April 30 - May 7, 2026 Mexican Week in Philly

 

Complete schedule of events here

April 29-30, 2026 7:00PM Table Sessions with Kristal Sotomayor, Las Mariposas Galácticas, and Chef Christina Martinez

 

Journey Arts’ beloved Table Sessions returns on April 29 and 30, and we couldn’t be happier to invite you back to the table.

Filmmaker Kristal Sotomayor brings her curatorial vision to this year’s Table Sessions, held in the verdant Bartram’s Garden. Delight in a delicious dinner from James Beard Award-winning Chef Cristina Martínez of South Philly Barbacoa, dance to the ebullient sounds of the kumbia-klezmer-punk collective Mariposa Galácticas, and then sit forward for a screening of Kristal’s short film Expanding Sanctuary  — the winner of the 2024 BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Award — which flips the script on the current moment by telling the story of an immigrant mother’s triumphant fight for safety for Philly families.

It’s time to pull up your chair. Meet you at the Table!

Kristal Sotomayor is a documentary filmmaker, journalist, and curator. Drawing inspiration from their Peruvian heritage, Kristal’s community-based work practice focuses on Latinidad, immigration, and belonging. They practice transformative filmmaking that humanizes and validates the lived experiences of underrepresented communities. To that end, Kristal founded the queer BIPOC-owned and operated media production company, Sotomayor Productions, which works at the intersection of investigative journalism and documentary filmmaking to advance the portrayals of Latinx and queer communities.

Las Mariposas Galácticas is an 8-piece Cumbia Klezmer Punk band in Philadelphia, PA. Combining band members’ South American and Jewish ancestries, the band creates a unique diasporic sound that gets audiences everywhere dancing with rebellious joy. By honoring their Indigenous Andean musical ancestries, blended together with punkified ancient Jewish melodies, the band plays a mixture of original and classic tunes that span different languages, cultures, and genres. Las Mariposas have toured the east coast and collaborated with international acts such as the legendary Brazilian rock band Os Mutantes and the renowned Argentinian Tropi-punkband Kumbia Queers. They have headlined the L.A.T.I.N. PunkFest inPhiladelphia and NYC and continue to accompany their communities’ struggle for liberation everywhere from prominent stages to cultural, activist and community spaces.

Cristina Martínez is a Mexican-born chef and undocumented in the United States since 2009. Raised by barbacoa masters, she has dedicated the better part of 40 years to mastering her singular tradition. Fleeing violence in Mexico, she came to live in the USA and worked as a dishwasher, prep cook, and pastry chef, eventually losing her position due to her undocumented status. She pivoted to cooking barbacoa out of their apartment, eventually moving to a food cart, and onto a brick and mortar; becoming an activist for undocumented workers' rights

along the way. She has been featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table", and was awarded the prestigious 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region; although the most important recognition in here eyes are families who travel to eat her barbacoa in the heart of south Philly every weekend. In addition to South Philly Barbacoa, she owns and operates Casa Mexico, focusing on guisados and family style dishes, and the People's Kitchen at El Compadre, which has served 100,000 free meals in the last year and employs a rotating crew of chefs, students, and volunteers from the community. Reserve your seat! Bartram's Garden 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19143 Tickets start at: $28.52

April 26, 2026 1:00-4:00PM Feria de Sevilla at Overbrook Garage Studio

 

Féria de Sevilla in Philadelphia!!! Hope you will join dance with us as we bring spring into our lives! Sevillanas is a type of folk music/dance derived from old Castilian Seguidilla. Sevillanas are danced by couples and the rhythm is 3/4 or 6/8 and composed of 4 sections/coplas! The Féria de Sevilla starts 2 weeks after semana Santa in a huge fairground in Los Remedios! A week of serious dancing, eating and drinking! Sevillanos parade around the fairgrounds in carriages or horseback in traditional costumes!! Dance with us and help us celebrate spring!!! Join our community and free event, Please RSVP at info@pasionyarteflamenco.org .

April 25, 2026 6:00-7:30PM Dendê Macêdo's Recycled Sounds Performance at Borski Park

 

Recycled Sounds Live at Borski Park. Join us on Friday, April 25 at 6 PM at Borski Park for a live performance by internationally recognized percussionist Dendê Macêdo and his innovative Recycled Sounds project. This unique musical experience transforms everyday objects into instruments, creating vibrant Afro-Brazilian rhythms while sharing a powerful message about sustainability, creativity, and the value of reusing materials. Using handmade instruments crafted from found and repurposed materials—everything from buckets and bottles to tires and scrap metal—Macêdo layers sounds live using a loop pedal to build rich, percussive compositions in real time. The performance invites audiences to hear the music hidden in everyday objects and rethink what we throw away. Kids Recycled Instrument Workshop with Dendê Macêdo - Philly Jazz Month On Friday, April 25 at 1 PM, families are invited to Borski Park for a creative workshop led by percussionist Dendê Macêdo. In this interactive session, kids will learn how to build their own percussion instruments using recycled materials and explore rhythm through play. This workshop highlights the power of creativity and sustainability—showing how everyday objects can be transformed into music-making tools. This event also highlights the importance of environmental stewardship along our riverfront. Riverfront North Partnership works year-round to beautify, activate, and care for parks and trails along the Delaware River, creating welcoming green spaces for surrounding communities. Programs like this bring people together in the parks while celebrating sustainability, creativity, and the outdoors. For more information click here Borski Park Free street parking is available on Delaware Avenue and Orthodox Street. FIND IT ON GOOGLE MAPS HERE

April 25, 2026 7:00-10:00PM Feria de Sevilla Flamenco at Overbrook Garage Studio

 

A little about Feria de Sevilla and Sevillanas: The Feria de Sevilla begins two weeks after Holy Week in a large fairground in the Los Remedios neighborhood of Sevilla. It is a week of dancing, eating, drinking, and socializing, with late nights, and sometimes all-nighters, being the norm. The scale of the April Fair is extraordinary. From around midday until early evening, especially on Sunday, the first official day, Sevilla society parades through the fairgrounds in carriages or on horseback. Eating, drinking, and dancing then continue well into the night. The “Real de la Feria,” where the celebration takes place, covers a huge area of 24 blocks and includes the amusement park, Calle del Infierno (Hell Street), and the casetas, striped tents of different sizes arranged along 15 streets.

Our Feria will take place in Overbrook, West Philadelphia, in front of our PyA Garage studio. Wear your favorite flamenco costume, BYOB, and bring a dish to share, along with your family and friends. This is a free event, but please RSVP at:  info@pasionyarteflamenco.org.

Saturday, April 25th, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m

Location: The Overbrook Garage Studio
                  6411 Overbrook Ave,
                  Philadeiphia PA, 19151

The Dance:

Sevillanas are danced by couples of all ages and genders during celebrations (fiestas or ferias), often by whole families and towns. The choreography is very stable and widely known, making it an ideal festival dance. This is why those beginning flamenco often start by learning Sevillanas—they are easier to master and offer many opportunities for practice and participation.

The rhythm of Sevillanas can be interpreted as 3/4, though it is generally felt as 6/8. Each Sevillana is composed of four (and sometimes seven) parts, with each part divided into three coplas, and each copla made up of six movements.

Come experience the warmth and rhythm of this tradition in a relaxed, welcoming space. Whether you dance, watch, or simply soak in the energy, this juerga is for everyone.

April 25 & 26, 2026 1:00PM Feria de Sevilla Flamenco Workshops at Overbrook Garage Studio

 

We’re excited to welcome visiting artists Bárbara (cante) and Alberto (guitarra) of Alba Musik to Philadelphia for a special weekend of flamenco.

They will lead a special afternoon of workshops focused on cante (singing) and guitarra, offering a deeper look into the music that brings flamenco to life.

Workshops will take place on Saturday, April 25:
1:00 PM – Singing (Cante)
3:30 PM – Guitar (Guitarra)

They will also join us as special guests for our Feria de Sevilla celebration on Sunday, April 26.

Sign up for the workshop and reserve your spot for the Feria at
info@pasionyarteflamenco.org

All are welcome.

April 25, 2026 7:30-10:30PM ALBA Musik Presents an Evening of New Flamenco at The Black Squirrel Club

 

ALBA Musik is the creation of NYC based musicians: guitarist and composer Albert Alabedra, from Barcelona, Spain and singer and flamenco dancer, Bárbara Martínez. ALBA MUSIK is flamenco mixed with a rich variety of pop, jazz, funk, Latin and world music influences. They'll be performing their original music; expressive songs composed as stories, crafted in Spanish and brought to life in a collaboration between this dynamic du and the family of ALBA musicians and fiery flamenco dancers. Both of their studio albums, “Dawn” and “Alma”, were selected for the first round of GRAMMY nominations. 

Tickets: $20 + $1.40 fee

The Black Squirrel Club

1049 Sarah St, Philadelphia, PA, 19125, US

https://www.blacksquirrelclub.com

Black Squirrel Club offers a full bar. We do not serve food, but you are welcome to bring your own or have it delivered once you arrive. 

April 24, 2026 7:00PM Not So Latin Concerts: Alba Musik

 

ALBA MUSIK AT NOTSOLATIN!!! 4/24!!

Get ready for Alba Musik, friday April 24th! ALBA MUSIK is the creation of the dynamic duo: powerhouse vocalist Bárbara Martínez and virtuoso guitarist Albert Alabedra. This vibrant project from NYC blends personal stories with universal themes, capturing the essence of Flamenco/Latin fusion, crafted in Spanish with an expressiveness that captivates audiences of all cultures. Together, Bárbara and Albert compose their songs together and tour nationally and internationally, joined by a team of world-class musicians and dancers. You don’t want to miss it!!

Doors at 7, show at 7:30
No tickets required, $10 suggested donation
1440 W Ritner St. Philadelphia Pa

April 23, 2026 6:00-8:30PM Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble Crisol at Bolo

 

Live music alert!  Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble Crisol takes the stage at Bolo this Thursday.

Catch us from 6:00 PM–8:30 PM.
Arrive early for Bolo's famous Happy Hour from 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. Great food, better drinks, and even better tunes! 

 Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 Live Music: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM-ish
 Location: 2025 Sansom St, Philadelphia

April 22, 2026 5:00-7:00PM Untethered in Motion in Dilworth Park

 

Philly Jazz Month - April 22nd 5-7 Untethered in Motion in Dilworth Park

A free concert of music and dance during Dilworth park happy hour. Untethered in Motion adventures through universes of groove and sound to ignite your mind, body and imagination. Join us !

Presented by @leogadson and the Producer Guild. In partnership with @centercitydistrict and @ccdsips

Dancers - @jiptheruler and @spotlightspecialist thx to @urbanmovementarts

Musicians - @timonbass_ @rodditorium @gcalvinweston and @pgtpt

Edited · 23h

April 21, 2026 7:00PM Not So Latin Concerts: Roman Wyatt Quartet

 

ROMAN WYATT AT NOTSOLATIN!!! 4/21!!

We proudly introduce the Roman Wyatt Quartet to the Notsolatin stage!! This amazing pianist brings with him an all star band of Nisarg Shah (saxophone), Myles Wilson (bass), and Huck Tritsch (drums). Roman and his quartet will be playing a body of original works as well as our favorite music.

Doors at 7, show at 7:30
No tickets required, $10 suggested donation
1440 W Ritner St. Philadelphia Pa

April 19, 2026 7:00PM Not So big Band Concerts: Josh Lee and The Extended Family

 

Come and hear Notsolatin’s resident bigband celebrate the swing era and Jazz Appreciation Month next Sunday, April 19th! Its start of a week long tour for the Extended Family as they play the classics as well as some brand new tunes. You don’t want to miss this!

Doors at 7, show at 7:30
No tickets required, $10 suggested donation
1440 W Ritner St. Philadelphia Pa

April 19, 2026 5:30-9:30PM Viva La Salsa: Combo Melaza at The Fringe Bar

 

Get ready to dance all night with Combo Melaza bringing the heat and vibes you can't resist!

VSPICE PRODUCTIONS presents

VIVA LA SALSA featuring COMBO MELAZA !

SUNDAY, April 19th 2026
@Fringe Bar

5:30-9:30PM

VIVA LA SALSA is a monthly live music and dance social in Philly! Join us for our regular monthly social on Sunday, April 19th back at FRINGE BAR - for a day party with LIVE MUSIC from COMBO MELAZA!!
5:30pm - Salsa lesson with David Gnopo of MAMBOLAB PHILLY
LIVE MUSIC from COMBO MELAZA
DJ sets from DJ Vspice
video/photo by whisper.shutter photography!

Fringe Bar

140 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19106

$15 ticket price only available at the door BEFORE 6pm // $25 ($28.52 with fee) general admission, at the door after 6pm

ARRIVE BEFORE 6PM ON Sunday April 19th FOR $15 ADMISSION!

*PARKING INFO* there is discounted parking ($13) available at the PARKOMINIUM lot located just around the corner from Fringe Bar! 231 N. 2nd St
Bring your ticket to the host stand at Fringe Bar and get it stamped for discounted parking!

April 17, 2026 7:00-9:00PM Latin Jazz Showcase at Esperanza Arts Center

 

TEATRO ESPERANZA
4/17/26, 7:00pm

$15 General Admission, Free for Students & Seniors (60+)EAC launches our new annual Latin Jazz series, led and curated by series director, Grammy-winning Philadelphia-based percussionist and recording artist, Pablo Batista. 

This inaugural concert will feature the first Latin big band in Philadelphia comprised of twenty acclaimed regional musicians, donned in vibrant coordinated formal wear from the 40’s and 50’s, and seated on multi-tiered platforms evocative of the big band era, premiering new arrangements by bandleaders Jimmy Lopes and Tony Perez of classic big band Latin jazz greats, including Mario Bauzá , Tito Rodriguez, Machito, and Dizzy Gillespie.

Part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial: In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, EAC will present a series of programs that celebrate and explore the Latino voice within the American landscape. Through arts, culture, and community engagement, these programs will highlight the contributions, histories, and perspectives of Latino communities as part of the broader American story.

Food and Beverages are available for sale in the Teatro lobby courtesy of EAC’s official concession partner Helados Chupi Chupi.

This program was made possible through the generous support of the City of Philadelphia, with additional support from the Presser Foundation, and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Teatro Esperanza4261 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140

April 14, 2026 7:00PM Not So Latin Concerts: Wayne Smith Quartet

 

notsolatin

WAYNE SMITH AT NOTSOLATIN!!! TUESDAY, 4/14

Drummer, composer and bandleader Wayne Smith Jr. brings his quartet to the notsolatin stage!! Join us tuesday, April 14th as we continue the jazz month celebrations with this incredible band of Philly’s finest. You don’t want to miss this!

Featuring
Jon Katz- alto
Jay Epstein-piano
Madison Rast- bass

Doors at 7, show at 7:30
No tickets required, $10 suggested donation
1440 W Ritner St. Philadelphia Pa