“Femme” Exhibition and Opening Reception
The James Oliver Gallery is enthusiastic in announcing its new presentation of works, entitled “Femme.” The exhibition features work by a huge variety of artists from the Northeast U.S.A. The show opens Saturday, June 18 and runs through most of the summer, closing Aug. 20. When one thinks of the word or term “femme,” one conjures thoughts or images of beautiful women in all forms to perceptions of femininity (or lack there-of; sometimes gender non-specific). Notions or serious consideration on the topics of feminism are often included. This is truly a mixed media exhibition, featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, video art, glass and installation, all exploring this specific term.
James Oliver Gallery at 723 Chestnut Street
Saturday, June 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.
www.jamesolivergallery.com
Philadelphia Youth Poetry Night & Open Mic
Featured at The Rotunda for a poetry and open mic night, the Philly Youth Poetry Movement is committed to helping the youth of Philadelphia discover the power of their voices through spoken word, literacy and progressive workshop facilitation. The Movement, founded by “UnLitter Us” poet Greg Corbin, provides a safe space for at-risk, empowered youth ages 13-19 to use their voice to promote social change, leadership, cultural diversity, and build self-esteem.
The Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street
Saturday, June 18 at 6 p.m.
$7 for youth; $10 for adults
www.phillyyouthpoets.org
R6 Cypher Presents: Get on Board “The Departure”
The next generation in Philadelphia hip-hop is coming together – and they’re all riding the R6 train. Philly’s newest hip-hop movement, the R6 Cypher, is bringing fresh, new talent to center stage for the first chapter in their Get On Board concert series. The R6 Cypher is a bi-weekly web show that features local legends, breakout talent from beyond the confines of the city and some of the greatest Philly talent you’ve never heard. The R6 is filmed at various artistic havens all across Philadelphia; from Black and Nobel at Broad and Erie to the brand new Slingluff Art Gallery in Northern Liberties. Hitting the stage June 19 will be R6 co-creators Mic Stewart and Too Much Raw featuring street scholar and partner, Alotta Cash, and explosive Philadelphia hip-hop band GuerillaFunk. R6 Videographer/MC Cole “Nova” Carter,will be playing fresh cuts off his latest album, “The New Black.” R6 featured artists Selina Carrera, Treehouse Coalition, Emerson B, IKnowBrasco and Rahiem Supreme will also be rocking live in the flesh. The Legendary DJ Too Tuff of the Tuff Crew and DJ Stradegy of Da Skratch Addictz will be on the 1’s and 2’s, and Philadelphia’s new funk/RnB soul sensation Vent will be in the house making sure the party don’t stop.
The Blockley Pourhouse
Sunday, June 19 at 8 p.m.
$10 cover
Soul Food Performing Arts Showcase
Feed the mind, body and soul with art! Join Soul Food for an evening of spoken word: Philly’s Young Legend Etyms Smyte-Nine Enin; music: Rahnda Rize; motivational speaking: Sa Mut A Scott Magical Mother Empowerment; and dance: Monica A. Burroughs (aka B-TRU). Hosted by Celandra Rice Prince, of The Elements of Inspiration radio show and founder of SYMBIOSIS, and Aziza Kinteh: poet, author and creator of the “Where Art Meets Culture” First Friday.
Networking and dinner is from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and the show goes until 8 p.m. Artisian and wellness vendors welcome.
The Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street
Saturday, June 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Donation $8; Soul Food dinners available $8
www.soulfoodart.eventbrite.com
40th Street Summer Series
Every fourth Saturday in June through September from 6 to 8 p.m., the Summer Series will feature free outdoor performances from exceptional internationally-renowned artists, beginning Saturday, June 25 with Philadelphia’s own Sun Ra Arkestra. All concerts will be held on the green space just behind the Walnut Street Free Library at 40th and Walnut streets. Complimentary (first come, first served) Rita’s Water Ice will also be given out during the performances. The Sun Ra Arkestra will kick off the Summer Series with a very special hometown performance, which is sure to have audiences either dancing feverishly or contemplatively traversing the spaceways. This acclaimed big band always demonstrates the unrivalled expertise, joy and passion that have been the foundation for their musical journeys since Sun Ra founded the Arkestra in the mid-1950s. Opening this performance will be the West Philadelphia drill team, the Elegant Cavaliers, under the direction of Ms. Dornetta Gary. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the other three 40th Street Summer Series events: Saturday, July 23, Aug. 27 and Sept. 24.
40th and Walnut Streets
Saturday, June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.
www.universitycity.org
“Northern Liberties: A Transformation”
In the past four decades Northern Liberties has become “hip, trendy and New York City’s sixth borough.” “Northern Liberties: A Transformation” is the pictorial story of this change. Jennifer Baker’s Northern Liberties studio was established in 1978. Since that time, her paintings have documented the events in this gutsy neighborhood. She has chronicled the destruction and the resurrection, the traditions and the people and the urban life of a city neighborhood going through a rebirth. Baker’s and the works of nine other Northern Liberties artists tell the story and hope of this unique place and the people who have been changed by it. Participating artists include Joe Brenman, Tanya Murphy Dodd, Anda Dubinskis, Ray King, Rob Matthews, Ray Metzker, Bruce Pollock, Ruth Thorne-Thomsen and Ira Upin.
Projects Gallery at 629 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 19123
Fridays and Saturdays through July 30, noon to 7 p.m.
www.projectsgallery.com