Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
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James’ Arts & Culture Revival: Behind The Scenes Of Paris When It Sizzled
James’ Arts & Culture Revival:
Behind The Scenes Of Paris When It Sizzled
This week I caught up with Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Jeri Lynne Johnson for a special behind-the-scenes look as the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra prepared for their upcoming show Paris - When It Sizzled. This multicultural orchestra is a Philadelphia treasure and personal favorite, not only for the extraordinary music they produce but also because they truly reflect the rich diversity and creative energy that we all love about our town.
Check out the video below to see the interview with Jeri Lynne Johnson and a sneak preview of Black Pearl’s rehearsal for Paris - When It Sizzled. Don't forget to get your tickets!
James’ Arts & Culture Revival: Au Revoir, Paris! Final PIFA Picks
James’ Arts & Culture Revival:
Au Revoir, Paris! Final PIFA Picks
It’s hard to believe PIFA is in its final week already—but in true Philly style it’s going out with an explosion of art, concerts, events and the best entertainment from around the globe. So check out my final PIFA Picks and get out there and enjoy the moment before it’s too late.
Paris - When It Sizzled
Thursday, April 28
7:30 p.m.
211 South Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Jeri Lynne Johnson and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra explore the impact of “hot” jazz on the emerging modern styles of two of Paris’ most iconic composers—Igor Stravinsky and Darius Milhaud. Master jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and members of the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass join the musical journey that will take the audience from Paris to Harlem and back again. Don’t miss out on this exciting evening of music!
Paris Til’ Sunday
Friday, April 29 through Sunday May, 1
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
As part of its 35th Anniversary, the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) presents a weekend of legendary and emerging jazz artists with outdoor performances, headline acts, strolling musicians and much more. Jazz ‘Til Sunrise will feature two stages of continuous jazz being played from 10:30 p.m. Saturday night ‘til 5 a.m. Sunday morning! With artists like Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Orrin Evans, Gerald Veasley and Jimmy Heath on the lineup—this is sure to be a tremendous weekend of music.
PIFA Street Fair
Saturday, April 30
11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
South Broad Street (From Chestnut to Lombard Streets)
Philadelphia, PA
Who wouldn’t like to visit Paris in springtime? Well now you can experience all of the wonders and joy of Paris for free right here in Philly. Stop by the PIFA Street Fair and watch The Avenue of the Arts transform into a Parisian fantasy complete with French street vendors, two stages, street performers and a giant Ferris Wheel. The day will culminate with a breathtaking aerial routine with performers suspended 100 feet in the air by the internationally acclaimed Compagnie Transe Express. And don't miss the unforgettable performance by the incomparable Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings!
Jazz at Lincoln Center With Wynton Marsalis
Sunday, May 01
3 p.m.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts - Verizon Hall
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Led by incomparable trumpeter-composer Wynton Marsalis, the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra brings PIFA to a close with a breathtaking French-influenced program. This concert will be a great way to tie together all of your Parisian experiences with an afternoon of remarkable music in the venue that inspired it all—the Kimmel Center.
Rakia's Style Nation: Exclusive Q+A With Boris Kodjoe
Rakia's Style Nation:
Exclusive Q+A With Boris Kodjoe
On Monday afternoon--around 12:43 p.m. to be exact (but who was looking at the clock waiting for Boris Kodjoe to call, not me)--I had the opportunity to talk with Boris Kodjoe about him hosting The Last Party in Paris, a Parisian party like no other hosted by Rockstar Entertainment as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.
Rakia: What was your reaction when you were first asked to host The Last Party in Paris?
Boris: Well, I was really excited! Philadelphia is a place that is rich with culture, history, and art, so I am always happy to experience things like this first hand. I am even more excited that the weather is going to be really warm when I return, so the party will really be good.
Rakia: There are a lot of ladies anticipating your arrival Mr. Kodjoe.
Boris: (laughs) Really?
Rakia: Why do you think it’s fitting to have a festival that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and creativity in Philadelphia?
Boris: People in Philadelphia are so deep, and there is so much talent that comes out of Philadelphia. From the music, to food, to independent artists, Philadelphia is a happening place with great energy. I always enjoy my time in Philadelphia.
Rakia: So did you hear about the Eiffel Tower that was rebuilt inside of the Kimmel Center?
Boris: No, no one told me about that! Ok now, I am really excited! I want to see that!
Rakia: Ok so Boris, you have to tell me some behind the scenes info. What’s your favorite hotel to stay in when you are in Philadelphia?
Boris: I think the last hotel I stayed in was the Bellevue. I stay in sooooo many hotels so it’s hard for me to remember names. I do remember the Banana Republic being down the street and the lounge downstairs. I really liked that hotel. But I do love Philly. I have a lot of fun there. I have gone to see my boy Kevin Hart and his comedy show at the Tower [Theater] and that was fun.
Rakia: What’s your favorite place to eat when you are in Philly?
Boris: Oh I go to this one soul food place! Whenever I am in Philadelphia, my man, Charlie Mack takes me to Ms. Tootsie's. I always order the same thing because it’s so good, barbeque chicken, corn and green beans.
Rakia: So Boris, I love to talk about fashion, and it’s only fitting for me to ask what you are wearing to the party on Friday?
Boris: [Out loud chuckle] Are you seriously asking me this question? Men don’t care. We just look in our closet and pull out a shirt and pants. I’m joking. I am going to wear a custom ALFA shirt and ALFA suit.
Rakia: I have heard all about your new line of clothing. Tell me what inspired you to do the line.
Boris: Well growing up my brother and I couldn’t afford luxury custom items and our arms were so long, we needed custom clothing. I decided that I wanted to provide that to people. You can go online [men and women] and create exactly what you like. You can even watch a little video that explains everything to you.
Rakia: Do you have any fun new projects putting you back in front of the screen?
Boris: I just shot a pilot with ABC. It’s like a younger version of the West Wing, so we’ll see. People can always check me out on boris-world.com and check out the clothing line at worldofalfa.com.
Rakia: And your Twitter handle is?
Boris: Uhh what’s that? (laughs) No, it’s @BorisKodjoe.
You can still get your tickets to the Last Party in Paris here.
It all goes down on Friday, April 29 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. See you there!
James’ Arts & Culture Revival: PIFA - The Lockdown Recap, Les Nubians & More!
James’ Arts & Culture Revival:
PIFA - The Lockdown Recap, Les Nubians & More!
The Philly-Paris Lockdown:
I got a chance to catch The Philly-Paris Lockdown with ?uestlove on Sunday evening and it was nothing short of an amazing musical journey! Philly 360° Creative Ambassador ?uestlove and a dynamic group of musicians that included French singer Keren Ann and Philly 360° Creative Ambassador James Poyser, interpreted nine classical compositions - infusing them with jazz influences and the head-nodding beats we’ve come to expect from ?uest.
The Lockdown moved effortlessly from the most quiet and blissful moments with Keren Ann weaving in her sultry vocals to thrilling and erratic musical battles between legendary saxophonist David Murray and jazz pianist virtuoso D. D. Jackson. The concert ended with The Roots drummer bringing the house down with one of the sickest drum solos I’ve heard in my life! Together the band of The Philly-Paris Lockdown created an incredible and revolutionary moment in music that could only happen in Philly.
James' PIFA Picks:
The Phily-Paris Lockdown was a perfect example of the groundbreaking collaboration and artistry that PIFA is inspiring all over town. So checkout my PIFA Picks for this week and join the moment!
Free to Be: Voices of Family & Legacy Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 21
6 - 7:30 p.m. (reception to follow)
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
The African American Museum presents a discussion panel of descendants of some of the artists featured in the current exhibition, Free to Be. Through this conversation about the lives and legacies of Josephine Baker, Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Julian Abele, we hope to learn how these exceptional individuals live past photographs and films, dwelling in the memories of their families and the inspiration of their followers.
Panel:
- Jean-Claude Baker
- Susan Robeson
- Blanche Burton-Lyles
- Lewis Tanner Moore, Jr.
- Peter Cook
- Dr. Murali Balaji
Thursday, April 21
8:30 p.m.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Perelman Theatre
300 South Broad Street
GRAMMY®-nominated international recording artists Les Nubians have intrigued audiences for over a decade with their signature Afropean music styled with a steady flow of jazzy nuances, head-nodding beats and bass lines and conscious lyrics. Philly 360° Creative Ambassador AfroDJiak will spin at the after show party in the Kimmel’s Commonwealth Plaza to celebrate the phenomenal duo’s new release, Nu Revolution!
Friday, April 22,
7 p.m.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Join Vox Ama Deus as they present famous classical works that were thought to be intriguing and even rebellious during the early 20th century in Paris. The program includes Stravinsky’sRagtime and selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, which premiered in 1935 with a cast of classically trained African-American singers - a daring and visionary choice for the time!
Fourth Wall Art Salon: the Philadelphia Avant-Garde
Saturday, April 23
7:30 p.m.
NationalMuseumofAmericanJewishHistory
101 South Independence Mall East
Stop by this month’s Fourth Wall Art Salon to experience an exciting evening of visual and performance art, that will include 1940’s jazz dance legend Mable Lee, poetry by Philly 360 Creative Ambassador Ursula Rucker and much more! This is sure to be an amazing night of art and conversation in one of Philly’s newest cultural venues!
Paris on Our Minds/The Philadelphia Connection
Runs through Friday, August 5
9 a.m - 5 p.m.
CharlesL. Blockson Afro-AmericanCollection
Temple University Libraries
1st Floor, Sullivan Hall
1330 West Berks Street
Explore the Philadelphia/Paris connection with Paris on Our Minds, an exhibit of rare books, photographs, magazines and other unique artifacts that explore the experience of artists likeLangston Hughes, Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Dizzy Gillespie and many others. Take a trip back in time and explore the stories of Philadelphia’s most notable ambassadors to Paris and the world!
Tuesday, April 26
8 p.m.
KimmelCenterforthePerformingArt
Perelman Theater
300 South Broad Street
Prepare to be blown away as First Person Arts brings some of the nation’s top story slammers to show off their skills at Slam Nation. Centered on the theme of “Worldly Possessions,” story slammers will bring their A-game to tell gripping stories about their lives and uncover the things they treasure the most. Get your tickets today—it’s sure to be a “slam dunk!”
PIFA Underground Unveiled: Philly-Paris Lockdown After Show Party With Questlove, Rich Medina And AfroDJiak
PIFA Underground Unveiled:
Philly-Paris Lockdown After Show Party With Questlove, Rich Medina And AfroDJiak
Another unforgettable night in the underground was the Philly-Pairs Lockdown After Show Party with Rich Medina, Questlove and DJ AfroDJiak. This followed Questlove's Philly-Paris Lockdown in the Kimmel Center.
Check out the dance party that broke out in the Kimmel Center and what happened backstage. Watch the video here.
And check out the rehearsal footage with Questlove, Anthony Tidd, Larry Gold and more.
PIFA Underground Unveiled: Philadelphia Music Magazine Spring Showcase With Curt Chambers And MACH22
PIFA Underground Unveiled:
Philadelphia Music Magazine Spring Showcase With Curt Chambers And MACH22
The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) has an underground scene that's been going down all around the city.
Philadelphia Music Magazine Spring Showcase
It kicked off with Philly's own Curt Chambers, who is the Eminem's guitar player, MACH22, Chill Mood, DJ Bo Blitz and STS of the Money Making Jam Boys at L'Etage.
Watch the video below to see what it's like in the underground.
Questlove After Show Party
Next up in the underground was the Questlove after show party with Rich Medina, Questlove and DJ AfroDJiak. This followed Questlove's Philly-Paris Lockdown in the Kimmel Center.
Check out the dance party that broke out in the Kimmel Center and what happened backstage. Video coming soon!
Philly 360 Exclusive: A Piece of Heaven
Philly 360⁰ Exclusive: A Piece of Heaven
Old school meets new school in Rennie Harris Puremovement’s latest piece Heaven—a Parisian-inspired hip-hop dance performance that is part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Philly 360⁰ sat front and center at the rehearsal yesterday to give you a sneak peek of the piece. Choreographed by renowned dancer and Philly 360⁰ Creative Ambassador Rennie Harris, there’s one word to describe his new work—brilliant!
Check out the photo slideshow for a taste of Heaven.
The show starts tonight and goes on until Sunday at the Kimmel Center. It’s a performance you won’t want to miss, so get your tickets today!
Philly 360 Exclusive: Questlove Breaks Down Sunday’s Philly-Paris Lockdown
Philly 360⁰ Exclusive: Questlove Breaks Down Sunday’s Philly-Paris Lockdown
For those of you who have been waiting for more of the scoop on The Philly-Paris Lockdown, Philly 360⁰’s got the lowdown.
Some of today’s most talented musicians collaborated to bring a sensational hip-hop/jazz/classical mash-up performance to the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Philly 360 Creative Ambassador ?uestlove, Keren Ann, Philly 360 Creative Ambassador James Poyser, David Murray and others rehearsed for the first time yesterday after working on the piece virtually for over a year. The Studio was yesterday’s hot spot as several media outlets came to watch these musical gems put a new spin on Parisian classics.
It was—well, you had to be there! Actually, we've got you covered there too. Check out the pictures below. And watch the video to see Questlove breakdown the lockdown.
The rehearsal became a who’s who of Philly’s creative scene, as many were intrigued by the idea of blending all three musical styles. So, if you want to see what everyone’s been buzzing about, get your tickets today!
And, check out the free PIFA Underground After Show Party with ?uestlove, Rich Medina and DJ AfroDJiak.
Philly 360° Exclusive: Behind The Scenes Of Questlove's Philly-Paris Lockdown Rehearsal
Philly 360° Exclusive:
Behind The Scenes Of ?uestlove's Philly-Paris Lockdown Rehearsal
We're live blogging from the legendary Philly music spot, Larry Gold's The Studio, and taking you behind the scenes of ?uestlove's rehearsal of the Philly-Paris Lockdown as it's happening.
You may think you know ?uestlove of The Roots, but you've never seen him like this. And, we've got the lowdown on the lockdown happening this Sunday, April 17, as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA).
All of the artists working on this piece just came together for the first time to rehearse for Sunday's performance. Keep checking back as we post more exclusive coverage throughout the day.
Check out the photos we just snapped of the crew coming together.
Update: The rehearsal just started!
Update: ?uestlove about to do his thing on the drums!
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get even more updates!
And, look out for our video documenting the rehearsal.
The Philly-Paris Lockdown:
PIFA mixes the artistic energy of Paris from the early 1900s with Philly's modern creative class. In the Philly-Paris Lockdown, the City of Brotherly Love intertwines with the City of Love & Lights in what's best described as a classical-hip hop-jazz mash up. French songstress Keren Ann will be on stage with ?uestlove layering the music with words taken from Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Ezra Pound over reconstructed classical pieces by Stravinsky, Debussy, Sate, and Ravel. And did we mention, there will be an 18 member band? Like we said before, you've never seen ?uestlove like this.
Purchase tickets here.
The Major Players:
· Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson – Curator and Drummer
· Andrew Cyr - Conductor
· David Murray - Sax
· D.D. Jackson - Pianist/acoustic
· Pallavi Mahidhara - Pianist/acoustic
· Philly 360° Creative Ambassador James Poyser of The Roots - Keyboards
· Keren Ann - Singer/Songwriter
· Daniel Felsenfeld - Arranger
· Larry Gold - Arranger
· Anthony Tidd – Bass/Keyboards
· Derrick Hodge - Bass
James’ Arts and Culture Revival: Catch PIFA Fever
James’ Arts and Culture Revival:
Catch PIFA Fever
Philly has officially caught the PIFA fever! I’ve seen it all over town, from crowds flowing in and out of the Kimmel Center to brave souls lining up for trapeze classes with Fly City. Check out my weekend PIFA Picks below and get out there to see something new and join the moment.
Heaven by Rennie Harris Puremovement
Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17
7:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
2:30 p.m (Saturday and Sunday)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Hip-hop dance legend and Philly 360⁰ Creative Ambassador Rennie Harris presents his new work inspired by the Stravinsky’s masterpiece, Rite of Spring. Heaven explores the popularization of hip-hop and will feature live music, Japanese motifs and multimedia anime elements.
Gallery Night
Friday, April 15
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Various Locations
Over 50 art galleries throughout the city will join the Gallery Night celebration by welcoming visitors with light fare and works of art from around the world. I definitely plan to stop by a few of my favorite galleries including Vivant Art Collection to catch Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Florcy Morriset’s show, Art Noir: The Parisian Embrace. Gallery Night is the perfect start to an exciting weekend.
The Green Fairy Cabaret
Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17
10 p.m (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
12 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Gravity-defying circus artists take you on a dazzling and comical trip performed overhead in one of Philadelphia’s most breathtaking rooftop spaces, the Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden. The daytime show is perfect for kids of all ages and adults can catch the evening show for special surprises, including a Green Fairy Absinthe Bar.
ART LIVE {A Reason to Live}: Wine & Jazz Affair
Sunday, April 17
4 p.m.
60 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Stop by Vivant Art Collection to join Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Florcy Morriset for a celebration of PIFA and Jazz Appreciation Month, featuring an original performance by bassist Warren Oree. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon in the heart of Gallery Row in Old City for an affair full of amazing jazz and art.
The Philly-Paris Lockdown with ?uestlove
Sunday, April 17
8 p.m.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Don't miss Philly 360° Creative Ambassador ?uestlove of The Roots and French singer-songwriter Keren Ann as they put a new spin on old-school Paris. The Philly-Paris Lockdown is an explosive concert that infuses modern instrumentation and hip-hop with the work of iconic period composers like Satie, Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky. Following the performance, catch ?uestlove spinning a mind-blowing DJ set along with fellow Philly 360⁰ Creative Ambassadors DJ Rich Medina and DJ Afrodjiak in the Perelman Theater.
Visit Pifa.org for a full listing of PIFA festivities.
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- Philly360: RT @uwishunu: 56 Hour Celebration: @The_Barnes is celebrating its opening with 56 hours of free access & activities this weekend: ht ...
- Posted May 24, 2012 5:12PM
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- Philly360: Video: Will Smith on the set of MIB3 http://t.co/xKfxl1h5
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- Philly360: Planning a family trip to Philly? Check out @MommyFactor's list of attractions: @TheFranklin @aampmuseum @phillyzoo http://t.co/HIQocJ31
- Posted May 24, 2012 4:54PM
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- Philly360: Enjoying lunch with @mommyfactor and @KyleenTheDiva at City Tavern!
- Posted May 24, 2012 1:37PM
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- Philly360: Have you toured the @muralarts African-American Iconic Images Collections? http://t.co/SNzJNo0g #withartphl
- Posted May 23, 2012 5:16PM
