July 17, 2025 5:30-8:30PM Orquesta El Macabeo at Taller Puertorriqueño

 

Orquesta El Macabeo 

Mural Arts and CAICU are partnering with Taller Puertorriqueño for an evening of salsa on Thursday, July 17, featuring music by Orquestra el Macabeo and an interactive performance by dance duo Elian Gomez and Ashley Rivera.

Join us for music, dancing, and a pop-up by Amy’s Pastelillos, with special guest Wanda Raimundi Ortiz of the upcoming Mural Arts project Vamonos pa’l Monte.

One of the incredible sensations of the current Puerto Rican salsa scene, Orquesta el Macabeo recovers the island salsa tradition to update it with new ideas and the energy of its eleven musicians, with backgrounds in punk rock, ska, and reggae. Formed in 2008, with almost 10 years playing all over the world, they present us with their 4th studio album: La Maldicion del timbal, or The curse of the timbal. Their plan: revindicate the authentic heavy heavy sound of the Salsa Gorda with its sound and lyrics that tell stories about real life to which anyone can relate.

This program is part of CAICU, an ongoing socially engaged public art and cultural organizing series led by Philadelphia-based curator Marángeli Mejía-Rabell and artist Celso González in Philadelphia’s Norris Square neighborhood and Loiza, Puerto Rico.

Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133

Free admission

July 16, 2025 5:00-8:00PM Garden Jams at Penn Museum: Vertical Current

 

In July we jam! Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series returns! Live music with a low-key, high-chill, al fresco scene in Stoner Courtyard at the rose-gold hour.

Known for their exceptional musicianship and genre-blending sound, Vertical Current fuses jazz, funk, soul, and gospel into an electrifying musical experience. Their performances are rich with energy, groove, and improvisation, captivating audiences wherever they play. Since their formation, Vertical Current has been a driving force in the Philadelphia music scene, lighting up festivals, concert halls, and intimate venues alike. Their albums Bright Side of Midnight (2014), After Midnight (2017), and The Future Is Bright (2021) are available on Bandcamp.com and streaming platforms.

Tickets: $15 

3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

---

215.898.4000

July 13, 2025 11:00AM-5:00PM Barnes on the Block - Block Party

 

11am – 5pm

Gallery Access

See the Barnes collection and From Paris to Provence: French Painting at the Barnes. Registration is required for gallery access and opens at 10am on Thursday, July 10. Walk-ups are welcome as capacity allows.

Noon – 4pm

Art Activities

• Contribute to a community mural led by Mural Arts Philadelphia
• Get a personalized poem by Marshall James Kavanaugh, Queen Phierce, and Christopher KP Brown
• Participate in a group sculpture with the Clay Studio’s Claymobile
• Make a collage in Collage Philadelphia’s “Postcards from Provence” workshop
• Experiment with cochineal paint with artists LEMUS and Ivonne Pinto García
• Create a print with Second State Press
• Learn, create, and play with Smith Memorial Playground
• Paint your neighborhood with Fleisher Art Memorial

Noon – 5pm

Performances

Local DJs and performers bring the vibrant sounds of Philadelphia to the Parkway.

• Noon – 4pm: DJ sets & breakdancing with TAMEARTZ
• Noon – 5pm: DJ sets with DJ Nash
• Noon: Performance by Canpatlaneci
• 12:30 & 1:30pm: Performances by Batala Philly (in photo above)
• 2 & 3:30pm: Performances by Mutya Philippine Dance Company
• 2:30pm: Performance by The Philadelphia Suns
• 3pm: Special dance performance with TAMEARTZ featuring Project Positive

Location

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215.278.7000

Get directions

July 11, 2025 7:00-10:00PM Salsa & Bachata Dance Party at Love Park with Orquesta del Barrio

 

July 11, 2025 8:30PM Viernes Calientes - Juntas Chicas at World Cafe Live

 

Born from the creative vision of multi-genre performers Julia del Palacio and Claudia Valentina, Juntas Chicas is a groundbreaking female-fronted project that merges traditional Mexican music with contemporary influences, reflecting the duo's experiences in New York’s diverse cultural landscape. Juntas Chicas unites New York’s finest jazz and folk musicians to blend son jarocho, rancheras, and norteño with jazz, cumbia, and flamenco. The result is a captivating musical tapestry that celebrates a rich diversity of musical traditions while pushing boundaries into exciting new territory. Cultures cross-pollinate and creative expression transcends boundaries. By infusing the folkloric heritage they inherited with the boundless influences of the artistic melting pot they call home, Juntas Chicas has forged a bold, refreshingly modern sound that is unmistakably their own. Learn more at www.juntaschicas.com.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Doors: 6pm | Show: 8:30pm

 The Lounge at World Cafe Live

This event is FREE, no tickets required! Reservations are highly encouraged.

VENUE INFO – PLEASE READ!

July 9, 2025 5:00-8:00PM Garden Jams at Penn Museum: West Philadelphia Orchestra

 

In July we jam! Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series returns! Live music with a low-key, high-chill, al fresco scene in Stoner Courtyard at the rose-gold hour.

Known for stellar musicianship and dynamic live shows, West Philadelphia Orchestra (WPO) is a brass band inspired by the Romani brass “orkestras” and “fanfares” of Eastern Europe. The band’s sound is large, loud, and extremely danceable. WPO began as a village band for their neighborhood in 2006, performing at parks, rocking street festivals, and collaborating with community theaters. Their albums WPO (2008),  Live at Tritone (2012), and Tour de Filli (2016) are available on Bandcamp.com and streaming platforms.

Tickets: $15

3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

---

215.898.4000

July 6, 2025 8:00-11:00PM Un Toque de Cache at Morgan's Pier

 

Dance to a live salsa band Monday night at Morgan's Pier, with Un Toque de Cache.

221 N. Columbus Blvd

Philadelphia, PA

small cover charge after 8:00PM

July 6, 2025 3:00-6:00PM Philly Roda de Samba e Choro at The Black Squirrel Club

 

The first Sunday of every month is "Philly Roda de Samba e Choro". Taking place in the intimate back lounge at Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown, it's a celebration of Brazilian culture with live music, dancing, food and drink!  Last month's debut was a truly special experience and we're so excited for the return of the Roda!  Spend your Sunday afternoon sipping delicious caipirinhas while gathered round the finest musicians from Philly and beyond as they explore some of the most captivating rhythms and melodies on earth! Samba is community, Samba is a way of life! Come, experience Samba! Every first Sunday.  Guest musicians will be Mark Stehle, vocalist Fernanda Bravo, and guitarist Cesar Garabini.

$10 cover

Doors open 3pm

The Black Squirrel Club

1049 Sarah St.

Philadelphia, PA

July 5, 2025 5:00-6:30PM Intro to Frame Drumming at Studio 34

 

Would you like to learn the art of the frame drum? In a world full of rushing, disconnection, and chaos, the frame drum – the world’s oldest instrument – can be an amazing antidote. This class will soothe your nervous system, shift you into a more connected way of being, and strengthen your own inner rhythm. Frame drumming together creates a sense of community! This class is an introduction to the upright style of the frame drum, the most ancient way of playing the drum. No musical experience is required. Expect to learn the basic strokes and a couple of rhythms to play.

 

Workshop runs 90 mins.

Cost to attend: Earlybird $20 until July 1 / $25 Regular

Maximum attendees: 10 

 

Note: Instructor will have frame drums available for use during the class; these can be purchased directly if interested.

 

Natanya Apfelbaum has devoted herself to studying and playing the frame drum since she discovered it; this instrument connects her to a deep pulse of life. For two years, she studied in Sicily, focusing on frame drumming and dance. She is a deep aficionado of the path of the drum and is excited to build community through this beautiful instrument.

 

 Register:https://events.humanitix.com/frame-drumming-an-intro-for-beginners

Studio 34

4522 Baltimore Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19143

July 5, 2025 1:00-3:00PM Famadou Konate Tribute (Drum Class with M'Bemba Bangora) at The Nile Cafe

Famadou Konate Tribute (Drum Class with M'Bemba Bangora)

Sat, Jul 5th, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00 PM EDT

The Nile Cafe, Philadelphia, PA

DRUM CLASS WITH M'BEMBA

Famoudou Konaté is a Malinké master drummer from Guinea. Famoudou Konaté is a virtuoso of the djembe drum and its orchestra. One of only a handful of initiated masters of the Malinké drumming tradition, Famoudou is universally respected as one of the world's premiere djembe master drummers. He has dedicated his life to performing and preserving the music of his people, helping to elevate the djembe orchestra from its traditional roots to worldwide popularity. Famadou is currently 85 years old. 

Saturday will include a Master Drum Class with M’Bemba Bangora from 1:00pm-3:00pm $20, 4:00pm-5:30pm a screening of Famadou Konate’s film The King of Djembe, open to the public with donations given directly to Famadou Konate, and from 7:00pm - 8:40pm $20 a drum presentation from Baba Karamogo “Ira Bond’” community drum class and a presentation from M’Bemba Bangora, Malidelphia and the mask Konden. This Ticket Leap is for the concert only. 

Tickets: $20 + $1.40 fee

The Nile Cafe

6008 Germantown Ave.

Philadelphia, PA  19144

215 843 6453

July 5, 2025 7:00-9:30PM Famoudou Konaté Tribute at the Nile Cafe

 

Famoudou Konaté is a Malinké master drummer from Guinea. Famoudou Konaté is a virtuoso of the djembe drum and its orchestra. One of only a handful of initiated masters of the Malinké drumming tradition, Famoudou is universally respected as one of the world's premiere djembe master drummers. He has dedicated his life to performing and preserving the music of his people, helping to elevate the djembe orchestra from its traditional roots to worldwide popularity. Famadou is currently 85 years old. 

Saturday will include a Master Drum Class with M’Bemba Bangora from 1:00pm-3:00pm $20, 4:00pm-5:30pm a screening of Famadou Konate’s film The King of Djembe, open to the public with donations given directly to Famadou Konate, and from 7:00pm - 8:40pm $20 a drum presentation from Baba Karamogo “Ira Bond’” community drum class and a presentation from M’Bemba Bangora, Malidelphia and the mask Konden. This Ticket Leap is for the concert only. 

Tickets for concert $20 + $1.40 fee

The Nile Cafe

6008 Germantown Ave

Philadelphia, PA  19144

215-843-6453

July 5, 2025 1:00PM Famadou Konate Tribute featuring Baba Ira's Community Class, M" Bemba Bangora, and Malidelphia

 

Famoudou Konaté is a Malinké master drummer from Guinea. Famoudou Konaté is a virtuoso of the djembe drum and its orchestra. One of only a handful of initiated masters of the Malinké drumming tradition, Famoudou is universally respected as one of the world's premiere djembe master drummers. He has dedicated his life to performing and preserving the music of his people, helping to elevate the djembe orchestra from its traditional roots to worldwide popularity. Famadou is currently 85 years old.

The event participation and guidance from M'Bemba Bangora. Born in Guinea, West Africa, M'Bemba Bangoura began drumming at a very young age. He learned the traditional music and dance styles of his village early in his life, and it has remained the primary focus of his life for over 50 years. By the age of fourteen, he had displayed such a high level of skill and artistry that he was invited to join the nation’s capital city ballet, The Ballet of Conakry. The ballet was a formal training ground for him where he became lead drummer and was recognized as a rising star in the city’s drumming community. M'Bemba was excited to be a part of this project to give honor to Famadou, whom he has much respect.

Saturday will include a Master Drum Class with M’Bemba Bangora from 1:00pm-3:00pm $20, 4:00pm-5:30pm a screening of Famadou Konate’s film The King of Djembe, open to the public with donations given directly to Famadou Konate, and from 7:00pm - 8:40pm $20 a drum presentation from Baba Karamogo “Ira Bond’” community drum class and a presentation from M’Bemba Bangora, Malidelphia and the mask Konden.

Drum Class https://www.ticketleap.events/.../famadou-konate-tribute...

Concert
https://www.ticketleap.events/.../famadou-konate-tribute