Vertical Current, co-presented by J. Michael Harrison, host of WRTI’s The Bridge, celebrating Harrison’s 30 years in radio
Jazz performance featuring ensemble Vertical Current, as part of Painted Bride’s Jazz on Market event series.
Doors at 4:30PM.
Tickets: $20
This performance and workshop program, by renowned percussionist Dendê Macêdo, uses instruments he made from found materials to deliver a message about protecting our environment through reuse and recycling. For preschool and school-aged children.
Philadelphia City Institute
1905 Locust Street (19th & Locust on W. Rittenhouse Square)
Philadelphia, PA 19103-5730
215-685-6621
Join Karen Smith and the Free Library's Music Department for another season of percussion and drum workshops every third Saturday of the month!
Program starts at 12:00 PM, drop in anytime before 1:30 PM! Musicians at any skill level are welcome and encouraged.
Reserve your spot for these FREE workshops here: tinyurl.com/flp-percussion4
Professional percussionist Karen Smith is founder, artistic director and lead percussionist of The Karen Smith Experience and Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collectives. A Pew Fellow, Ms. Smith has collaborated with artists, production companies, studios, breast cancer awareness researchers and more, and is the recipient of Leeway Foundation' Art and Change, and Illuminate the Arts grants
Music Department, Free Library of Philadelphia
Parkway Central Library, First Floor
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
May 18, 2024 – 7:30 pm
Steve Green: Return of the Griot’s Groove
$35
Return of the Griot’s Groove: The power of the Drum
The program takes a musical journey through the origin of African American Music while reflecting on the historical and cultural experiences that birthed the creation of this great art form. The Music, dance and poetry that would rise from the ashes of oppression to captivate and change the entire world. Return of the Griots Groove is American History. Return of the Griots Groove is our history.
Combining live musical performances with video, dance and poetry. Told in the tradition of the Griots of West Africa. We will walk through historical events that took place and the music that evolved as a result. We will focus on the power of the drums as we demonstrate how the times affected the music and the music affected the times. From the guttural moans of despair to celebratory shouts of the hallelujah chorus, we will walk through the story of the African American diaspora.
Beginning with the drums of West Africa. To the slave songs of secret communication. Through the Negro spirituals that sustained. Then to the birth of the Blues and to New Orleans for the birth of Jazz. Next the evolution of Rhythm and blues and Rock and roll. Then the celebration of Soul, Funk and the ONE. Culminating in the explosion of Hip-hop. The power of the drum is central in all forms of African American music. We celebrate the pride and achievements of a people who continue to rise above a system designed to kill their spirit and the music that continues to flow from the soul of America. This is the return of the Griots Groove.
Tickets: $35
Join us for another SONIC TRIFECTA at Harmonie Hall - this time featuring 72nd-generation Kora player, @youbacissokho and high-vibe musicians and song carriers @fayeadindamusic and @yonestad!
Jaya Kava will be serving non-alcoholic herbal elixirs and vegan treats all night long.
THE MAIN ACT: Youba the Kora Player
The kora, or a type of harp made from a calabash gourd, was commissioned by West African kings to recount songs of folklore and love. Youba fluently plays this traditional Mandinka and Wolof music as well as a modern style made up of jazz, reggae, and Afro beats. His lilting sound and expansive range comes from a lifelong exposure to a rich musical diversity. His father is Issa Cissokho, the saxophone player for the legendary world music group Orchestra Baobab, which blended Latin and Caribbean music with West African styles.
OPENING MUSICIAN : Yoni
Yoni tickles soundwaves for the sake of building community, growing love and freeing our feelings. And because it feels SO GOOD! He brings a long history of song-leading in ceremonial music and jam bands. Yoni went around the world on a boat, lived 250 feet aloft in ancient redwoods, started two summer camps, and is an anchor in the NW Philly creative community. He brings his whole self to you, from the silly to the sublime — get excited!
SONG CIRLCE : Faye Adinda
Tap into the magic of singing in community with “Singing in Love” festival co-founder Faye Ma! Singing sacred songs together can be an unbelievably ecstatic experience of healing and belonging.
Tickets: $22 - $55 sliding scale
Harmonie Hall
4372 Fleming St, Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA
5201 Parkside Avenue
Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA 19131
