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Music for families and after work, and Black History Month festivities
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 1-7, 2024
Kyle V. Hiller
It’s February already, and that means that this weekend kicks off Black History Month. Check out a few events from Bristol Riverside Theatre, Philadelphia Film Society, and the Franklin Institute, and keep an eye out for future items in the weekly roundups to come. Also, tune in to a pair of music events at the Kimmel: an after-work concert series begins, and the Lullaby Project plays for new parents and their children.
Be safe, Philly!
Orchestra After 5
Thursday, February 1, 6:30pm
Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S Broad Street, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Orchestra debuts its new series of bite-sized concerts after your workday. Themed cocktails, pre-concert activities, and conversations with the musicians are the deal here, and this first edition features live Brazilian music performed by Ernesto’s Club and a tango lesson by Andres Amarilla of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School.
The Philadelphia Lullaby Project
Saturday, February 3, 4pm
Ensemble Arts at Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 S Broad Street, Philadelphia
This music project geared towards young children and their caregivers comes to the Kimmel this Saturday afternoon. Pairing new and expecting parents and caregivers with professional musicians, a collection of songs will be played to those in attendance. Write and sing personal lullabies and other activities to support and bring awareness to maternal health, childhood development, and strengthening the bond between parent and child. The project comes from Carnegie Hall and Musicopia.
A Raisin in the Sun
Through February 18, 2024
Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol
The classic from Lorraine Hansberry comes to Bristol in celebration of Black History Month. When the arrival of a long-awaited life insurance check promises life-changing opportunities, five members of the Younger family look for ways to improve their lot through education, business, real estate, and self-determination in 1950s Chicago. Opening night is Thursday, February 1.
Black Cinema Weekend
February 1-4, 2024
Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
A selection of coming-of-age stories, fights for liberation, romance movies, illuminating documentaries, and more are coming to the film center this weekend in celebration of Black Cinema and Black History Month. On Thursday, February 1, PFS will screen A Powerful Thang, a romantic drama that spotlights the divinity of Black love through an African American couple grappling with desire and intimacy as their relationship evolves. Friday, February 2, sees a screening of the 1990s classic Boyz in the Hood, a networking mixer with other creatives, and a film showcase exhibiting new work by local filmmakers. The night ends with the Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, the film that helped pioneer the blaxploitation era.
Saturday opens with a Black women in film and media meetup at 12:15pm, followed by screenings of Losing Ground, Eve’s Bayou, and Big George Foreman. Sunday closes with Cane River and Chameleon Street.
Black History Month Day of Celebration
Saturday, February 3, 12-4pm
Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia
Head over to the Parkway for a weekend afternoon of special activities, including a live narration of The Sky Tonight, a performance of traditional West African and Afro-Cuban dances by Philly African dance and drum ensemble Troupe Da Da, an exploration of STEM contributions by African American scientists, live demonstrations, and more.
At top: Raisin in the Sun opens at Bristol Riverside Theatre this week. (Photo courtesy of Bristol Riverside Theatre.)
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