and of course, a concert to commemorate 40 years!

The Drexel University Gospel Choir’s journey began in the spring of 1978, under the direction of Vashti “Tina” Gorham until 1985. From 1985 until the present, the Drexel University Gospel choir has been under the anointed direction of Pastor Gregory Ross, traveling throughout the United States and abroad praising the Lord through song, mime and dance.  Continue Reading

The 9th annual “Big Push” Holiday Concert will take place at the Calvary United Methodist Church at 48th and Baltimore on Sunday, Dec. 17.

The concert will feature a cameo performance by Philly Funk band Breakwater, and all proceeds will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Other musical guests include: Calvary UMC Choir, Salsa singer Anthony Colon, Latin percussionists Raul & Asaf Berrios, and more. Suggested donation is $20, and there is free admission for children.  Continue Reading

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Prince may be gone, but this event at 50th and Baltimore will make sure that, at least in West Philly, he is not forgotten. Sheila E. and Morris Day and The Time – some of Prince’s closest collaborators – will headline a “Tribute to Prince,” a free concert on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 50th and Baltimore that will also include West Philly’s own DJ Questlove.

The annual Neighborhood-to-Neighborhood Street Festival kicks off at noon. Sheila E., Prince’s one-time fiancé who opened for him on the Purple Rain tour, is set to play at 2 p.m. Morris Day, who co-starred with Prince in the film Purple Rain, will be onstage with his band, The Time, at 7 p.m. In between, Questlove, rapper PnB Rock, comedian Skeet and a number of local artists will perform.  Continue Reading

The 40th Street free summer concert series will return to the green space behind the Walnut Street West Library on Saturday, May 20 with a performance by the Sun Ra Arkestra. This marks the third time Sun Ra, which presents a unique combination of big band swing, outer-space jazz, Afro-pageantry, dancing, singing, and chanting, has performed on the Summer Series stage near 40th and Walnut. The opening act for Saturday’s concert will be RU Bhangra who will present traditional Bhangra dancing.

Earlier this week, the University City District, one of the organizers of this popular, family-friendly summer event, revealed more dates and performers for the series, which will be held once a month through September 16:  Continue Reading

Holy Week services and events at St. Francis de Sales Parish (4625 Springfield Ave.) kick off on Tuesday, April 11 with Tenebrae – a prayer in shadows.

The Latin word for “shadows” or “darkness,” tenebrae is the name given to the Church’s celebration of the Hours of Matins and Lauds for Holy Week. Nowadays, it’s often used as a “choral preparation” or meditation on the themes of the Passion. Psalms and hymns of lament are read and sung, and a great number of composers have written some beautiful meditative pieces for this rite.

All are welcome to join the Choir of St. Francis de Sales for this solemn and ancient choral meditation with the music of Palestrina, Garau, Byrd, and other composers in preparation for the Good Friday.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and no collection will be taken or donations asked. For more information, go here. For information on other Holy Week events and services at St. Francis de Sales Church and some other local churches, visit our Events page.

If you’re not sure what to do for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, check out some happenings below. For more events, go here. Happy New Year!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

There will be not one but two New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Delaware River waterfront. The first one is scheduled for 6 p.m. (good time for kids), and the other one will be at midnight. This is a free event. Here you can find best spots where you can watch the fireworks.

New Year’s Eve Parties/Concerts

• J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (38th and Chestnut), 4 – 8 p.m.

Choral Arts Philadelphia and the Bach Festival of Philadelphia, led by Artistic Director Matthew Glandorf, will offer a rare performance of J.S. Bach’s complete Christmas Oratorio BWV 248. The concert will include an extended intermission, food and drink concessions. For more information and tickets ($15-$45), click here.  Continue Reading