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"Malcolm X. Park"

Malcolm X Park Jazz series underway. Next show is on Thursday, June 25

Posted on 24 June 2015 by WestPhillyLocal.com

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Jazz vocalist Barbara Walker will perform at Malcolm X. Park on July 9. (Photo from thebarbarawalkerstory.com)

Recently we let you know about the Cedar Park Summer Jazz series happening every Friday night, and here’s information on the annual West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series held at Malcolm X. Park (52nd and Pine). Concerts are set for every other Thursday from May 28 to Sept. 17, starting at 7 p.m. (weather permitting). This summer, the popular concert series returns for its 15th season! All concerts are free and open to the public.

Here’s the concert schedule and line up of performers.

June 25 – The Budesa Brothers
July 9 – The Barbara Walker Story (vocalist)
July 23 – Shirley Lites (vocalist)
Aug. 6 – Geo. Barron (tenor sax), Janet Barron (vocalist)
Aug. 20 – Lawrence Jones (tenor sax)
Sept. 3 – Michelle Beckham
Sept. 17 – The Nate Murray Band

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Back to School Extravaganza today 2-5 p.m. at Malcolm X Park

Posted on 24 August 2014 by WestPhillyLocal.com

The Nehemiah Davis Foundation is holding its annual Back To School Extravaganza and book bag giveaway on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2 – 5 p.m., at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine). During the event, volunteers will help distribute more than 300 book bags, school supplies and clothes to local families. There will also be entertainment for the whole family, including free pony rides, moon bounces, and face painting, complimentary haircuts for kids, refreshments and food.

BackToSchoolExtravaganza

 

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Today in West Philly: Night Market, outdoor films

Posted on 14 August 2014 by WestPhillyLocal.com

Here’s a reminder of what’s happening today around the hoods. And guess what? All of these events are free!

Night Market on Lancaster Ave @ 35th, 6 – 10 p.m. Update: West Philadelphia Orchestra will perform at the Night Market starting at 8 p.m.

Street Movies! at Malcolm X. Park (52nd and Pine), 7:45 p.m.

The Awesome Fest concludes at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) with the screening of Skanks. 9 p.m.

Also, the Clark Park Farmers’ Market is from 3 – 7 p.m.

 

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This Thursday at Malcolm X Park: Only ‘Street Movies!’ screening in West Philly

Posted on 13 August 2014 by WestPhillyLocal.com

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Photo courtesy Scribe Video Center.

As part of the annual (17th!) outdoor film screening series Street Movies!, Scribe Video Center will present a great selection of independent films on Thursday, Aug. 14 at Malcolm X. Park (52nd and Pine). Malcolm X. Park is the only West Philly location where the films are being presented this summer, from August 2 until August 21 (although you can catch them in other neighborhoods).  This year, the program includes animation, shorts, and powerful documentaries celebrating cultural histories and exploring issues of community concern. The events also include live entertainment and a video emcee to complete a great night of movies under the stars.

Tomorrow’s screening starts at 7:45 p.m. All the films are free and family-friendly! Emcee: DJ C (WPEB 88.1 FM).

Here’s more information on the films to be shown at tomorrow’s event (from the Street Movies! at Malcolm X Park Facebook page):

The Mill Creek Documentary: Past, Present, and Future by Joyce Eli Bevins
‘The Mill Creek; Past, Present and Future’ documentary is an urban preservation outreach project documenting the Mill Creek Community during the 20th Century to date through personal interviews. The goal of the film is to serve as an outlet and resource to preserve, inform, empower, heal, and inspire the Mill Creek community, its residents and surrounding communities. (USA, 2014, 4 min)

711 Sidney King School of Dance by the 711 Precious Places Group and Scribe Video Center
The Sydney King School of Dance was one of several neighborhood-based black dance schools founded in Philadelphia during the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s. Responding to the cultural needs of a vibrant post-war black middle class, these studios produced world-recognized dance professionals and fostered a lasting appreciate for the arts. Through interviews with King’s students, this video underscores the role the Sydney King School of Dance played in supporting its West Philadelphia community and shaping the direction of American dance and performance. (USA, 2010, 10 min)

Creation Story by Natasha Ngaiza
Clay animation weaves in and out of live action to reveal the intimate relationship between mother and daughter, hair and history. (USA, 2011, 9 min)

The Moorish Science Temple of America: Branches to Philadelphia, Rooted in Peace by Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc., Temple #11 and Scribe Video Center
The Moorish Science Temple of America highlights its one hundred years of existence as one of the first Islamic organizations in America, and its historical impact in Philadelphia. (USA, 2014, 16 min)

Them That Do: Juanita Hatton by Lori Waselchuk
Part of the Them That Do series, which features local Philadelphia block captains. This segment highlights Juanita, who is passionate about keeping her neighborhood clean. (USA, 2014, 5 min) Editor’s Note: Check out a series of posts connected to Waselchuk’s multimedia documentary project Them That Do.

Revival From the Roots: Part 1 by Media Mobilizing Project
Media Mobilizing Project presents the first installment of a three-video series, “Revival From the Roots: A Tour of Neighborhood Schools.” The series follows Jerry Jordan, President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and Helen Gym, parents and award-winning education advocate, as they hear firsthand from students, parents and teachers fighting to turn around public education from the bottom up. Part one of ‘Revival From the Roots’ features West Philadelphia, with visits to school communities at West Philadelphia High, Lea Elementary, Penn Alexander Elementary, Barry Elementary, and the now closed Alexander Wilson Elementary School. (USA, 2014, 8 min)”

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Readings at the X: Talking history at Malcolm X Park

Posted on 27 June 2014 by WestPhillyLocal.com

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Click to enlarge.

The Friends of Malcolm X Park and local resident, historian and educator Rhone Fraser are teaming up to bring dramatic readings of seven historical plays to the park located at 51st and Pine Streets. The focus is on dramas dealing with important figures and events in African American history. The series, titled “Readings At The X,” will kick off July 8 and will be presented every Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m., until August 26 (see the flier for more details).

Currently, the organizers are raising funds for this community theater project. $3,000 is being raised to pay the venue, actors (some are coming from New York and Washington, DC), and videographer who will record the readings (not for commercial purposes). A portion of the raised funds will go to the Friends of Malcolm X Park for future events.

If you would like to support this project or want to learn more about it, please visit this Indiegogo page. There is only one week left to help the project with your donation.

 

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More jazz in more neighborhoods this summer

Posted on 12 June 2014 by WestPhillyLocal.com

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Mixed People will perform this Friday in Cedar Park.

Last week, we reported about The Cedar Park Jazz Series, an annual celebration of summer, jazz and community in Cedar Park. The free outdoor series returned last Friday with a performance by Dr. Ketchup. This Friday, check out local band Mixed People whose performance will likely get you up on your feet and dancing and singing along. Mixed People was formed in 2012 by guitarist Paulette Branson. The band is a funky, soul fusion with hints of alternative rock and world music. The show begins at 6 p.m.

We have also finally been able to confirm that the annual summer Jazz Heritage Series will kick off tonight at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine), weather permitting. This year will mark the 14th anniversary of the series hosted by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park.

Here’s the schedule for the shows being held every other Thursday, starting at 7 p.m.:

June 12 – Drummer-Lucky Thomas & Friends
June 26 – The Barbara Walker Story
July 10 – Glenn Bryan and Friends
July 24 – Vocalist Shirley Lites
Aug 7 – The Little Jazz Giants of Camden N.J.
Aug 21 – Alto Saxist Immanuel Wilkins
Sept 4 – Philadelphia CLEF Club Jr. Band
Sept 19 – The Nate Murray Band

Finally, here’s something for our jazz lovers north of Market Street: Concluding the three-part series of Jazz Jams & Art Exhibits and gearing up for PEC’s 8th Annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival on July 19th, there will be a live performance by Weez The Peeples (Facebook page) this Friday (see flier below). The show will take place at the lot next to 4110 Lancaster Ave. Neighbors are also invited to play along in the Jam and Open Mic session. The series is part of the Second Fridays on Lancaster Ave and is held in outdoor spaces in order to “float the beautiful tunes down the street.” For more information on what else is happening this Friday on Lancaster Ave, check out this Facebook page.

SecondFridaysJazz

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