The truth about the oud, sanctuary in black art, and more this weekend

For many Philly arts lovers, it’s the time of year when you’re deep in the Philly Fringe. And have you seen our reviews? We’re working around the clock to bring you the best coverage in town and help you plan your tickets. But your weekend guide of non-Fringe happenings is ready, too.

Al-Bustan book launch

On Friday morning, families can get an early start at the Free Library, with a book launch at the main branch from 10am to noon. Philly’s Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture releases its American, Border, Culture, Dreamer: The Young Immigrant Experience from A to Z. It’s a book by artist/author Wendy Ewald that grew out of Al-Bustan’s 2018 public art project, An Immigrant Alphabet. There’ll be activities for youngsters and adults on themes of identity, immigration, and inclusivity.

LGBT icons

On Friday night, even if you’re out Fringing, you can swing by the opening of a new solo show by Natalie Hope McDonald at William Way LGBT Community Center. The exhibition features LGBT “icons and iconography,” including pen and ink drawings, word wallpaper, and wearable art. The opening reception is from 6-8pm, and the show will be on view daily through October 26.

Fine art at Belmont Mansion

On Saturday and Sunday, The Black Art in America Fine Art Show Philadelphia comes to the Historic Belmont Mansion and Underground Railroad Museum, for a “hybrid art fair” of curated works (including paintings, photography, limited edition prints, and much more) from invited galleries, dealers, and artists. (All works are for sale.)

The exhibition runs 10am to 6pm on Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. It’s free and open to the public, but if you want to attend the associated programming and lectures, a daily pass is $25. These lectures include, among other sessions, a Sunday talk from Colored Girls Museum founder Vashti DuBois and other leaders of this Germantown gem about “the power of black art to create sanctuary,” and the healing effects of collecting and curating meaningful art and artifacts.

Music around the world

On Saturday from 3-5pm, you can check out a free block party in Midtown Village on Walnut Street, thanks to Astral Artists and WRTI. This family and pet-friendly event, emceed by WRTI host Debra Lew Harder, celebrates classical music in Philly. Look for food and drink specials, giveaways, face painting for the kiddos, plus performances by Astral musicians Christine Lamprea (cello), Xavier Foley (double bass), and Annie Wu (flute), including the Philly premiere of Vivian Fung’s Humanoid, for cello and electronics.

On Sunday night, the music continues with a special presentation from Intercultural Journeys. Mohamed Abozekry, a young international star on the oud (similar to a lute), plays a 7pm concert at St. Stephen’s Church, celebrating his new instrumental project, Karkadé (listen here).

Karkadé mixes styles and traditions to describe “a path to an Arab world at peace with its history and turned towards the future.” Abozekry wants to “de-exoticize” the oud, and the Sunday night show promises a look at Egypt’s popular and classic music traditions, Sufi calls, and secular poetry from Karkadé. Get a $5 discount on tickets ($10-$45) when you buy in advance online.