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Many Lumens, The Play That Goes Wrong, and closing out Poetry and Jazz Month
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, April 27-May 3, 2023
Kyle V. Hiller
This week closes out what has been a robust Poetry and Jazz Appreciation Month in Philadelphia, and a pair of events from Harriett’s Bookshop and Sistahs Laying Down Hands serve as the cherries on top. Maori Karmael Holmes is back on the mic for season three of the BlackStar podcast Many Lumens, and rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker visits the Weitzman to share what he learned from a pivotal experience with the community. And finally, 1812 Productions welcomes a Broadway hit to the Philly stage.
Many Lumens
Streaming online
BlackStar’s Many Lumens podcast returns with Maori Karmael Holmes back at the helm for season three, featuring 10 new guests speaking to the intersections of art, social change, and pop culture. The first episodes are live now, with eight more episodes to premiere. This year’s guests include Cherien Dabis (Only Murders in the Building, Ozark), the first Arab woman to be nominated for an Emmy for film directing; Philly’s own chefs Cybille St. Aude-Tate and Omar Tate, who are known for their work in amplifying Black farmers and transforming food systems; and Sterlin Harjo, co-creator and showrunner of FX’s Reservation Dogs. New and previous episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher, and other streaming services, with transcripts and show notes available online.
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker visits the Weitzman
Thursday, April 27, 6:30pm
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker was taken hostage with three other synagogue congregants in Colleyville, Texas, last year. This weekend, he’s the Weitzman’s special guest as he speaks on the experience and also on addressing rising anti-Semitism and hate in all forms. Journalist Jane Eisner and Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church pastor Reverend Mark Kelly Tyler will join the conversation. Registration for the event is required, and it’s free with a suggested $12 donation.
The Play That Goes Wrong
April 27-May 21, 2023
Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia
The Broadway hit comes to Philly via 1812 Productions starting this weekend. The Play is a hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, serving as a farcical murder mystery and a play within a play.
Sistahs Laying Down Hands presents A Poetic Jazzy Fest
Saturday, April 29, 2-5pm
Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia
Close out Poetry and Jazz Appreciation Month with Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective as they tribute two Philadelphia legends: Billie Holiday and Jill Scott. Songs and poetry will be performed, with open mic time available for those feeling inspired to express and share. The event is free and open to all.
Four Women: Celebrating Nina Simone
Sunday, April 30, 2pm
Harriett’s Bookshop, 258 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
Spend some time at Harriett’s for an afternoon of song, dance, poetry, and visual art through the many “voices” of Nina Simone—honoring her art, her music, her performance, and her voice for the Civil Rights Movement. Bethlehem and Sad Patrick lead the event—see their cover of a Bill Withers classic below.
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