The cultural and performing arts are taking center stage in Germantown and Mount Airy as autumn culminates. This was evident at the “Artists’ Roundtable” hosted by the Bread and Cup Coffeehouse recently. The event was held at the First Presbyterian Church, 35 W. Chelten Ave. on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
The roundtable drew musicians, actors, visual artists, graphic designers, writers, photographers and other artists to participate. It is the outgrowth of the Germantown Community Connection’s Classic Town Germantown Team, according to the Rev. Kevin L. Porter, one of the coordinators of this ongoing event.
“This is an (opportunity) for artists to network with one another,” Porter said. “The main item on the agenda was to hear about a proposed arts district for Germantown. The input of Germantown artists is needed to make sure the boundaries and functioning of a district meet the needs of the neighborhoods’ artists as well as maximize our community’s profile as a great place to live, work, play and visit.”
Yet this is not the only event to draw local Northwest Philadelphia artists. The Black Writers Museum will be holding its “Autumn Jazz Reception and Fundraiser” featuring the Dahi Divine Legacy Quintet.
This benefit will be held at the new 7165 Lounge (formerly North by Northwest) located at 7165 Germantown Ave. in Mount Airy on Friday, Nov. 25 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 for couples.
“We want the community to please stop in and share a moment while supporting an institution that keeps Black literature alive,” said Supreme D. Dow, executive director of the Black Writers Museum. This non-profit venue is located at 23 W. Maplewood Ave. in the heart of Germantown.
“All proceeds benefit the fall literary programs. They will also benefit the new Ida B. Wells Library Resource Center and Computer Lab,” Dow said. For ticket information call (267) 297-3078.
Finally, Gregory Underwood will be headliner for the third “Sweet Spirits II” coffee cabaret fundraising event. This will be held at the Germantown Theatre Centre, 4821 Germantown Ave. on Friday, Dec. 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds will go to the non-profit FreshVisions Youth Theatre. The donation for the show is $10.
“We welcome Gregory Underwood who has been on exhibition at the Philadelphia Free Library’s main branch for months,” said Canada Brown, the event’s coordinator. “He will rock and roll with you, rhythm and blues you, as only he can. You don’t want to miss this performer.”
Also on the bill will be Nadir Rajul, the founder of Majestic Percussionist performing along with choreographer Carmen Butler and Brown. Butler teaches dance at the FreshVisions Youth Theatre. Making her debut will be local spoken word artist Cheryl Lee. For ticket information contact Brown at (215) 843-5486.
