Celebrating Sufi traditions, local author Kiley Reid, MoAR turns three, and weekend self-improvement

Since you’ve probably already finished all of Netflix and are halfway through Hulu, now is the time to start thinking more about what’s next after the pandemic. We still don’t know when that will be, and while that may sound disheartening, there’s still opportunity in this. PhillyCAM and Mt. Airy Learning Tree are offering online courses and trainings for you to finally get around to practicing that thing you’ve wanted to do for so long. Moore College is hosting a panel on access through the arts. And MoAR is celebrating its birthday with some DIY. A healthy serving of music and literature might be the backdrop of inspiration for you, too.

Be well, y’all. And if you’re feeling productive, too, then this roundup is especially for you.

Conversations at Moore

Thinking about how the current pandemic is going to affect not just the arts, but how they’re tied to public access? Moore College of Art & Design is hosting an online panel discussion with Philly-based thought leaders and culture workers on Thursday, April 16, at 1pm for a discussion around issues of access in the city, addressing real and perceived barriers, and implementing strategies for adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Register for the panel online.

Philadelphia Orchestra’s BeethovenNow

Running through April 18, the Philadelphia Orchestra is offering a week of virtual programming in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. The feature performance happens Thursday, April 16, at 8pm, when members of the Orchestra will perform a collection of movements by Beethoven. The show pops up alongside new and unreleased from the Orchestra, which you can check out online now.

Love is a rebellion

On Saturday, April 18 at 7:30pm, Intercultural Journeys is hosting an all-star ensemble of artists as they explore the world through the lens of Sufi traditions. Music and interviews curated from Turkish classical musicians Ertugrul and Aslihan Erkisi, Pakistani vocalist Umer Piracha, and poet Sham-e-Ali Nayeem blend together along with a live virtual concert and conversation with the artists.

MoAR turns three

On Sunday, April 19, join in as the Museum of the American Revolution celebrates its third birthday. A video presentation goes live on Facebook at 11am, telling compelling stories from the battles at Lexington and Concord. Sign a digital birthday card for a chance to win four tickets for when the museum opens up again, and celebrate away from the screen with recipes including a George Washington Whisky Cake and a rum shrub cocktail (or mocktail if that’s your wave) for a celebratory toast.

Also be sure to visit the museum’s virtual tour to explore the Lexington and Concord Gallery if you haven’t already!

Book club with Kiley Reid

Harriett’s Bookshop’s first virtual book club discussion arrives on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:30pm with local novelist Kiley Reid, who recently debuted her book Such a Fun Age. Join Reid as she sits alongside Harriett’s owner Jeannine Cook—and be sure to register for this free event.

Getting your learn on with Mt. Airy Learning Tree

The Mt. Airy Learning Tree is launching many of its local courses online, and many of them are quite affordable. So if you’ve been itching to get off the couch or out of bed away from the show you’ve been bingeing, now’s the time to jump into beginner’s salsa, hula hooping, kickboxing, yoga, French, writing, illustrating, and more, check it out. Courses range from $20 to $125.

Going on the air with PhillyCAM

Remember how you said 2020 was going to be your year, and then that all seemed to change once quarantine came? Well, 2020 still might be your year, because PhillyCAM is lending knowledge and expertise to folks who are looking to create media content. Whether you’re looking for training to make talk show style videos, produce radio and podcast content, setting up a home studio, and how to host your own livestream, here’s a chance for you to get your bearings and start creating.