If you’re looking to spend your time uniquely in the city, here’s a round-up of some of the best arts and culture events happening this weekend in Philly.
The Lady Hoofers ‘On Tap’
This weekend, The Lady Hoofers will present their first live performance in three years with the return of ‘On Tap.’ Taking place at the Independence Seaport Museum in Penn’s Landing, the performance will feature live jazz and three world premieres. The latter will highlight choreography by Princeton University Arts Fellow Michael J. Love, Philadelphia’s own Robyn Watson, and the ensemble’s Managing Director, Katie Budris.
Every year, the ensemble also commissions a new work from a guest artist. In the past, choreographers have included Caleb Teicher—who will be performing at Penn Live Arts/Annenberg Center later this year, Lisa La Touche—who worked with the ensemble virtually during the pandemic, and Robyn Watson, who had her work and vision set in the company just a few weeks before the pandemic began. And 2023 officially marks the debut of Watson’s long-awaited work when it makes its mainstage debut in this year’s spring concert.
Also premiering will be a new work by interdisciplinary tap dance artist Michael J. Love. The performance will take place on Saturday, May 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$35 and are available to purchase via Ticketleap.
211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, ladyhoofers.org
Spring Time at Morris Arboretum
Known as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the public garden and grounds in Chestnut Hill offers its own take on the great outdoors to ultimately, “bridge an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research and horticultural display.”
On top of this season’s trees and flowers being in full bloom there, the outdoor venue will also be showcasing some sunny season events, and some of which are free with admission. While at the 92-acre horticultural grounds this summer, Philadelphians can also explore Morris’ fernery, tree canopy walk, fairy gardens, swan pond, historic structures and perhaps the most eye-catching display at the venue—the Garden Railway.
And speaking of, later this season, Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Garden Railway is celebrating 25 years with 300 feet of additional track. The new expansion will open to the public on May 26, with the theme “Public Gardens.”
100 E. Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
Pennsbury Manor Immersive Art Exhibit
Pennsbury Manor opened an immersive art and sound installation by Indigenous artist Nathan Young, and it will stay on display for a full year at the Bucks County venue.
Titled “nkwiluntàmën: I long for it; I am lonesome for it (such as the sound of a drum),” the exhibit takes on the form of a self-guided outdoor tour through a “sound walk.” As a release states, Young’s work will take participants on a journey through Pennsbury Manor’s riverfront grounds with original compositions of music, personal narrative, and environmental recordings. Participants can access the recording through their own smart devices and headphones, or provided devices. Those who cannot visit in person can experience it through the project’s accompanying phone application as well.
The experience is meant to be meditative and immersive, and is ultimately inspired by the Native American saying, “Our songs come from the wind.”
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, nkwiluntamen.com
Black Founders Musical Experience
This Friday, May 12, The MoAR will be showcasing a musical experience based around their Black Founders Exhibit. As a release states, the evening will feature more than 20 Chorale members and led by composer and artistic director Jeremy Winston, the concert will celebrate the life of free Black Philadelphian James Forten and explore Philadelphia’s rich musical history through storytelling and song.
The evening will additionally include the world premiere of a new Black Founders-inspired choral work composed by Winston, titled “Man of Colour,” as well as a showcase of both secular and religious music written by renowned African American composers from the American abolitionist movement through the early 20th century, the release finishes. On-site tickets include Zoom access and are $30 for General Admission or $25 for Museum Members. Online tickets are $15 for General Admission or $10 for Museum Members and can be purchased online.
101 S. 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
