Movies in Clark Park will return Friday, Aug. 10 for its fifth season. University City District is partnering with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Friends of Clark Park, and local organizations and food trucks to present four Fridays of free outdoor film screenings and other fun activities! Films will be projected on a giant screen at the park at 43rd and Chester Ave for the entire family to enjoy.

The event begins at 7 p.m., and movies will start shortly after 8 p.m. right after the sunset.  Continue Reading

The annual Street Movies! program by the West Philly-based media arts organization Scribe Video Center that celebrates the cultural histories of Philadelphia neighborhoods, returns this month for its 21st season. The program features free outdoor film screenings and live performances at public parks across the city. This year, Scribe will present a range of short films, from internationally recognized award-winning fiction, documentary, and animation to local community- and youth-produced works.

Live performances will be by some of our region’s most talented artists, including Philadelphia’s first Poet Laureate Sonia Sanchez (who will be at Malcolm X. Park!), poet and recording artist Ursula Rucker, experimental music project Moor Mother by Camae Ayewa, bomba and plena group Los Bomberos De La Calle, Chinese dance studio L&M Dance Studio, singer and sound artist Jacqueline Constance, award-winning lyricist and author Lyrispect, and dance group Cambodian American Girls Empowering (CAGE).  Continue Reading

Shakespeare in Clark Park’s new production, Twelfth Night, opened last night in the park’s “Bowl” near 45th and Chester. Although, the official opening night was on Wednesday, it was moved indoors due to rain. So, SCP’s actors and musicians participating in this glam rock-inspired production, presented the first outdoor show to a big crowd on Thursday (see more photos below).

Catch the remaining shows at Clark Park (or Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., in case of inclement weather) through Sunday, July 29, beginning at 7 p.m. All shows are free and family-friendly.  Continue Reading

Pax Ressler (Viola) and Angela Bey (Duke Orsino). Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

Shakespeare in Clark Park returns this week with five performances of Twelfth Night in the park’s bowl near 45th and Chester. The first show of the well-known Shakespearean play is scheduled for Wednesday night.

This production by the popular outdoor theatre company will be filled with music. It’s inspired by Glam Rock (check out this review by WHYY’s Peter Crimmins), and will feature some of Philly’s finest actors (prepare for some cross-gender acting), student musicians, and local cabaret performer, Jess Conda.  Continue Reading

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Saxophonist, educator and composer Tim Warfield will headline the 2018 Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival, which will get underway in Penn Presbyterian Medical Center’s Saunders Park Greene, 39th and Powelton Avenue on Saturday, July 21, beginning at noon.

Hosted by People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and PEC Community Development Corporation (PECCDC), this marks the 12th year that this annual event has taken place. This year the FREE Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival offers a family-friendly jazz showcase featuring the best of Philadelphia and beyond. In addition to headliner Tim Warfield with his Organ Band featuring Terell Stafford, there is an exceptional lineup of jazz musicians curated by the Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

Folks of all ages are invited to The Woodlands at 40th and Woodland to celebrate the official start of the summer. The annual Nature Nights series will kick off this Thursday (June 21) with a Firefly Night. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include some educational and fun activities.

This is a chance to spend some after-dark time inside the gates learning more about this important urban ecosystem and the creatures who call it home. Tangle Movement Arts will return to the Woodlands with their firefly inspired aerial performance. Snacks will be served by local Lil Pop Shop.

The event is free and open to all, just bring your flashlights pack a picnic and  The performance by Tangle Movement Arts will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Stay tuned for information on more Nature Nights in July and August.