Press Release

AFRICAN AMERICAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2007 Festivals, Exhibitions And Events In The Greater Philadelphia Region

FEBRUARY
Through February 25, 2007
LOOK AGAIN: AFRICAN AMERICANA. This exhibition at the Rosenbach Museum and Library highlights and re-interprets materials from the museum’s collections related to African American history and literature. (215) 732-1600, www.rosenbach.org

Philadanco

Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

February 9-24, 2007
PORGY AND BESS. Join the residents of the legendary Catfish Row as they experience unabashed joy and staggering adversity in Gershwin’s triumph of drama and song performed by the Opera Company of Philadelphia at the Academy of Music. (215) 732-8400, www.operaphilly.com

February 10-March 4, 2007
STORY WEATHER: A STORY OF LENA HORN. The Prince Music Theater presents the story of one of the world’s greatest entertainers who battled racism and cleared the way for African American artists by becoming the first black movie star. (215) 569-9700, www.princemusictheater.org

MARCH
March 2-3, 2007
HER HOLY WATER: A BLACK GIRL’S ROCK OPERA. Vocalist/composer/writer Imani Uzuri’s sound uniquely blends drum ’n bass arias, soulful rock and transformational ballads to tell her story about coming of age as an eclectic black girl in a post-modern world. (215) 925-9914, www.paintedbride.org

March 4-11, 2007
PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW. The Pennsylvania Convention Center presents the region’s annual gardening celebration, featuring contests, special events and more than 140 vendors. The theme for 2007 is “Legends of Ireland.” (215) 988-8800, www.theflowershow.com

March 8-April 8, 2007
CAROLINE, OR CHANGE. The Arden Theatre presents the story of Caroline, a divorced African American mother, who works as a maid for a Jewish family. She finds herself in the middle of a conflict when eight-year-old Noah’s stepmother allows Caroline to keep any change she finds in the child’s pockets while doing laundry. (215) 922-1122, www.ardentheatre.org

March 24-25, 2007
PHILADELPHIA INVITATIONAL FURNITURE SHOW. Held at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal, this show is nationally acclaimed as one of the finest exhibition of one-of-a-kind home furnishings, ranging from innovative contemporary designs to adaptations of classical stylings. (215) 832-0060, www.pffshow.com

APRIL
April 5-18 2007
PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL. This week-long event showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema in theaters throughout Philadelphia. (267) 765-9700, www.phillyfests.com

April 18-22, 2007
SOPHISTICATED LADIES. Join Peter Nero and the Philly Pops as they pay tribute to some of the greatest female vocalists of all times, including Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, at The Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1999, www.phillypops.org

April 25-29, 2007
MODERN MASTERS. At the Merriam Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet performs a diverse and contemporary program featuring baroque classicism with traditional African. (215) 551-7000, www.paballet.org

April 26-28, 2007
PENN RELAYS. High school and college track stars compete at Franklin Field during the oldest collegiate meet in the nation. (215) 898-6145, www.thepennrelays.com

MAY 2007
Through May 6, 2007
THE ART OF AFRICAN WOMEN: EMPOWERING TRADITIONS. On view at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, this exhibition of photographs by journalist Margaret Courtney-Clarke pays tribute to living African artistic traditions that have been passed down through women. Taken over a period of more than 20 years, the images pay homage to the beauty that rural African women—as artists and entrepreneurs—create in their daily lives. (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org

May 4-6, 2007
BLACK LILY FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL. This event highlights multicultural female filmmakers and musicians during three days of film screenings, concerts, workshops and panel discussions. (215) 925-9914, www.blacklilyfilm.org

May 10-13, 2007
PHILADANCO: SPRING SEASON. Philadelphia’s most celebrated modern dance company brings its soaring passion and dynamic energy to The Kimmel Center, with a performance that includes contributions from Gene Hill Sagan and Rennie Harris. (215) 893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org

May 11-12, 2007
BROTHERLY LOVE. Using breakin’ music, spoken word and video, oLive Dance Theatre investigates the socio-political turmoil in Philadelphia surrounding the radical group MOVE. (215) 925-9914, www.paintedbride.org

May 11-12, 2007
DAD VAIL REGATTA. The largest collegiate regatta in the world takes place on the Schuylkill River. (215) 542-1443, www.dadvail.org

May 19-August 12, 2007
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON’S WORLD ON PAPER. This Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibition examines, for the first time, the achievements of African American modernist William H. Johnson, often considered one of the most inventive graphic artists of his generation.
(215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

May 26-27, 2007
JAM ON THE RIVER. Memorial Day’s biggest party brings the best of rock and blues music to Penn’s Landing. (215) 922-2FUN, www.jamontheriver.com

May 31-June 16, 2007
DANCEBOOM. The Wilma Theater’s annual dance festival features two weeks of performances by local artists and companies. (215) 546-STAGE, www.wilmatheater.org

JUNE 2007
June 10, 2007
ODUNDE AFRIKAN-AMERICAN STREET FESTIVAL. This annual street festival celebrates the Yoruba New Year, beginning with a spiritual procession to the Schuylkill River and ending with a lively street fair. (215) 732-8510, www.odundeinc.org

June 22-24, 2007
WEST OAK LANE JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL. Now in its fourth year, this outdoor neighborhood festival is where jazz and the arts meet on the 7100 and 7200 blocks of Ogontz Avenue. (215) 438-5366, www.westoaklanefestival.com

June 23-July 1, 2007
PENGUIN PALOOZA. Kids of all ages can learn about African penguins and take part in special penguin-related contests, games, skits and more at the 17,000-gallon Penguin Island exhibition at Adventure Aquarium. (856) 365-3300, www.adventureaquarium.com

June 2007
GOSPEL FRIDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION. The summer fun continues at Penn’s Landing with a free Friday night concert series featuring the sounds of gospel music. (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com

June-July 2007
SUNOCO WELCOME AMERICA. Celebrating the nation’s birthday, Sunoco Welcome America is a weeklong party with free events for all ages throughout the city. (215) 683-2200, www.americasbirthday.com

JULY 2007
July 2007
ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC FESTIVAL. WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront. (856) 757-9400, www.camdenwaterfront.com

July 2007
R&B FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES. The excitement continues all summer long at Penn’s Landing with a free Friday night concert series featuring sounds of R&B.
(215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com

AUGUST 2007
August 31-September 15, 2007
PHILADELPHIA LIVE ARTS FESTIVAL AND PHILLY FRINGE. Avant-garde performance meets street theater for two weeks of artistic pleasure throughout the city.
(215) 413-1318, www.livearts-fringe.org

August 2007
SMOOTH JAZZ SUMMER NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES. The summer heats up at Penn’s Landing with a free Friday night concert series featuring the sounds of jazz. (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com

August 2007
UNITY DAY. Radio Station WDAS-FM sponsors a day where friends and families can get together to enjoy food, music and games on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (610) 784-3333, www.wdasfm.com

SEPTEMBER 2007
Through September 30, 2007
TUTANKHAMUN AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE PHARAOHS, PRESENTED BY MELLON FINANCIAL CORPORATION. The first U.S. tour of the treasures of Tutankhamun (King Tut) in 26 years makes its final North American stop at The Franklin Institute. (215) 448-1200, www.fi.edu

September-October 2007
TERROR BEHIND THE WALLS. Celebrate the Halloween season by visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary’s spooky haunted house inside the abandoned prison. (215) 236-3300, www.easternstate.org

OCTOBER 2007
Through October 2007
AMARNA, ANCIENT EGYPT’S PLACE IN THE SUN. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presents an exhibition that features more than 100 artifacts from the short-lived royal city of Akhetaten, birthplace of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. (215) 898-4000, www.museum.upenn.edu

October 26-28, 2007
TREASURES…FROM THE SILK ROAD TO THE SANTA FE TRAIL. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology presents a show and sale of fine art antiques and textiles from Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. (215) 898-9213, www.museum.upenn.edu/new/events/treasures/index.shtml

October 2007
PHILADELPHIA OPEN STUDIO TOUR. Visitors can see local artists of all mediums in their workshops found in neighborhoods throughout the city. (215) 546-7775, www.philaopenstudios.com

NOVEMBER
November 7-11, 2007
FIRST PERSON FESTIVAL OF MEMOIR AND DOCUMENTARY ART. Taking place at various venues throughout the city, this 10-day event features more than 25 performances, screenings and interactive workshops by local and nationally known artists. (267) 402-2055, www.firstpersonfestival.org

November 9-11, 2007
THE PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL ART EXPO. The October Gallery presents this popular annual expo, offering an unequaled opportunity to meet artists and purchase African American art at Temple University’s Liacouras Center. (215) 629-3939, www.octobergallery.com

November 22, 2007
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE. Channel 6 ABC and Boscov’s sponsor Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving parade down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (215) 581-4507, www.wpvi.com

November 22, 2007-January 6, 2008
LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS. Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform the indoor gardens, where concerts take place on most days. Outdoors 420,000 lights glitter in the trees after dark and fountains dance to seasonal music. (610) 388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org

DECEMBER
December 2007
THE NUTCRACKER. The Pennsylvania Ballet’s season at the Academy of Music features its annual performance of the classic holiday ballet. (215) 551-7000, www.paballet.org

ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Last Sunday of Every Month
SOUL COMEDY CAFÉ. At North by Northwest, local and nationally known comedians show off their best material. (215) 248-1000, www.nxnwphl.com

Third Sunday Each Month
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND STROLL. Once a month, the churches, galleries, restaurants and shops of West Oak Lane open their doors for people to eat, mingle and enjoy family time.
(215) 629-3939, www.octobergallery.com

Every Friday
ART AFTER 5. Friday evenings are something to talk about at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with this weekly evening series showcasing an eclectic mix of world and jazz music.
(215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

First Friday Each Month
FIRST FRIDAY. In Old City, dozens of the city’s premier galleries keep their doors open late and provide free refreshments. www.oldcityarts.org

First Friday Each Month
GIRARD NIGHTS. Girard Nights celebrates the art, diversity and unity of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Kensington and North Philadelphia. www.girardnights.com

First Friday Each Month
MT. AIRY FIRST FRIDAY. Participating businesses stay open past sunset for visitors strolling Germantown Avenue to shop and enjoy music, art and free refreshments. www.mtairyfirstfriday.com

Second and Third Friday Each Month
PANORAMIC POETRY. The October Lounge presents the area’s artists, poets, vocalists and musicians for a night of art, music and spoken word performances. (215) 629-3939, ext. 13, www.octobergallery.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside™ a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676. 

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CONTACT:

Leha Anderson-Rhyens, GPTMC
(215) 599-2298, leha@gptmc.com

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