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Summer flamenco Tablao, Streets Dept parade, A Thousand Fibers, and Salsa Shines Through
The Weekly Roundup, August 18-24, 2021
Kyle V. Hiller
And we’re back! Yes, BSR took a pair of weeks off, but clearly the city itself isn’t sleeping at all. Artsi and Pasión y Arte will present their first Philly Summer Tablao in two years for a night of improvisational flamenco performances. A Fairhill story comes to Taller Puertorriqueño, and then, Streets Dept is throwing a “parade” with free vaccinations and three dope music acts. Finally, Mural Arts hosts a block party featuring its upcoming new mural Salsa Shines Through.
Be cool, Philly. It’s hot out here!
Philly Summer Tablao
Saturday, August 21, 7pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Boulevard
Artsi and Pasión y Arte return to the dance floor with its first traditional flamenco Tablao in two years. Philly Summer Tablao arrives in the thick of the season on Saturday, August 21, at the Cherry Street Pier. According to Pasión y Arte, Tablaos are “exciting improvisational flamenco performances that take place in casual venues, much like what occurs at a jazz club or at a poetry reading.” This year’s edition pops up at the pier, with performers Andreas Arnold on toque guitar, Barbara Martinez on the microphone, and dancers Paloma Rios, Amelia Hernandez, Elba Cena Zarate, and Pasión y Arte founder Elba Hevia y Vaca.
Tickets are $35. Pair the experience with a complimentary glass of Spanish wine (usually my go-to region) and stick around for a post-performance Q&A with the artists and post-show food and drinks.
A Thousand Fibers
August 21-22, times vary
Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 North 5th St., Philadelphia
Fairhill Community Theatre Project will present its new performance piece A Thousand Fibers this weekend at Taller Puertorriqueño. The story follows the life of Maria Melocotones, a Fairhill resident with a legacy comprised of her roles as “a friend, an abuela, a confidant, a chef, a teacher, and a Tia.”
Learn more about the performance and its players and creators online.
The Vax Up Philly Parade with Streets Dept
Sunday, August 22, 11am
FDR Park, Dilworth Park, and North Broad Street
The city still has a ways to go when it comes to getting folks vaccinated, so why not make it a celebration? Streets Dept is teaming up with Jefferson Health, Snacktime Philly, Radio Kismet, The Bul Bey, Worldtown Soundsystem and many others for a one-day-only, multilocation communal push to get more Philadelphians vaccinated.
The parade begins on Sunday, August 22, starting at 11am at FDR Park. Then, the movement will make its way to Dilworth Park before culminating at Philadelphia OIC (1231 North Broad St.). The event is offering free vaccinations and looks to raise awareness and dispel stigmas around vaccines (I’m sure we all have at least that one person we care about who’s still on the fence or worse, right?).
The music performances feature local hip hop artist The Bul Bey, Snacktime Philly (the band known to merge food, drinks, and “booty-shaking music”), and house ensemble Worldtown Soundsystem.
Check the event page online to see the full timeline of events and locations.
Mural Arts Salsa Block Party
Sunday, August 22, 2-6pm
1409 Howard St., South Kensington
If mural arts and/or salsa are your thing, then Mural Arts’ upcoming free Salsa Block Party and Community Paint Day is the right step. The event promises free salsa lessons by Watson and Katy (starting at 2pm), dancing with DJ Philly Boy, and painting sections of the city’s newest mural Salsa Shines Through.
Salsa Shines Through is an interactive mural project spearheaded by internationally known salsa teacher, performer, and oil painter Andres Giraldo, who designed the mural using screenshots of videos that salsa dancers sent on Instagram.
The event is free and open to the public for all ages. No formal painting skills or supplies are required—the artists and a team of assistants will be on hand to help folks out.
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