Art Sanctuary’s Celebration of Black Writing
May 1-31 / Locations around the city / Cost varies
www.artsanctuary.org
The Art Sanctuary Organization’s Celebration of Black Writing event will begin tomorrow, May 1, and run until the end of the month.
The Celebration of Black Writing is one of the oldest African-American literary events, celebrating the writing of intellectual authors and journalists. This year is marking the Celebration of Black Writing’s 29th anniversary.
The Celebration of Black Writing event will take place at various locations around the city, from Germantown to South Philadelphia.
Biany Perez, arts education and programs manager of the Art Sanctuary, said this annual event is about celebrating arts and is a tool to draw in a more diverse group of people to the art and literature.
This month-long celebration includes showcasing the works from photographer and daughter of Bill Cosby, Erinn Cosby, reading and writing workshops and the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, which is given at the end of the month.
This program allows writers and artists from different genres to discuss their work in front of attendees.
Cosby’s exhibit will be displayed at 628 South St. It is titled “Beauty,” and works to capture aspects of everyday life of women and children in the Diaspora. Her other pieces of work have been posted for auction, with proceeds benefiting the Art Sanctuary.
As part of the celebration, there will be a reading, performance and book signing from poet and author Debra Powell-Wright on May 11. This workshop also pays a special tribute to Nina Simon, who was an African-American singer, songwriter, pianist and civil rights activist.
On May 18, Max Rodriguez, veteran publisher and founder of Harlem Book Fair, will be teaching already established and soon-to-be publishers how to profit their titles in the leading edge of the mobile market. There is also a workshop that teaches about alternative publishing options.
Rodriguez will also provide professional writing advice and will take manuscripts from authors that want their work to be published.
At the end of the month, The Lifetime Achievement Awards will honor literary achievements of black women. The price to attend this ceremony starts at $75, Perez said. This year’s Lifetime Achievement ceremony will be honoring African-American poet and playwright Ntozake Shange and veteran journalist Annette John-Hall. This event will be held on May 31 at the Temple University Performing Arts Center.
There will be tributes to black women songwriters as well. Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon will perform.
Philadelphia Wine and Food Festival
Friday, May 10 / 5:30 p.m. / Lincoln Financial Field
$75-250
Get your hands on the delightful flavors of good wine at the Philadelphia Wine and Food Festival. This festival is presented by Philadelphia Magazine and Fine Wine & Good Spirit store.
The festival has over 600 wines. Attendees will also have access to winemakers and chefs.
Koresh Dance Company’s 2013 Spring Dance Festival
May 2-5, 8-12 / 480 S. Broad Street (Broad & Lombard)
$25, $30, $35
Love dance performances? Koresh Dance Company will celebrate dance in Philadelphia by having diverse dancers from different backgrounds perform and share their talents at its 2013 Spring Dance Festival. This event is taking place at Suzanne Roberts Theater.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Saturday, May 18 / 12:00 p.m. / Rittenhouse Square
Enjoy the outdoors and participate in Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. There will be live music and plenty of family activities as well. While you’re in the area, sample Rittenhouse Row’s restaurants and participate in the event’s wine and Peroni beer samplings.
Jennifer Joselin can be reached at jennifer.joselin@temple.edu
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