Art Sanctuary Presents The 28th Annual Celebration of Black Writing 

May 21 - June 2

View festival schedule for location and times. 

The 28th Annual Celebration of Black Writing brings together noted journalists, writers and performance artists from across the U.S. for 13 days of literary discussions, workshops, film screening, performances and of course Art Sanctuary's signature Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony. In honor of the 2012 festival theme, "Growing From Good To Great", the award will be presented to Jet and Ebony Magazines!   

This year's festival is packed with tons of amazing events celebrating the contributions of the black literary community, including a public conversation with artist and cultural planner Theaster Gates and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art curator Naomi Beckwith; Philly Youth Rising: Standing on the Shoulders’ - with performances by the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement, 215 Spoken Soul, and In the Company of Poets, and a panel of female “chic lit” authors including Aliya S. King, author of Platinum and Diamond Life. 

An event of this magnitude can only happen in Philly. So don't miss out on this informative, entertaining and inspiring one-of-a-kind celebration!

You can get more information here. 

Danny Simmons at AAMP

Wednesday, May 23 

6 - 9 p.m. 

African American Musuem in Philadelphia 

701 Arch Street

Partnering with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Florcy Morisset presents an intimate evening with author, painter, philanthropist, and curator Danny Simmons. The brother of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, Danny will be reading and signing his latest book,  Deep in Your Best Reflection - Poems in 160 Characters. 

The evening with also include a special performance by the talented poets of Spoken Soul 215.  You can register for this exciting (and FREE) event by clicking here.  

Sittin’ In With Jeff Bradshaw

Wednesday, May 30

8 p.m.

Kimmel Center – Commonwealth Plaza

300 S. Broad St.

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Philly’s own Mr. Trombone has been making some sweet noise everywhere with his new album, Bone Appétit. He’ll being raising the volume even higher as he hosts one of the hottest anticipated Sittin’ In jam sessions at the Kimmel Center. First, Jeff will give us a taste of some of the talented musicians in his crew. Then, the night will close out with up and coming artists rockin’ the mic with their own flavor. We’re hype! This is a jam session you won’t want to miss.

Get more info here. And, check out our recap below from the Bone Appétit album release party at Ms. Tootsie's!

Insider tip: Make sure you grab a copy Jeff Bradshaw’s hot new album from Sound of Market.