Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for something unique to gift the people you love. And, there’s nothing better than a one-of-a-kind, handmade gift. Of course we always think about sending flowers, but what about a beautiful hand-pulled glass flower? Or instead of buying a great vase, why not take your mom to go and make one together? And you can sip Mimosa’s while you’re at it! Check out the great Mother’s Day festivities below.
Through Sunday, May 13
26 S. Strawberry St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 319-1887
$45 | 11 years old and up
I’ve always wanted to try glassblowing. I can’t wait to make a few flowers for the ladies in my life. They have great colors to choose from and the great part is it will only take about 15 minutes! (It will cool overnight and can be picked up the next day)
Insider tip: Still want something delivered to mom? You can also get the flowers delivered for $7 extra!
Sunday, May 13
139 N. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-3453
$65/ $60 members
If you’re looking for something fun and different to do with mom this Sunday, this may be the place to go. Grab your mom, friend and grandmother and enjoy a catered brunch with mimosas and learning to work with clay. Then you’ll get to create an original piece together to keep for years to come. (Allow 2 weeks for firing, glazing and shipping)
Spring is in full bloom, and Philly’s creative scene is bursting with energy. Now that we’ve breezed through the winter, it’s time to warm up with electrifying music, captivating art and more. Here’s what we’ll be getting into: partying on the Parkway during the opening of the Barnes Foundation, jammin’ to the original sounds of Esperanza Spalding and kickin’ it old school to the soulful classics of the Temptations and the Four Tops. There’s no place bringin’ it on quite like Philly.
Friday, May 4 – Tribute to Jimi Hendrix
Rock out to the year-long celebration of legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix as Philly celebrates what would have been his 70th birthday. Hosted by WRTI’s J. Michael Harrison, experience Jimi’s unforgettable legacy as renowned guitarists Charlie Ellerbee and Ornette Coleman take over the Woodmere Art Museum with an exhilarating tribute.
Celebrated Philly homegirl Santigold will be rockin’ the stage at the Trocadero Theatre. Make sure you grab her new album, Master of My Make Believe, when it drops on May 1!
Thursday, May 10 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
Get ready for a taste of Motown right here in Philly at the Keswick Theatre. We all know there’s no sound like the Philly sound, but who can resist sweet classics like Just My Imagination or Baby I Need Your Loving? It’s just in time for Mother’s Day, so get your tickets today.
Sunday, May 13 – Esperanza Spalding
She’s back and gracing the stage at the Electric Factory, in partnership with the Kimmel Center Presents. Esperanza Spalding brings the vibrant new sounds of her latest hit album, Radio Music Society.
Saturday, May 19 – Philadelphia On Parade
Featuring more than 800 performing artists—including Philly’s own Helen Bruner & Terry Jones, the Justin Faulkner Quartet and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra—Philadelphia on Parade is taking over five stages at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
Friday, May 25 – Jaguar Wright
Philly homegirl Jaguar Wright is giving World Café Live a taste of that irresistible, soulful voice. Fusing the sounds of Patti Labelle, Nina Simone and Mary J. Blige with her own flare, Jaguar always gives mind-blowing performances.
Insider tip: Keep your ears open for her new album. We hear it’s going to be better than ever!
Wednesday, May 30 – Sittin’ In with Jeff Bradshaw
Mr. Trombone has been making some sweet noise all around Philly, and he’s bringing some of that delicious flavor to the Kimmel Center. A jam session with Jeff Bradshaw will definitely be fly.
Insider tip: Make sure you check out Jeff’s hot new album, Bone Appétit!
Next up for Masters Behind the Music is the executive director of Jill Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation and founder of Jr. Music Executive, Aisha Winfield. If you don’t know her, allow us to introduce you—we’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love with her, too.
From a soulful brunch at Ms. Tootsie’s to cruisin’ on the Spirit of Philadelphia, there are plenty of ways to show mom some love on Mother’s Day. Take a look at our top picks for a fabulous Mother’s Day in Philly.
Philly 360˚ Exclusive: Jeff Bradshaw
Philly 360˚ was in the house during Jeff Bradshaw’s album release party celebrating his hot new project, Bone Appétit. With appearances by Kindred the Family Soul, Frank Knuckles of The Roots, Carol Riddick and more, Ms. Tootsie’s was jam-packed with Philly love. Check out the video recap.
Grand Opening: The Barnes Foundation
On May 19, Philly will welcome even more brilliant art to the Parkway with the opening of the Barnes Foundation. Known for its breathtaking collection of Impressionist and early Modern paintings, it’ll be the new cultural hot spot on the Parkway.
28th Annual Celebration of Black Writing
Art Sanctuary is doin’ it big this year with its one-of-a-kind Celebration of Black Writing festival. There will be a host of literary workshops, music showcases and film screenings—and did we mention that representatives of JET and Ebony magazines will be in the house? Block off your calendars from May 21 to June 2!
You can’t dig jazz without first appreciating Philly’s incomparable jazz legacy. From swing to bop to smooth jazz—you name it, Philly’s played it. Not to mention that the greats such as Lee Morgan, John Coltrane, Ethel Waters, the Heath Brothers, Dizzie Gillespie, Grover Washington, Christian McBride and many more have all embraced Philly as their hometown.
Not only is Philly’s jazz scene known for its talent, but also for the indescribable vibe that lives within each venue. So, we rapped about jazz with noted Philly bassist Warren Oree at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; pianist and Philly 360˚ Creative Ambassador Orrin Evans at SoleFood Restaurant; vocalist Sherry Wilson Butler at Relish; pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly at Time; and vocalist Samantha Rise at World Cafe Live. If the names don’t ring a bell, prepare to get schooled. They let us in on the evolution of jazz as a unique American art form, and our love for the sound is on a totally different level.
Check out our interview with some of today’s hottest jazz musicians in Philly!
I had a hard time selecting my Afro Pick for this weekend since there are two really great dance parties happening this weekend. And when I say really great, I mean dance-all-night-and-work-up-an-appetite-for-late-night-food type of great.
On one hand, there is the Philly hip-hop dance party staple - Bodyrock. And on the other hand, there is a fairly young party - Dutty Chutney.
With its bhangra, dancehall, sosa and reggae sound clash, our winner is Dutty Chutney!
This episode of Dutty Chutney boasts heavyweight resident DJs Mandip and M-Ski alongside guest DJ Kenny Meez of Federation Sound. There will also be a special performance from Fools Gold! Talk about a workout on the dance floor! The only other things needed are Jamaican patties and samosas. Actually, I’ve heard they are sometimes served there.
The damage to your pocket? Only five of the best dollars you’ve ever spent before midnight. So, see you on the dance floor!
Resident DJs Mandip and M-SKI
Alongside Kenny Meez from Federation Sound
Saturday, March 31
9 p.m.
$7 cover after midnight
The Philly Agenda is a brief listing of events in Philly’s nightlife scene. This week’s listing includes a mixture of live performance and dance parties hosted by some of my favorite local DJs. Be sure to check out my Afro Pick Of The Week to see where you might run into me on the dance floor!
Equinox 2012: Geogria Anne Muldrow, Dudley Perkins & Special Guests!
Wednesday, March 28
9 p.m.
1533 Ridge Avenue
$20 cover
Selina Carrera + Nikki Jean Live!
Friday, March 30
7 p.m.
421 N. 7th Street
$15 cover
Illvibe Collective in association w/ gL Productions presents BODYROCK
DJs Mr. Sonny James, Lil' Dave, Skipmode, Panek, Phillee Blunt + Phsh
Friday, March 30
1230 N Front Street
9 p.m.
$5 cover after 10 p.m.
Resident DJs Mandip and M-SKI
Alongside Kenny Meez from Federation Sound
Saturday, March 31
9 p.m.
$7 cover after midnight
Sunday, April 1
7 p.m.
$14 cover
Our friends at uwishunu.com launched a video series called Philly 101. They're creating 101 videos with Philadelphians asking them what they wish people knew about the city.
Today, they released a video with one of Philly's most accomplished dance talents - Sammy Reyes. Maybe you've taken one of his hip-hop classes at Koresh Dance Studio, or maybe you caught him when he trained with Rennie Harris. He also toured with and choreographed for Disney star Raven Symone. And, here's an insider fact - he also choreographed for newly named Creative Ambassador and Insterscope recording artist Cody Wise.
Now that you know a little bit about this talented Philadelphian, find out what he wishes you knew about Philly.
The Philly Agenda is a short event listing of the Philly nightlife scene brought to you by Philly 360 Creative Ambassador and Insider, DJ AfroDJiak.
Friday, March 23
10:00 p.m.
435 Spring Garden Street
$7 cover
Break Bread & U.City Present: Soulidified! A Tribute To Mary J. Blige
Friday, March 23
9 p.m.
3025 Walnut Street
$9+ cover
Place Your Art Here Presents: Phsh Tank! with music by DJ Phsh
Saturday, March 24
10:00 p.m.,
613 S. 4th Street
$5 cover
Sunday, March 25
7 p.m.
1400 South Columbus Blvd.
$20 advanced cover
Monday, March 26
8:00 p.m.
3025 Walnut Street
$10
Tuesday, March 27
8:00 p.m.
304 South Street
$5 cover
Kuf Knotz Presents The Boombox Collective
Wednesday, March 28
8:00 p.m.
3025 Walnut Street
Event is free
After Dark With AfroDJiak proudly presents The Afro Pick of the Week. Join me as I search high and low through Philly's nightclubs, theater shows, happy hours and dining deals to bring you my quality pick of the week. First up, Feladelphia at The Arts Garage (1533 Ridge Avenue).
The excitement of the musical, FELA!, has swept through the city! It has inspired a group of DJs to come together with a common goal and a week-long series, Feladelphia. It's currently in effect and after attending opening night at the Academy of Music and Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Rich Medina’s Jumpin’ Funk Afterparty, what else could my After Dark Afro Pick be? Catch me one day at The Arts Garage!
Feladelphia with Mr. Femstar
Thursday, March 22
6 p.m.
Feladelphia with DJ Aura
Friday, March 23
9 p.m.
Feladelphia with Lil Dave
Saturday, March 24
9 p.m.
Feladelphia with DJ Rocdaspot
Sunday, March 25
6 p.m
DJ AfroDJiak is our newest Philly 360° Insider. She will be covering Philly's nightlife.
After Dark with AfroDJiak will give you an inside-out peek into Philly’s intricate, urban nightlife scene. With its three components - The Philly Agenda, Afropicks and The Night Cap - you are guaranteed to be fully informed on what’s coming up, what’s going on and (even a behind-the-scenes look at) what you may have missed when it comes to Philly nightlife.
So pull out your iPhone, Blackberry or Google calendars, and let’s set some dates! We’ll see you on the dance floor, at happy hour, on the guest list or in the DJ booth!
AfroDJiak has become a fixture in the Philadelphia music and nightlife scene. She credits her success as an energetic deejay and producer to solid family roots, hard work, a faith-filled vision and determination. She was a guest personality and resident deejay on WPHL 100.3’s “Batcave Radio” with P-Funk, Dona D and Ruggedness.
AfroDJiak's media content company Kingsessing Media Group that publishes a digital periodical exploring the local music scene called Philadelphia Music Magazine. DJ AfroDJiak is also a 2011 Philly 360 Creative Ambassador. Watch her ambassador video below to get to know her a little bit better.
The legendary Sigma Sounds Studios opened the doors to their newly added sound stage for a cause that was all about the ladies, our young ladies. Philly 360˚ Creative Ambassador Black Thought introduced his first non profit, The GrassROOTS Community Foundation, to a welcoming Philly crowd in the best way possible, through the music. He brought together some of his most talented Philly friends including Creative Ambassadors DJ Rich Medina, DJ Questlove, DJ Diamond Kuts and Spanky McCurdy on the drums to bring awareness to the fight for young women's health.
Check out my interview as Black Thought explains why this would be his first cause, and how his partner Dr. Janice Johnson Dias helped him bring it all together.