June 2, 2012 1:00-6;00 PM and 7:30-10:00 PM Taller Puertorriqueño presents Bomba Contest

ta Competencia Anual de Bomba presented and organized by Raices de Borinquen Familia Rojas. This with categories, from children to adults, and from dancers to drummers maintains this tradition in Philadelphia. Bomba stars Marcos Peñalosa y sus Tambores Calientes y Nelson Báez y los Cimarrones help create a venue for the preservation of this centennial Afro-Puerto Rican tradition./4ta Competencia anual de la bomba puertorriqueña.1-6 p.m. seguida de “bombazo” 7:30 to 10 p.m. 2600-2624 Nth 5th Street

June 2, 2012 6:30-8:30 PM Philadelphia Folklore Project Celebrates its 25th Year!

FP's 25th Birthday Bash: June 2, 2012
Where: The Painted Bride Art Center at 230 Vine St. Philadelphia Pa
On Saturday, June 2, 2012, we're hosting a Birthday Bash to mark PFP's 25 years of work in folk arts and social change in our region. Expect food, fun, engaging activities, and an all-around joyful evening. A benefit to support PFP's future, the event starts at 6:30 PM at the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, in Philadelphia.

We invite you to become an event sponsor. Purchase tickets, sponsorships and advertisements HERE (or with the form below). Honor the first recipients of PFP's Folk Arts and Social Change awards:

- The Kathryn Morgan Award for Folk Arts and Social Justice: Lois Fernandez
- The Channavy Lenora Koung Award for Folk Arts and Cultural Heritage Practice: Germaine Ingram
- The Rosemary Cubas Award for Folk Arts and Activism: Debbie Wei
- The Ella King Torrey Award for Visionary Work in Community and Culture: Louis Massiah

Tickets are $50 for PFP members and $60 general admission before May 11th. After May 11th, they are $55 for PFP members and $65 general admission. We invite you to use advertisements and messages in the program book to honor awardees, reflect on your connection to folk arts and cultural heritage, or let people know what you do. More details below.

For 25 years, PFP has been committed to paying attention to the lived experiences and traditions of local people. PFP has worked from the belief that folk arts - diverse vernacular traditions, local knowledge, and cultural heritage - are powerful resources for social change and vital and necessary elements of community well-being. We have come this far thanks to the involvement of countless amazing people, and we are grateful to be on the path with you! So mark your calendar to celebrate together on June 2nd.

For more information or to become involved, email us (pfp@folkloreproject.org) or 215.726.1106.
Tickets $55. to $65.

June 2, 2012 7;30 PM Magdaliz & Latin Band Crisol at Psalm Salon

Magdaliz & Her Latin Band Crisol in concert @ Psalm Salon

Saturday, June 2, 2012 @ 8:00pm (door opens @ 7:30pm)
The PSALM Salon
5841 Overbrook Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
New repertoire, more musicians, great venue!
BYOB, starting at 7:30pm an optional Cantonese home-style (meat or vegetarian) Chinese dinner available.
Join us for a night of wonderful music from all over Latin America!

Son, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Bolero, Cumbia, Huapangos, Rancheras, and much more...

It's cheaper to buy your tickets in advance online, save your seat:
Magdaliz Roura (voice/ guitar/ percussion)
Elsa Ugarte (percussion/ voice)
June Bender (violin)
Tim Thompson (trumpet/ voice/ percussion)
Andres Cisneros (percussion/ voice)
Christian Noguera ( (percussion/ voice)
Papo Gely (bass/ voice)

June 1, 2012 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra at the Barnes Foundation

First Friday! Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra

Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra, directed by Daryl Kwasi Burgee and Lenny Seidman, unifies the drumming traditions of bata from Cuba, tabla from North India, samba from Brazil, and djembe from West Africa to create a distinctly original and contemporary sound. From the sacred to the secular, linking the past to the present, Spoken Hand is a large, high energy ensemble known for its powerful performances of symphonically textured drumming and choral compositions and arrangements.
June 1, 2012
7–9 pm 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Free with admission ($18. for nonmembers)

First Friday is generously sponsored by Wells Fargo.

For tickets: 866.849.7056

June 1, 2012 Salsa Caliente at the Painted Bride Art Center

SALSA CALIENTE!
BYOB Cabaret and Dance Party
Learn/dance to Latin big bands live
Fri. June 1st | Dance Lessons: 8pm, Party: 9pm
$20 in advance, $25 day of event

“If you haven’t dance to a live Latin band, you haven’t danced salsa, embrace the heat!”
- Jesse Bermudez, Regional Latino cultural ambassador and Salsa Caliente co-producer

Philadelphia’s only BYOB cabaret concert and dance party series featuring two live Latin big bands returns for a second season at the Bride. Drawing from the buzz looming from last season’s wide appeal and diverse attendance, Salsa Caliente 2.0 continues its non-stop flight service from the fringes of Old City to the heart of Old San Juan alongside the hottest large music ensembles from the region such as Orquesta Herencia de Soneros and Papo Buda y Saboricua who performed last season. Plenty of room for dancers of all experience levels, each evening starts with FREE dance lessons from Flaco’s Dance Factory. Put some salsa on your sexy and come join the party!

Who is Jesse Bermudez? He is the Grammy-nominated producer/radio personality/arts education champion/music curator and co-producer of Salsa Caliente!, the new Latin dance concert series now in its second year at La Nova Pintada. And who knows more about live salsa bands than Bermudez? He is known for his instrumental role in Papo Vasquez’s 2008 Album, “Marooned/Aislado“, which garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album. His Saturday brunch-time show, ‘Sonido Diferente’ on Mega 1310 AM, showcases regional Latino talent, as well as highlights the multi-layered soul of the Latin music genre, with urban, soul, & jazz-inflected selections, that aren’t heard in mainstream Latin radio. A long-time collaborator with the Bride, Jesse Bermudez partners with the Bride once again – this time to share the tropical heat that only live musicians can deliver to salsa dance floors.

May 27, 2012 1:30-4;00 PM Angelica Cassimiro's Last Brazilian Samba Dance Class for 2012 in Philadelphia

Sunday, May 27, 2012
1:30pm until 4:00pm


The Performance Garage- 1515 Brandywine St. Philadelphia, PA

Come to sweat, shake, smile and just simply have fun while learning Brazilian samba steps of course.

Where?: The Performance Garage- Studio B
1515 Brandywine St, Philadelphia PA
When?: Sunday, May 27th 1:30pm-4pm
Samba no pe 1:30-2:30
Samba axe 2:30-3:30
Cost?: $12/per class or take both for $20 save($4)

This will conclude the season of samba dance classes taught by Angelica in Philadelphia.- So if you always wanted to try a class, see what this craze for samba dancing is all about this is your CHANCE!!! :)

LIVE PERCUSSION: (TBA) I will keep you updated.

**** I will be bringing some snacks for after the class...if you
want to bring anything to share you are welcomed. ;)

Can't wait to see all of you. Vamos sambar e sorrir!! "Lets Samba and Smile"

If you have any questions contact me:
(973)220-7784
cassimiroa@gmail.com
about.me/acassdance

May 27, 2012 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM Rendezvous Zouk presents An All White Affair

Rendezvous Zouk All White Affair

"UNITING THE WORLD THROUGH MUSIC"

You are cordially invited to Rendezvous Zouk Sundays @ PULSE NIGHT CLUB!

Complimentary admission with required RSVP before 12AM
Pulse Night Club
1526 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
DRESS CODE: YOUR FINEST ATTIRED IS REQUESTED! (But at the discretion of the staff and security!)

May 26, 2012 and May 27, 2012 Raíces presents A Latin Explosion at Race Street Pier

Spend Your Memorial Day Weekend with Raíces!
Enjoy A Family-friendly weekend of Events at the Race Street Pier. On May 26-27, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc. has partnered with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to produce a LATIN-AMERICAN EXPLOSION! And guess what it's all FREE! Free Zumba, Hip-Hop/Reggaeton, and African Dance Lessons; Aztec Dance Exhibition; Free Salsa and Bachata Workshops; Live Music provided by: Johnny Cruz's Latin Jazz Ensemble and so much more. Special thanks to our community partners, Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress, Loews Hotel, and McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a Johnson & Johnson Company!
Saturday

1:00 p.m. | Aztec Dance Workshop (1Hr.) – Ruben Del Rosario Chico, Instructor

1:00 p.m. | African Dance Lessons (1 Hr.) – Ama Schley, Instructor

1:30 p.m. | Salsa Dance Lessons (1 Hr.) – Cindy Ortiz, Instructor

2:00 p.m. | Hip Hop Workshop (1 Hr.) – Timothy Porter, Instructor

3:00 p.m. | ZUMBA Class (1 Hr.) – Monica Acosta, Instructor

4:00 p.m. | Flamenco Workshop (1 Hr.) – Tomas Dura, Instructor
3:00 p.m. | Johnny Cruz’s Latin Jazz Ensemble (2.5 Hrs.)
DJ Tropicalismo ALL DAY

Kids Activities:

All Day | Face Painting2:00 p.m. | Spiral Q Puppet Theater (2Hrs.)2:00 p.m. | Latin Instrument Rhythm Test for Kids (2Hrs.)

______________________________

Sunday

1:00 p.m. | Aztec Dance Workshop (1Hr.) – Ruben Del Rosario Chico, Instructor

1:00 p.m. | Hip-Hop Workshop (1 Hr.) - Timothy Porter, Instructor

2:00 p.m. | Salsa Dance Lessons (1 Hr.) – Luis Roridguez, Instructor

2:30 p.m. | Johnny Cruz’s Latin Jazz Ensemble (3 Hrs.)

3:00 p.m. | ZUMBA Class (1 Hr.) – Monica Acosta, Instructor

4:00 p.m. | Yo! Stretch (Yoga & Pilates (1 Hr.) - Cindy Ortiz, Instructor

DJ Tropicalismo ALL DAY
Kids Activities:

All Day | Face Painting

1:00 p.m. | Guatemalan Sawdust Rug ArtWorkshop (1 Hr.)

2:00 p.m. | Spiral Q Puppet Theater (2 Hrs.)For More Information contact: Dennis Maurice Dumpson, Director of Development & Communications or call our offices @ 215.425.1390

May 26, 2012 and May 27, 2012 Barnes Foundation Opening Weekend with Live Music

There are art and culture events starting at 10:00 AM Saturday,May 26, continuing until midnight May 27. Below are just those featuring African or Latin music, but do check out the entire schedule, because it's free and full of good activities for families and adults.

May 26:

3:30 pm
[Music] Sak Tzevul Habana/Harlem® Exclusive Artists
The leading indigenous rock band from Chiapas, Mexico, performs Batsi Rock, mixing traditional Mayan culture with post-modern influences of rock and classical music, and creating original songs in Tzotzil and Spanish. Through music, the band has transformed the lives of previously disaffected young people in the Chiapas region. Presented by Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas.

8:30 pm
[Music & Dance] Bomple: Afro-Caribbean Song and Dance

May 27:

12:30–3 am
[Music] World Music: AfroTaino Productions
A vibrant sonic patchwork from all over the planet, selected and woven by dj Rahsaan

7 pm
[Performance] Ghetto Bolero: Las Gallas
Excerpts from Ghetto Bolero re-imagine the traditional Latin American boleros from a woman's point of view. Las Gallas (Julia Lopez, Magda Martinez, and Michelle Angela Ortiz) is a Philadelphia-based multi-disciplinary artists’ collective whose work combines theatre, visual arts, dance, film, poetry, spoken word, and literature. Space is limited. Admission is on a first come, first served basis.


8–9:30 pm
[Music] Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra
Led by Artist Director Daryl Burgee and Managing Co-director Lenny Seidman, the orchestra unifies four percussion batteries into one distinct voice: north Indian tabla, Afro Cuban bata, Brazilian samba and West African djembe.

10 pm–midnight
[Performance] Dendê: Afro-Brazilian Funk

1:00 AM-3;00 AM
PhillyBloco
PhillyBloco is modeled after the blocos of Rio de Janeiro, with their large percussion sections and harmonic/vocal accompaniment. The group is comprised of twelve drummers, electric guitar, bass guitar, vocals, horn section, accordion, and Brazilian dancers.
Details to come. Space is limited. Admission is on a first come, first served basis.

May 25, 2012 7;00 PM Tertulia at Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas BoriMex Talks- A Time for Healing

When: Friday, May 25 @ 7:00pm

Where: Crane Old School

1417 North 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd and Jefferson)

Price: $10 admission
This Friday, May 25th, Raíces Cuturales Latinoamericanas is kicking of the Memorial Day Weekend with its monthly Tertulia program, entitled BoriMex Talks: A Time for Healing. This Tertulia is a reproduction of the New York based independent cultural production company, Habana/Harlem (R)'s forums on Puerto Rican and Mexican relations. Habana/Harlem (R) developed the forum to address the rise in violent, racial attacks against Mexican immigrants in New York City in 2010 and 2011. The title BoriMex is derived from Bori, an abbreviation for the Arawak denomination of the island referred to as Puerto Rico, Boriquen, and Mex is short for Mexico. The forums in New York aim to build common ground between New York's Puerto Rican and Mexican communities. Through introducing Habana/Harlem's forum at the May Tertulia program, Raices' objective is to help build better relations between Philadelphia's Puerto Rican and Mexican communities.



The Tertulia will consist of a panel discussion with key figures of Philadelphia's Latino community followed by a live music performance by the leading Batz'i Rock band from Chiapas, Mexico, Sak Tzevul, Habana/Harlem (R) Exclusive Artists. The panelists for the program include Nilda Iris Ruiz, President & CEO of Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Carlos I. Giralt-Cabrales, Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia , Obed Arango, Creative Director, Host, and Producer of Bandera Media, Damián Guadalupe Martinez, Founder of the band Sak Tzevul and Magdaliz Roura, local musician and founder of Magdaliz & her Trio Crisol.


The panel discussion will create a much needed dialogue across ethnic lines to help foster deeper trust and understanding among Philadelphia's Puerto Rican, Mexican and varied Latino residents. After the panel answers the discussion questions, the audience will have an opportunity to present questions and comments to further the conversation.

On the last Friday of the month, Raíces presents a Tertulia. This event- for adults- is one of Raíces' most popular programs and presents monthly lectures and iscussions on cultural topics. During each Tertulia, after the invited guests' presentation and open public discussions, the microphone is opened to any individual or group who would like to share their talents in music, poetry, dance, etc. Raíces calls this cultural encounter in the café atmosphere "a retreat for the soul".

Please note, much of the speaking is in Spanish, but English translation will be available.
Raices Mexican ROCK to the Barnes Foundation!


May 26 @ 3:30 pm - Sak Tzevul, Habana/Harlem® Exclusive Artists,
the leading indigenous rock band from Chiapas, Mexico, performs Batsi Rock, mixing traditional Mayan culture with post-modern influences of rock and classical music, and creating original songs in Tzotzil and Spanish. Through music, the band has transformed the lives of previously disaffected young people in the Chiapas region. Presented by Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas.

May 25, 2012 8:00 PM Play "El Apagón" "The Blackout" at Taller Puertorriqueño

El Apagón/The Blackout Second event of the series brings New York based Pregones Theater to Philadelphia to present their most popular and much acclaimed bilingual play that has traveled to over 70 cities. The Blackout is Pregones theatrical adaptation of the story "The Night We Became People Again" by José Luis González, performed in Spanish and English, and set to the beat of popular Latin songs from the 1950's and 60's. The use of dual-language ensures the widest possible reach./Aplaudida adaptación del Teatro Pregones del cuento "La noche que volvimos a ser gente" de José Luis González, presentada en formato bilingüe y al ritmo de éxitos musicales de los años 50 y 60. 2600-2624 Nth 5th Street 8:00 p.m.
THE BLACKOUT is Pregones Theater's much-acclaimed theatrical adaptation of the story "The Night We Became People Again" by José Luis González, performed in Spanish and English, and set to the beat of popular Latin songs from the 1950's and 60's.

While riding the New York subway uptown from Brooklyn to El Barrio, and eager to witness the birth of his firstborn, a Puerto Rican factory worker and his best friend Trompoloco are caught in the Great Northeastern Blackout.

A paean to the courage, humor and humanity of migrant experience, the show is one of Pregones' most enduring and popular creations, with hundreds of performances throughout the the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Europe.
At 2600 N. 5th St.
Philadelphia Pa 19133
Free event

May 20, 2012 3:00 PM The Evolution of Latin Percussion with Arturo Stable

Featuring Arturo Stable

Sunday, May 20 at 3pm
Cunningham Piano Company
5427 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

Innovative Cuban-born percussionist Arturo Stable will discuss the history of Latin Percussion and demonstrate how to play the different styles of percussion through the use of various instruments.

The percussion instruments: cajon, bombo leguero, congas, timbales, bongos, bata drums, bomba barrel and tambora. The styles of music: Afro Peruvian Lando and Festejo, Argentinian Samba and Chacarera, Cuban Son, Rumba and Changui, Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena, and Dominican Merengue.

The presentation will combine narration with imagery showing the different styles of music supported by a live demonstration.

Arturo will be joined by a few of his students and friends who will participate in the presentation near the end of the program. Members of the audience will also be invited to join Arturo on stage to experience the music.
Admission $33.50
Seniors and Student $17.75

May 19, 2012 10:00 PM Jimmy Jorge and the Latin Express at Isla Verde Cafe

Jimmy Jorge is the Leader and Musical director of Jimmy Jorge and The Latin Express which started as a 6pc Latin Jazz Band in 1995 and has since evolved into a 12 pc. Salsa band. Latin Express has gained their reputation through hard work, attention to detail, and of course through playing with passion and eventually becoming the house band for the local Spanish radio station in Philadelphia called La Mega 1310AM. Jimmy Jorge and The Latin Express have played at all types of events such as Penn’s Landing Hispanic Fest, The Puerto Rican Parade, The Parkway etc. and also Colleges such as Haverford College, Penn state, University of PA and more.
Isla Verde Cafe
2725 N. American St.
Philadelphia PA 19133
215-426-3600

May 19, 2012 2:30-3:30 PM FREE Macy's "Brasil: A Magical Journey" Launch Party

Shop “O Mercado, the Market at Macy’s” and experience the fun and festive atmosphere of Brazil! Featuring a variety of merchandise categories, including fashion, home, beauty and accessories, all items have been selected to create an inviting main floor environment in approximately 300 Macy’s stores. With prices starting at $5, "O Mercado" shops will carry approximately 100 exclusive items, giving Macy's customers the opportunity to experience a broad array of the distinctive spirit of Brazilian culture. Additionally, through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy (nature.org), one of the world’s leading global conservation organizations, Macy’s will also help raise funds to protect the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. With this partnership, Macy’s goal is to generate awareness of the topic and raise funds by donating 10 percent of the sale price of every product sold within “O Mercado, the Market at Macy’s” from April 22 through July 15 to The Nature Conservancy.
Center City Store, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Saturday, May 19, 2012: 2:30-3:30pm (FREE Admission)

May 18, 2012 11:30 PM - 2:00 AM Papo Gely and Timbalona at Chris' Jazz Cafe

May 19, 2012 11:00 AM The Mann Center presents Philadelphia on Parade 2012, a free family event

You're invited to the 2nd Annual Philadelphia On Parade, a FREE family, friends & fun festival at the Mann!
is year's Philadelphia on Parade will feature more than 800 performing artists on 5 electrifying stages highlighting the diversity of world music with a line-up that includes classical, gospel, spoken word, jazz, rhythm & blues, funk, and rock, global dance ensembles, dance workshops, and a crafts marketplace. CIGNA Children's Pavilion will include storytellers, jugglers, face painters, mini-circus, arts & craft stations, sing-a-longs, as well as interactive demonstrations to get the little ones dancing and exercising. Independence Blue Cross Health Pavilion, feature life-saving techniques, blood pressure testing, cholesterol testing, massages, wellness sessions, healthy eating tips, yoga, Zumba, senior movements, line dancing, demonstrations, book signings and more. This year the Mann is delighted to welcome Parkside Association of Philadelphia as a Health Pavilion partner under the direction of Lucinda Hudson. Parkside Association of Philadelphia, PAP, is a community based organization that supports the West Parkside community. PAP identifies and accesses social services to promote a better quality of life for all of its residents.

Bring your lawn chairs—picnics are welcome!



Featuring:

Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra
Rock School for Dance Education
Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble
Philadelphia Keystone Boys Choir
Philadelphia Sinfonia Orchestra
Sharon Katz & The Peace Train
Justin Faulkner Quartet
Chinese Lion Dancers
Play on Philly!
Terry Jones & Helen Bruner
Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble
Coyle School of Irish Dance
Give & Take Circus
MINAS
Kala JoJo "Tall Storyteller"
GAMP Concert Choir
GAMP 130-member Marching Band

and much, much, more!

May 18, 2012 Francisco Mela at Art After Five at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Cuban-born drummer Francisco Mela is a favorite among jazz’s elite instrumentalists, including Joe Lovano, John Scofield, and McCoy Tyner, all of whom cite his charisma, sophistication, and life-affirming spirit as an extension of his incredible talents as a composer and drummer.
Free after museum admission ($16. for nonmembers)

May 17, 2012 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM "African Dance and Drum Histories" at PFP

What is your story of African dance and drum in Philadelphia? Be part of a project to document important cultural history.
May 17, 2012, 2 - 8 PM
PFP, 735 S. 50th Street
Refreshments. Free.

Contribute to an exhibition documenting Philadelphia’s rich histories of African dance, drum and culture, a collaboration between PFP, the Community Education Center and local artists. What is your story? How did you find this path? How has the journey changed you? Who have been important teachers and mentors? Who (and what) should be remembered? Share your experiences. Help fill out a timeline. View historic images, and bring your own images to scan on the spot. Visit and enjoy refreshments at this day-long open house. RSVPs appreciated but not required: 215-726-1106.

May 15, 2012 6:00 PM Wine and Cheese Social at Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas

Wine And Cheese Event
Let's Celebrate Community & Partnerships together....over wine!
May 15, 2012 | 6pm | 1417 North 2nd Street,Philadelphia, PA
We couldn't do what we have done for the last 21 years without all of you! Each year we share the beauty and diversity of Latino arts & culture and we reach more than 25,000 people! It is because of your partnership with Raices and your desire to continue to support the creative economy of Latin America. At our STRONG ROOTS Wine & Cheese Social, we will celebrate COMMUNITY and we want you to join us!
RSVP today, so that you can join us as we network in fellowship at:
http://raices.eventbrite.com. The details are above, however, for more information please e-mail: ddumpson@raicesculturales.org.

May 13, 2012 12:00 Noon Mother's Day Brunch with Minas at World Cafe Live PHL

Orlando Haddad and Patricia King formed Minas in 1978 at North Carolina School of the Arts to bring Brazilian music to stateside audiences. They proceeded to play all over the eastern US before going back to their musical roots in Brazil, where they entertained, traveled extensively and recorded their first album, Num Dia Azul.

Today Minas is one of the most sought after Brazilian bands in the United States. Minas is built upon the duo's multiple talents as vocalists, instrumentalists and composers with an impressive grasp of the whole range of Brazilian musical idioms.

Artist’s Website


Sunday, May 13, 2012
Event Seating 11am | Show 12pm
Upstairs Live

Tickets
$15 + processing fees

May 10-12 8 PM and May 13 3:00 PM "Skins and Songs" at The Painted Bride Art Center: An Epic History-Making Musical Event!!!

Skins & Songs : Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra meets Phillip Hamilton’s Voices to deliver an evening of original works.
This trailer is a tiny sampling of what you'll hear.
Thurs-Sat, May 10-12 | 8pm
$30 in advance, $35 day of show ( but don't wait until the last minute; they do sell out)
Don’t miss this opportunity to exercise your inherent right to share values with others in the world, to witness the strength and beauty produced when human diversity prevails, and to feel the universal force which channels through and connects us all.

Revered regionally, respected nationally for their extraordinary live performances, SPOKEN HAND has championed the organic unification of music culture traditions from around the world for 16 years. They compose completely original arrangements and present a unique sound to audiences, “the kind of rhythmic extravaganza you can listen to all day, every day, forever,” hails Philadelphia City Paper. PHILIP HAMILTON’S VOICES is an a cappella ensemble which presents a natural, masterful merger of international vocal tones and techniques. "Voices" will be joined by Philadelphia's own Giovanna Robinson. These two distinct groups join creative forces to offer audiences a ground-breaking presentation of compositional works inspired by an array of cultural and musical influences.

Find your center. Listen to the voices in your mind. Feel the rhythms in your heart. Be inspired and take flight with Skins & Songs!
Tips on Getting to the Bride

We thought it would be helpful to give you a few suggestions/tips on getting here for Skins & Songs.
Located at 230 Vine Street, one block north under the Ben Franklin bridge, the Bride is positioned on a residential block between Old City and Northern Liberties. Look for the large building with mosaic tile façade (pretty hard to miss).

The easiest and most affordable way to travel to the Bride is public transportation. Septa bus routes No. 17, 33, 44, and 48 run East to West on Market Street and No. 57 runs North on 3rd Street and South on 4th Street.

If you plan to drive, plan to leave early!

If this is your first trip to the Bride, you need to know street parking is limited and sometimes very frustrating. We recommend that you give yourself an additional 25 minutes time for street parking to ensure you arrive with ease and on time. If you plan to use a parking garage, we still suggest that you leave earlier than later. Click this link to find a google map of several parking destinations conveniently located in walking proximity to the Bride. Note: If you are looking for a nice parking discount and don't mind walking a few blocks the AutoPark at Independence Mall Garage, 41 North 6th Street, has a $5 flat rate parking on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There will be concessions provided by Leotah's Place, so bring some cash to get some tasty treats before the show.

See you at the Bride!

May 11, 2012 7:30 PM Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours at AMLA

AMLA Latin School for the Performing Arts 191 W. Hunting Park Ave

The Latin Quarter Jazz Movement featuring:

Papo Vazquez and The Might Pirates Troubadours

Grammy Nominee and Jazz Master Papo Vazquez returns to Philadelphia with an electrifying concert that will make you stand up and dance to his horn. His melodic approach to Jazz redefines the structures of improvisation which highlights his Puerto Rican roots taking Jazz as we know it to new heights.

The night opens with a short set by AMLA's Youth Latin Jazz Ensemble who has worked with Mr. Vazquez for a few weeks to perform some of his own compositions.

celebrate the vision, cultivate the sound, join the movement

AMLA is a subsidiary of Esperanza
Tickets: $15. in advance; $20. at the door (if there are any left)

May 5, 2012 7:00-10:00 PM Recital at Croatan Studio of African Drumming, African Dancing, Belly Dancing, and Unidos da Filadelfia Brazilian drumming ensemble

5/5 – CROATAN STUDIO RECITAL!!!Recital 2012
Full student recital from all classes!
Themed cultural music, dance and food!! Get ready to celebrate diversity and the wisdom of the old ways in our yearly bash that highlights what we all are learning at Croatan!! Tell all your family and friends to come, as this is the students time to shine!

@ 2007 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA. 19125
7–to 10pm
$10 (if you are not a participating student)includes free potluck refreshments

May 4, 2012 Cinco de Mayo Party with Crisol at Art After Five at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Magdaliz and Her Latin Band Crisol (Spanish for “melting pot”) has been performing in the Philadelphia area since 1997. This Latin ensemble is dedicated to the interpretation of folk and traditional music from Latin America. Dance the night away to Puerto Rican boleros, Cuban sones, Mexican mariachi music, Colombian cumbias, and Dominican merengues. This program is supported by the Mexican Cultural Center